Boston, Massachusetts – Historical Background
17th Century:
• 1630: Puritan settlers led by John Winthrop establish the settlement of Boston, naming it after Boston, Lincolnshire in England.
• 1636: Harvard College, the first institution of higher learning in the American colonies, is founded in the nearby town of Cambridge.
18th Century:
• 1765: Boston becomes a focal point of opposition to the Stamp Act, leading to protests and boycotts against British taxation policies.
• 1770: The Boston Massacre occurs, when British soldiers fire into a crowd of protesting colonists, killing five.
• 1773: The Boston Tea Party takes place, where colonists dressed as Native Americans dump British tea into Boston Harbor to protest the Tea Act.
• 1775: The Battles of Lexington and Concord mark the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.
19th Century:
• Early 1800s: Boston experiences rapid industrialization, becoming a major manufacturing center.
• 1822: Boston is officially incorporated as a city.
• 1820s-1830s: The “Great Migration” brings thousands of Irish and German immigrants to Boston, shaping its demographic and cultural landscape.
• 1850: The Fugitive Slave Act leads to tension and resistance in the city, as Boston becomes a center of abolitionist activity.
• Late 1800s: Boston undergoes significant urban development, with the creation of parks, public spaces, and the Back Bay neighborhood.
20th Century:
• 1919: The Boston Police Strike and subsequent labor unrest highlight social and economic issues in the city.
• 1950s-1970s: Boston experiences civil rights and desegregation struggles, notably with the busing crisis in the 1970s.
• 2004: Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Massachusetts, with Boston playing a significant role in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
21st Century:
• 2013: The Boston Marathon bombing takes place, resulting in a city-wide lockdown and a massive manhunt for the perpetrators.
• 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic affects Boston, leading to changes in daily life and economic activity.
• Ongoing: Boston continues to thrive as a center of education, culture, and innovation, with numerous universities, museums, and technological advancements.
Throughout its history, Boston has played a pivotal role in shaping American identity, culture, and democracy, making it a city of great historical significance.
Boston is full of history with drops of modern influences throughout the city. The restaurants are exceptional and the list of things to do while visiting is astonishing.
Travel planning suggestions:
When I begin searching for that next vacation destination, I always check out the calendar of events for that particular city by simply searching online. For example: search (“Boston August 2023 events”). This seems like a no-brainer, but apparently this is forgotten or overlooked quite often. By checking the calendar of events for a certain city, you may find something that sparks your interest and generally you are provided the website and/or ticket information so that you can secure your place for that event well before you even arrive in that city.
Consider downloading the app for the airline you are flying prior to your scheduled flight. Even before this trip began I was delayed out of Pensacola for over 5 hours and while sitting on the plane, I was able to reschedule my flights from the Delta app which allowed me to relax and not stand in a line with a bunch of unhappy folks.
Quick run down of my itinerary:
Arrived via airplane at Logan International Airport. While at the airport in baggage claim, I purchased my subway pass from a kiosk. The Boston subway system is referred to as the “T” and is the most efficient way to get around the Boston area. I purchased a 7 day pass for $21.25 and it’s worth every penny. Once your “T” pass has printed out, grab a free shuttle bus which will take you to the Airport “T” station where you can board the blue subway line into the city. (more details on the “T” below if interested). My hotel of choice was the Boston Park Plaza Hotel which is centrally located in the city. (Hotel info below).
Once I arrived, it was raining but was still able to walk around Boston Common and then stop for a beer and a quick bite from Cheers Boston. Afterwards, I headed for Fanuiel Hall and walked around quite a bit and then headed back to the hotel. Over the next couple of days, highlights include: Boston Commons, Newbury Street, Fenway, Harvard University, Boston College, Boston Harbor cruise, Sam Adams Brewery Tour, and many others. Boston is a very walkable city so bring some good walking shoes.
If you are a coffee person, you will never be more than a five minutes walk to a Dunkin Donuts and/or Starbucks. Quick tip: I previously downloaded the Dunkin Donuts app on my iphone and it’s one of the quickest ways to earn free coffees of any size.
Boston Park Plaza Hotel 50 Park Plaza at Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116
Accommodations: Most important, the room that I reserved was very small but exceptionally well-maintained. The king bed was very comfortable and I slept great on each of the three nights of my stay. The entry doors to the rooms are very heavy and you can hear every door close on your hallway throughout the day and evening if the door closes on its own.
Regarding location and decor: Boston Park Plaza is centrally located in the City of Boston and has an exceptional lobby which is home to the hotel bar.
Customer Service: Below average.
Room Charge: $197.10/night for King room
Room Tax: $28.48
Upgrade fee: $25.00 (I requested this)
Facility Fee:$17.47
Upsell Fee City Tax:$1.69
Upsell Fee State Tax: $1.93
Facility Fee State Tax: $1.35
Facility Fee City Tax: $1.18
Total per night (minus the $25.00 upgrade fee which I requested) = $249.20
Not a bad price for this hotel but I like informing people of exactly what they will be charged so there are no unwelcomed surprises. I think many of us are surprised to find all the little extra hidden fees in hotel room billing once your stay is over. Maybe one day the hotel industry will remedy this issue.
Boston Green Cruises – Sunset Harbor Cruise – 60 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA.
A TRULY GREAT EXPERIENCE – Quick (but thorough) historical overview of important Boston landmarks and events. This company prides itself on a more intimate experience on smaller boats and they could not be more accurate. The entire hour sunset cruise was an excellent way to see the sweeping city skyline of Boston while enjoying a ride on the water. *The pictures posted above of the city skyline were taken from the Boston Green Cruise. (Purchased on Groupon prior to the trip and paid $28.00 for two people for an hour long cruise. (Originally $56.00 for two).
Boston Commons:
Relax and people watch in Boston Commons which is the largest park in Boston. I have no clue what Boston’s flower budget is for the Boston Commons park area, but it seems to be endless. This park will not disappoint. On any given day, you will see hundreds of people relaxing and soaking up the Massachusetts sun in Boston Commons. Boston Commons is a great spot for an afternoon picnic however there are many options to purchase picnic baskets that are quite expensive. Instead, I traveled out to the Harvard University area (which is a short “T” ride on the Red Line from Downtown Boston) where there is a Trader Joe’s. If you have never been to a Trader Joe’s then here is your chance. If you have been then you already know exactly what I am talking about. Trader Joe’s is a grocery store that has awesome quality items at ridiculously low prices. You can pick up everything from prosciutto and fresh breads – to crackers, wine, and cheeses as well as hundreds of other items. Stuff what you want in a travel bag and head back to Boston Commons (or any other nearby park that looks appealing) and enjoy an inexpensive picnic. (Note: be cautious about alcohol in Boston public spaces as its not “permitted.” Just use your imagination and you will be fine.
Sam Adams Brewery Tour: (Brewery Tours at Sam Adams Brewery in Boston were previously free, however, in 2023, the Sam Adam’s Boston Brewery website shows that the minimum price is $5.00 for a 20 minutes sensory tour and $10.00 for a 45-minute SAM Signature Experience.
Getting there: Located at 30 Germania Street, the Sam Adams brewery is a bit of a journey if not using public transportation. The “T” is the easiest and fastest way to get there. Just take the Orange Line (train will display “Forest Hills” which is the direction of train travel), and exit at Stony Brook “T” stop and the brewery is about a five minute walk.
Yvonne’s:
Tucked away off Winter Street in Downtown Boston (which is very close to Boston Common) is the speak-easyish restaurant of Yvonne’s. If walking from Boston Common down Winter Street, you will walk pass a Gamestop location on your right hand side and there will then be a Planet Fitness a little bit further on your left hand side. Across from Planet Fitness is Winter Pl (kind of a walkway street) which you will walk down for about one minute. On your left will be Yvonne’s restaurant. Walk into the ‘parlor” off the main walkway area and then enter the doors into old sophistication style with a little bit of fun. I do want to ruin any surprises or expectations, so I will just leave it at that. You won’t be disappointed. http://www.yvonnesboston.com (Note: This is not a cheap place for dinner and cocktails. However, it is worth every penny you spend there.
Speak-easy bar/restaurant. Awesome atmosphere.
The “T”- Boston’s Metro System
Travel through Boston and surrounding areas easily and efficiently with “America’s First Subway System.”
From Logan International to your hotel in Boston:
When riding the “T” from the airport, you will need to find out where your hotel is in the city and then locate the closet “T” stop to your hotel. Most hotels are located near a “T” stop and it is the most inexpensive and efficient way to get to and from the airport and throughout the Boston area.
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