|
Boston Common
What's
New?
Boston Common, and its neighbor, the Public
Garden, is an oasis from hectic city life. Steps away from
Downtown Crossing and Park Street station, it is the perfect place
for a leisurely stroll, a quick nap under a shady tree, or just
some serious people-watching.
You can pick up free brochures, papers and
maps at the Boston Common Information Center, (146 Tremont Street,
at the Common) run by the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors
Bureau. (617-536-4100)
The famous Freedom Trail begins here. It is
about a 3-mile walk along a painted or brick path that takes you
into some of Boston’s most historical sites. The stops along the
Freedom Trail include the Granary Burying Grounds, where Paul
Revere and Mother Goose are laid to rest. You can also visit the
Old South Church, the planning arena for the Boston Tea Party, or
Old City Hall, as well as the site of the beginning of the Boston
Massacre. The Freedom Trail winds you into King’s Chapel and
Park Street Church, as well as sites in Charlestown and the North
End.
Stroll around the grounds of the common and
you’ll hear the screams of delighted children on the playground
swings. In the summertime they’ll use the fountains or Frog Pond
to cool from the hot August sun, and in the winter, Frog Pond
turns into an ice rink where you might see a businessman on his
lunch break gliding with spirited children and young couples in
love.
Just across the way is the Public Garden,
one of the most bucolic areas of the city. Whether you visit in
the flush of spring among blooming flowers, or meander through the
crisp leaves of autumn, the Public Garden is serenity in the city.
Take a deep breath under one of the lazy
weeping willow trees surrounding the pond, and gaze at the myriad
of flowers and trees. The Public Garden also has one of the
smallest footbridges in the country.
The Public Garden is home to the famous Swan
Boats. For some Bostonians, spring doesn’t begin until the swans
are released in the lagoon. Bring your children or your niece and
nephew onto the pedal-powered swan boats and flow gently around
the pond. On your way out, be sure to pose by the statue inspired
by the children’s tale, Make Way for Ducklings.
Just outside of the Public Garden is the bar
inspired by the hit television show "Cheers", the Bull
& Finch Pub (84 Beacon Street, 617-227-9605) You wouldn’t be
a tourist if you didn’t at least peak in. Go ahead; grab
yourself a beer, just like Norm.
|
