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A colorful history
In its past, Boston seemed to thrive on tension: first it was the settlers facing the Indians who were native to the area, then the Puritans versus the Quakers followed by newly minted patriots fighting for their freedom against British domination. Today, Boston is a big, beautiful city famous for its iconic ballpark as well as Harvard and other institutions of higher learning. It welcomes visitors who wish to know more about its past while enjoying its present.
A little background
It was the Puritans arriving in 1630 who named the Massachusetts Bay Colony settlement “Boston” after their hometown in Lincolnshire, England. They frowned upon Quakers but were big on education. The 1630s saw the founding of Boston Latin School, where our founding fathers Franklin, Hancock and Samuel Adams studied, and Harvard University.
Trouble began in 1733 when the British passed the Molasses Act, which meant a tax on a critical ingredient in the making of rum. In 1773, the British Tea Act resulted in a levy on imported tea. And as most school children know, this led to the Boston Tea Party and the dumping of tons of tea into Boston Harbor.
Next came key clashes in the Revolutionary War—the nearby Battles of Lexington and Concord and the Battle of Bunker Hill. Today you can visit the house where Paul Revere lived at the time of his famous midnight ride to warn of approaching British troops. You can also visit the Museum on Congress Street Bridge, see reenactments and go aboard their replica Boston Tea Party Ships.
Where to stay
Only three miles from the airport, Hotel Indigo Boston Garden is a boutique hotel in the heart of the downtown area. The onsite restaurant serves pub fare, there is a fitness center, and the rooms are spacious and pet friendly.
Located in the North End, the Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station is well situated for visitors to experience the many different sides of the city. Just half a mile from the Faneuil Hall marketplace, the hotel is also close to numerous shopping and dining venues. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner onsite, and the hotel also has a fitness center and gift shop plus laundry and drycleaning services.
Where to eat
Members of the Kennedy family are among the regulars at the Union Oyster House, which opened in 1826. It is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in America and is well worth a visit for its clam chowder or freshly shucked oysters.
Take another step into Boston dining history and visit the Bell in Hand Tavern, first opened in 1795 by Jimmy Wilson, the former town crier. In early times, a frequent guest was Secretary of State Daniel Webster. Today, you can enjoy pub fare such as Fish and Chips or Seasoned Chicken Wings.
How to get there
Located in East Boston, Boston Logan International Airport serves more than 40 airlines. Flying into Boston is therefore a pretty easy undertaking. However, renovation projects are scheduled over the next several years, so be aware that you may experience some changes in routine. The Massachusetts Port Authority owns and operates the airport and will work to keep any passenger inconveniences to a minimum.
Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check government advisories before scheduling trips. Enjoy your visit as you travel into history!