Iconic Boston: Things You Should Do Bucketlist
The reflection began after the Patriots loss last Saturday. I realized, the reign of Tom Brady could be over and I’ve never seen him play at Gillette. It’s on the bucket list. Just haven’t gotten there.
Then I realized after chatting with a friend, I’ve never had a slice of Pizzeria Regina pizza from the North End! How could this be? I’m a Bostonian. It’s almost criminal.
These realizations have led me to compile of a list of a few iconic Boston things, that should be on all of our bucket lists.
1. Grab a slice at Pizzeria Regina in the North End!
Boston’s original pizza! And World Famous since 1929! We’ve all had plenty of years to get there!
2. Take a lazy ride on a Swan Boat!
Obviously, closed for the season now, but April 17 they will be back. $4 for a float around the Boston Public Garden lagoon. Since 1877 the Paget family has owned and operated this historic Boston attraction.
3. Walk the Freedom Trail!
Come on, you have to! America’s founding fathers did it, and you can too. Stroll through more than 250 years of history— following the 2.5-mile red line (an actual line, not a T), leading to 16 nationally significant historic sites, each one an authentic treasure.
4. Have a drink at the Top of the Hub!
You can’t beat the view, soaring 52 floors high, in the heart of the Back Bay. Then head over to the Skywalk Observatory where you can experience a “one-of-a-kind city view, combined with the Dreams of Freedom Museum give visitors an appreciation for Boston’s storied past, its remarkable architecture and its rich global culture.”
5. Walk Boston Public Garden in the Spring!
It’s the first public botanical garden in America, established in 1837. Yup, we old here in Boston and proud of it. Oh, and it’s free. Bring a blanket, a picnic basket filled with yummy things and relax. (fun fact, in college, I played guitar here with friends, and sang. I’m just glad there was no social media then!)
6. Browse Beacon Hill
It’s the most charming neighborhood in the city, with it’s cobblestone roads, historic brick buildings, elaborate doorways, with distinctive door knockers. Navigating in a car can be tough , so grab your sneakers and soak in the beauty, history and grace that is Beacon Hill. Lots of great little shops and restaurants too!
7. Fenway Park– Catch a game, a concert, or tour it!
It’s America’s Most Beloved Ballpark! It’s the oldest park in this great country, and it’s my church! “Though generations have come and gone, Fenway Park remains, much like it did the day it opened on April 20, 1912.” You’ll quickly discover that when you grab a seat in the tight quarters, but the view of the Green Monster, Pesky’s Pole and the Boston skyline all around you is unmatched. You can feel the spirit of Teddy Ballgame, smell the Fenway franks on the grill and hear the roar of the sold-out crowds, and sing along with “Sweet Caroline” in the middle of the 8th inning! Nothing like it.
8. Eat pie! Boston Cream Pie!
Historians believe Boston Cream Pie was invented at the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston in 1856. Today, the cream filled cake is the national dessert of Massachusetts and can be found all over the city. But I recommend enjoying a slice at it’s birthplace.
9. Have a cold one at the Beantown Pub!
It’s the only pub in Boston where you can have a Sam Adams while viewing the grave of Sam Adams! Have a cold one, while viewing a cold one? (Sorry, had to). It’s a fun thing to say you did, anyway. While you’re at it visit a few other of Boston’s historic, or iconic pubs like Southie’s L Street Tavern (of Good Will Hunting fame) and Murphy’s Law, downtown’s Bell In Hand Tavern, Mr. Dooley’s, Biddy Early’s, The Black Rose and The Green Dragon Tavern.
10. Visit Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum!
Because we all need a little cultcha in our lives, and this place is stunning! Rich with European, Asian and American art. It’s also famous for a storied heist that happened in 1990, when , thirteen of the museum’s works were stolen; the crime remains a mystery. The works are valued at an estimated $500 million, and have still not been recovered. There is a $10 million reward for information leading to the art’s recovery.
Get out and discover, rediscover, and be a tourist in your own city. After all, you live here for a reason, or many of them!
