Let Freedom Ring

The historic sites that make up Boston’s Freedom Trail date back to pre-Colonial times, though the trail itself was not created until the early 1950s. Today, the Freedom Trail is one of those things people don’t do, but should, when they go to Boston. (One tip: Don’t try to walk the entire trail when it’s 100 degrees in the shade. I did, and I got so hot and delirious, I came to believe I was George Washington.)

Designed for Walking

The unique indoor/outdoor museum that is the Freedom Trail is easily walkable, if you’re feeling ambitious. With 16 official trail sites, there’s a lot to see and do (click here for a PDF map). Just a few of the sites included on the trail:

· Boston Common

· State House

· Faneuil Hall

· Paul Revere’s House

· Old North Church

· “Old Ironsides”

· Bunker Hill

I’d like to point out a few of the less-visited sites, though, as they have their own interest and charm.

· King’s Chapel – Organized as an Anglican church in 1686, the current building is relatively ”new,” having been designed by America’s first architect, Peter Harrison, and completed in 1754. Its current bell was forged by Paul Revere in 1816, who described it as “the sweetest bell I ever made.” And King’s Chapel is known for the beauty of its music, being the first church in America to acquire an organ. While a bit macabre, the King’s Chapel Burying Ground also is worth a wander. The eternal resting place for many illustrious past Bostonians, the Joseph Tapping grave marker is a source of pride for many natives, pitting a skeleton against Father Time.

· Old Corner Bookstore – For those of you with a literary bent, you shouldn’t miss this stop on the trail. The original building on the site was owned by Anne Hutchinson, who was banished from Massachusetts in 1638 for her scandalous views on religion and women’s rights. Two hundred years later, it became a thriving literary center, particularly when the Old Corner Bookstore was home to Ticknor & Fields, publisher of Alcott, Dickens, Emerson, Holmes, Longfellow, Stowe, and Whittier.

You can take guided tours (they start at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.), but be warned, they’re led by 18th century-costumed characters.

If you begin or end your tour at the Boston Common, I recommend one last stroll, along Newbury Street. There’s lots of very modern 21st century shopping available, and some fine lunch and dinner options on or very near Newbury. Croma serves really good Italian food, with nice people-watching from the first-floor vantage point.

Finally, after all that walking, I recommend an enjoyable sit-down in Boston’s Public Gardens. It's adjacent to the Boston Common and always spectacular; in the summer, you can ride on the famous Swan Boats. Honestly, it’s not much of a ride, but it is peaceful!