Boston

An American city like no other, Boston is a true original. Full of passion and pride regarding both their city and their sports teams, Bostontonians revel at the chance to tell you how great their town is. The thing is, after you're there for a while, you'll tend to start agreeing with them. But this town has more to offer the visitor than world champion sports teams and the site of the world's biggest tea party.

Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the largest city in New England. It's home to no fewer than 62 historical sights and dozens of museums. With over 16 million tourists per year, Boston ranks as one of the most visited cities in the United States.

Visiting Boston

Flights to Boston usually arrive at Logan International Airport (BOS). If you can't secure a flight to Logan, try one of the smaller airports like Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) or T.F. Green Airport (PVD), but they are 50 and 60 miles away, respectively, from Boston.

As you probably know, winters can get extremely harsh in New England. Heavy snows and high winds blasting in off the Atlantic Ocean are commonplace. The most reasonable time to visit Boston is between May and September. Boston is susceptible to humid summer days that "stick" around for a while, but generally the early to mid-summer is calm and cool. Whatever the case, with a bit of effort, it shouldn't be that difficult to catch a last minute cheap flight to Boston.

Boston's Hotels

Other than the hostels found in around the city, truly inexpensive accommodations can be very difficult to find in Boston, and can be an integral part of how to do Boston on a budget. However, searching online for a great hotel deal can reap some rewards is you plan well in advance. One of the most cost-efficient Boston hotels found in the city is the Best Western Terrace Inn, where you can get a room with many modern amenities like wireless Internet starting at $89.99 per night.

By and large, luxurious hotels pepper the landscape in Boston. The Langham Hotel, situated in the heart of Boston, was once a Federal Reserve Bank, but now it's a majestically appointed AAA four-diamond hotel. The regal atmosphere will have you feeling like royalty. Boston is also home to a Four Seasons hotel that offers impeccable style and luxury as well as a beautiful view of the Public Gardens with rates starting at $375 per night.

The Delicious Side of Boston

Boston is home to over 2,000 restaurants and some of them are firmly placed at the top of the nation's "best restaurants" lists. A city full of variety and cultures, the restaurants reflect Boston's fusion of tastes. Of course, being set along the New England coastline, seafood is the catch of the day in many of the restaurants.

Speaking of seafood, the Barking Crab serves up some of Boston's best, and it comes with a side of live music. Or, try the Summer Shack Restaurant, where what's served on the plates is what was on the boat just a few minutes ago.

Italian fare is nearly as popular as the seafood in Boston. Ask any local where to get the best Italian food and many will point to Terramia Ristorante. Some locals may argue that Maurizio's wins hands down. Either way, you can't lose.

Many other International cuisines are also represented among Boston restaurants, like Thai, French and Asian to name a few. Plus, vegan and good old fashioned burger joints also compete for guests. And what would a trip to Boston be without a pint or two at a traditional Irish pub? Head on over to Matt Murphy's Pub or J.J. Foley's to tilt a few back, me boy.

Boston's Attractions

Boston is a huge sports town and their stadiums are some of the most famous in the nation. Fenway Park, the home of the Red Sox, is usually only accessible during off-game days since most games are sold out. But even without a game going on, it's an impressive and monumental piece of American sports history. Likewise, the TD Banknorth Garden stands where the classic Boston Gardens once stood and Gillette Stadium, the home of the Patriots, is only 25 miles away in Foxborough.

With more museums on one block than most cities have in their entirety, Boston is clearly a history buff's dream. With all there is to see, you could never run out of things to do in Boston. Visit The Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, where you can see over 20,000 objects, some over six centuries old. The "Glass Flowers" display has been bringing joy to the visitors of the Harvard Museum of Natural History for over 100 years and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts has the second largest collection of artwork in the Western Hemisphere.

The Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium are two favorite locations to take the kids for a day of learning and fun. Or, visit the oldest park in America at the Boston Common and Public Garden. For the refined lover of music, enjoy a night with the Boston Pops Orchestra, or if you need something a little more exciting, look for a concert by local rockers, The Dropkick Murphys.

Sometimes, taking your family on a vacation where there is as much to learn as there is to enjoy can be the perfect choice. Boston, with its rich history and national significance is one of those vacation destinations. This year, take your family somewhere different, somewhere important to every American, and experience the uniqueness of Boston first-hand.