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Boston is rich in American history and New England culture. From the famous tea party, Samuel Adams shaping the American constitution and establishing the well-known brewery, to be the seafood hub, you cannot doubt that its part of how America is today.

As you know, I have lived in Northern Virginia for about three years which is close to Washington D.C. I learned so much about American politics, history, and culture because DMV area also played a significant role. I even learned more in my Boston trip. This just proves how travel increases your knowledge of the places you go to. Plus, I was super excited to be here because it’s my first time in the city, the state of Massachusetts, and New England region!

Perfect for a weekend trip and you can even include the neighbouring Cambridge city to visit Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Here are the things you need to know for a visit to the largest city in the New England region.

Lots of Colonial History

Be transported back to the American Revolutionary time period when you visit Boston. It is no wonder that the city is rich in history because Massachusetts, the state where it is location, is where the American Revolution all started. It is evident from the architecture as you walk around the streets. Be sure to check out the Faneuil Hall, Old State House, Old North Church, and even Paul Revere’s house which is right across the Old North Church. For you American history buffs out there, Boston should be at the top of your list. This is where a lot of the events happened that lead to the American Revolutionary War so very rich in history. The Boston Tea Party, Massacre, and the Lexington and Concord Battle to name a few.

The Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is a walking tour of Boston’s major historic sites. In connection with Boston’s colonial history, you’ll see landmarks that contributed to the current America. The tour is called The Freedom Trail because the historic sites are linked to the American Revolution: the colonial revolt that resulted to the independence of American Patriots from Britain and the birth of America. There are 16 sites in this 2.5 miles (4.02 km) trail which you can do the tour yourself by downloading the app or visit the information centre in Downtown for an organized tour. Sites include the famous Boston landmarks from Victorian and Colonial architecture to old churches like the Massachusetts State House, Old State House, and Faneuil Hall, and Old North Church. You can even book an 18th century costume guided-tour. To learn more you go to website thefreedomtrail.org.

Big Dig

When you explore the Greenway Park in Downtown Boston, you’ll see signs and information about the Big Dig. Formally known as the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, this super expensive project was supposed to alleviate the congestion and smoothen the flow of Boston traffic. However, due to bad management and poor planning, the project was shutdown and only remnants of the highway exists and operates. During its construction and operation, there were many incidents of death, construction delays, and leaks in plumbing of the infrastructure. The I-93 section of the Big Dig was put underground and the above ground was made to something useful. It got converted to a park called the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Park. An amazing use of space in the heart of downtown perfect for recreation activities and to admire the city.

Boston Tea Party

If you’re a history buff, American-focused, then you’ve definitely have heard of the Boston Tea Party. It was a protest done by the Sons of Liberty against the Tea Act. The Tea Act was an act to monopolize the selling and importation of tea to the British colonists. The main objective was to help the British East Company Tea from bankruptcy by imposing more taxes to non-Bristish tea that where imported to America. The Americans didn’t agree with the act so in protest, they threw a lot of tea into the water as a sign of retaliation. And this whole incident became known as the Boston Tea Party which made way to the American Revolution. I think about it now throwing tea sounds kind of a joke but I imagine back then this is a pretty serious deal.

It is a very important event in American history that there is a Boston Tea Party Museum and Ship in the city.

Know the Big Names

Boston boasts of their popular people as seen on the buildings and status around the city. The places and landmarks I went to, I saw these names so it is definitely a good idea to know about them when you explore Boston.

Samuel Adams

Born in Boston, his name is everywhere including the bars serving tap. He was part of the American revolution and was one of the Founding Fathers of U.S.A. He also contributed to the Boston Tea Party protest which makes him a very important person in Boston and America.

In honour of his name, the Boston Brewing Company, also from Boston, named one of its lager under his name. He’s also right in front of Faneuil Hall looking out for Boston.

Paul Revere

Another important figure during the American Revolution. He did many things such as publicizing the Boston Massacre incident along with Samuel Adams, organizing a watch on the British army, and his famous one, was his effort to alert the colonial army of the British military approaching in the battle of Lexington and Concord. Born, raised, and died in Boston, a lot of Boston things are named after him: Paul Revere Park, Paul Revere Statue, Paul Renere House In the Freedom Trail tour, his statue is located behind Old North Church where the trail starts.

John Hancock

John Hancock was another important figure during the American Revolution and a Boston native. He was under direct supervision of Samuel Adams and together they both shaped America on what it is today. His name is used in landmarks such as John Hanckock Tower, John Hancock Building, and John Hancock Hall. John Hancock Life Insurance Company is named after him, a Boston life insurance company.

Seafood is Big Here

Boston definitely showcases New England cuisine. Being an important port back then for trade and fisheries, the city has great seafood cuisines. It has become famous for seafood dishes such as New England clam chowder, lobster rolls, oysters, squid, and cod as part of their regular diet. Legal Seafoods in a Boston area chain that has lots of seafood on their menu and a great happy hour offer of 6 for $6 oysters! I paired it with my gin & tonic and it was the best decision ever after all the walking I did in Cambridge.

I highly recommend that you eat as many seafood and seafood dishes and anything seafood while in the city! They don’t disappoint! Seafood’s so great, I want to share you the places and the food. Here’s your ultimate food tour of Boston!

Boston Cream is Actually from Boston

You know when there’s a dish named with a place and you wonder if that dish is actually from there. This one turns out to be real. Boston cream, is actually from Boston. Famous in the region and even outside, it is the official dessert of the state. I first knew of this dessert from donuts shop like Dunkin’ Donuts and Tim Hortons.

Though, Boston cream flavour is originally in a form of a pie or cake that was created by a chef in Boston back in the 1880s. The dessert pie consists of layers of sponge cake, custard in the middle, and another sponge cake with chocolate glaze on top. Boston Cream doughnut is another version of the dessert where the doughnut has a custard filling inside and chocolate glaze on top. Both of them taste great and I highly recommend you try both in the city.