You've either got days till the reunion or you've just had it. Now what? Whether you're a native or a visitor, Massachusetts offers plenty of things to do when not catching up with the relations. No matter what your flavor is, there will be something to tantalize your taste buds. Here are just a few:
If you're looking for some classy art, check out Boston's Museum of Fine Arts. More than just colors on canvas, I have personally been there multiple times and have yet to see all that it has to offer. Bonus for students, there's a discount!
Or maybe you'd be more interesting in the workings of the world and care to exercise your mind at Boston's Museum of Science! A personal favorite.
Come get your feet, or more appropriately your hands, wet at the New England Aquarium! "The Aquarium's mission is "to present, promote and protect the world of water." We believe the Aquarium fulfills this mission admirably, providing you with an opportunity to marvel at the beauty of starfish and brilliantly colored fish and to laugh at the playful antics of the penguins and sea mammals. Located by the Boston Harbor, the aquarium is not only an educational experience, it is truly fun for both kids and adults." And, if you need a guide, just ask for my sister Michelle. This is one of her favorite places to visit, and she's done it repeatedly.
Got kids? Then Boston's Children's Museum is an excellent place to visit. This place is a wonder for children of all ages, but I recommend that the teen-age children and up stay out of the jungle gym area... I learned the hard way that there were size restrictions...
But Boston is more than museums, much more, take a look!
Franklin Park Zoo -
is a huge open space offering ample opportunity for picnicking and for young
ones to run wild. The Zoo's 3-acre African Rain Forest, Bird Aviary and Flight
Cage, Hooves & Horns, and Children's Zoo will keep a family busy walking around
for hours. Free admission on the first Saturday of the month from 10 AM to noon.
(617-442-2002)
Swan Boats - in the Public Garden in downtown Boston are a
perennial hit with kids of all ages. Although a short ride, it's cheap
($1.75/adult; $.95/child under 12) and mesmerizing. The Swam Boats glide on a
lagoon located within an urban oasis that is the 24-acre Public Garden.
Public Garden - America's first public botanical garden. Spend a
leisurely hour in the Garden to admire the ever-changing formal flower beds in
the summer, delight in the historic statuary and fountains, and climb the
charming bridges. Be sure to bring your camera.
The Town of Plymouth - Plymouth is a beautiful example of a New
England seacoast village. It has a lively downtown, just two blocks from the
waterfront. There is lots to see everywhere you look. The Town Information
Center at the corner of Water Street and Memorial Drive is the perfect place to
start your exploration of Plymouth.
State House - Charles Bulfinch's magnificent State House, one of
the greatest works of classical architecture in America, is so striking that it
hardly suffers for having been appendaged in three directions by bureaucrats and
lesser architects. The neoclassical design is poised between Georgian and
Federal; its finest features are the delicate Corinthian columns of the portico,
the graceful pediment and window arches, and the vast yet visually weightless
dome. The dome is sheathed in copper from the foundry of Paul Revere. Beacon and
Park Sts., (617) 727-3676.
Beacon Street - One of the city's most famous thoroughfares,
Beacon Street epitomizes Boston. From the magnificent State House to the stately
patrician mansions, the street is lined with architectural treasures.
The Mayflower II - is a replica of the famous ship that brought
the Pilgrims across the Atlantic Ocean more than 375 years ago. As you tour the
ship, you will learn what the trip was like both for the passengers and the
crew.
The Hayden Planetarium - features several different shows so be
sure to check ahead to see what is playing. The Planetarium displays a starfield
on a curved ceiling which actually simulates the night sky, with powerful lasers
to paint pictures for shows that literally explode. The Planetarium also
features special laser shows set to music. If your tastes include the Beatles or
Led Zeppelin, or even Metallica or Nirvana, they have a show for you. (617)
723-2500
Christian Science Center
- World headquarters of the Christian
Science Church. Drop by to take a tour of the beautiful Church complex and to
learn more about the history and faith of the Christian Science Church.
The preceding, and quote about the Aquarium taken from Boston, USA. It's History. It's Magic. It's Boston
Boston Duck Tours - "You've never toured Boston in anything that comes close to Boston Duck Tours."
Walking Tour of the North End - Great eats for great feet! You know... all the walking? Never mind.
Freedom Trail, Minute Man National Park - Get all historical and relive the fight for freedom on the trail and at the Park!
Traveling away from Boston? Make sure to check out these prime places!
Anheuser-Busch Brewery - In Merrimack, New Hampshire.
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation - the great outdoors!
Old Sturbridge Village - History come to life!
Higgins Armory Museum - See different forms of armor through the ages!
Marion, Massachusetts - where the family has a few cottages. The Cape has much to do for fun, make sure to ask one of us yokels if you're planning on taking the trip!
And there's plenty of hiking and trails available within the town of Sudbury, where the reunion will be taking place.
