Our journey from New York to Boston took approx. four hours by car as we took the slightly longer scenic route so that we could take in some of the New England towns and villages along the way. Providence was a great spot to stop for lunch and then we continued on north to Boston. The countryside was stunning and I can imagine that it would be truly ‘out of this world’ during the Fall season, when the Autumn colours would be prominent.
Boston is a beautiful, colonial, traditional American city that is steeped in history. It is the home of Harvard, “Cheers” The Original, Boston Common and Beacon Hill. It’s also the place to experience the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum (showcasing a big turning point in American history), sail on a Boston Harbour Cruise and visit the USS Constitution and Charleston’s Navy Yard.
Boston Common is America’s oldest public park and almost 50 acres in size, set in the heart of the city, and a great place to stroll through and spend a lazy afternoon. There are numerous museums and galleries to visit, and enjoy a night out in the popular Theater District.
Take a journey back in time and make sure you take in the cobbled street, quaint houses and little shops in the Acorn Street and Charles Street area. There are great gift, trinket and antique shops here, lovely restaurants featuring a range of cuisines (we loved the New England clam chowder and found it very hard to beat the warm apple cider which was delicious!) and even though you’ll find it hard to park, please persevere as it is well worth it!
One of the main reasons for our visit to Boston was to take in our second NFL game. The New England Patriots are one of the most popular teams (everyone knows who they are now after this week’s Super Bowl win!) and their Foxboro facility is fantastic and is situated just over half an hour’s drive from Boston. Gillette Stadium and Pat’s Town is a feast for the senses of any sporting fan.
The stadium itself is impressive and it is set in Pat’s Town – a shopping centre that features bars/restaurants, shops and a bowling alley. There is a Patriot’s Museum (a great interactive display and museum showcasing all things Patriots past and present), and a huge fan Pro Shop. It was a memorable game and even though our seats were in the top row of an open-air stadium in temperatures of -7 degrees, we loved every minute.
We only scheduled a couple of days in Boston as we knew weather could be a real hindrance seeing as it was the end of December, but if you have time – and it is the right season – take a few days so that you can also explore Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and the Hamptons.
Well that is the last of my USA blog series as we then spent two more nights in New York for New Year and then journeyed back to Australia. I hope you’ve enjoyed sharing our 3.5 weeks trip which was truly a great holiday and a trip of a lifetime filled with memorable experiences that we will never forget!