Boston Massachusetts

June 30, 2023

Our third Ama, Apa, grandchild trip is in the books. We are truly having more fun than we could have possibly imagined! One child to have all to ourselves and indulge every wish. #3 wanted to go to Boston! My husband and I traveled there on our first anniversary and also took our three children there on a family vacation when they were growing up. We could go to Boston three more times and still not see everything. I have always wanted to see the fireworks over the Charles River, so this was perfect. Once again, our mode of transportation was rail. Boarding at Chicago’s Union Station at 9:30pm, arriving in Boston the following day at 8pm.

Levi and I had to have played 100 games of chess, which he won all of, except 1!

On our first day we headed to the USS Constitution. Launched in 1797, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship in the world, still afloat in its original condition and has the renowned nickname of Old Ironsides. Her greatest accomplishments came during the War of 1812, where she defeated four British frigates, in three separate engagements.

On our tour we saw the captains quarters, the berth deck where the sailors slept in shifts and the gun deck.

Our lunch at The Barking Crab included clam chowder, lobster roll, crab roll and crab legs.

Before heading to our walking tour of the Freedom Trail, we first stopped at the Battle of Bunker Hill.

And yes, we did climb all 294 steps to the top!

The monument was built to commemorate one of the first battles of the American Revolution. Whilst the British were victorious, it came at a high price. Patriot gunfire killed or wounded 1/2 of their 2,200 soldiers, compared to 100 Americans perishing and 300 being wounded. American Patriots were emboldened. They could hold their own, representing a turning point in the American Revolution, leading to the eventual defeat of the British.

The Freedom Trail is known as the “birthplace of the American Revolution” because it was the location of events leading to the War of Independence. Some of my favorites are Boston Common; British troop encampment, The Old State House; The Declaration of Independence was proclaimed, Faneuil Hall, Old South Meeting House, Granary Burial Ground; Samuel Adams laid to rest and Paul Revere’s House; famous silversmith who alerted fellow countrymen that “The British are coming!”

Dinner that evening was at the Union Oyster House! This is the oldest restaurant in Boston and also the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the U.S. Its doors have been opened to diners since 1826. It was delicious!

Day two started at Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, the largest food hall in our country. We were entertained by local talent before entering the market in search of the renowned Philly Steak and Cheese sandwich.

We crossed the Charles River to visit Harvard University! Founded in 1636, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States.

The Harvard Museum of Natural History includes 16 galleries with 12,000 different specimens collected from the Harvard University Herbaria, the Museum of Comparative Zoology and the Harvard Mineralogical Museum.

Before heading back to the hotel to rest and get ready for dinner, we stopped at the Boston Public Garden to check out the Make Way For Ducklings exhibit. Inspiration for the statues comes from a children’s book. The story is about a pair of Mallards, who decide to raise their family on an island, in the lagoon, in Boston Public Garden.

In preparation for watching the 4th July fireworks, we thought it would be a good idea to scope out the area. The Boston Pops 4th of July festivities take place at Hatch Memorial Shell on the Esplanade. The Esplanade is a grassy area running three miles along the Boston side of the Charles River. We meandered along the path, ending at the site of the Hatch Memorial Shell. The tradition of the Esplanade concert dates back to 1929 and this is Keith Lockharts’ 28th year leading the performance.

Day three was truly the highlite of our trip for me…..WHALE WATCHING! It was amazing! We boarded our catamaran and headed to the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary.

Along the way, we saw The USS Constitution making her annual cruise in the Boston Harbor to celebrate our nations independence!

The Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary is located about 21 miles from Boston. The productive waters surrounding the area are famous for the regularly returning whales and make it one of the world’s premier whale watching areas.

We were able to follow a mama and her baby for over an hour. The baby was being very curious and coming quite close to our ship. This was our last shot of mama and baby, almost like they were saying goodby to us! Their swimming is perfectly synchronized.

Dinner that evening was out of character for our trip…..a sidewalk cafe featuring vietnamese food and ice cream for dessert.

Heading over to the Charles River and choosing our spot for the evening spectacular!

The fireworks did not disapoint and were indeed spectacular!

Storrow Drive, which runs parallel to the Esplanade, closes and remains so until sometime July 5th. When the fireworks end, there is a virtual sea of people exiting. Our uber trip back to the hotel jumped from $8 to $50!

Saying goodbye to Boston was not easy as it meant our Ama, Apa, grandchild trip was coming to a close.

Once again, we had the most wonderful time creating memories which we will cherish for a lifetime.