Founded in 1630 by English settlers, Boston is one of America’s most historic cities. It’s the capital city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and New England’s largest city.
During the late 1700s, Boston was the site of several major events during the American Revolution: The Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, Battle of Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston are all crucial events in the city’s rich history.
Boston is home to many American firsts: the city built America’s first public school in 1635, America’s first public lending library in 1849 and the country’s first railway in 1820. Boston proudly became the first state to abolish slavery and had one of the nation’s largest communities of free black people. It fast became the centre of the anti-slavery movement.
With it’s vast history largely to thank, Boston has more than its fair share of nicknames: the most popular being Beantown (referring to the area’s favourite dish of baked beans in the colonial days). Others include the Cradle of Modern America, the Hub and the Walking City.
A stroll along one of the city’s many free walks and trails is an amazing experience – the Freedom Trail will take you around most of the historic sites and must-sees.
Free Tours By Foot is run by a group of fun loving guides who are passionate about their city and love what they do. There are no upfront cost but you can leave a donation at the end of the tour, with no discrimination. The hosts want to make sure everyone can enjoy a fun and educational experience, no matter what your budget!
The North End is the home of American patriot Paul Revere and is one of the city’s most historic neighbourhoods. Boston was the first stop for arriving immigrants and the North End, known as Little Italy, is where hungry locals head. It’s here you’ll find the most authentic Italian food outside of the old country. There are also many other cuisines to enjoy in this area, but restaurants serving true, authentic Italian are most popular.
Local identity Michele Topor runs Boston Food Tours, including the award-winning North End Market Tour. As you take in the colourful sights and aromas of the neighbourhood, you will be invited to enjoy pastries and confections, olive oils and vinegars, olives, cheese, salami, pasta and my favourite, coffee!
Michele’s tours have been designed to reflect her passion for all things Italian. As a professionally trained chef, she knows what she is talking about. Her latest venture takes similar tours through Boston’s Chinatown.
Another one for the foodies is The Union Oyster House, it opened it’s doors in 1826 and has continued to serve food ever since! Making it Boston’s oldest restaurant and America’s oldest restaurant in continuos service. It certainly is worth a visit; there is a reason it has survived the test of time! Enjoy delicious dishes of shrimp, oysters, calamari, mussels, tuna, crab and all sorts of fish. Their clam chowder is a must-taste and you can even try Boston’s famous traditional baked beans!
STAY
Right in the heart of downtown is The Langham Boston. The building once housed the Federal Reserve Bank and the pastry kitchen is located in the old bank vault. It’s a national architectural landmark and one of the city’s finest hotels.
The hotel’s Café Fleuri serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is famous for its Sunday jazz brunch and Saturday Chocolate Bar Buffet.
Friends meet to indulge in all sorts of sinful delights made from white, milk and dark chocolate. The try-all-you-like spread is devine and includes mousses, cakes, crepes, ice cream, biscuits, truffles, waffles and gorgeous doughnuts. It has been running for 18 seasons, so they must be doing something right!
With 318 spacious rooms and 17 suites that offer views of Norman B. Leventhal Park at Post Office Square or the Boston skyline, The Langham Boston is a truly stunning location.
The day spa offers a beautiful menu based on the principals of Traditional Chinese Medicine – incorporating the five elemental forces of fire, water, earth, wood and metal. The swimming pool is heated and the fitness studio offers state-of-the-art facilities.
For more information, or to book, visit The Langham Boston online.
LOCATION
Massachusetts, a New England state of the USA.
CATRIONA’S TIPS
Cook your own Boston baked beans at home! This is a great recipe for the hearty, smoky and delicious meal – sourced from taste.com.au
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 large brown onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 250g rindless shortcut bacon, chopped
- 2 x 400g cans cannellini beans, drained, rinsed
- 400g can diced tomatoes with oregano and basil
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup
- 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves and crusty bread, to serve
Method:
- Preheat oven to 180/160 for fan-forced. Heat oil in a heavy-based, flameproof casserole dish over medium-high heat. Cook onion, garlic and bacon for 3 to 4 mins or until softened. Add beans, tomato, syrup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar and 1 1/2 cups cold water. Bring to boil. Transfer dish to oven. Bake, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Remove cover. Stir. Bake for 20 – 30 mins or until thickened. Top with parsley and serve with bread.
Bon appetite and bon voyage!
