As the leaves start to fall in New England, there’s no better time to visit the region’s largest city, which effortlessly combines a rich historical heritage with a forward-thinking spirit. Boston has a long history of luring European travellers to the East Coast, and today one of America’s oldest cities remains one of the most rewarding urban destinations in the USA. Home to the most robust academic heritage in the country, Boston has always been an innovator, with gloriously forward-thinking culinary and cultural scene. Throw in a picture-perfect position between the beaches of Cape Cod and the mountains of Vermont, and you’ve found the fly-drive destination of your dreams.
History and art
The best way to get to grips with Boston’s colourful history is on the Freedom Trail, a two-and-a-half-mile winding route around 16 historical sites, from the first public schoolhouse in America to early churches. Back in the 19th century, Boston was dubbed the Athens of America thanks to its thriving artistic and creative scene, and today Bostonians are spoiled for choice with a string of world- class museums, concert halls and theatres. Its Boston’s spirit of progress, combined with a fascinating history and centuries-worth of grand architecture, that makes it such an unforgettable city break.
Seafood specialities
When in Boston, it’s compulsory to eat as much seafood as possible. Start with a food-crawl inside Faneuil Hall Marketplace, then make a beeline for local specialities such as creamy chowder and steamed lobster. Finally, feast on freshly-shucked oysters at the union oyster house, where a young John F and Jackie Kennedy had regular dates in the booth upstairs.
But this is a city which pioneered “fusion” cuisine, pairing New England seafood and fresh produce with influences as far afield as Korea and Poland.
Residents of Massachusetts capital are deservedly proud of their sporting heritage too, and catching a baseball game at Fenway Park, home to the Red Sox since 1912, is a delicious slice of local flavour. And you don’t need to travel far to sink into the sands of Boston’s famous city beaches, such as history-laced Castle Island and sports-obsessed Carson Beach.