We were lucky again to have caught the live musket demonstrations -- we watched two of them - once…read morebefore we climbed the inside of the Bunker Hill Monument and once after we climbed down. The park rangers were both ladies dressed as men. Loved the progressiveness of this. Both so knowledgeable and well spoken. Answered questions from large crowds. Fired these tricky historical muskets like professionals, of which they are! I was surprised that the musket balls don't go far. They didn't have to clear the park of people walking. They were unconcerned of the condo windows on the other block shattering. It was a bit of a mental disconnect and so interesting. The climb up the interior of the monument was tiring but relatively short. Tiny windows at those top for a wee view. I had lived here but never done the touristy stuff like this. Great to have done it now!

This was a little underwhelming…read more The information center was adequate, although I got yelled at for taking my water into the museum area Some of the facility seem a bit dated, and I think some upgrading would be called for There is a meat layout of the battle and an audio that goes along with it, but it wasn't always easier to follow The monument itself with something that we couldn't climb due to being absolutely tired from walking there But it was pretty cool to be on top of Breeds Hill

The church crypt tour and the bell tower tour are well worth it if you can get tickets. I highly…read morerecommend! This church played an important role in American history with the famous story of Paul revere. Our tour guide gave a really spirited retelling of the story! A few notes for visitors: the steeple tour involves climbing two flights of very steep and rickety stairs. Those with knee or mobility issues should avoid. The crypt tour is not gross out or problematic for squeamish folks but if you don't enjoy the thought of being among skeletons then maybe avoid. The bell tower and church in general is also not really air conditioned so it can get hot in there on a hot day. Overall this was a really fun and educational thing to do on the Fourth of July!

Built in 1723, Old North Church is the oldest church in Boston. It is of historical importance…read morebecause it played a role in Paul Revere's famous midnight ride on April 18, 1775 by illuminating two lanterns in the steeple, alerting the Patriots that the British were coming. (I admit, I knew none of this prior to my visit to Boston, and I love that I learn history when I travel.) The church is along the Freedom Trail, and tours of the church are available, although we didn't go on a tour. However, we did stop at the church to use the washrooms that were available for public use. A major historical landmark and free public washrooms -- this church is extremely important! [Yelp collections: Boston, MA 2025; Pee for free!]

Old City Hall is a beautiful old building with a must-see front courtyard. It's home to the Ben…read moreFranklin statue and little bronze donkey statue ( Ruth's Chris Steakhouse reside inside the majestic building). Grab a coffee nearby and sit in the courtyard - it's really a lovely spot in the heart of Boston. 4 stars

Old City Hall is a historic building built between 1862 and 1865. It's located along the Freedom…read moreTrail at 45 School Street where the Boston Latin School, Boston's first public school and the oldest educational institution in the country, first stood. Old City Hall was Boston's third city hall and served as City Hall for 38 mayors between 1865 to 1969 before it was converted to office buildings and a restaurant in the 70s. Currently, there is a Ruth's Chris Steak House in the Old City Hall. You can go into the building, although we just stayed outside in the courtyard, taking photos of the statue of Benjamin Franklin and of the Democratic Donkey. I wouldn't go out of my way to see the building, but if walking along the Freedom Trail, you might as well stop for a few photos; the donkey statue is fun. [Yelp collections: Boston, MA 2025]

Spooky, cute, and so worth the damn walk! Just kidding... mostly! ‍ It was such a beautiful sight,…read morewith a skeleton perched at the top, gazing out over the sea. Talk about witchy vibes! I didn't make it to the big lighthouse a couple of blocks away, but this little spooky gem definitely satisfied my lighthouse obsession.

Let light be your guide to safe travels and coming home!…read more Here in the Salem Harbor stands a light house only about twenty feet high. The light house is not open to the public from the outside. Guests to the water front can walk around the light house. Pose for a picture. Pick up seashells. In a great year, 1977; the national park service actually acquired this property. The light house is at the end of the derby wharf. It allows ships to come home and into the harbor safely . Wave your hands high as we soak up the water and all that salty air. As I watch individuals play along the water front it's hard not to smile and laugh. The twins make fun noises of joy. It's a sort of dance with life that makes me feel alive. Life is this beautiful gift, all the circumstances that has transformed us to this moment were worthy of wonder and joy. Close your eyes, imagine that salty air . The smells of the sea, your breath in rhythms of happy as your heart beats. The waves crash against the shore . If only the smiles were mine. I live in the moment with the children. For it is their happiness that is mine. If life seized right now, I would be happy that we shared this happiness.

AN ABSOLUTELY MUST DO! A FREE EVENT & FREE PARKING! I LOVE CASTLES! This is one of the Secret…read moreHidden Gems of America that most people have never heard about or been to before. The Prospect Hill Monument is a stone structure in the shape of a mini Castle & is located in Somerville, Massachusetts just outside of Boston. This is a residential area with homes. It is also a historic site & provides panoramic views of Boston & surrounding cities. There is also a small park in this neighborhood here with green grass, park benches & a good spot for picnicking & relaxing. It's great place to visit Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall with a changing natural New England landscape. BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU PARK OTHERWISE YOU MAY GET A TICKET. Park only at the signs where it says it's OK to Park; it's a residential area. You can also visit here by Mass Transit too. This site is only a few blocks away & up the hill from the bustling heart of Union Square. There are a lot of local businesses & eateries there. The medieval fortress tower was constructed out of stone & steel. It was built in 1903 to commemorate the site's military importance during the Revolutionary & Civil Wars. The Tower stands 4 stories tall. Climb the stairs to the the first outdoor open deck, & you'll see great views of Boston, Somerville, & Cambridge. The inside of the tower & top were open pre-pandemic periodically at various times. Check the website for current info & updates. Be sure to go all around the tower on the ground level. There are plaques with lots of detailed info all around the tower. Also check out all the signs throughout the Park telling you even more info about this spot & how it was instrumental in uniting the colonies. On January 1, 1776, General George Washington himself who would later become the first President of the United States, during the Revolutionary War hoisted the very first national flag of America on this very spot. It was called the Grand Union Flag & predates The Famous Betsy Ross Flag. Our current red & white Stripes with 50 Stars flag is not flown here. Lots of people miss this. Zoom in with your camera & you will see the First Flag of America. The Grand Union Flag is still flown here on top of the tower. It has red & white stripes but with the blue British Union Jack in the corner instead of the Stars. It's Pretty Cool that they still fly our very first national flag here. To make it worth your trip be sure to visit the extremely popular Union Square Donuts which has Great Donuts & is only a few blocks away. It used to be, you had to have Mega Bucks & be really Rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget!

I run everywhere in Somerville and today's course was through the monument. Nice view during the…read morerun. Grass area someone was working out which was nice as well. Good hill training.

I was in the area and decided to finally walk over and check out this burying ground. Free entry…read moreand some quiet time in an otherwise very loud city. It was very cloudy with some light rain which meant even less people. There is so much history buried here and there are little information plaques all around the cemetery to read up on people and the little fun bits of trivia. This is a lovely little respite and I feel like this is a must visit while here in Boston. Go find the double stone grave while you're there - it's quite a site and work of craftsmanship!

It was really cool walking through this cemetery aka burying ground that has been around since…read more1659. When we're in Boston, we prefer staying in the North End because of treasures like this in the area. This is the final resting place for Cotton Mather as well as other well-known figures of American history. It's got a sense of serenity and calmness. If you're doing the Boston Freedom Trail, it's an easy stop along the way.

Old town hall transforms into an indoor flea market w/ unique finds. It is a must visit in Salem,MA…read morein October.It's packed w/ a mix of vendors that have all sorts of goodies from delicious foods & chocolates to all kinds of Halloween items that capture the spooky Salem vibe perfectly. You can wander through different vendor spaces full of treats, handmade crafts, & seasonal décor, picking up everything from sweet snacks to quirky Halloween treasures. The atmosphere is lively & festive, making it more than just shopping it's an experience. If you're hunting for gifts, indulging in some chocolate, or just soaking up the Halloween spirit, this flea market has a little something for everyone. It's a fun, colorful stop that really shows off Salem's charm.

We checked off Old Town Hall from our Hocus Pocus movie sets tour while walking around Salem last…read moreweek! While it was not open to explore, it was still really cool to see the outside of where the movie was filmed - the Halloween party that Max and Dani's parents attend. If you're a fan like me, I highly recommend taking a quick photo outside! I hope to check out the inside next time we visit Salem!

I'm glad to see there's now a listing for the actual statue on Yelp…read more This historical landmark signifies Revere's role in notifying citizens "the British are coming". It's located at the Paul Revere Mall next to the Old North Church and along the Boston Freedom Trail. The Paul Revere House is also located close by. The sculpture is pretty amazing with incredible detail and it's easy to see why so many people (myself included) want to visit it and get photos.

The Paul Revere Mall is a stop on the Freedom Trail; it's a corridor that connects the Old North…read moreChurch and Hanover Street. It's there you'll find the Paul Revere Statue - modeled in 1885 and cast in bronze and placed in the Mall in 1940. If you're walking the Freedom Trail, you'll be stopping here for a few minutes. The Mall is a pretty place to sit and take a quick break from the Freedom Trail.