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During your Boston vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
The New England Holocaust Memorial
Erected in 1995, these six glass towers spring up in the midst of attractions that celebrate freedom, reminding visitors of the consequences of a world without it. The pattern on the glass, which at first appears merely decorative, is actually 6 million random numbers, one for each Jew who died during the Holocaust. As you pass through, pause to read the inscriptions.To continue on the Freedom Trail: The trail now passes through a lot of post-Big Dig construction and emerges in the North End. Follow Cross Street to Hanover Street, turn left, and follow Hanover to Richmond Street. Turn right, go 1 block, and turn left.
Faneuil Hall
Built in 1742 (and enlarged by a Charles Bulfinch design in 1805), this building was a gift to the town from prosperous merchant Peter Faneuil. This "Cradle of Liberty" rang with speeches by orators such as Samuel Adams -- whose statue stands outside the Congress Street entrance -- in the years leading to the Revolution. Abolitionists, temperance advocates, and suffragists used the hall as a pulpit in later years. The upstairs is still a public meeting and concert hall, while the downstairs holds retail space, all according to Faneuil's will. The grasshopper weather vane, the sole remaining detail from the original building, is modeled after the weather vane on London's Royal Exchange.National Park Service rangers give free 20-minute talks every half-hour from 9am to 5pm in the second-floor auditorium and operate a visitor center on the first floor. On the top floor is a small museum that houses the weapons collection and historical exhibits of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. Admission is free.To continue on the Freedom Trail: Leave Faneuil Hall, cross North Street, and follow the trail through the "Blackstone Block." These buildings, among the oldest in the city, give a sense of the scale of 18th- and 19th-century Boston. In the park at the corner of North and Union streets are two sculptures of legendary Boston mayor (and Congressman, and federal prisoner) James Michael Curley, the basis for the protagonist of Edwin O'Connor's The Last Hurrah. Pause on Union Street.
Massachusetts State House
Boston is one of the only American cities where a building whose cornerstone was laid in 1795 (by Gov. Samuel Adams) would be called the "new" anything. Nevertheless, this is the new State House, as opposed to the Old State House. The great Federal-era architect Charles Bulfinch designed the central building of the state capitol, and in 1802 copper sheathing manufactured by Paul Revere replaced the shingles on the landmark dome. Gold leaf now covers the dome; during World War II blackouts, it was painted black. The state legislature, or Massachusetts General Court, meets here. The House of Representatives congregates under a wooden fish, the Sacred Cod. John Rowe, known as "Merchant" Rowe (Rowes Wharf bears his name), donated the carving in 1784 as a reminder of the importance of fishing to the local economy. Tours (guided and self-guided) leave from the second floor; call ahead to see whether weekend hours have been reinstated.Whether or not you go inside, be sure to study some of the many statues outside. Subjects range from Mary Dyer, a Quaker hanged on the Common in 1660 for refusing to abandon her religious beliefs, to Pres. John F. Kennedy. The 60-foot monument at the rear (off Bowdoin St.) illustrates Beacon Hill's original height, before the top was shorn off to use in 19th-century landfill projects.To continue on the Freedom Trail: Walk down Park Street (which Bulfinch laid out in 1804) to Tremont Street.
Seaport Hotel
Seaport Hotel is located in the heart of the Boston's Seaport District overlooking Boston Harbor. It is independently owned distinguishes itself as a deluxe hotel, meeting, exhibition, and function facility located amongst historical seaside attractions. It is swiftly accessible to Logan Airport and Boston's downtown. Whether one yearns for a business retreat, romantic getaway, or family adventure, this responds to your unique needs and attends to every ...
Colonnade Hotel
As you relax with a Martini at Boston's best brasserie, or sip a Colonnade Cooler by the city's only rooftop pool, you can congratulate yourself. You have discovered one of Boston's finest hotels. Located in historic Back Bay, The Colonnade Hotel is a luxury hotel styled in the European tradition. Close attention to detail has been paid to every room, from sophisticated amenities to breathtaking views of the city. Dine in Boston's authentic French brasserie-Brasserie Jo.In the heart of ...
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