When I began this journey, I was determined to see all the things that normal tourists would do on a once in a lifetime trip to the area.  The idea was born from the tradition that many people do not see the wonderful sites that are often in their backyards. I’ve been to many places in New England and feel like I’ve accomplished a lot.  My friend, Moe Graenser, came for a visit a couple of weeks ago and wanted to see the sites. In planning his visit, I realized I had not yet done three of the most popular tourist activities in Boston. With that in mind, Moe and I spent a fantastic day being wild and crazy New England tourists!

Site 1-the Freedom Trail.  Throughout my trips to Boston, I’ve visited every part of the Freedom Trail, but as I mentioned during my trip to Bunker Hill, I’ve never walked the trail. I had debated between the trolley and the trail. Having done the trolley twice myself, I thought the trail would really give Moe a great view of the city and I was not disappointed. The trail begins at the Bunker Hill memorial. Knowing we’d do a lot of walking we opted to not climb the 293 steps, but instead snapped our pictures and headed down the trail to the Constitution.

This was my third trip to “Old Ironsides,” but it’s always interesting to poke around the decks and imagine what it must have been like for over 200 sailors to share the small spaces and fire the many cannons.

The trail continued across the Charles River and into the North End. The North End is so fascinating that sometimes you forget to pay attention to the trail and find that you have to backtrack a half block to get back on the path.  The trail took us past the Old North Church, Paul Revere’s house, and many many many Italian restaurants.

Our journey continued through Quincy Market, past the Old State House, and ended at the Massachusetts State House. Moe enjoys seeing old cemeteries so we had to stop and see Ben Franklin’s parents’ graves and other original American resting places.

Site 2 -Cheers. When a tourist, you must do as tourists do, and it doesn’t get any more touristy than lunch at the Cheers bar. Fortunately, there wasn’t any wait and we were able to get right in and enjoy a great meal. While it would be easy to imagine Sam and Woody behind the bar, and Cliff and Norm sitting on a couple of stools, the place is pretty small and very crowded. Good times!

Site 3 – JFK Library. Moe has a personal goal to visit every presidential library.  Out of 13 libraries, I believe this was number 8. I’ve been wanting to see it for many years and so this was a great opportunity to add to my list of must dos.  The library contained many of  memorabilia from the campaign and his presidency. The presidential exhibits were displayed in a replica of the upper level of the White House and included a reproduction of Kennedy’s oval office. Just as the event shocked the nation, the sudden turn into a black hallway with video screens displaying the assassination was surprising and sobering.

Moe and I had a great day together! It was a pleasure to share the city with him and the experience of being a tourist.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller