Exploring Off the Beaten Track in Boston

Boston, the beautiful harbor, swan boats on the Charles River, concerts in the park with the Boston Pops, Boston Common, the Public Garden and the Bunker Hill Monument are just some of the attractions that you will have on your must see list for your Boston Vacation, but do something different and visit things that are off the beaten track, the things that will make your friends wonder how you knew about them. Take a look at these off the beaten track attractions and try and add at least one of them to your schedule and make your Boston Vacation one to really remember.

When you think of Boston, you think of the Revolutionary War, not the Civil War. You think of the Minute Men the Sons of Liberty and the Boston Tea Party. But Boston played a big part in the Civil War also, besides the number of Boston residents that were in the army. Out in Boston Harbor there is a string of islands, known as the Boston Harbor Islands. One of these islands, Georges Island had a fort on it since 1825 and when the Civil War broke out, it was used both as a training center and a prison. Get off the beaten track. You can visit the island today and take a guided tour of the old fort. There is also a picnic area, so pack a lunch and make a day of it.

Boston and the Irish go hand in hand. Just read up on Boston history and you will see the strong contributions that the Irish have made not only to Boston culture, but also to the actual building of the city brick by brick, but in the development of the Government. But did you know that Boston has an Irish Heritage Trail? It is a self guided tour, so you can take you time and see as much or as little as you want. Some of the stops are the Rose Kennedy Garden, Boston Irish Famine Memorial, the Curley Mansion and many more. The trail is only 3 miles long, so it will make for a very pleasant stroll. Get the map and all the information from the web site, put on your walking shoes and don't forget the camera.