Highlights and History of Boston: GPS Guided Audio Tour

Visitors walk through several of Boston's Freedom Trail historic sites including Copps Hill Burying Ground, Old North Church (separate admission required/recommended), and Paul Revere House (separate admission required). Other topics discussed include the Irish and Italian periods of immigration and how it formed the culture of Boston's "Little Italy." We discuss recommended eateries for Italian cuisine, pizza, and pastries.

See the site where church caretaker Robert Newman hung the lanterns in the steeple on the night of April 18, 1775. The lanterns signaled Paul Revere (and others) to begin their rides, alerting the Minutemen that "The British are coming!" Although it requires a separate admission, visiting the interior of Old North is recommended for its historical significance. Admission also includes Captain Jackson's Historic Chocolate Shop, where visitors can learn of how this special treat was made and consumed in the 18th century.

See the house where the North End's favorite Son of Liberty lived prior to the American Revolution. Take the interior tour (separate admission) or simply pass by as we discuss the home and the changes that it has undergone over the generations.

Visitors will walk through the Rose P. Kennedy Greenway. This large, linear park is the product of Boston's "Big Dig," the largest public works project in its day. We discuss the replacement of the interstate highway with the Greenway, and visit a few of its more notable points including the Armenian Heritage Park that pays tribute to the Armenian Genocide and subsequent period of immigration to the United States.

Stop for lunch at the large food court or table service restaurants, go shopping for souvenirs or apparel, or grab a pint or two at the Samuel Adams taproom. We discuss the creation of Boston's first central marketplace and its evolution from a place where local citizens would shop for common groceries, to being a pulpit for the abolishionist movement, to its current day uses. NOTE: At the time of this publishing, Faneuil Hall itself continues to be closed by the city of Boston due to COVID-19. The rest of the marketplace is open for business.

The Old State House was the seat of government for the Massachusetts Bay Colony and the symbol of Royal power prior to the American Revolution. It was also the site of the infamous Boston Massacre. We discuss the events leading up to the massacre and how they shaped opinions for the next five years leading up to the first shots of the American Revolution at Lexington and Concord. Visitors can opt to visit the interior of the Old State House with separate admission. Here, they can view artifacts from the colonial period, view the Council Chamber where the Governor would meet with the King's Council, and enjoy an exhibit on Crispus Attucks, the first casualty of the Boston Massacre.

As we walk along the Freedom Trail, we will see and discuss the Great Famine in Ireland that caused mass starvation and immigration to the United States. Boston has a proud Irish heritage and the diaspora/immigration is a major contributor to that part of the city's history

See the final resting place of some of the most notable founding fathers including Samual Adams, Paul Revere, and John Hancock. Also resting here are the five casualties of the Boston Massacre. We discuss each of the figures and their contributions to the nation's history. Along the way, we will pass by the Omni Parker House Hotel, home of the delicious Boston Creme Pie.

Visitors will stroll through the nation's first public park, stopping at a few notable landmarks located within. See the newly refurbished monument to the Massachusetts 54th Volunteer Regiment, one of the first colored infantry units in the American Civil War and featured in the 1989 film "Glory," starring Morgan Freeman, Matthew Broderick, and Denzel Washington.

Some of the most beautiful botanical arrangements can be found in Boston Public Garden. While enjoying some of the arrangements, we will visit the "Make Way For Ducklings" statues, commemorating the award-winning children's book. We also pass by the park bench used by Robin Williams and Matt Damon in the famous "Your Move Chief," scene in Good Will Hunting. Visitors can also take a ride on the Swan boats around the Garden's lagoon for a small admission. After the tour ends (or during), feel free to hop across the street and grab a beer and some pub food at Cheers Beacon Hill, the bar where everybody knows your name and that inspired the hit television show from 1982-1993.