...(the start of) The Freedom Trail...

As spring takes hold in New England the tourist season starts to pick up in the area. One of the must do attractions for many coming to Boston is the Freedom Trail. Recently two of us set out to remind ourselves what all the fuss is about. Winding its way through the city, the Freedom Trail is roughly 2.5 miles, including the trek to Charlestown.  There are 16 official Freedom Trail sites (three of which charge admission) and several points of interest along the way. On this day, we chose to stick just the first part of the Trail, which includes Boston Common to Faneuil Hall. Having limited time, we chose to stop at places that piqued our personal interests.

Starting the Park Street T station, we took a moment to get our bearings and admire the Massachusetts State house high on its perch over Boston common, on what was once John Hancock's farm. The incline of ground in the area is a reminder that at one time Beacon Hill was the highest peak in the area, hence the early settlers choice to place their warning beacon there. Tremont Street was actually named after the “Tri-mount” or three hills that once stood in the area. Today, only a shortened version of Beacon Hill remains, the other two mounts as well as part of Beacon Hill were used as landfill in different parts of Boston.

After taking in the bustle of Boston Common, the oldest public park in the country, we picked up the start of the Freedom Trail.  Walking less than a block down Tremont Street, we stepped into the Old Granary Burial Ground. Here, the graves read like the pages of an American History textbook. From Paul Revere to Samuel Adams and the Boston Massacre victims, it is hard to wander down any of the pathways and not recognize a name. Among the revolutionaries and dignitaries is also the grave marker of Mary Goose, or as countless generations know her as, the beloved Mother Goose.

Leaving the Old Granary Burial Ground, we continued down Tremont Street toward the corner of Tremont and School Streets, where if you have a sweet tooth you may want to stop at The Omni Parker House Hotel. One of the oldest hotels in the country, the Omni Parker House is where the Park House Roll and the famed Boston Cream Pie were born.

Just across for the hotel on Tremont St., you will come to King's Chapel and the King's Chapel Burial.  If you turn on to School St., you will see a large ornate building that used to be Boston City Hall. Today this building is to home to a restaurant and several private offices, however if you continue down School St., you will also see a plaque marking the spot of the first public school in Boston. Though, not a part of the Freedom Trail, it is hard to miss the Boston Irish Famine Memorial, at the corner of School and Washington Streets. It is well known that this famine had a major impact on the population of Boston. The memorial also commemorates the prejudice faced and overcome by that generation of immigrates. 

Also at the corner of Washington and School Streets, is the Corner Bookstore building, one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to the 1700's. It took me a second to wrap my head around this, but it is now home to a Chipotles Mexican restaurant.  The odd mix of old and new has a disorientating effect.

Across the street from the Irish Famine Memorial is the Old South Meeting House. We chose not to enter this historic site, but took time to enter the side door and browse the souvenir/ bookshop beneath the building. We do suggest taking the time to read the information plaque on the outside of the building and tour the inside if you have the time (admission required). The Old South Meeting House sits on the corner of Washington St. and Milk St and just a little further down Milk St. Benjamin Franklin was born in 1706.  (Please note that the Franklin monument in the Old Granary Burial Ground is not for Benjamin Franklin, but his parents and other relatives. Benjamin Franklin is buried in Philadelphia.)

Following the Freedom Trail down Washington St. you will come to my personal favorite site on the trail, The Old State House. This is the oldest public building in Boston, built in 1713. The building has been a witness to nearly three hundred years of history.  Early on it was the seat of British Royal government for the colony of Massachusetts. Later on it was the first Massachusetts Statehouse and at one time Boston City Hall. There has not been much Boston history this building has missed.  Just as the Old State House sits at the corner of State and Washington Streets it also is the meeting place of historic Boston and modern Boston. Beneath this grand old building is a subway station, and you can even feel the trains rumbling beneath your feet if you are standing on the first floor! Being a little short on time, we chose not to tour the Old State House museum. However from past experience, I know it to be an amazing museum of Boston history. We decided instead to continue our walking tour outside to take in the site of Boston Massacre. On March 5, 1770 a confrontation between British soldiers and Boston citizens left five citizens dead and a city on edge. This massacre took place beneath the balcony of the Old State House.

The Boston National Historic Park Visitors’ Center is located directly across an alleyway from the Old State House. This visitors’ center has a wide variety of information available about other attractions in the area (in and outside of Boston). It is from the visitors’ center at 15 State St that National Park Rangers give free tours that cover the heart of the Freedom Trail. Visit http://www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm for more information on these wonderfully informative guided tours. For you own comfort, please note that there are restrooms at the visitor center. There is curious lack of public restrooms along the Freedom Trail.

At this pointed we detoured slightly off the Freedom Trail and walked over to the Government Center area. We cut across City Hall Plaza and picked the Freedom trail back up at Faneuil Hall. If you wish to see a bit of modern Boston, you may want to pause in the Government Center area, however as a proud Bostonian, all I can really say about the design of Boston City Hall and City Hall Plaza is—they are tried. The current Boston City Hall was built in 1969 and as recently as 2008 one online poll named it the world's ugliest building. Not Boston's proudest moment.

We crossed Congress St. and walked over to Faneuil Hall.  Faneuil Hall is still used a meeting hall to this date. On most days, you can visit the shops on the ground floor, and the meeting hall that is located upstairs. Since 1746 the top floor has been the headquarters of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. The Companies’ armory and museum are also open to the public.

Located just behind Faneuil Hall is Quincy Market (aka Faneuil Hall Marketplace). There are three buildings that make up the Market Place. These three buildings offer a large collection of restaurants, food stalls, shops and souvenir kiosks. The center building is a food court with just about any type of food you could imagine, organized down a long corridor lined with food stalls. About half way down the corridor is a central seating area, however even with two levels of seats it is still very difficult to find a place to sit during peak meal times.

If you step to the left or right of the food court, you will find many retail stalls selling just about any type of souvenir ever made. Stalls, retail kiosks, restaurants and more food stalls make up the majority of Quincy  Market.  I personally have a weakness for the cookies at the Boston chip Yard.  There is also Boston's famed Durgin Park restaurant located on the second floor of the North Market building.

Our abridged tour of the Freedom Trail ended at this point. The trail continues into the North End (including such sites as the Old North Church, Paul Revere’s House and the Cops Hill Burial Ground) and across to Charlestown (USS Constitution, Charlestown Naval Yard, Bunker Hill Monument). At some point we may chose to finish the trail, but for now hunger won us over, and we decided to instead to stop for lunch in Boston’s North End.

We took the long way around and followed Commercial Street along the waterfront. This course gave us a chance to admire both the views of the Boston Harbor on one side and Christopher Columbus (Waterfront) Park on our other side.  There are plenty of great Italian restaurants in the North End and we settled on lunch at Cantina Italiana on Hanover St.

Please don’t hesitate to ask our front desk staff to help you find a part of the Freedom Trail that fits your plans. There are guided walking tours as well as trolleys for those who do not feel they can walk it.

March is here, with lots to do!

Much like the weather often turns a corner in March, it was on the cold night of March 5, 1770 that the British colony of Boston turned a corner in its relationship to Mother England. The Boston Massacre is often looked upon as the beginning of fight between England and her North American colonies and a keystone event that would lead to the battles of Lexington and Concord five years later.  On March 10th, the Bostonian Society will be holding a day of activities centered round the Boston Massacre, concluding with a historically accurate re-enactment in the evening. All events will be taking place in or just outside of the Old State House, the site of the actual events 242 years ago. Visit http://www.bostonhistory.org/ for additional information.

As the chill of winter eases, it is in March that we usually get our first impression about this year's spring, so it is very fitting that the theme to this year's Boston Flower and Garden Show is First Impressions. The Boston Flower and Garden Show March 14th-18th at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston is a wonderful way to get into the spirit of spring. Visit http://www.bostonflowershow.com/ for details. 

After treating you eyes to the beauty of the buds at the flower show, you may wish to treat your taste buds to Restaurant Week(s).  From March 18th-23rd and March 25th-30th various restaurants will be offering prix fixe menus at significantly reduced prices. This is a great chance to try some of the many new restaurants in the area, or visit an old favorite. For more information and to see a list of participating restaurant's visit http://www.restaurantweekboston.com/ .

Of course, if there is one thing Boston is good at, it is throwing a parade. The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Boston is not only a time tested tradition, but an event that is so closely associated with the city and its large Irish population that it has gain worldwide recognition as THE St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This year’s parade will take place on Sunday, March 18^th.

Finally, if you need a break from the food, and the marching, and the re-enacted bloodshed, the Woman in Comedy Festival may be just what you are looking for. From March 21^st-25^th many of the best female comics will be performing at various venues throughout the area. With 225 comics on hand, you are sure to find just the right style of show to help you laugh winter right out the door.  For more information visit http://www.womenincomedyfestival.com/

No matter what brings you to the area this March, we at Harding House encourage you to put a spring in your step and enjoy all that you do! 

Audra

The shortest but seemingly busiest month of the year....

From prancing princesses to lumbering linebackers, February has a lot to offer those coming to Cambridge and Boston. the month kicks off with of the Hasting Pudding Man of the Year celebration on February 3rd.. This year Jason Segel will be honored with the traditionally rowdy parade through Harvard Square. On February 4th, the Some Like it Hot Chili cook off  keeps the Square jumping. And the hits just keep on coming on coming. February 5th many of the business, especially the restaurants around the area will be hosting special events honoring the New England Patriots return to the Super Bowl. 

Speaking of hits, if you still have any strength left, the Beanpot Tournament kicks off on February 6th at the Boston Garden.  Considered the premier college hockey event of the year, the Beanpot attracts national attention as the four of the top college hockey programs in the area, including Harvard, fight it out for local domination.

For those of you who are more a lover than a fighter, Harvard Square will be honoring Valentine's Day from February 10th-14th with Lovin' the Square events designed to bring out the romantic in everyone. If you need some ideas check out www.harvardsquare.com and click on the events link. Several restaurants and shops will be offering specials to help you cozy up to your sweetie.

After all of that, everyone could use a break, February 20-26 is school vacation week in Massachusetts. Many of the local attractions will be hosting special events designed for children. The Old State House in Boston, for example, will be running programs all week with hands on activities to encourage young minds to discover more of Boston's unique history.  Visit www.bostonhistory.org for more information.

For those with small children (or those who are young at heart) Disney on Ice will be running matinee performances  of their show "Dare to Dream" throughout the week at the Boston Garden.  Do not be surprised by the number of fair princesses you see on the train!

We at the Harding House hope you will take sometime during this busy month to rest and relax--perhaps using the extra day-February 29th to catch your breath before March roars in like the proverbial lion! 

-Audra

A winter urban adventure

Myself, and the General Manager recently spent a very pleasant afternoon treating ourselves to lunch at a local sandwich shop followed by taking in the traveling Pompeii Exhibit currently at the Boston Museum of Science (leaves February 12, don’t miss it!). We enjoyed it so much that we felt compelled to share our experience with you.

We started off at the All Star Sandwich Bar in Inman Square. All Star has a reputation of offering meat laden sandwiches and tasty sides. This reputation proved to true…prepare to nearly dislocate your jaw if you plan to take the turkey club on.  Though noisy and a tad crowded at lunchtime, the atmosphere is relaxed and the menu offers choices not normally seen in Cambridge (“Beef on Weck” and Cubano, for example). The wait staff is very friendly, but busy, so don’t be afraid to speak up if you don’t get you side order of sweet pickles.

In my opinion, no meal in Inman Square is complete without a trip to Christina’s Homemade Ice Cream, conveniently located next door to All Star Sandwich Bar. Offering traditional, as well as their own special, flavors of ice cream, Christina’s is a local institution that should, in my opinion, be a mandatory stop for anyone visiting Cambridge. Personally, I have never had better Coconut Butterfinger ice cream (that is coconut ice cream with Butterfinger candy pieces mixed in) anywhere.  Of course, I don’t think I have ever seen the flavor anywhere else, and I visited more than my fair share of ice cream shops.  The unique flavors may be in part due to the fact that the owners also run a fantastic spice shop next door. Christina's ice cream is a true delight for all the senses.

Finally, the real point of the outing was to take in the Pompeii exhibit at the Museum of Science. If you have any interest in the Roman Empire or life in ancient times, this is a fascinating, must see exhibit. Many everyday objects from the ill fated town are on display, including coins, glass jars, medical tools and assorted pottery.  Perhaps the most touching, if not a tad disturbing, part of the exhibit is the room filled with body casts of people and animals killed when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79A.D. Even now, nearly 2,000 years later you feel almost like you are witnessing the final moments of their lives. The emotional impact of the exhibit may not be suitable for all.

If you get the chance, in Cambridge or elsewhere, the Pompeii exhibit should not be missed.

-Audra

Happy New Year!!

Believe it or not, visiting Cambridge in January can be a pleasant experience. There are even a few advantages to coming in the middle of winter. For starters hotel rates are at their lowest this time of the year. If you don't mind bundling up you can save hundreds of dollars on accommodations by traveling during the off season. In addition to the savings, the lack of crowds makes visiting many of the locale attractions a more peaceful experience compared to the summer rush. It is a great time to really explore and take in all that the city has to offer. The city can be all but yours this time of the year!

With a few exceptions, most museums and points of interest remain open year round, though many do shorten their hours. If there a particular attraction you would like to visit, we suggest checking their winter hours ahead of time.

Although, we do not advocate combining alcohol and automobiles, two special events occurring in January do bring out the wine lover and car lover us. The first of these is the New England International Auto Show from January 12-16^th showcasing the latest models from all the major manufacturers, imported and domestic. Is there a better way to spend a cold January day then being inspired by dreams of hitting the open road in a brand new car? The Auto Show will be held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. For details visit http://www.paragonexpo.com/index.php/NE-General/

We recommend not getting behind the wheel, the following weekend-January 21^st and 22^nd if you are planning to visit the Boston Wine Expo. The expo runs January 16-22^nd, however the feature events for the week take place on the 21^st and 22^nd. From seminars, to tastings and food pairing, this is a wonder event for those interested in the ever expanding world of wine. For those more interested in food than drink, there will also be a culinary stage with local chefs, including chefs from restaurants in Harvard Square, offering demonstrations and sample tastings.

The Boston Wine Expo will take place at the Seaport World Trade Center, Boston.

 For more information visit http://www.wine-expos.com/Wine/expo/

No matter what brings to town this January, rather it is returning to school for the start of the spring semester or finally having the time to take in the Degas exhibit at the MFA, we had Harding House hope that you enjoy all Cambridge and Boston have to offer all year long.

We look forward to seeing in you 2012!

December in Cambridge

While I may not be able to predict the weather around here, I can tell you that no matter the temperature, Cambridge will be filled with the holiday spirit this December.  Harvard Square and Central Square have been festooned and the twinkle of Sparklefest greets you at every corner.  There is something for everyone this time of the year.

On December 17^th, enjoy “Everyone Loves Latkes” and on December 18^th have Breakfast with Santa. For those looking to burn off breakfast, the Cambridge 5K-Yulefest is also on December 18^th. The skating rink at the Charles Hotel will be opening on December 11^th, and if you still need to pick up more gifts (or get something for yourself, we don’t judge) check out the Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fair at the First Parish Unitarian Church.  
Now that winter has finally chosen to show up, you may prefer to take in a show. There are several theatrical holiday events occurring. While the Boston Ballet performs perhaps the most famous version of the Nutcracker, the Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre provides a much more intimate setting in which to enjoy this classic holiday story. Also the Christmas Revels at the Sanders Theater is a lively and timeless tradition that people have returned to see year after year.

For details about these and other holiday activities in the area visit www.harvardsquare.com .  

And, of course, as the year winds down, don’t forgot the party Boston throws on New Year’s Eve. For 35 years First Night Boston has been offering a family friendly, entertainment laden celebration of the New Year. We are hoping it will be cold enough for keep the world famous ice sculptures from melting too quickly. Then again, we don’t want it too cold as we welcome in 2012 with the traditional fireworks display over Boston Harbor.

Visit www.firstnight.org for additional information about First Night Boston activities.

No matter how you celebrate the Holiday Season and welcome in the New Year, we at Harding House wish you good health and happiness in 2012!

-Audra

Cozy up in November

What is there to say about November in Cambridge? It's cold, it's wet, it's cloudy...all the pretty leaves have fallen to the ground and either been swept away or ground into a sticky, muddy paste that will stick relentlessly to shoes and the bottom cuffs of pants.

Traditionally we experience our first taste of the coming winter in early November when the first freeze hits the city.  Yes, this means bundling up, but it also means the return all of those winter activities we love so much. November is the perfect month for ice skating on the Frog Pond (usually open by mid-November) or at Community Skating in Kendall Square. The air cold and crisp, but not bitter and the ground is usually clear of snow.

Ah, snow. It's usually in November that we see the first flakes. What is it about that first sight of snow falling that brings out the child in all of us? You will see grow adults race to the window at the first call of "It's snowing!" Of course in a few weeks we will be calling out "enough with the snow", but I believe that even the most jaded New Englander’s eyes light up at the sight of the first flakes falling. And so begins the season of cozy evenings with warm cups of coca and Norman Rockwell-esque rosy cheeks.

So also begins the season of food. Long before it was a national holiday, Thanksgiving was a regional tradition in New England. And yet even as each region of the nation has developed its own thanksgiving traditions, the template for all of these traditions remains the New England Thanksgiving.  We at Harding House are always so happy  to see people gathering for Thanksgiving.  It makes us feel like we are a part of so many families and we are thankful to everyone who has made Harding House a part of their Thanksgiving tradition.

There is one other big November tradition: After the last of the turkey has been eaten and  you have caught up on your sleep, it's time to shop. I have never successfully rousted myself for the early morning sales on the Friday after Thanksgiving, but I have enjoyed many a good holiday sale in Harvard Square. And, of course a good old fashion tree lighting is the perfect way to ignite your holiday spirit and wrap up a day of shopping . This year the annual Tree lighting in front of the Charles Hotel will be Saturday, November 26th.

Enjoy November and remember that along with the cold temperatures in December, also comes warm gatherings and holiday cheer with Latkes and Santa.