Freedom Trail and Ducks!

Day 16

Boston, Massachusetts 

Hello everyone! Today we explored Boston again. We started our day by bringing our bags to the car and then grabbing some breakfast. We went to Brugger's Bagels and Starbucks. 

Did you know Treat Receipt is back at Starbucks?? We did not fully take advantage of it today but we will the rest of our trip! 

I had to get on the donkey! 

After fueling up for the day we headed to the start of the Freedom Trail. This is a 2.5 mile long walking tour. It is free! I ended up buying a guide for $7.00. They have an App that is $4.99 but I liked the booklet. The start of the Trail is Boston Common. There is a visitor center there with restrooms and water fountains. I'll be brief on each of the 16 stops.

Boston Common - America's oldest public park. 

Robert Gould Shaw Memorial - Led a regiment of all black soldiers. The movie Glory starring Denzel Washington and Matthew Broderick is based on this regiment. 

The State House - July 1795 Paul Revere and Samuel Adams laid the cornerstone. The dome used to be covered in shingles and then Paul Revere's firm covered it in copper to keep it from leaking. In the 1800's it was guided in 23 caret gold. There is a pinecone on top which symbolizes the lumber industry. 

Park Street Church - The song "America" or "My Country Tis of Thee" was first sung on the steps of this church on July 4, 1831for a children's service. 

The Granary Burying Ground - Samuel Adams and Paul Revere are buried here. Also, Benjamin Franklin's parents are buried here. 

Paul Revere

King's Chapel - due to lack of funds there is no steeple. 

Old Corner Bookstore (now a chipotle) - The author of The Scarlet Letter wrote his book here! 

Enjoying the trail! 

Old South Meeting House - in 1773 5,000 colonists had a meeting that set the stage for the Boston Tea Party. 

Another view of the Old Corner Book Store

Old State House - built in 1713

Boston Massacre 

Walking together on the Freedom Trail! 

We took a little break at Faneuil Hall. This was first built as a market in 1742

Oldest Tavern (not part of the Freedom Trail but you pass it during your journey)

Paul Revere's home

Old North Church - "One if by land, Two if by sea" about the lanterns to warn how the British are coming. 

Cop's Hill Burying Ground - second oldest in Boston. 

Now for a long trek across town! 

USS Constitution - one word - Scaffolding! 

We decided not to walk to Bunker Hill. It was really hot and we needed to get back to the Aquarium to catch our Duck Tour. There is a water taxi you can catch for $3.25 that takes you across the harbor! 

Now onto our Duck Tour!! These cars are cool because they also turn into boats. Each driver has a different "personality". Ours went to 365 colleges and has 11 million dollars in student loans!

After our tour we had to get a Cannoli or 2! 

I went with chocolate ricotta and pistachio! The pistachio was way better! Not as rich tasting. 

After purchasing dessert we headed to our next destination. We paid $78 in parking. OMG! So expensive! We were in a tunnel and GPS lost us.... but we ended up at the right location. 

We are watching the Bachelorette finale in our hotel room.... yep, we are those people! Tomorrow is going to be another fun day!! Can't wait to share it with everyone!