DK Travel : Boston

“The Hub,” “Beantown,” “Baaahstin” – call it what you will, New England’s largest city exists to be explored. Its colonial-era architecture, vibrant seafaring heritage, and irrepressible Yankee character make it one of the country’s most distinctive locales. Yet for all its big-city amenities – world-class restaurants, museums, and shops – Boston remains surprisingly compact and eminently walkable.

Fourth of July

Given Boston’s indispensable role in securing independence for the original 13 colonies, Independence Day adopts a certain poignancy here. With beer-fueled barbecues and a fireworks display on the Charles River banks, Boston throws the nation a rousing birthday party.
Franklin Park

Frederick Law Olmsted considered Franklin Park the masterpiece of his Emerald Necklace (see Boston Common & Public Garden), but his vision of urban wilds has since been modified to more modern uses. The park boasts the second oldest municipal golf course in the US and the child-friendly Franklin Park Zoo (see Franklin Park Zoo), which contrasts contemporary ecological exhibits with charming zoo architecture, such as a 1912 Oriental bird house.
Franklin Park Zoo

Boston’s urban zoo houses over 200 species of animals. Its Tropical Forest section boasts gorillas, leopards, tropical birds, and many other exotic creatures. Butterfly Landing, open during the summer months, positively brims with the brilliantly colored insects. The Children’s Zoo allows kids to get up close and personal with animals of the decidedly huggable variety.
Frog Pond

The Frog Pond makes children feel like protagonists in a quaint picture book. As soon as temperatures dip below freezing, kids flock to the pond for ice skating and hot chocolate at the adjacent warming hut. Boston’s oft-oppressive summer days lure them back for splashing and frivolity beneath the central fountain.
Gallagher-Christopher

Exquisite, predominantly 18th- and 19th-century English furniture and lighting distinguish this shop. Browse Biedermeyer lamp tables, opaline vases, and fine accessories.
Gallery NAGA

Representing some of New England’s most regarded printmakers and painters, NAGA is possibly Newbury’s best contemporary art gallery.
Gallops Island

Once the site of a popular summer resort, Gallops also served as quarters for Civil War soldiers, including the Massachusetts 54th Regiment (see Shaw Memorial). The island has an extensive sandy beach, a picnic area, hiking paths, and historic ruins of a former quarantine and immigration station. Grassy bluffs offer spectacular views of Boston Light.
Garden of Eden Café

The best-dressed, most buff South Enders patronize this gem of a café for tasty dishes like duck pâté with bits of pistachio and orange or classic French onion soup. Prepare to wait in line at lunch time for the sandwiches or stop by mid-afternoon to savor a large molasses cookie with a cappuccino.
Garment District

For guys and gals after vintage duds, behold your personal nirvana. More than 40,000 pieces of vintage and contemporary clothing await at this colossus of fashionable kitsch.
George Middleton House

The oldest remaining private residence on Beacon Hill built by African-Americans is a highlight of the Black Heritage Trail. George Middleton, a white revolutionary war veteran, commissioned the house’s construction shortly after the war. Legend has it that Middleton commanded an all-black company dubbed the “Bucks of America.”