Exploring Boston like it’s 1776

Normally Austin and I are extremely quick to rise, often beating out the morning sun. However since the previous day was so taxing and strenuous, we did something rather rare and actually slept in past our normal routine. After a short walk through a surrounding neighborhood, we descended into the train station and purchased our fare and were soon emerging into the bright morning light into the Boston Common.

This was a large green sprawling park dotted with various monuments of days past and populated with the occasional runner or dog walker. Using a small dusty Boston guide book dating back almost a hundred years ago that I had purchased off eBay, we tried to use this long forgotten relic to be our guide. It was fascinating to see how some things had changed and yet how some others had stood the test of time.

This park held countless secrets due to its long history from army encampments to public hangings and we really enjoyed our cool morning pinging from one monument to another.

Several years ago, I played a video game called Fallout 4 which was set in a fantasied version of Boston and it was almost surreal seeing these landmarks and notable set pieces from this game brought to life before me.

Wading through the countless hazards of the mind-numbingly piercing construction that filled the city, we soon found ourselves on the cobbled streets of the legendary Acorn Street. Hailed as one of the most gorgeous streets in America, we took a moment to appreciate the beauty and moved on.

After having a small moment to refuel at a nearby Burger King overlooking the Common, we set back out into the brisk morning and found ourselves in the silent company of several large stone gravestones within the Granary Burying Grounds.

As we passed by names that adorn the pages of a history book, we began to imagine the lives and roles that these individuals like Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and even the victims of the Boston Massacre had on not only their time, but ours here 250 years later.

The impact some of these figures had in shaping our country was truly legendary and their impact could still be seen and felt all these years later into this modern world. It’s always a strange feeling when you come face to face with these larger than life figures from the past and yet when you encounter them here in this state, a cold piece of rock; it makes it all much more real instead of just a story or a person in an antique painting.

Stepping outside the weathered iron fence and back into the land of the living, we continued down the bright red stones of the Freedom Trail and began to weave our way through the maze of twisting and turning streets to our next stop. As we had just left the grave of the victims of the Boston Massacre behind just moments ago, it was fitting that our next stop was the place in which put them there. Arguably the match that ignited the fire for American independence, all that remains at this spot now is some carved tile underfoot and a simple plaque.

Moving onwards from the Old State House, we were taken back by the stark contrast of these almost classical structures nestled amongst the shadows of the towering skyscrapers. Boston almost felt like a city divided into two; the city of old collided with that of the new.

Staying within the fabrics of history, we made our way to Faneuil Hall and the Quincy Marketplace and spent time slowly drifting through the crowd while taking in the various sights, sounds, and smells of the hall.

Countless food vendors lined each wall and after seeing the outrageous market price for a lobster roll; we quickly realized our meager budget was better elsewhere.

Rather than paying for an overpriced lobster roll, we soon found ourselves paying for an overpriced beer at the Samuel Adams tap room instead. Though a modern institution, we still thought it fitting to pay homage to Mr. Adams as we had seen his resting place just a few short hours earlier.

Now a bit refreshed and rested, we set back out into the streets of Boston and began our journey to Paul Revere's residence and the nearby Old North Church.

We sprung for the $10 admission and were soon within this historic church's inner sanctum. This church’s interior was much different than those of today. Instead of rows of similar wooden pews and benches, this interior was instead blocked off in various private sections or booths.

Yet the true standout and highlight for me was a small bronze plaque, that could almost have been missed, that mentioned my personal hero, Marquis de Lafayette, had stood in this very spot.

Once we had finished exploring the interior, we made our way back into the afternoon sun before embarking down a set of steps hidden in the back courtyard. Down under the floorboards of the church above, we found ourselves hunched over sluggishly worming our way under and around the various piping and plumbing through the church’s crypt.

With backs and necks much sorer than before, we were back out into the land of the living once more and began our way onwards towards the harbor. We decided to head into a small brewery (Night Shift) right off the coast for a small bite of lunch and to get some much needed rest. With our lunch concluded, we made our way over the bridge spanning over the harbor and began the battle of trying to retain our hats and balance from the relentless wind. The harbor was not just a pretty sight and instead it was the home for our next stop, the famed USS Constitution.

One of the oldest continuously operated naval ships in the world, admission was free and we were soon on its tarred deck. Now occupied by enlisted service men and women, this is now an active living and breathing museum. Passing by the rows of heavy cannons below deck, it was easy to be transported back into time and imagine one as a sailor aboard this mighty vessel.

We decided to say goodbye to our sea legs and crossed the plank back onshore. We spent some time admiring the neighboring dry dock and the more commercial industrious part of the harbor before being tempted by the horizon.

Just peeking above the skyline before us, the Bunker Hill monument beckoned us forward and we began the climb up the hill towards it.

Though much too tired (and out of time) to climb up the hundreds of steps to the summit, we decided to rest in the tower’s shade and just imagine the history underneath our feet at this very spot.

As we had tickets to a local soccer game (New England Revolution) that was fast approaching, we had to say our goodbyes and headed back to a nearby train station to head back to the hotel and get ready. However once back within the walls of our rather overpriced hotel room, we decided to forgo the game as the commute would be rather difficult and lengthy due to the lack of direct public transport. We instead had a rather simple night in by having a small dinner in the restaurant attached to the lobby and ended the night watching movies back in our room. Though one might argue that the night ended on more of a whimper, this could not be further from the truth. As Austin and I continue to get older; we find ourselves with more and more responsibilities and in turn, with less time together. Just having a night amongst each other, in which we can talk and laugh and just enjoy each other’s company is something I will never complain about.

To see the previous day’s adventure, click here.

To move onwards with us along our journey, click here.