A Week in the Heart of New England

For the first time since 2012, NPMA PestWorld is returning to Boston. This New England gem is rich with history from the days of the early American Revolution and onward; it is a time capsule of sorts. The federal- style architecture, historical monuments and artifacts line the streets, creating harmony between the past and present. There really is no place to experience such a feeling other than Boston. As the oldest major city in the country, Boston embraces its roots while carrying on into the future with new perspectives and advancements. The unique culture that has developed over time creates a curiosity to Boston, inviting visitors to a wonderful exploration.

TIME TRAVELING. If you want to see as many historical sites as efficiently as possible, the Freedom Trail is an excellent place to start. The 2.5-mile trail, protected by the National Parks Service, creates a beautiful, seamless journey through Boston’s most iconic historical sites — 16 of them to be exact. Some of the highlights include Boston Common, the Old State House, the Boston Massacre Site, the Paul Revere House and the Bunker Hill House. Besides the educational benefits, this trail also leads you through some bustling neighborhoods of Boston such as Downtown, North End and Charleston, offering several places to stop for a bite to eat along the way. Other notable historical endeavors one might take interest in are museums like the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum and experiences like haunted ghost tours and the famous Duck Tours of the city.

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum was voted No. 1 “Best Patriotic Attraction” by USA Today for its live reenactments by professional actors. The museum consists of seven sections, each with its own features and scenes, taking visitors through the night of the revolutionary event step by step. You can even stop for a spot of tea after your experience at Abigail’s Tea Room and Terrace to perfectly wrap it up.

For the paranormal believers, there are numerous ghost tours available for selection and booking on websites such as Trip Advisor. These tours take you to supposedly haunted famous locations in the spookiest parts of town, giving historical details along the way. Some even include stops in local pubs and breweries.

For those who would prefer not to walk, Boston Duck Tours are the answer. A land-and-sea vehicle will take you to all the historical hot spots both through the streets and along the Charles River. This tour covers a very large square mileage, so you get to see a lot in a small amount of time. Some tour locations include: the New England Aquarium; the Boston Public Library; Newbury Street; Bull & Finch Pub (inspiration for the television show “Cheers”); the Holocaust Memorial; Boston Public Market; MIT; the Boston Museum of Science; and about 30 others!

©Kyle Klein Photography

There are countless other history tours in Boston besides the aforementioned. If there is a specific niche that you are interested in, there probably is a tour for it. You can find tours by visiting the Boston Common Visitor Information Center in the North End.

The Samuel Adams Brewery tour is a perfect nightcap to a day filled with boatloads of historical information. There are several different tours of the brewery to select from on the Samuel Adams Brewery website, including one with extensive history of Samuel Adams, his influence on the United States and how his own personal brewing practices influenced the company named after him. Along the way, you will observe the brewing process and sample some of the assorted flavors.

CRUSTACEAN CRAVINGS. It is difficult to escape Boston without hearing about or smelling the incredible fresh seafood; it has become integral to Boston culture. Two notable, highly rated seafood restaurants are Neptune Oyster and Abe and Louie’s. Neptune Oyster is located on the North End and Abe and Louie’s is located in Back Bay.

To further continue a quest for historical sites, visit the cozy Union Oyster House, which has been open since 1826. Ye olde Union Oyster House serves not only the classics like clam chowder and lobster rolls, but a wide selection of others, including a varying “catch of the day,” fresh off the boat.

Right beside Faneuil Hall, a stop on the Freedom Trail, lies Quincy Market, packed with food stands of all different cuisines and cultures to explore. Most stands offer free samples, so you might have an easier time trying to decide where to go. Outside the market, you can eat in the “Cradle of Liberty,” the spot where Samuel Adams frequently gave speeches during the fight for U.S. independence.

Boston has a thriving Italian community, which is prominently reflected in its Little Italy neighborhood. Whether it is grabbing a cannoli, hearing street performers or viewing the architecture, Boston’s Little Italy will satisfy your cravings and transport you across the ocean.

THE EMERALD NECKLACE. Within Boston city limits is a lush canopy of trees and green galore. Boston is home to what is called the “Emerald Necklace” of city parks, a 1,100-acre chain of nine parks linked by parkways and waterways. Boston Common, established in 1634 as the first city park in the United States, is the first location on the Freedom Trail and a memorable part of the Emerald Necklace. Within the Boston Common lives the Boston Massacre Monument, along with many others. There also is a bandstand in the middle of the park, so if you are lucky enough, you might catch some free live music or theatrical performances.

Boston is home to countless public gardens. The Tower Hill Botanic Garden is the biggest, most diverse and luxurious in the city. And there are 17 small gardens to explore. Boston has a record with firsts, as the Boston Public Garden is the first-ever public botanical garden to be built in the U.S. It is within the Boston Common Park in the North End.

If you want to get out of the hectic city atmosphere, take a ferry ride over to one of the Boston Harbor Islands. There are 34 of them total, so there are plenty to pick from. There are endless activities on the islands including visiting historical Forts Warren and Andrews, the Boston Lighthouse, Nature Reserve. Also, there are recreational opportunities for swimming, hiking, biking, kayaking and canoeing on all islands. If sleeping in a hotel does not suit you either, you can simply pitch a tent and camp on the islands, too.

©Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

FOR THE CREATIVE TYPES. If you manage to make it over to the Fenway/Kenmore neighborhood of Boston, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts is worth a visit. One of the most entertaining mediums of consuming history is art, and this museum is the perfect place to do so. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is the 14th largest art museum in the world, is home to more than 450,000 works of art and is the 52nd most visited art museum in the world as of 2019. Some highlights of the museum include Paul Revere’s portrait by John Singleton Copley and one of Paul Revere’s own paintings, “Sons of Liberty Bowl.” Also, famous artists like Picasso, Matisse, Monet, etc., are on display.

While you are in Fenway/ Kenmore, sports fans can check out Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox. This iconic stadium is where Babe Ruth hit hundreds of home runs. The Sox’s season most likely will have been completed before PestWorld, but there are, of course, tours of the stadium.

An essential aspect of Boston culture is the intense academia, with its nearly 50 colleges and universities in the metropolitan area. Harvard University, arguably the most prestigious university in the U.S., has beautiful gardens, libraries and galleries that are open to the public. You also can, of course, take a tour — visit the Harvard website to schedule one. While on the website find upcoming guest speakers and events there. While you are in the area, take a break at one of the studious cafes in Harvard Square to get an energy boost, take a reading break or get some work done.

THE RIGHT MIX. Like other cities, Boston is a bustling metropolis with a diverse culture and an abundance of activities. However, what other cities do not have is the specific mystical blend of history and present day that is irresistible to explore. Boston leaves its visitors awestruck of the progress society has made thanks to the founding members of our country, and absolutely lost in the fascinating stories of the very streets they walk down. During NPMA PestWorld 2022, perhaps you will find some time to do the same!

This author is PCT’s editorial intern.