| Boston, first incorporated as a town in 1630 and as a city in 1822, is one of America's oldest cities, with a rich economic and social history. What began as a homesteading community eventually evolved into a center for social and political change. Boston has since become the economic and cultural hub of New England. As the region's hub, Boston is home to nearly 590,000 residents, many institutions of higher education, some of the world's finest inpatient hospitals, and numerous cultural and professional sports organizations. Step inside the New England Aquarium and be transported into the world of water. Experience more than 70 exhibits featuring aquatic animals from around the world. Watch sharks, sea turtles, moray eels, barracuda, and colorful tropical fish in a four- story, 200,000- gallon coral reef exhibit. Greet the penguins, cradle a sea star or horseshoe crab, say hello to the harbor seals, find adventure on a whale watch, and marvel at the captivating sea dragons. The 72- acre Franklin Park Zoo is located within Boston's historic Franklin Park, long considered the crown jewel of Frederick Law Olmsted's "Emerald Necklace" park system. Franklin Park Zoo was founded in 1911, and today is home to more than 160 species of animals. Highlights include the Giraffe Savannah, the Kalahari Kingdom, Butterfly Landing, and Franklin Farm where children can experience fun on the farm in the heart of the city. No trip to Boston would be complete without a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts. See cultural treasures and historic icons from around the world and across the ages including Ancient Egyptian, Classical and Asian art, as well as world- renowned collections of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. The Peabody Museum - With one of the finest collections of cultural history found anywhere, the Peabody Museum is among the oldest archaeological and ethnographic museums in the world. It is home to superb materials from Africa, ancient Europe, North America, Mesoamerica, Oceania, and South America. Changing exhibits highlight the Peabody's vast archaeological and ethnographic collections, which explore human societies and culture from prehistory to the present. Boston's most famous shopping spot, Newbury Street is eight blocks of stores, boutiques, salons, and more. Though many of the shops are on the pricier side, the street has something for just about everyone. If you're looking for a good place to buy gifts for all the different people on your list, why not try Faneuil Hall Marketplace? With more than 100 shops and carts featuring local artists and national chains, you get a great selection. Whether you're looking for a particular cuisine, or just looking for a nearby place to eat after a night out, you'll find all in Boston. There are excellent restaurants throughout Boston, and almost any cuisine - and fusion of cuisines you can think of will be served somewhere. The most popular restaurants do tend to be located around the busiest areas such as Back Bay, where you can find the elegant Restaurant Clio, and the gastronomic paradise of L'Espalier. On Beacon Hill, the relaxed Persian restaurant Lala Rokh is a big draw, and South End is home to literally dozens of the more fashionable haunts.Boston is great; there are a wide selection of bars and clubs throughout the city including The Bull and Finch Pub, which was the setting for Cheers, and the popular Grafton Street Irish pub. The largest clubs in the city are neighbours: Axis and Avalon, both on Lansdowne Street, they have different styles and themes. |
