Repping Beantown

Visiting Boston’s Historical Homes and Landmarks

admin — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Boston is by far a heartthrob American city that has all that it takes to offer every visitor the grand opportunity to relive history, experience the true definition of arts, enjoy great sport events, explore many informative museums, rediscover harbor islands and kick back at a famous brewery and (or) bars that are even more famous. If visiting Boston for the first time, the following is a list of must-sees and attractions to include on your list of things to do.

THE FREEDOM TRAIL

One of the best ways to jump start your visit is to take your first stroll along the-two-in-a-half-mile Freedom Trail to get familiar with the heart of Boston, and to witness this city’s collection of historic landmarks.

BOSTON PUBLIC GARDEN

The nation’s oldest botanical garden is where the famous Swan Boats return every spring and has done so ever since 1877. The Boston Public Garden is perfect for ice skating on the pond during the cold winters.

QUINCY MARKET

This indoor and outdoor market is the hot spot for doing what most people really love to do, and that is dining and shopping. When it comes to experiencing historical sites and taking a piece of every site back home, the Quincy Market is the place to be.

The Best Dining Experiences in Boston

admin — Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When one thinks of Boston, visions of succulent lobster, icy oysters, crab cakes and clam chowder come to mind. Although Boston hosts a plethora of restaurants with nearly every cuisine on the planet, it is a Nirvana for seafood lovers.

No trip to Boston would be complete without a night at the Union Oyster House. The restaurant is the oldest in Boston; it has continually operated since 1826 and has been a favorite of such notables as Daniel Webster and J.F.K. The menu is a catalog of the world’s greatest seafood recipes with appetizers of Basque style mussels and steamers, chowders of clam, lobster, fish and such Ye Olde New England favorites as fried scrod, grilled swordfish and fresh sea scallops.

There is nothing much better than to punctuate the end of a day at the ocean with a clambake. Jasper White’s Summer Shack hosts sunset clambakes on the white sand beach of Spectacle Island. The island is a short cruise by ferry from the Long Wharf and offers spectacular views of the city’s skyline. The beachside feast includes clam chowder, pit steamed lobster, clams, mussels, tender corn, potatoes and dessert of the chef’s choice that will blow you away.

Shopping is Fun in Boston’s Downtown District

admin — Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Boston, Massachusetts is a culturally diverse city. The downtown area of the city encompasses several distinct areas with a wide range of cultural diversity. Stores, restaurants, hotels, theaters and a vibrant population all come together to create the city’s central area.

DOWNTOWN CROSSING SHOPPING

The major shopping area in downtown Boston is known as Downtown Crossing. This area is made up of several blocks of the central city. Every type of store can be found in the downtown crossing area. Pharmacies, retail stores, specialty clothing stores and book stores are open every day. From the modern styled stores to the quaint antiquarian booksellers every merchant has a special story to tell and special wares to sell. Ethnic markets are also represented in the downtown area that encompasses China town and part of the North End.

RESTAURANTS

From five star restaurants to casual dining and push cart vendors, every type of food ids available in downtown Boston. Shoppers can treat themselves to a quick lunch or four course dinner before or after a play or musical at one of the theater district venues. There are several chain style restaurants as well as eateries operated by the very best Chefs from round the world.

Tourist and Residents Enjoy Exploring Boston, Massachusetts

admin — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

America has, on its northeastern coastline, a city that needs no introduction to its grand presence because just about everyone has heard of Boston, Massachusetts. In addition, about 645,000 residents live in the city, and they know the benefits of living in New England’s economic and cultural center.

Boston’s tourists and residents enjoy visiting the historical neighborhoods, which are a part of the city’s rich heritage. The North End has winding streets and old brick homes, and it has the feeling of being more old-world than a neighborhood such as Beacon Hill, which is the home of the Massachusetts State House. It is also one of many wealthier areas in the city and many homeowners have an alarm system. The Waterfront area across from Boston Harbor has the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, The Harpoon Brewery and many other wonderful attractions.

The Freedom Trail is Boston’s largest historical adventure, and it is a great experience for everyone. It is a red brick trail that covers 2.5 miles, and it has 16 historic sights including Paul Revere’s House and The Old North Church. Some feel that walking this trail is the best thing to do in Boston, although many would include a visit to Harvard, America’s most famous college.

Christmas in the City

www.reppingbeantown.com — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

With the lights from the Faneuil Hall tree only adding the city’s nighttime glow, Boston is perfect setting for a quintessential Christmas season. With the New England charm that can’t be replaced, historic remnants of a American history and Irish flair from across the Atlantic, Christmas in Boston is an experience all its own, adding its own cultural touch to America’s most celebrated holiday. So what is there to in Beantown to get in the spirit? Here’s a look at some local events you’re sure to enjoy. Holiday Pops at Symphony HallThe Holiday Pops concert is a great place to hear some of your favorite Christmas carols as performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra. Revisit timeless seasonal classics with Santa Claus on hand as a special guest. Fun for all ages, the Holiday Pops concert makes a great family outing, with sounds so inspiring you’ll be singing along well into the new year. Holiday Pops runs through the 26th of December, with tickets starting at 33.Candlelight Carols at Trinity ChurchCelebrate the true meaning of Christmas at one of the city’s most immaculate churches, while enjoying a lovely selection of lessons and carols, featuring traditional Christmas music and readings. The two day event takes place at 4 p.m. on December 19 and 7 p.m. on December 20. Day one serves as a fundraiser benefit, with tickets sold for 35, 65 and 100 dollars. Donations are encouraged at Day 2. Doors open one hour prior to showtime.Nutcracker at the Opera HouseCome see a tale synonymous with the season, put on by the Boston Ballet. Tickets start at 35, more than a bargain to watch as Clara makes her storied trek to the candy castle, navigating a proverbial winter wonderland should to mesmerize and entertain the entire family. Shows will run until December 31st.

Au Revoir Randy

www.reppingbeantown.com — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 20:10:01 +0000

After years of unprecedented success at Gilette Field, it’s hard to second guess Bill Belicheck, so why start now, but perhaps Tom Brady shed a few private tears in the comfort of his own home after hearing the Patriots traded WR Randy Moss to Minnesota, after 47 touchdown receptions in 3 years. Randy Moss was an integral part in the Patriots’ passing attack over the past 3 years, but he will return to where he began his NFL career just 4 games into the 2010 regular season.For the first time in his tenure with the Patriots, in what ironically was his last game in silver and blue, Moss was held without a reception. Of course, for a guy who has come into question over the years in terms of effort, one has to wonder how lockdown the Dolphins’ corners truly were on Sunday. No one is suggesting Randy was actively trying not to catch passes, but perhaps not trying his hardest to haul in slightly off the mark balls thrown his way. Moss had already gone on record saying he felt underappreciated in the Boston area, as if the local media and fan base wanted him to fail. So the feeling here is good riddance. The Patriots won Super Bowls with Deon Branch and David Patten leading the receiving corps, having an All-Pro receiver for Brady is more of a luxury than a necessity.There is a reason Wes Welker has always been the more popular receiver among Pats fans than the more prolific Moss. Work ethic. Boston is a blue collar town, not a place that easily identifies with athletes who are given so much while working so little. Would Moss have made his way back from an ACL injury in little more than an off season, doubtful, yet Welker has been catching passes and cutting over the middle since the opening week. While Randy whines, Wes works, so with tempered appreciation for the lofty stats over the past 3 full-seasons, it’s so long, not go long.

Adding to the City’s Skyline

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:34:26 +0000

Move over Hancock Place, your days as Boston’s largest immovable structure may be numbered as Shaquille O’Neal is expected to sign with the Celtics in the very near future. Though certainly no match for the towering 60-floor skyscraper in terms of sheer height, Shaq’s larger than life personality will surely make the already massive 325 lbs. center Boston’s most prominent asset over 7 feet tall. Not to mention, Shaq actually predates Boston’s tallest building, born in 1972, 4 years before construction on Hancock Place was complete. While his production on the court recently has declined relative to his peak performance years, Shaq is still a beloved superstar from coast to coast. Countless media appearances highlighted by his own reality show, Shaq Vs. (during which he takes on other celebrities at their chosen profession), has kept him relevant off the court as his on-court minutes wane.Still, if utilized effectively, Shaq can be a very effective player for the Celtics. Admittedly, a 38-year-old basketball player is well past his prime, but in sparing minutes he can still provide a valuable contribution. Kendrick Perkins is coming off an injury at the center position, while Rasheed Wallace, who came off the bench last year to spell Perkins, announced his retirement earlier this off-season. With an imposing Dwight Howard still dominating the interior down in Orlando, Bosh and Ilgauskas making their way to Miami, the Bulls bringing in Boozer to complement Noah and the Knicks signing Amare Stoudemire, the Celtics obviously feel the need to keep pace with their fellow Eastern Conference contenders in the big man arms race.Shaq played with the Cavaliers in 09-10, but became a free agent this off-season, eligible to sign with any team of his choosing. Last season, he averaged 12.0 points and 6.7 rebounds over the course of 23.4 minutes, while appearing in 53 games (all as a starter).

Boston in the American Revolution

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:42:08 +0000

As one of America’s earliest settlements, the history of Boston is deeply rooted in that of our great nation. As a hotbed of unrest during the American Revolution, the city played a major role in both shaping our culture and securing our freedom. The home of outspoken revolutionaries, Continental Congressmen, Founding Fathers and tea party enthusiasts, Boston is a city rich in history and pride. Here is a look at some of the area’s legendary historical sites it would be almost treasonous to miss.

Paul Revere House While no one will warn Bostonians of your upcoming visit, Paul Revere’s midnight ride served as a notice to fellow Sons of Liberty John Hancock and Sam Adams the British were moving from Boston down to Lexington to seize Colonist weapons and arrest revolutionary leaders. The old Boston home of Paul Revere now operates as non-profit museum and provides invaluable insight into the life of the time period and the background of an American hero.
Old State House Constructed in 1713, the Old State House is the most senior surviving public building in the city of Boston. On July 18, 1776, just 2 weeks after it was signed and approved, the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed from the buildings balcony to the large crowd assembled outside. The artillery proceeded to fire their cannons 13 times to represent each united colony. Any signs and symbols of the British crown were quickly removed and eradicated from the edifice making it a purely American landmark.
Bunker Hill Monument The Battle of Bunker Hill, which took place on June 17, 1775, marks one of the most heroic stands in American military history. With ammunition supplies depleted, soldiers were ordered not to fire until they could see “the whites in their eyes” as Redcoats advanced from their downhill position. The 1,054 British casualties were the highest of any individual encounter in the war. Though the Americans were eventually forced to retreat, the stand still marked a considerable victory early in the Revolution.

Fenway Park

mrice — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:37:00 +0000

While the Japanese have Godzilla, Boston is home to its own “Green Monster,” predating even the release of the original black and white film. Standing 37 ft. and 2 inches high, the sky-reaching faade has stood guard to Landsdowne St. since Fenway Park was originally constructed in 1912. The left field shadow of the Green Monster has been home to some of the game’s most decorated players including Hall of Famers Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Rice, not to mention modern day big league all-stars Manny Ramirez, Jason Bay and Jacoby Ellsbury.Since the retirement of Tiger Stadium (Detroit, MI) in 1999, Fenway Park has been reigning as the single oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. Now one of only two remaining classic parks, the other being Wrigley Field in Chicago, the old structure is both plagued and graced by (depending on your seat location) engineering oddities one would only find in an outdated venue, such as obstructed view seating behind pillars and support rails. While the Green Monster might be its most famous feature, the home of the Red Sox is filled quirky anecdotes canonized in baseball legend and has served as the backdrop for some of the sport’s most iconic moments. The “triangle,” located in right-centerfield, takes long fly balls on a 420 foot journey before they clear the warning track, one of the deepest points in any baseball park. Down the right field line sits “Pesky’s pole,” the foul pole that represents the shortest right field porch in Major League Baseball, a mere 302 feet from home plate. The pole takes its name from former Red Sox player Johnny Pesky, a bloop-hitting second baseman who benefitted from the easy to reach fence in right in one of his rare game winning home runs. The other foul pole takes its name from Carlton Fisk, still seen in classic replays of Game 6 of the 1975 World Series, animatedly willing his long ball to stay fair down the left field line.The 2012 season will mark the Red Sox 100^th year in the friendly confines of Fenway Park, and with no relocation plan in sight, fans and tourists alike should continue to enjoy one of baseball’s most historic landmarks for years to come.

Best Irish Pubs in Boston

mrice — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:28:47 +0000

Dating back to the Great Potato Famine, Boston has long been the landing place for Irish settlers looking to make a home in the New World. To see evidence of Boston’s Irish influence, look no further than the clovers and Celtic crosses that frequent the area buildings, logos and street corners not just on St. Patrick’s day, but year round. Constituting over 15 of Boston’s population, people claiming Irish descent are the largest ethnic group in the city, almost twice the size of those with Italian heritage at just over 8. For a taste of Irish food and flair, Boston is graced by some of the nation’s most authentic Irish pubs. Here’s a look at a few that thirsty travelers would be advised to stop by.

Brendan Behan Pub Perhaps the closest thing in the city to what you might find on the other side of the pond. The Brendan Behan Pub is a 4 time winner of Interview Magazine’s “Best irish Pub in Boston award”. Sticking true to old Ireland tradition, the Behan lacks the amenities most bar hoppers have come to expect, such as TV’s, pinball machines and electronic games. For entertainment, Patrons often enjoy live music with an original Irish sound.
Corrib Pub Named after Lough (Lake) Corrib in West Galway, Ireland, due to the Brighton neighborhood’s largely West Ireland heritage, Corrib Pub now has many locations throughout the Boston area, with the original Brighton location still reigning supreme. From its humble roots as a blue collar bar, the pub has expanded to house luxuries and amenities you might expect from a more modern watering hole, complete with TVs, function rooms, a private bar and full dining menu.
McGann’s The sister bar of McGann’s Pub in Doolin, Ireland, this Boston-based bar in only a walk away from the TD Garden, making it a favorite before and after game spot for Bruins and Celtics fans alike. Decorated much like the pub in the mother country, with antique lanterns and framed Celtic artwork, patrons enjoy the same authentically Irish atmosphere without trans-Atlantic commute.