BOSTON COMMON AND PUBLIC GARDENS
You don’t have to venture out to the New England countryside to
enjoy natural brilliance, just head to the Boston Common and roam
among the majestic trees. Bounded by Charles, Beacon, Arlington,
Back Bay and Boylston Streets, it is impossible not to stumble upon
the Common. Each tree species leaves change color at a diff erent time
(starting with Japanese maples) so there is a continuous spectacle of
color to enjoy.
COLUMBUS DAY PARADE
Originally settled in 1630, Boston is one of America’s oldest cities
and really knows how to celebrate its interesting history. This year,
the parade will march through Boston’s North End neighborhood
(it goes through East Boston in even-numbered years to spread
the love) to honor the heritage and contributions of Italians to the
American story. The annual event attracts more locals than tourists,
so you are bound to see some authentic Boston faces — and hear
some strong accents — in the parade crowds along the route. Brass
bands, military units and even bagpipes traditionally perform in the
parade. Always scheduled the Sunday before the holiday (this year:
Oct. 8), the Columbus Day Parade has been a beloved Boston tradition
since the fi rst one in 1937. After two hours cheering on the sidelines,
the temptation of the North End Italian restaurants and bakeries on
Hanover or Salem Streets will surely beckon. Mike’s Pastry and Modern
Pastry are the most famous, and the locals debate for hours which is
THE BEST. Cannoli anyone?
countless graveyards (there are 26 cemeteries in the city designated
as historic sites), spinning gristly tales of murder (the Boston Strangler
is far from the only killer to prowl these streets), watery deaths in the
Harbor or spectral tenants dwelling in downtown hotels. There are a
number of tours to choose from, either by bus, on foot or by Old Town
Trolley Tour, guided by a 17th Century Gravedigger.
HEAD OF THE CHARLES REGATTA
Cutting through the center of the city, the Charles River has long
been the lifeblood of Boston, and the 80-mile river stretches through
23 Massachusetts towns before reaching the Atlantic. Named after
King Charles I and traditionally used for transportation, the river now
features Duck Tours, kayaks, sail boats, paddle boards, and the annual
Head of The Charles Regatta, held this year from Oct. 21-22. Since
1965, spectators have fl ooded the banks of the Charles to watch the
three-mile boat race from Boston University’s DeWolfe Boathouse to
the Eliot Bridge by the Artesani Playground in Brighton. Race events
start at 15-second intervals so there’s always some kind of action on
the water, plus plenty of boat builders, fi tness expos and food options
nearby on the banks and bridges.
FENWAY PARK TOUR
You don’t have to root for the Boston Red Sox to appreciate a Fenway
Park Tour. You don’t even have to like baseball. Located on Yawkey
BOSTON GHOST TOUR
It doesn’t have to be Halloween to get a solid haunting in Boston.
With the city’s history dating back 387 years, that’s plenty of time for
scary stories to grow and there’s no better way to experience them
than a ghost tour. As you venture into colonial Boston’s dark side,
generations of the dead seem to rise again. Tours venture into Boston’s
Head of The Charles Regatta
Credit: Scott Woolwine
Boston Commons
Credit: Kyle Klein
GETTING THER