Guest Hook Travel Guides Boston | Page 6

JIM & DEB'S BOSTON FAVORITES... TOP 1 TIP # Boston Pops in the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade A half million people sit on the banks of the Charles River every July 4th to attend an outdoor concert put on by the Boston Pops while watching a spectacular fireworks display. Be prepared for both hot and cold weather as it can change quickly and be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you may have to walk quite a distance. Public transportation is the best way to get there, don't even think about driving. Check the website for times as the gates open at different times every year. The best seat to see the fireworks is on the right side of the oval facing the stage. Or you can skip all the crowds and watch the fireworks from our houseboat. Sit on our upper deck with the views of the city and turn up the TV so you can hear the concert as the fireworks go off. Museum of Fine Arts One of the most comprehensive TOP 2 art museums of the world, the MFA TIP # has nearly 450,000 works of art. You can easliy spend a full day here and not see everything. The collections include Americas, Europe with works from Monet, Rembrandt, van Gogh, Renoir and many more. The Ancient World is also very popular and includes sculptures, jewelry, coffins and mummies. Further details can be found on the website. TOP 3 TIP # Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum The museum was built to resemble a 15th Century Venetian Palace and holds art collections from all around the world. This museum was very much in the news in 1990 when thieves dressed as Boston police officers gained entry and stole 13 works of art that have never been recovered. The museum is closed Tuesdays. Check out the website for more details. TOP 4 TIP # Swan Boats You know it's spring when the swan boats are in Boston Public Garden. These pontoon style boats with a large swan that conceals the paddle wheel of the operator have been part of Boston for 130 years. The boats operate from mid April to the third week in September and tour the Boston Public Garden. They're very inexpensive at only $3 for an adult, children 2-15 $1.50 and seniors $2.50. Further details c