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Boston might be known for its beans, but the New England cuisine expands far beyond that. We had decadent lobster dishes for almost every meal. There is no shortage of restaurants in Boston. I made this list of five different establishments that range from historic to modern. Whatever you are craving, you will find it in Boston. Enjoy and have some clam chowder for me!
1. The Union Oyster House
Of course, we have to start with America’s oldest restaurant. The Union Oyster House is located near the North End of Boston and serves seafood, steaks and more with a New England flair. The restaurant is surrounded by cobblestone sidewalks and other historic buildings. In fact, the Green Dragon Tavern is right next door. The Green Dragon Tavern holds the designation as America’s oldest bar.
Make your reservation now on Open Table.
Read over 3,000 reviews about the Union Oyster House on YELP or view their website HERE.
2. Caffe Paradisio
Known for their espresso and pastries, Caffee Paradisio is a great spot on the North End. The restaurant is just around the corner from The Paul Revere House and the Old North Church. You can get your boost at Caffee Paradisio for the rest of your Freedom Trail tour.
Check out Caffe Paradisio on YELP or view their website HERE.
3. Ristorante Villa Francesca
Just around the corner from Caffee Paradisio is Restaurante Villa Francesca. I opted for a steak because I was on vacation and why not? Paired with our wine, it was to die for.
Make your reservations on Open Table now!
Before leaving, I had to try my first cannoli. It was overflowing with chocolate chips and we all dove into it!
See the menu, hours and more HERE.
4. Porto
Located inside Prudential Center, Porto has an inside seating area along with a patio. We sat on the patio in November and were plenty warm. Porto has a unique menu. If you are into trying new things, this is the spot for you!
Visit their website HERE to make reservations.
Check out Porto on YELP!
5. Summer Shack
Summer Shack was located across the street from our hotel, the Sheraton Boston Hotel. The restaurant and bar reminded me of somewhere much more tropical than metropolitan Boston.
We went to Summer Shack four times on our trip. Each time, we ordered fruity cocktails and the lobster pot stickers because we could not get enough of them.
Make your reservations now on the Summer Shack website.
See over 1,000 reviews of Summer Shack on YELP!
Book Your Trip Now
These five spots were my favorite restaurants in Boston. Please comment and share if you tried them for yourself.
Craving more? Check out 5 unique bars in Boston to drink at.
I am always open to recommendations. Let me know your favorite bars and restaurants in Boston!
Planning A Trip To Boston?
There is so much to see and do in Boston. Be sure to check out the complete guide for what to do in Boston.
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I do not know about you, but after walking the Freedom Trail, it is time for a drink! Throughout our time in Boston, we spent many afternoons at the hotel bar drinking martinis and putting our feet up. It was also important that we explore local watering holes around the city. There are a variety of spots in Boston from historic taverns to modern breweries. This list is five of my favorite bars in Boston. Enjoy and have a drink for me!
1. Green Dragon Tavern
You walk into the Green Dragon Tavern and you walk into the eighteenth century. Paul Revere is belly up at the bar and John Hancock is in the corner sipping from an ale. No really, those are two claimed customers. This joint has a historic past and honors its roots while still welcoming the present.
Visit Green Dragon Tavern’s website HERE.
Check out the Green Dragon Tavern on YELP!
2. Beantown Pub
“The only place you can drink a cold Samuel Adams while looking at a cold Samuel Adams.”
– Beantown Pub
They are explicitly marketing their bar is the only one that looks over Granary Burying Ground, one of the sixteen landmarks on the Freedom Trail. Beantown Pub is also near Boston Common, Park Street Church, and King’s Chapel.
Beantown Pub is located in the middle of the Historic Boston so you can stop for a cold one in between tours or after a long day of walking.
Check out the Beantown Pub on YELP or view their website HERE.
3. Cheers
Probably one of the most recognizable bars in Boston, the Bull and Finch pub is best known as Cheers. Visiting Cheers was an obvious must-see on my Boston trip. When I saw the Cheers sign and those white awnings, I may have sprinted to the bar.
The staircase down to the bar looked identical to the show. The bar downstairs is fairly basic and was full when we visited. There is also the recreated bar from the show which was full when we visited.
Even though I wanted to have a beer in Norm’s spot at the bar, I was glad I was able to see the bar from the outside. Not to mention the bar is right around the corner from Boston Common and the Massachusetts State House, both of which are part of the Freedom Trail.
Check out Cheers on YELP or view their website HERE.
4. MJ O’Conners
With two locations in the city, MJ O’Conners serves cold beer and American classics. We stopped in to have a drink after a conference. One location is directly across the street from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
Plan your trip and view their website HERE.
5. Cask’n Flagon
If you plan to see Fenway Park in Boston, you will see Cask’n Flagon next door. Serving bar food, you can have a beer and watch Red Sox fans pass by.
Check out Cask n’ Flagon on YELP or view their website HERE.
Craving more food? Check out all 5 amazing restaurants in Boston you must try.
Book Your Trip Now
There is so much to see and do in Boston. Be sure to check out the complete guide for what to do in Boston.
This list is only a few of the many bars in Boston. Please comment if you have visited any of these watering holes or share your favorite spots in the city.
Cheers!
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If Boston had a resume, it would say something along the lines of: Home of the Celtics and Red Sox. American Revolutionists. Cobblestone sidewalks. Lobster everywhere. My trip to Boston was jam packed with sights to see. The variety in what the city has to offer has me dying for a visit back. The food and drinks with New England flare is something you must try! There is no shortage of selection in where to stay and what to do.
When I was planning my trip, I became overwhelmed with everything there was to do. This list includes my favorite sights and experiences as well as the best restaurants and hotels I tried.
What to Do:
Explore the Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile stretch of history. With sixteen recognized landmarks, there are additional nuggets of history sprinkled in between. Some of the most notable landmarks include the Old South Meeting House, pictured below, where the Boston Tea Party was planned by American Revolutionists. One of my favorite sights on the Freedom Trail is the Old State House. The Old State House overlooks the Site of the Boston Massacre and housed many heated meetings as we fought against British reign.
You will also have many opportunities to honor Paul Revere by visiting his house, statue, and resting place. You can also visit the Old North Church, where lanterns were hung to signal the British invading.
In addition to meeting houses and churches, there are multiple burying grounds worth seeing on the Freedom Trail. The most famous if probably Granary Burying Ground where John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Samuel Adams are buried (pictured).
Seeing the decaying headstones is a stark reminder of our nation’s eighteenth century history.
Check out a complete guide to the Freedom Trail in Boston.
Take A Boat Ride On The Boston Harbor
Boston is very much a historic city with old, preserved buildings. The skyline, however, is a testament to its’ modern edge. On our boat tour, we were able to experience the Boston Harbor and take in the buildings that tower over it.
In addition to seeing the city, our tour traveled around a few of the surrounding islands.
See America’s Oldest Ballpark At Fenway Park
On the flight to Boston, I watched Fever Pitch with Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore. It was the perfect way to get excited about our tour of Fenway Park.
We visited Boston the week after the Red Sox won the World Series. As Dodger fans, we were bitter, but as baseball fans, we could not miss an opportunity to see the historic stadium.
The green monster has watched over a century of baseball. Because it was no longer baseball season, we were unable to watch a game. The tour was the next best thing and we were taken all around the stadium and in the broadcasting booth. We learned fun facts about the stadium and seats.
One of the downsides to not seeing a game at Fenway was experiencing the excitements on the streets on game day. I would have loved to see the streets filled with fans. There are surrounding pubs and sports bars that host fans that are worth checking out.
The Fever Pitch fangirl in me loved every moment of being at Fenway Park.
Tour The Prestigious Halls Of Harvard University
How do you get excited for your tour of Harvard University? For me, it was watching Legally Blonde on the flight. I could not wait to embrace my inner Elle Woods and walk the historic halls that have seen some of the world’s most famous alumni’s.
My tour was led by a student at the school. There a million reasons why I loved the student led tour. First of all, she was so excited and proud to share her school with this group of tourists. Not to mention, students have all that secret knowledge that you do not hear about.
I was able to see the Harvard Lampoon and Harvard Crimson headquarters. Those are the competing humor magazine and school newspaper, respectfully. Many notable names the entertainment industry got their start in those very buildings.
We then walked through the gates of Harvard under the famous VE RI TAS shield. The expansive halls and buildings surrounded us including The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library, donated by the namesake’s mother after he died on the Titanic.
Lehman Hall (pictured) was one of my favorite buildings due to the elaborate door and walkway. The red brick buildings never got old to look at and made me wish I enrolled back in college.
Want to know more? Read 3 reasons to tour the famous Harvard University.
Where to Eat:
Visiting Boston gave me a first glance into New England cuisine. One thing that I took advantage of and missed when I got home: there is lobster everywhere. We ate good, we drank good, and we went home with some new favorite dishes.
The Union Oyster House
Boston is home of many “America’s Oldest” designations. This one is no different. America’s oldest restaurant (or so they claim) is the Union Oyster House. Located just shy of the North End, the surrounding area is eighteenth century architecture.
You will get a glimpse into New England cuisine and can choose anything oyster, lobster or steak related.
Summer Shack
This restaurant transported you from downtown Boston into a tropical oasis. Summer Shack was located across the street from our hotel, the Sheraton Boston Hotel. The restaurant and bar reminded me of somewhere much more tropical than metropolitan Boston.
We went to this restaurant and bar four times on our trip. Each time, we ordered fruity cocktails and the Lobster pot stickers because we could not get enough of them.
Check out all 5 amazing restaurants in Boston you must try.
Where to Drink:
Cheers
I am the biggest Frasier geek. Visiting Cheers was an obvious must-see on my Boston trip. I was worried about visiting Cheers because I thought it might be disappointing if it looked different than on the show. I was not disappointed at all!
The staircase down to the bar looked identical to the show. The bar downstairs is fairly basic and was full when we visited. There is also the recreated bar from the show which was full when we visited. There is also a small giftshop with different mementos from the show. Even though I wanted to have a beer in Norm’s spot at the bar, I was glad I was able to see the bar from the outside. Not to mention the bar is right around the corner from Boston Common and the Massachusetts State House, both of which are part of the Freedom Trail.
Green Dragon Tavern
You walk into the Green Dragon Tavern and you walk into the eighteenth century. Paul Revere is belly up at the bar and John Hancock is in the corner sipping from an ale. No really, those are two claimed customers.
Visit Green Dragon Tavern’s website HERE.
Check out the Green Dragon Tavern on YELP!
Check out all 5 unique bars in Boston to drink at.
Where to Stay:
In Boston there is no shortage of places to stay. I made a list of the three hotels I interacted with during my stay in Boston to help with your search.
Omni Parker House
The Parker House, when pronounced by true Bostonians, is “The Pawkuh House”. Surrounded by landmarks on the Freedom Trail, the Parker House is located within walking distance to Granary Burying Grounds, King’s Chapel and Burying Ground, Boston Common, and so much more.
The Parker House, now managed by Omni Hotels, has a history as rich as its city. John F Kennedy spent time at this hotel, as did Bill Clinton. Rumor has it John Wilkes Booth Stayed here, too!
The Omni Parker House has an ideal location if you are in town and wanting to tour the Freedom Trail.
Check out the Omni Parker House on YELP and book your stay now!
Sheraton Boston Hotel
The Sheraton Boston Hotel is where we stayed in Boston. It was a unique experience because there were several hotels in the city that were on strike. Because most of the staff was on strike, we got to watch them picket outside of the valet. They were respectful about it and our stay was unimpacted by it.
We spent several of our afternoons at the hotel bar and became familiar with the bartenders. They took care of us and managed the crowd for the convention in town.
One of the coolest parts of this hotel is its connection to Prudential Center. This made it easy to go shopping, pick up coffee, and even cut across town.
Book your stay at Sheraton Boston Hotel today!
Boston Marriott Copley Place
Boston Marriott Copley Place was another host hotel for our conference in Boston. This expansive hotel is impressive for its Sky Bridge tunnel to Prudential Center. Centrally located downtown, you are minutes away from sightseeing.
Check out the Boston Marriott Copley Place on YELP and book your stay today!
Book Your Stay Now
Whether you are planning a trip to Boston or are just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite places. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family. Please comment if you have visited Boston and tell me how you liked it.
I am always open to recommendations. If you have any favorite spots in Boston please share them below!
Cheers!
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]]>Boston is a history buff’s dream. From the Tea Party to the massacre, there is no shortage of sites to see. The city is preserved so we can honor and take in our nation’s history. Watch your history book come to life as you begin to explore the cobblestone streets and sit at the gravesides of America’s founders. According to its official website, there are a total of 16 sites that line the historic Freedom Trail in Boston. What the website does not tell you is that there is so much more to experience between each of these bits of history.
Get your tennis shoes ready, because we are about to walk the 2.5 miles that makes up Boston’s Freedom Trail and see all 16 of the historic sites.
The Paul Revere House
Paul Revere is beloved in Boston. If you are anything like me, you might remember his name from history class but are not one hundred percent sure what he is famous for. A tour of the Freedom Trail in Boston will remind you of his role in history.
Book your tour of The Paul Revere House HERE.
Paul Revere rode horseback to deliver the news that the British troops were en route to invade. To commemorate his heroic acts, his home has been preserved as seen in the photo.
Read more about Paul Revere’s midnight ride and his historic home HERE.
The Old North Church and the Statue of Paul Revere are both near his home.
Old North Church / Statue of Paul Revere
The Old North Church pierces the sky with its white steeple. The church was made famous by Paul Revere when two lanterns were hung in the steeple to signal the British Troops were marching into town. In addition to its ties with Paul Revere, The Old North Church is also Boston’s oldest standing church. That is an honor for a city filled with so much preserved history and stories.
Read more about the Old North Church HERE.
In front of The Old North Church lives the Statue of Paul Revere. Revere is depicted in his colonial uniform riding horseback signifying his historic midnight ride.
Read more about the Statue of Paul Revere HERE.
Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
Copp’s Hill Burying Ground is a historic graveyard on the North End of Boston. The gravestones have been in the ground for so long you will be able to see the weathered stones that are slowly falling apart.
Though not many notable Americans are buried on these grounds, I found it interesting to see the burying grounds from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
One of my favorite parts of the Freedom Trail in Boston was the neighborhood surrounding this Burying Ground. Cobblestone walkways surround a neighborhood of quaint apartments.
Read more about Copp’s Hill Burying Ground HERE.
Boston Common
Boston Common is America’s oldest public park. Nestled in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, the Common sees tourists and locals every single day. The Common has seen much of Boston’s history throughout the colonial days of meetings and military trainings.
Boston Common has a view of the expansive Massachusetts State House as well as Park Street Church.
Nowadays, I imagine the Common looks much different than when we were trying to break free from British rule. There will be several tour groups in this park, but there are also pop-ups and other things put on by locals.
Read more about Boston Common HERE.
Massachusetts State House
Recognizable by its golden dome, the State House can be seen from Boston Common as well as other parts of the city.
One of my favorite parts of walking by the State House is that Cheers is right around the corner. Hello, two birds one stone.
Read more about the Massachusetts State House HERE.
Park Street Church
Park Street Church looks similar to The Old North Church but its story is much different. The Church sits next to Boston Common and has watched centuries of tourists and locals walk through its doors. In fact, the church still holds Sunday worships.
View Sunday service times HERE.
Park Street Church also sits next to Granary Burying Ground, the final resting place of some of America’s finest. I would argue that Park Street Church sits upon some of the most prime real estate in Boston getting to see old and new weave together as tourists visit and it continues to relive its past.
Read more about Park Street Church‘s history HERE.
Old Granary Burying Ground
This burying sight is like a seventeenth century walk of fame. Let’s talk about some of the famous men buried here. John Hancock’s famous signature was penned in dark ink on the Declaration of Independence. The obelisk tombstone for John Hancock is erect over the rest of the burying ground. In addition to this signer, Samuel Adams and Robert Treat Paine are the other Declaration of Independence signers to be buried in these grounds.
At this point of your tour, hopefully you have seen Paul Revere’s house and statue, and now you can see his resting place.
One misconception is the massive obelisk dawning the “FRANKLIN” name that draws your attention. This is the resting place of Benjamin Franklin’s parents. The creator of the bifocals is actually buried elsewhere.
One thing that was on my Boston Bucket List that I did not have a chance to do was a Ghost Tour. Old Granary Burying Grounds would have been a blast to do an after hours tour of the supernatural. For more information, check out tour options HERE.
Read more about Old Granary Burying Ground‘s history HERE.
King’s Chapel
King’s Chapel has a different appearance than the other architecture seen on the Freedom Trail in Boston. King’s Chapel has quite the resume including church and crypt. The chapel has a history operating as one of Boston’s famous churches, but what makes this landmark unique is its other uses.
There are twenty-one brick tombs underneath this dark structure. The tombs were owned mostly by wealthy members of the congregation and allowed for a different burying experience considering the overcrowding at surrounding burying grounds. Sadly, the crypt has been sealed up and are not available to be toured. We will just have to use our imagination what kind of world exists below these walls.
There is also King’s Chapel Burying Grounds next-door.
Plan your tour of King’s Chapel HERE!
Boston Latin School Site / Benjamin Franklin Statue
You are walking along your tour of the Freedom Trail in Boston and your feet stop at a brick lined mosaic (pictured).
It says:
“School Street – Boston – Site of the Oldest Public School In The United States – Founded 1635. Latin School.“
You have stumbled along the site of the Boston Latin School. The first school in America and now the oldest. Even though the school is still operating today, it is no longer in this original location.
I know you are dying to know, is this where Ben Franklin went to school? Yes, yes it is. Ben Franklin attended the oldest public school in America as did John Hancock and Samuel Adams. I can only wonder what kind of trouble those men got into when they were boys. They did like to rebel against authority… to our benefit.
Benjamin Franklin helped invent so many necessities in our lives (thank you electricity!). The Statue of Ben Franklin lives outside of the Old City Hall building. Ben Franklin is one of the most famous students of the Boston Latin School which first opened here, so it only makes sense he gets to greet visitors.
View more about Benjamin Franklin’s Statue HERE.
Bonus Sighting: Old City Hall
Though it is not technically a recognized landmark on the Freedom Trail in Boston, you will also see the Old City Hall building.
After the Boston Latin School moved and Benjamin Franklin dropped out, the building became City Hall where it served the city and its civil servants. The building now wears gold letters labeling it Old City Hall.
The building has been redesigned for commercial use and sees different tenants. The courtyard, however, still sees several tourists as its history is as rich as the tea we dumped into the harbor.
To view more of the history about the Old City Hall building, click here.
Site of the Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was my biggest memory insecurity when I travelled to Boston. I remembered hearing about it, but I could not tell you anything about what happened that fateful day in Boston.
In short, gunfire erupted and five men were killed in this massacre. One one hand, I wonder would this be considered a massacre in today’s media? Nonetheless, it was painted as a bloody massacre and got everyone fired up against the British Troops.
To read more about the Boston Massacre, click here.
The Site of the Boston Massacre is located outside of The Old State House. The area is now like a public town square so I can only imagine how different it must have looked in 1770 when gunfire was in the air.
The cobblestone circle lined in gold lettering commemorates where those five men lost their lives. I liked the simplicity of the memorial and marking the location so visitors can imagine the scene for themselves.
To read more about the Site of the Boston Massacre, click here.
The Old State House
This historic building had a front row seat to the 1770 Boston Massacre and is a famous landmark on the Freedom Trail in Boston. The Old State House stands tall with a balcony, clock, and steeple.
The Old State House is yet another meeting place our founding fathers met during the tensions against the King and Britain. Documenting this period of time are the lion and unicorn looking down from the rooftop.
Later on in our quest for freedom, the Declaration of Independence was first read from the balcony pictured.
Read more about the history of The Old State House HERE.
Tours of The Old State House are available. See the history for yourself and book your tour HERE.
Faneuil Hall
Relatively next to The Old State House and the Site of the Boston Massacre sits Faneuil Hall. It was at this meeting place where “no taxation without representation” was first brought up.
Faneuil Hall and The Old State House were used to meet about revolutionary business and many hot debates ensued. Oh to be a fly on the wall.
Faneuil Hall now has a marketplace next-door with the same name. The area has become like a town square and I could not help but think what it looked like when Samuel Adams stormed in and out of these doors.
To learn more about the history of Faneuil Hall, click here.
Bonus Sight: Samuel Adams Statue
I might embarrass myself here. Before going to Boston, all I knew about Samuel Adams was the beer company. Upon my multiple stops along the Freedom Trail in Boston, I quickly learned that he is more than an IPA or Brown Ale.
Samuel Adams is one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Most of my tour guides made him out to be the rebel of the group, though I am not sure how proven that is. I like to think if he has a beer company named after him, then he was a pretty cool dude.
Nonetheless, Samuel Adams stands in front of Faneuil Hall with his arms crossed.
Read more about Samuel Adams’ Statue HERE.
Old South Meeting House
The Boston Tea Party. It sounds like a fancy soiree with the Queen but it was far from that! The future Americans had enough of British taxation so they planned their revenge… in this very meeting house. It was here where history was made and it was decided. They would dump the tea into the harbor as a statement to the British. Considering this took place in 1773 and our freedom from England came in 1776, this was a pivotal moment in history.
The Old South Meeting House is now a museum where you can visit the meeting house. You can put yourself in their shoes and plan the Boston Tea Party!
Click here to read more about the Boston Tea Party.
Plan your tour of The Old South Meeting House HERE.
Bunker Hill Monument
This monument is a granite obelisk in the Charlestown area of Boston. It commemorates the site where the Battle of Bunker Hill took place. This was yet another battle of the American Revolutionists against the British. The Battle of Bunker Hill took place a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed.
This view reminds me of the Washington Monument in Washington DC. Both monuments help signify the start to our newfound freedom and the cities that helped make it happen.
Read more about The Battle at Bunker Hill HERE.
Click here to learn more about the Bunker Hill Monument.
Old Corner Bookstore
Though I was able to see almost everything while in Boston, I was unable to see The Old Corner Bookstore. As a book lover, I should have gone to see this historic sight. Though it is now Boston’s oldest commercial building (and was recently a Chipotle), it is on the Freedom Trail for its literature history.
Read more about The Old Corner Bookstore HERE.
USS Constitution
This ship is America’s oldest commissioned warship that is still in the water. It saw battles against the British and still sits in the harbor.
I did not have a chance to visit the USS Constitution as part of my Boston trip. It is a beautiful symbol of earlier times if you are able to visit it.
Plan your tour of the USS Constitution HERE.
Plan Your Trip Now
Whether you are planning a trip or just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite places. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family. Please comment if you have visited the Freedom Trail in Boston and tell me how you liked it.
Looking for more? Check out this complete guide for what to do in Boston.
I am always open to recommendations. If you have any favorite spots in Boston, please share them below!
Cheers!
The post A Complete Guide to the Freedom Trail in Boston appeared first on The Lemon Drop Chronicles.
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]]>Have you always wondered what Harvard University must be like with its rich history and prestige? Visiting this ivy league campus absolutely blew me away. Hands down, this was my favorite place to visit in Boston. This post outlines the three reasons you should visit Harvard University. Also included are fun facts I learned on my tour. Enjoy!
1. Experience A Part Of Our Nation’s History
Harvard University is a prestigious ivy league school. What else do you know about this landmark? Did you know that eight of our forty-six presidents have graduated from Harvard? As recent as Barack Obama and as historic as John Adams, some of our most prominent political leaders boast degrees from this historic college. Named after John Adams, the Adams House (pictured below) provides undergraduate housing on campus.
The library at Harvard, pictured below, is the oldest library system in the United States. This library was named after Harry Widener, who died in the Titanic. Wildener loved reading and upon his death, his mother partnered with Harvard University to honor her son. The library is engraved with “The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library”.
2. Learn Facts You Never Knew About Harvard University
On my tour at Harvard, I heard many humorous stories about the university. My favorite story included the rivalry between two of the schools’ newspapers: the Harvard Crimson and the Harvard Lampoon. The Crimson, pictured below, had notable editors such as President John F. Kennedy and President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
On the other hand, notable members of the Harvard Lampoon include Conan O’Brien and William Randolph Hearst. The two comedy clubs have had an ongoing rivalry for decades. One of the most recent pranks between the two competitors targeted then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. Editors from the Lampoon stole the Crimson president’s chair (an act that has gone on for decades) and posed as Crimson staff to Trump and his team. The group posted a photo with Trump, with his endorsement from the Harvard Crimson. Little did anyone know, it was all a prank! The amount of time and effort that went into that prank alone shows why this rivalry has withstood decades.
John Harvard’s Statue Lies
The statue, below, is of John Harvard. The statue is historic to the university and has a seal on the side that says “John Harvard, Founder, 1638”. As I learned on my tour, this statue contains three lies.
- For starters, this is a statue of John Harvard, however, the sculptor had no way of knowing what Harvard looked like at the time. At this point, all photos of Harvard had been lost. This statue is based on the sculptor’s vision of what Harvard would have looked like.
- John Harvard was not the founder of the university. John Harvard can be considered a founder because he bequeathed part of his fortune to the university, though he is not the sole founder.
- The third lie is the year 1638, as the university was actually founded in 1636.
3. Experience Breathtaking Architecture
Harvard was one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. The cobblestone walkways, the granite buildings and blooming trees made this tour one I will never forget.
The above photo shows the Sever Hall building located in Harvard Yard. The below photo shows Lehman Hall, also located in the Harvard Yard. The New England architecture incorporates so much character to this university and its campus.
Harvard University is an open campus so you can tour for free at your leisure. I recommend taking a student lead tour. The students are very passionate about sharing the school’s history as well as tell you quirky stories about the school you may not learn otherwise.
Book Your Trip Now
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this campus is approximately twenty minutes away from Downtown Boston. You can tour the campus for free on your own, or through the school.
Book your tour of Harvard University now.
Whether you are planning a trip to Boston or are just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite places. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family. Please comment if you have toured Harvard University and tell me how you liked it.
Looking for more? Check out the complete guide to the Freedom Trail in Boston.
I am always open to recommendations. If you have any favorite spots in Boston please share them below!
Cheers!
The post 3 Reasons To Tour The Famous Harvard University appeared first on The Lemon Drop Chronicles.
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