Boston: The Commons & Museum of Fine Arts

For our second day in Massachusetts, we took the metro to the Boston Commons for a full day of exploring the city. It was a gorgeous day to wander around, eat good food, and learn up on American history.

We picnicked in this park for lunch, it was lovely. :)

I love cute doors.

We walked (almost) the entirety of the Freedom Trail. I had walked it before on a previous trip to Boston, and I just love how it weaves you through the city.

The Old North Church, where Paul Revere hung his famous lanterns. Although it should be noted this is not the original church, it was rebuilt since then.

I can't help but love the old cemeteries dating back into the 1700's, they're just so full of history.

The Charles River, marina, and the Bunker Hill Monument.

We ended up back where we began, the Boston Commons & Public Gardens. I had one thing on my agenda for the day: ride the famous swan boats. We all agreed it sounded like fun, so we took a cruise around the pond in the gardens. It was cute and lovely all rolled into one. :)

This is where Mama and Papa Quack lived.. if you've read Make Way For Ducklings, that statement will make a lot more sense. :)

We spent probably an hour just relaxing in the garden and enjoying good company. It's nice to travel and adventure without a tight agenda. :)

Our last stop for the day was the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Taylor & I both enjoy art museums, but the admission price was pretty steep. However, we found out they offer free admission after 5 o'clock on Wednesdays, so off we went!

Chuck Close is one of the favorite artists!

.. and that was our wonderful day in Boston. :) We also had some delicious seafood for dinner before arriving back at our campground at a late hour. I lovelovelove this city. Boston is just the right mix of history, modern fun, great food and the ocean.

You can look at more of our adventures in Massachusetts like: Boston Harbor Islands & Gloucester Whale-Watching

Boston Harbor Islands

This is the sweet (and relatively short) story of how four friends went on their first camping trip together to Massachusetts. The city of Boston, to be specific. It's a miracle they agreed to go across state lines with me, considering I couldn't even given them correct directions to my house. ;) However, we had a smashing good time and I believe everyone would say it was one of the highlights of the summer! We camped outside the city (I'll elaborate more later) and used the T (Boston's train system) to get into the city every day. Our first day was beautiful and we headed out to the Boston Harbor Islands by boat.

Spectacle Island is known for its sea glass, and we enjoyed searching for it on the beach. I found a few pieces I really liked. :)

Although it wasn't so nice on my toes. ;)

The Boston skyline was almost always in view from the beach, it was lovely. :)

We took another boat ride to George's Island, home of Fort Warren. It was built in the 1800's and a good percentage of it is open for exploring. I don't know about you, but I love walking through old forts!

The fort was full of stairways. We went up & down many times, sometimes finding a dead end, but on occasion we found open rooms. :)

Unsafe regions (above) were closed off, which is a bummer, but we enjoyed exploring where we could.

This is Graves Lighthouse, it sits at the entrance to the harbor out on the rocks. Interestingly enough, a local family recently bought the lighthouse and is working on repairing it. How cool is that?

Doorways into doorways into doorways..

This is part of the old stove in the kitchen area, the stove was made in Boston in the 1800's!

I earned my junior ranger badge for the park..at the age of 20.

Spending the day on the islands was great, and as a bonus we got a great boat ride back & forth from the city!

Mike & I enjoying the sunset ride... :)

...Taylor & Andrew enjoyed it too. :)

If you're ever in Boston and want to get out of the city for a bit, I highly suggest the Harbor Islands! There are numerous fun islands to choice from, each featuring something unique to do. If we ever go back, we'll definitely spend a night camping on one of them. :)

Check out more of our adventures in Massachusetts with: Inner-city Boston & Gloucester Whale-Watching !