Boston MA

A healthy new year

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Rensselaer Lake

Often when one thinks of new year’s resolutions, a common resolution that comes to mind is to exercise more, get fit, or lose weight. In the spirit of starting as you mean to go on- why not get outdoors on New Year’s Day?

Most states offer First Day Hikes in state parks- the perfect way to get out for a stroll and enjoy your local park. A number of them include seasonal refreshments (hot cocoa, warm apple cider or snacks). If you’re in Massachusetts, the flyer from the Department of Conservation and Recreation is here; New Yorkers, check out the info on the New York State Parks website here.

And if you’re in the Boston area and prefer to add time on the water to your hike this year, the Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands are having their annual Seafarers’ Cruise on Sunday – this year the trip is going to Thompson Island (don’t worry, the boat is heated).

Things to do in Boston…

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A co-worker was heading to Boston for a weekend a while ago and asked for my recommendations for things to do. This is what I came up with…

chiarraigrrl's avatarNotes from the journey...

For simplicity for visitors arriving for a few days, I recommend getting seven-day LinkPasses for the T- it’s $19 for unlimited travel on subway and local bus services, and makes it much easier to go through the turnstiles than buying a ticket each time you go. Info on passes is here: http://mbta.com/fares_and_passes/passes/. You can buy passes from the machines at any T station. If you really need a cab, I strongly recommend Boston Metro Cab (and they didn’t even pay me anything)- http://boston-cab.com/

Boston Harbor Cruises and the whale watches go from Long Wharf: http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/ (historic sightseeing cruises are here: http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/boston-harbor-cruises/historic-boston-tour/schedule-rates/)

Everyone forgets about the Harbor Islands, which are a wonderful day out and have something for everyone, from historic forts to good hiking trails and activities for all ages. Info on the Boston Harbor Islands National Park area (and ferries out to the islands) is here: http://bostonharborislands.org/

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Time on the water in Boston- Georges Island, in Boston Harbor National Recreational Area

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Boston cityscape from Georges Island

The ferry to Georges Island, one of the thirty-plus Boston Harbor islands, only takes about 45 minutes from Long Wharf, but it could easily be a world away. The ferry itself is a treat- as you watch the skyline of Boston recede, the sea breeze will give you respite from the summer’s heat. As you look out across the harbor, you’ll see the other harbor islands dotting the horizon, and each of them has their own unique and interesting story. You’ll pass Castle Island, which has been the site of a fortification since 1634, and Logan Airport on the opposite side of the harbor. You’ll also pass Spectacle Island, which has been used for a variety of purposes over the years, and currently boasts beautiful walking trails (with spectacular views of the city), picnicking areas, swimming facilities and a weekly clambake on Thursday evenings during the summer. Georges Island hosts Wednesday evening barbecues during the summer months. Continue reading →