Travel Diary: Boston

Everyone has cities they dream of frequenting someday, the places we're convinced hold the keys to unlocking our happiness. Once we get there, our lives are are going to change for the better. For me, that place has always been Boston, Massachusetts. Despite never stepping foot in the state, let alone the city itself, before, I have been obsessed with it, sure that it would be the perfect place for me.

At nineteen years old, I finally got the chance to visit, and I can truthfully say that it was, indeed, the perfect place for me. I mean, just look at that skyline?! It's absolutely breathtaking.

As soon as we climbed off the plane and checked into our hotel, we took off, full force, to go sightseeing. Our first stop: the Public Garden and Boston Common.

For those of you who have been to New York City, the Public Garden will remind you a lot of Central Park, just on a much smaller scale. Basically, it's a huge grassy area, filled with huge trees, nestled into a few blocks between skyscrapers. If you love to people watch, this is the place for you. You'll see all walks of life, from teenagers on first dates to women strolling on their lunch breaks to families on vacation, so I highly recommend it.

As for me, my favorite part was this cute little lake with the swan boats. Apparently, they began in 1877, and the tradition is still going strong. Some of these boats are even from 1910, so you're literally riding history if you hop on!

After you've crossed over the bridge, it only takes mere steps to arrive at another historical part of town: Boston Common. Featuring a fountain to swim in (called the Frog Pond), a cute park, and a carousel, this area is the perfect place to have a picnic or throw a frisbee. We were even lucky enough to stumble upon a collegiate band performing, making the atmosphere even more upbeat and fun!

The most fascinating part of the experience doesn't come from the scenery, however. Just look at how old Boston Common is?! 1634?! It's insane to think how many people have walked the same ground before you while you're moseying along.

From Boston Common, you have a great view of the Massachusetts State House, which was built on land John Hancock once owned. Just down the street, John Hancock, Paul Revere, Ben Franklin's parents, and the victims of the Boston Massacre are buried. You really feel like you're walking the pages of a history book.

Although I didn't get a picture that did them justice, across the street from Boston Common is lined with insanely beautiful homes. They're all old-style brick with big white pillars and many with vines growing up the sides. Basically, I'm trying to say that I'd take any one of them and be completely satisfied for the rest of my life. If any of you share my dream of living on Beacon Hill, it's our lucky day: there's one for sale! At a price of $17 million, this home truly is jaw dropping. Be sure to message me if you're interested in splitting the cost - Ha!

Besides just being rich with history, Boston has an incredible selection of colleges as well. For any of you putting together lists of schools to tour, be sure to include MIT and Harvard. My family loves to wander campuses when we visit different states, and with such gems in the Boston area, we couldn't possibly pass up the opportunity. As a bonus, to head back downtown, you can walk across the Harvard bridge for the best view of the skyline you'll ever see. No other words can describe the sight but truly breathtaking.

It was honestly hard not to feel inferior to inspired high schoolers who could be wearing Harvard or MIT apparel for real in the future. Plus, you know a school is impressive when their t-shirts brag about intelligence in true Boston fashion. They are "Wicked Smaaht" after all. To make myself feel a little better, I'll stick to the words of Elle Woods and believe I could have gotten in.

For those of you who do venture over to Mark Zuckerberg's alma mater, be sure to stop by his favorite pizza place: Pinnochio. Supposedly, it's the only reason he'd ever return to the campus, and judging by the line when we tried to get a slice, everyone else agrees.

Despite loving the history and educational appeal, the skyscrapers still stole my heart during the trip. I'm sure this same idea will be repeated over and over and over for as long as I live, but I'm entirely obsessed with the beauty they provide. Naturally, that meant I took about five million photos as we walked around the street.

(do you recognize the tan building above? if not, think twin boys who live in a hotel....did that help? this is the building used as the tipton in the suite life of zack and cody!! talk about a throwback, but still suite, right??)

As for things to add to your itinerary if you ever make your way to Boston, I would highly recommend a Duck Boat tour. I've seen them on nearly every vacation I've ever been on but always dismiss them. This time around, we decided to take a chance and absolutely loved it! Not only do you get to see the sights and learn fun facts, but you get to float along in the harbor! Trust me, it's worth it for views like this.

I would also recommend swinging by the Boston Public Library. Though I am biased with my love for literature, the architecture is amazing, as is the atmosphere. Seriously, can you even imagine studying here? (although i'd really struggle because it has a complete silence policy)

If any of you love scary stories, you must check out Ghosts and Graveyards. It's a night bus tour that takes you to all the cemeteries, telling creepy tales the entire time. My little brother went (alone because i'm a chicken) and adored it.

For those of you like me who will opt out of the night tour, I have an even better suggestion. Walk by the wharf in the dark. Just like I said in my Travel Diary: Chicago post, skylines are even more beautiful at night. I hope these pictures prove my point.

As my dad always says, you can eat to live or you can live to eat. I, my friends, live to eat, so what kind of a Travel Diary would this be if I didn't include some food recommendations?

Flour Bakery + Cafe, the first place I have to suggest, is the perfect way to begin a day or an afternoon. Cutely decorated and full of delicious options, it will have something for everyone in an entourage. If you want to follow in my footsteps, be sure to try to the sticky bun! It's to die for. Luckily, it is a chain, so you can find them in multiple locations throughout the city.

My second suggestion isn't one specific restaurant, but rather an array of them. Boston's North End is a predominantly Italian neighborhood, producing a multitude of places to eat authentic pizza and pastas. Literally, you can just walk down the streets and pick any option. You can't go wrong. I even had my first cannoli, and I promise that it won't be my last.

One of my travel diaries also wouldn't be complete without discussing where I shopped. Hands down, you have to walk down Newbury Street. Filled with a combination of high end luxury stores and local boutiques, if you can't find a piece you're looking for here, you might as well give up, but be sure to allot enough time. It may seem like it will only take a couple hours, but soon it'll be five hours and you're only half-way down the block. Not speaking from personal experience or anything.....

So, I can officially say that I've been to the city of my dreams, and I have reached a final verdict: I love it. It sincerely might be my favorite town in the United States, one I hope I get to live in one day, even if for only a short time. If you ever get the chance, please book your plane ticket. Boston is even better than you could ever imagine.

thanks for traveling with me. i'm already looking forward to our next trip

xoxo madison

p.s. be on the lookout for the travel diary about the rest of my vacation coming next week! you might want to subscribe so you don't miss out!!

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