If you are looking for a great day trip in Boston, consider visiting one of the Harbor Islands! In all, there are about 11 islands that you can visit by taking a Harbor Express ferry. We chose Georges Island - a National Historic Landmark. The island is dominated by Fort Warren, which was used as a prison for captured Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. It is said to be inhabited by "The Lady in Black," the ghost of a prisoner's wife - but luckily, there weren't any sightings by our family. After one hundred years of military use the fort was decommissioned in 1947 and acquired by the Metropolitan District Commission for historic preservation and recreation in 1958.
The boat ride was only 45 minutes from Boston Long Wharf. We had plenty of time to explore the old fort, climbing spiral granite staircases, viewing old prisons, etc. There is also plenty of green space for tossing a frisbee, taking a walk or haveing a family picnic. The Boston skyline made a great background. To plan your trip, consult the park ferry schedule.
We returned to Long Wharf around 4:00 PM - plenty of time for a stroll through Faneuil Hall Marketplace- one of America's most famous shopping and dining experiences. There are three large beautifully restored 19th century buildings filled with ethnic foods, specialty shops and street performers! We stopped to watch a magician's show.
After so much walking, we were ready to sit for a bit, so we ate at Durgin-Park restaurant. This is a restaurant that you have to visit at least once in your life - the origin of Durgin-Park goes back to Revolutionary days. Some of their specialties include clam chowder, corn bread, Boston baked beans, Yankee pot roast and Indian pudding.
By Jeff Smith, President/CEO of WeGoPlaces Tourism
Boston tourism & sightseeing
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