Boston, this tour doable?

[tedjazz]

OK, the DW and I will be in Boston in early October on the charred Star Princess, she'll be better than new by then. We will be in port from 8am to 5pm, 9 hours. We would like to do two things very badly, not vey badly, just really would like to do these things, but want to know if anyone has any idea if time will allow both. We are looking at JFK library, I think it is south of where our ship docks and we also would like to walk the Freedom Trail and I think that is north of where we dock. There is two different tours from Princess that we could take, but I prefer to do an independent tour if possible, so is there anyone out there who might have tried this and if so please pass along some advice. Thanks.

[Nitemare]

Should take no more than 30 minutes to get from the terminal to the JFK library, and probably quicker. You can, of course, spend as much or as little time there as you like.

 

Similarly, the Freedom Trail is a 15 minute ride from the pier (could be 10 minutes, could be 45 if it's during a traffic time, but if you wait until after 10AM, both the Trail and JFK libraries should be relatively traffic free in terms of getting there). And the Freedom trail is definitely a "do whatever you want" type of attraction.

 

I see no need to take a ship's tour to either of these sites. You can cab it to JFK, and there will be cabs there to get you back, and tons of taxis near the Freedom Trail (concentrate on the North End and Faneuil Hall area instead of Charlestown, unless you really want to see the Bunker Hill Monument and Old Ironsides), with mucho shopping, dining, and history available.

 

You won't become an expert on either subject, but you will get a good flavor for them both.

[tedjazz]

That helps, I had forgot about traffic. Since I have never been to Boston I was imagining the traffic going south to JKF Library would not be that bad, but like I said I've never been there. Your info is very helpful. Really looking forward to this adventure.

[Madeline815]

Easy to do, as long as you enjoy a good walk!!

 

I would take a cab from the Black Falcon cruise ship dock to the JFK Museum. The driver will know how to go the back way through South Boston and Dorchester and can get you there in 15 minutes. I would visit the Library first. Then, you can get a free shuttle bus from the Library to the Red Line subway - JFK/UMass stop.

 

Take the Red Line Inbound about 3 stops, a 6 or 7 minute ride, right into Park Street Station and voila!! you are at the tourist information booth on the Boston Common and the start of the Freedom Trail. You can then walk it. The point of interest on the Trail the furthest away is the USS Constitution. Make that your last stop and then treat yourself to a cab back to the ship. Again, 10 minute ride unless there is a major traffic disaster. Loads of information on the Museum and the Freedom Trail online -- and plenty of good guidebooks that you can use as you walk along the Trail, sort of a look and read. Or, you can visit the Freedom Trail Foundation and find out about their escorted trips with guides, or the National Park Service and their guided talks.

 

Have fun!!

[tedjazz]

Madeline,

We really appreciate the info you provided. It will help us a great deal. It sort of makes some sense now and like I say these two things were really tops on our list of things to do on this cruise. We just love history and there is such an abundance of it, especially early American History, in that part of the country. If you think of anything else, please pass it along. Thanks again.

[tedjazz]

The DW pointed out that JFK was not Early American History, well maybe to the kids in High School and Jr. High School these days he might be considered an early American Icon. To most kids today, anything before Play Station came along is early American History. Sorry, just needed to clarify that.

[Madeline815]

If you want a guided tour of the Freedom Trail, try to coordinate your visit to the JFK Museum with the Freedom Trail Foundation's schedule of tours.

 

Visit http://www.thefreedomtrail.org to get info about their walking guided tours. $12, $10 seniors, as described below from their site.

 

Can't get much more Early American History than this:

 

"Guided walking tours of the Freedom Trail with a costumed character. Famous patriots such as James Otis, Abigail Adams and William Dawes lead visitors through the story of Americaís founding and the birth of our countryís freedom. A standard tour begins at the Boston Common Visitorís Center on Tremont Street and ends at Quincy Market, covering the following sites: Boston Common, New State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Grounds, Kingís Chapel, the first public school site, the Old Corner Bookstore, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Boston Massacre Site and Faneuil Hall.

 

* Public Walking Tours every day at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm

from the Visitor Information Center, Boston Common. And 10:30 am,

11:30 am from the Bostix Booth at Faneuil Hall Marketplace."

 

Now, you see they do not go over the bridge into Charlestown to the USS Constitution, so you could do that portion on your own from Quincy Market.

And on the way from Quincy Market to the Constitution you should go through the North End and visit Paul Revere's House and the Old North Church. And maybe stop for a cannoli in our most famous Italian neighborhood......

[tedjazz]

I have received so much valuable information, and I appreciate it very much. I am sure that what you have provided me to this point will help me tremendosly. I f you have more please continue to send info. Thanks

[jrobinso]

We're doing New England on our own this fall. This information will help us as well, thanks

Jan

[idlewood4]

I work in Boston, and just wanted to add that the advice from both Madeline and Nightmare is right on. When you are at Park St, you have a great view of the Massachusetts State House, take a moment to look at the dome. Quincy Market/Fanuel Hall is only about a 10 minute walk from there following the trail. There are all sorts of fun lunch spots in the area. For a Boston Classic, there is Durgin Park, right in the Fanuel Hall area. Great seafood, it's an experience, rude waitresses, you share long tables with others, it's been around forever. Also right in the area, is the Union Oyster House, also a good seafood spot. Have some clam chowder in either spot.

 

I'd be glad to help answer any specific questions anyone has.

[Parrot Mom]

That place is great if you like to be insulted by waitresses..lol Go over to the Barking Crab on the waterfront or the North End (Mike's for pastry)but there are lots of other restaurants in Boston..Skipjacks or Legals.. And if your going to be in Park Square..you might want to walk up the hill to see Cheers..altough there is a Cheers in Quincy Market