Thompson Island – Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Thompson Island is one of the many islands making up the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

David Thompson established a trading post on the island in 1626. The island was mainly used for grazing of livestock until 1833 when a boys school was founded. It passed through several iterations and eventually came under the umbrella of the Outward Bound organization. The island has a 78 foot drumlin on the northeastern half of the island surrounded by low laying hills, wetlands and a salt marsh.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Outside of Outward Bound activities the island is open to the public on Sundays during the summer months. Special events like weddings can be arranged:

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

The annual 4K run for charity tales place in the fall. Companies like Golden Cannoli participate in the run.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New video by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Find information for the 4K run here. Plan your island wedding here. Look into the Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center here.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace (Quincy Market) – Boston National Historical Park

As you make your way on Boston’s Freedom Trail you will go pass Faneuil Hall and the Quincy Market. You can get more information on Faneuil Hall and the Freedom trail at the visitor center for the Boston National Historical Park in their downtown visitor center on State Street. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is both the best and worst of a travel destination. The historic significance of the building and its place in history cannot be denied. It still brings a wealth of emotions when you contemplate what transpired here. Rita became a naturalized US citizen in the hall and it brings special memories for her. On the other hand the commercialism of the area is the very definition of “tourist trap.” The food stalls in Quincy Market are what you will find in any major mall food court in the US and the clash of crowds can be overwhelming. It is however the largest food hall in New England with over 35 international food vendors inside the Quincy Market Colonnade.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

My suggestion is that you go up to the second floor of Faneuil Hall and see the meeting room and then instead of stopping at the food stalls go to one of the literally hundreds of restaurants that are only blocks away for lunch. Grab a cannoli at Mikes or Modern in the North End or sit down in one of the many restaurants.

Boston – First Night (2017)

Like many cities country wide Boston has its own First Night celebrations. The 2017 festivities were great fun despite the seasonally cold weather. I suggest you park in the suburbs like we did and take the T into town. There are several fireworks shows, one over the common at 7:00 pm and one over the harbor at midnight. Most of the activities revolve around Copley Square and the Back Bay. There is a parade down Boylston Street, an ice sculpture display and entertainment both inside and out. 2017 was great try to catch the 2018 First Night.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Boston National Historical Park – Charlestown Navy Yard

The Charlestown Navy Yard is a part of the Boston National Historical Park. The three main attractions at the site are the USS Constitution, the USS Cassin Young and the USS Constitution Museum. The navy yard is near the northern terminus of the Freedom Trail.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Begin your visit at the Constitution Museum to get a overview of the history of the site and of “Old Ironsides.” The museum has exhibits covering life aboard the ship and a history of the vessel. There are also rotating special exhibits such as an annual model ship show.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

The USS Cassin Young is a World War II era Fletcher class destroyer. The ship is maintained as a floating museum and is a great memorial to the ships and sailors of the war.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

The highlight of any trip to the navy yard is a tour of “Old Ironsides” herself. The oldest commissioned warship in the navy still in active service. It has been a prime Boston tourist attraction for generations. My father would tell me a story of how he collected pennies as a boy during the great depression to fund a preservation effort for the ship. YOu understand why they used to have to have 10 year old boys running ammunition when you see how cramped the interior of the vessel is.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos