Category Archives: Boston

Exploring the Granary Burial Ground

Posted on June 16, 2011 by Sarah Vernetti

So, I’m sure “visit a really old cemetery” isn’t the kind of travel advice you see in parenting books, but it’s actually a great activity that can keep both the Bram-Stoker-reading, horror-movie-watching, history-loving parent and the can’t-stand-still kid content.

During our recent trip to Boston–which is an awesome city to visit if you like cemeteries–we stopped by the Granary Burial Ground, located along the Freedom Trail. To keep E. entertained, I gave her a small notebook and a crayon and told her that we were going to a mysterious cemetery. She then decided that she should probably record her observations. (I looked at her notebook later. She drew several birds, a grave marker, and the princess design that graces the bottom of her shoe.)

While E. drew in her notebook, I took some pictures of the cemetery. I love the old grave markers because they are so different than the ones you see today. It’s really interesting how things have changed.

Be sure to stop by Delicious Baby for Photo Friday to see photos from other travellers.

If you’d like to read more posts about our creepy travel adventures, you might want to check out:

Photo Friday: Alwyn Court
Is it weird that I took my daughter to a cemetery?

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Posted in Boston, cemetery, travel and tagged art, Boston, cemeteries, history, kid stuff, Massachusetts. Bookmark the permalink.

Lots O’ Brains in Boston

Posted on June 9, 2011 by Sarah Vernetti

We recently spent four days in one of our very favorite cities, Boston. We love the history and beautiful architecture, not to mention the kid-friendly attractions and museums.

During our most recent visit, we spent an afternoon at the Museum of Science where E. got to do all sorts of interesting things. My four-year-old daughter examined rocks and crystals with a magnifying glass, put together an ostrich skeleton (with the help of a museum worker in the Discovery Center), touched a sheep heart and lungs, and saw some newly-hatched chicks.

We also saw a collection of brains from various animals. Yikes!

I have to admit, I did cringe when I saw my darling little girl put on that plastic glove and reach out to touch the sheep heart, but what a memorable way to learn about anatomy!

A Dessert Mirage or the Real Thing?

Posted on July 14, 2010 by Sarah Vernetti

After dinner at a Thai restaurant, the three of us were walking through Boston’s Back Bay on a drizzly weekday evening. It was past E.’s bedtime, but she was content in her stroller and Nick and I wanted to keep walking. We were pretty happy but decided we wanted two things: coffee and something sweet. Just as we were lamenting the fact that we might have trouble finding a place open at this time on a weekday night, we rounded a corner and saw it…

A glowing sign that said, “Finale.” That has to be a dessert place, right?

Right.

We sat up at the empty bar rather than in the dining room near other guests. The waitresses were so nice–they smiled and listened to E. as she showed them her newest stuffed animal.

Of course, the desserts were delicious. I had the chocolate mousse with a plate of warm cookies and a cup of coffee.

We had a great time in Boston, but this is one of my favorite memories: the unexpected evening at Finale.

For more delcious posts, check out WanderFood Wednesday at Wanderlust and Lipstick.

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Posted in Boston, food, travel and tagged Boston, food, Massachusetts, travel. Bookmark the permalink.

Travel Photos: Boston’s Trinity Church

Posted on May 2, 2010 by Sarah Vernetti

I know, I know. I said I was finished talking about Boston. But I just can’t resist sharing these photos of Boston’s beautiful, historically significant Trinity Church.

http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649

Designed by architect H. H. Richardson, this builidng is considered an excellent example of the Romanesque revival style, meaning it was influenced by the architecture of 10-12th century Europe. When the church was opened in 1877, its design was unique compared to many American churches–instead of creating a long central aisle (nave), the architect used a Greek cross plan, meaning that the central aisle and transepts are of equal length. In other words, the church is focused around a central core rather than featuring a long aisle that leads to the front of the church.

When we stayed in Boston, our hotel was located near Copley Square, and we walked by Trinity Church almost everyday. It is definitely worth a visit. Guided and self-guided tours are offered for $6 for adults, and children 16 and under are free.

The Small Stuff: Five Things To Do In Boston

Posted on April 26, 2010 by Sarah Vernetti

This isn’t a list of the big tourist attractions in Boston. This is a list of the small things, the seemingly minor details that end up being the most memorable moments of your trip.

1. Finagle a good view: It isn’t the most glamorous breakfast spot in town, but the Finagle a Bagel location near Copley Square is a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. Why? Because the seating area on the second floor overlooks Copley Square and Trinity Church.

2. Ride on a hare: While you’re in the Back Bay, stop by Copley Square and take a few pictures with the tortoise and the hare sculptures outside Trinity Church. E. loved this!

3. Visit a cemetery: Boston is filled with history and some of America’s most notable people are buried in the cemeteries along the Freedom Trail. Stop by the Central Burying Ground to see the grave site of American painter Gilbert Stuart. Not far away, you’ll find the Granary Burial Ground, final resting place of Samual Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere.

4. Golden dome: No trip to Boston is complete without a stop by the State Capitol building. You’ll recognize it immediately; it’s the one with the distinctive gold dome. (And yes, that’s really gold leaf. It was added in 1874.)

5. Pasta and pastries up north: Head to a part of town known as the North End for great Italian food. You’ll be overwhelmed by the number of restaurant options in this neighborhood–this is the place to go for pasta, pastries, and espresso. I really enjoyed my tiramisu at Cafe Dello Sport, but the options are endless.

All of these activities are “small” in the sense that they don’t require lots of time or money. In fact, three of them are free! Boston has so much to offer…do the big stuff, but make sure you soak in the details too. It’s the details that I’m dreaming of today. For more Monday Dreams, check out the family travel blog Mother of All Trips.

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Posted in Boston, travel and tagged Boston, cemeteries, historic buildings, history, Massachusetts, travel. Bookmark the permalink.

First Subway Ride

Posted on April 23, 2010 by Sarah Vernetti

This picture might be blurry, but it documents E.’s first subway ride:

When we were in Boston, we did a lot of walking, and we took a cab roundtrip when we went to the New England Aquarium. However, our brief ride on the subway was one of the highlights of the trip for E.

Be sure to check out the photo of E.’s first cab ride, which took place in Chicago.

For more travel photos, stop by the family travel blog Delicious Baby. Happy Photo Friday!

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Posted in Boston, kid stuff, Photo Friday, subway, travel and tagged Boston, kid stuff, Massachusetts, Photo Friday, travel. Bookmark the permalink.

When in Boston, Add the Library to Your List

Posted on April 20, 2010 by Sarah Vernetti

When you plan your travel itinerary, a trip to the public library probably isn’t at the top of your list of things to do. However, visitors to Boston should consider a stop at the main branch of the Boston Public Library.

A great resource when visiting the library is this online guide to the McKim Building, which sits across the street from Copley Square and Trinity Church in Boston’s Back Bay. Architecture enthusaists will be interested to learn that the building, which opened in 1895, was designed by the well-known New York firm of McKim, Meade, and White.

E. enjoyed climbing the library’s grand staircase, which is flanked by lion sculptures. She also enjoyed exploring the central courtyard, which was practically empty on the morning we visited.

When you’re in the courtyard, be sure to check out this lovely fountain by American sculptor Frederick William MacMonnies:

Of course, admission to the library is free, so you can make a quick stop on your way to Old South Church or the Prudential Center if you’re short on time.

Stay tuned for more on Boston! Coming up: the famous duck tour, a trip to the Aquarium, and E.’s first subway ride.

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Posted in Boston, historic buildings, kid stuff, travel and tagged art, books, Boston, historic buildings, kid stuff, Massachusetts, travel. Bookmark the permalink.

Take a Walk with Us Through The Public Garden

Posted on April 16, 2010 by Sarah Vernetti

Boston’s famous Public Garden is a great place to visit for people of all ages. Since our hotel was within easy walking distance and we had beautiful weather for most of our trip, we visited the Public Garden more than once while we were in town. So, come along! Take a walk with E. and me!

There are plenty of winding pathways to explore, including this one that leads to an equestrian statue of George Washington.

If you continue past Washington, you’ll find a bridge that goes over a large pond. In the summer, the pond is inhabited by swan boats, but not in April. Still, E. enjoyed walking over the bridge and checking out the view.

On the side of the Public Garden that faces Boston Commons, you’ll find the famous Make Way for Ducklings sculpture by Nancy Shon. Based on the book by Robert McCloskey, this series of statues definitely encourages audience participation.

The garden is filled with statues, fountains, memorial scultpures, flowers, and benches in the shade. There’s so much to look at, if you take the time.

The Public Garden is definitely worth a visit…maybe even two, or three…

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Posted in Boston, kid stuff, parks, travel and tagged Boston, kid stuff, Massachusetts, parks, travel. Bookmark the permalink.

Old South Church in Boston’s Back Bay

Posted on April 14, 2010 by Sarah Vernetti

As a fan of architecture, particularly Renaissance and Renaissance-inspired styles, I found plenty of beautiful buildings to explore in Boston. One of my favorites is the Old South Church, which can be found in the Back Bay neighborhood near Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library.

Inspired by the architecture of medieval Venice, architect Charles Amos Cummings began designing the church in 1872. You’ll find many Gothic design elements like round stained glass windows, pointed arches, and multi-colored stonework.

In addition to being a significant building architecturally, Old South Church also has a rich history. This particular building was completed in 1875, but the congregation itself was formed in 1669. Famous members of the church included Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, William Dawes, and Phillis Wheatley.

Like many historic buildings in Boston, Old South Church does not charge an admission fee. I felt very welcomed as I stepped inside the church and was even encouraged by the woman working at the information desk to take as many pictures as I wanted. This is a lovely, quiet place to visit with or without children.

Back from Boston

Posted on April 14, 2010 by Sarah Vernetti

We’re back now after spending a week in Boston. I’m tired and a little bewildered to be back to real life, so this will be a very short post.

This trip was different for us since Nick’s primary goal in Boston was to attend a work-related conference. Therefore, E. and I spent most of the days on our own exploring the city. It was quite an adventure exploring an unfamiliar city with a three year old and without another adult.

This week (and possibly next), I’ll be writing all about our adventures in New England. Some of the highlights included a Duck Tour, a visit to Old South Church, and more than one stroll through the Public Garden. Hope you’ll join us.

(By the way, I took this photo from the steps of the Boston Public Library looking towards Trinity Church.)

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Posted in Boston, churches, kid stuff, travel and tagged Boston, churches, kid stuff, Massachusetts, travel. Bookmark the permalink.

Wandering Off

Category Archives: Boston

Exploring the Granary Burial Ground

Lots O’ Brains in Boston

A Dessert Mirage or the Real Thing?

Travel Photos: Boston’s Trinity Church

The Small Stuff: Five Things To Do In Boston

First Subway Ride

When in Boston, Add the Library to Your List

Take a Walk with Us Through The Public Garden

Old South Church in Boston’s Back Bay

Back from Boston

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