12 Step Planet: Boston

Where exactly is it?
Boston is in the north-east of the United States. The 50-square mile city is bordered by the Boston Harbor to the east. The Charles River separates Boston from neighbouring Cambridge, Watertown and Charlestown.

How do I get there?
Aer Lingus provides flights to Logan Airport. You can also fly with Delta, United and American Airlines.
What language do they speak?
English, but the accent can vary widely. Residents of the downtown and student districts (Boston University, Northeastern, Emerson, etc.) tend to not have much of an accent, as the people in these areas come from all over America. However a journey to South Boston will have you surrounded by the stereotypical Boston burr. The patter can be hard to decipher. Just know that r’s are considered easily expendable and a’s are always over-enunciated.
What is the local beer like?
Boston has a rich brewing history. Two prominent American beers, Sam Adams and Harpoon, are made locally. The Sam Adams Brewery is on Jamaica Plain (30 Germania St). A little off the beaten path, a trip to the brewery is definitely worthwhile as the area has vastly improved over the last few years. Boston Lager is their flagship beer. But there’s also a great selection of seasonal and brewmaster products. Harpoon Brewery is the home of another beloved Boston institution and is on the waterfront in South Boston (306 Northern Avenue). There are a variety of delicious beers and ales: the Harpoon IPA and White UFO are must-trys. Both breweries regularly run tours which, better yet, are completely free.
What’s the transport like?
Public transportation is run by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. The T is the oldest subway system in America. Unfortunately this fact is occasionally all-too evident. The Green Line, from Commonwealth Avenue to downtown, draws the ire of locals. It’s notoriously unreliable due to its above-ground rails. The Blue Line runs through the Boston Harbor area, the Orange Line runs into Jamaica Plain, and the Red Line runs through Cambridge – all of them fast and mainly on time. Or, you can take the bus.
What is the food like?
If Boston is known for one thing in the culinary realm it’s seafood. On the coast, the city is a haven for seafood lovers. New England clam chowder, fish and chips, lobster and clams are all ‘Beantown’ staples. Legal Seafood restaurant has the most famous clam chowder in the city. There are branches across Boston, even at the home ground of the Red Sox, Fenway Park. Another destination for stellar seafood is the Union Oyster House (41 Union St.), the longest-running eatery in America. Nearby Faneuil Hall has a variety of dining options. A short walk from there is Boston’s Italian neighborhood, the North End, where there’s no shortage of delicious ethnic cuisine. Another dining hotspot is Newbury St., where cafés are interspersed between high-
end shops.
What is the nightlife like?
Boston has a thriving bar scene centred around the Kenmore Square and Landsdowne St. areas. They’re overlooked by Fenway Park, so sports joints are plentiful. Game On! (82 Landsdowne St.) and Cask ‘n Flagon (62 Brookline Avenue) are the two most frequented spots and are packed on Red Sox days. For a more trendy bar and club scene, one should venture towards Faneuil Hall, Boylston St. and the South End. There are also many great venues to catch a concert while visiting the city. The House of Blues (15 Landsdowne St.) hosts many prominent acts and although large maintains an intimate feel. There are also smaller venues where an amazing show can be seen on any given night. In Cambridge, the Middle East (472 Massachusetts Avenue) and the Sinclair (52 Church St.) are quality options. The student neighborhood of Allston has several others; Brighton Music Hall (158 Brighton Avenue), the Paradise (969 Commonwealth Avenue) and Great Scott (1222 Commonwealth Avenue).
What are the touristy things to do?
For heritage buffs, Boston does not disappoint. The Freedom Trail takes in several historical landmarks. Many different companies provide guided tours. Highlights of the Freedom Trail are Paul Revere’s House, the Old North Church and the Granary Burying Ground, where Revere, John Hancock, Sam Adams and Mother Goose are buried. If you prefer the great outdoors, take a trip to storied Boston Commons, the Public Gardens and the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain. Museums are also plentiful. The Museum of Fine Art (465 Huntington Avenue) and the Museum of Science (Science Park) are big tourist spots, but an intriguing and hidden museum is the Mapparium (200 Massachusetts Avenue). The Mapparium is a three-story globe that features a brilliantly lit-up to display on how ideas and information have spread across the world over time.
Anything else?
Other places to visit are Fenway Park (4 Yawkey Way) and the Prudential Tower (800 Boylston St.) Fenway is the oldest ground in Major League Baseball. A visit to Boston during baseball season warrants a trip to a game. The Prudential, or the Pru as locals call it, is the second tallest building in Boston and offers the best views in the city.
Are there places to avoid?
Some poor neighbourhoods, such as Roxbury and Dorchester, have a reputation for crime. However, the notoriety isn’t deserved. The areas are not nearly as dangerous as they’ve been deemed, and they tend not to be a place to visit for tourists anyway. As with most cities, one should always be wary at night. However, Boston tends to be one of the safer metropolises in America. Perhaps the most dangerous place to be is the bleachers during a Red Sox game, when fans have had a bit too much to drink.
When should I go?
Boston is great to visit in any season except winter. December to March tend to have cold weather and a fair amount of snow. The rest of the year boasts relatively moderate weather.
Why should I go?
Boston is full of history with a rich Irish heritage. In some ways it’s very similar to Dublin. For a big city it can feel surprisingly relaxed. It doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of New York but still provides endless tourist options. For those who want to immerse themselves in the culture of the American Northeast, Boston is a must-visit.