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Introduction: A Bostonian Adventure Awaits
So “what are some unique things to do in Boston for your vacation?” Boston – a city where history mingles with hip, modern influences to create an immerse tapestry of experiences. Cradle of the American Revolution, yet a beacon of innovative ideas and culture, Boston offers you an array of unusual activities that go beyond the guidebooks to create memories worth a lifetime. This article is set to be your map to adventure in less-trodden paths, as we delve deeper into the intriguing corners of this indomitable city.
An Age-Old Secret: The Mapparium
Unfamiliar to even some of Boston’s dwellers, the Mapparium is a hidden gem awaiting discovery. Nestled within the Mary Baker Eddy Library, this mammoth three-story globe welcomes you into a colorful world of geographical wonders from a bygone era. As you traverse the 30-foot glass bridge peering at the painted glass, time stands still, inviting you to immerse yourself in a 1930’s era snapshot of the world.
A Whisper Across Continents
Metaphorically step onto different continents as the stunning acoustics of the Mapparium allows a person on one end to clearly hear whispers from the opposite end. It’s a mythology of communication transformed into reality, providing a “whispering gallery” experience like no other.
Serendipity in Stone: Boston Stone
Seemingly ordinary, the Boston Stone, tucked away in a building on Marshall Street, boasts a story that makes it a peculiar stop on your journey. Brought over from England in the 1700s to be used as a paint mill, the stone no longer serves its practical purpose. Instead, it has become an emblematic relic, a piece of Boston etched indelibly into the city’s history.
A Stone’s Secret
Peek into a slice of the city’s past as you stand before this unassuming landmark. Boston’s island city ‘East Boston’ was reportedly so named as a nod to the stone’s eastern orientation. While its plain facade belies any grandeur, adventurous souls will surely appreciate the subtle tales that Boston Stone holds within.
The Dance of the Spheres: Great Molasses Flood Plaque
Boston’s history isn’t merely regal – it’s downright bizarre too! In 1919, a molasses storage tank burst, causing a tsunami of the sticky substance to blanket the city’s North End. Today, a plaque commemorating this sweet yet tragic mishap is embedded on a building at the corner of Commercial Street – an unexpected stop on your Boston voyage.
Sweet Reminder of Times Gone By
A whimsical representation showcases the city’s resiliency, the Great Molasses Flood plaque stands as a sweetly sober reminder of a molasses monsoon that once enveloped Boston’s streets, a darkly funny yet poignant moment of the city’s past.
Conclusion: Uncharted Boston Beckons
Boston’s streets are strewn with secrets, awaiting the curious wanderers to decipher them. A vacation in this exceptional city isn’t merely about checking off a list of well-visited attractions but about embracing the unexpected, the hidden, the overlooked. So pack your sense of wonder and embark on a Boston exploration that diverges from the touristy track. Immerse yourself in the unique, vibrant spirit of Boston, because in this city, even the walls whisper tales.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is there to do in Boston that isn’t historical?
While Boston is renowned for its historical significance, it also offers unique experiences like visiting the Mapparium, exploring the street art in Lynn, or catching a Red Sox game at Fenway Park.
2. What are some fun facts about Boston?
Beyond its well-known history, Boston boasts quirky facts like having a time capsule in the Massachusetts State House’s cornerstone, a stone imported from England tucked away in a building, and a plaque commemorating a catastrophic molasses flood.
3. What is the Mapparium?
Located in the heart of the Mary Baker Eddy Library, the Mapparium is a three-story spherical globe entirely made of stained glass, showcasing a world map as it was recognized back in the 1930s.
4. What is the story behind the Boston Stone?
The Boston Stone was brought from England in the early 1700s to be used as a paint mill. Today it has become a historical artifact and surprisingly loved Boston icon.
5. Why is there a plaque for a molasses flood in Boston?
In 1919, a storage tank burst in Boston’s North End, resulting in a large wave of molasses flooding the streets. This bizarre event is remembered with a plaque found on a building at the corner of Commercial Street.