Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In the streetcar suburb of Brookline, the
John F Kennedy National Historic Site
(
www.nps.gov/jofi
; 83 Beals St; 9:30am-5pm Wed-Sun May-Oct; Coolidge Corner)
occu-
pies the modest three-story house that was JFK's birthplace and boyhood home.
Guided tours allow visitors to see furnishings, photographs and mementos that
have been preserved from the time the family lived here. Take the Green Line (C
branch) to Coolidge Corner and walk north on Harvard St.
Festivals & Events
Boston Marathon
SPORTING EVENT
(
www.baa.org
;
3rd Mon Apr)
One of the country's most prestigious marathons takes run-
ners on a 26.2-mile course ending at Copley Sq on Patriots' Day, a Massachusetts holi-
day.
Fourth of July
HOLIDAY
(
www.july4th.org
)
Boston hosts one of the biggest Independence Day bashes in the USA,
with a free Boston Pops concert on the Esplanade and a nationally televised fireworks
display.
BOSTON BOMBING
On Patriots' Day 2013, the nation (and the world) turned their eyes to Boston when
two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three and
injuring hundreds. Several days later, an MIT police officer was shot dead and the
entire city was locked down, as Boston became a battleground for the War on Ter-
ror. The tragedy was devastating, but Boston can claim countless heroes, espe-
cially the many victims that have inspired others with their courage and fortitude
throughout their recoveries.
Sleeping
Boston has a reputation for high hotel prices, but online discounts can lessen the sting at
even high-end places. You'll typically find the best deals on weekends. The majority of
hotels are in the downtown area and the Back Bay, both convenient to public transporta-
tion and sightseeing.
