Boston: S is for Swan Boats

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is S which will showcase the Swan Boats.

My second full day in Boston I ventured across Longfellow Bridge, made my down Charles Street through Beacon Hill, and eventually ended up in the Public Garden. 

The lush trees, tranquil lake, and familiar laughter of young children brought back memories of Central Park in New York City. But I soon learned that the Public Garden is a space all its own.

Boston: R is for (Paul) Revere

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is R which will showcase (Paul) Revere.

As is most historical buildings in greater Boston, this famous Revolutionary War hero's home is located in the middle of a very modernized North End.

According to the official website, Paul Revere lived in this humble abode from 1770 to 1800. Throughout the 19th Century, the structure was home to a variety of individuals, commercial shops, and even a bank. In 1902, Revere's great-grandson purchased the home to ensure it would never be demolished. Since 1908 the home has been open to the public. 

Boston: Q is for Quincy Market

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is Q which will showcase Quincy Market.

While I enjoyed visiting this bustling area, I must confess... I still think of Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market as one and the same. The buildings are distinctly different, but together they represent a vibrant harbor area filled with shopping boutiques that cater to any and every tourist's need.

Boston: P is for Parks

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is P which will showcase the Parks.

While Boston is most definitely a cosmopolitan urban center, greenspaces abound. From the small neighborhood enclosure of Louisburg Square, to Frog Pond in Boston Commons, to the Duck Family statue in Boston Public Garden, there are luxurious respites for all to sit a spell, relax, and enjoy.

Boston: O is for the Old North Church

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is O which will showcase the Old North Church.

 (caveat: this post first appeared in October 2016 ... but since it perfectly fit with today's challenge, I decided to revise and republish).

My husband was able to join me for the last few days of my Boston visit, and we enjoyed exploring the Harbor, the green spaces, and the North End. His bucket list items, however, were to see Paul Revere's House and the Old North Church.

Boston: N is for North End

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is N which will showcase the North End.

About a week ago I showcased the letter I for Boston's Irish Connection. Today we will showcase the city's Italian influence.

While I am the equivalent to the human mutt... my husband is 100% Italian. I have always yearned for an ethnic heritage and am forever grateful for his family's acceptance of me into their rich ancestral culture.

Week in Review: April 15, 2018

To read other Sunday book-ish news... visit
Caffeinated Book Reviewer

I would complain about the weather in the Midwest ... 70s and sunny one day and then a return to cloudy and 40s for several days after ... but I know the rest of the country is suffering as well. So instead I will say... I'm sure Spring is out there somewhere!! And I am not-so-patiently waiting for its arrival.

Blogging:

While I have not written a Sunday Salon post in quite some time, that does not mean I have not posted on the blog.

This is April ... the month dedicated to the A-Z Challenge. This is my third year to participate in the grueling, albeit creative, blogging event. The first year I blogged about Paris A-Z. Last year I blogged about Journaling A-Z.

This year the topic is Boston A-Z and we are officially half-way through the alphabet.

Do you participate in this challenge? If so, please leave a comment as I would love to connect!

Boston: M is for Museums

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is M which will showcase Museums.

While I'm sure there are smaller museums throughout the greater Boston area, I was fortunate to visit two premier art institutions: the Museum of Fine Art (MFA) and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. I took advantage of the special pricing, which allowed me to visit the latter museum within 48-hours of the MFA for a $2.00 discount.

Boston: L is for Library

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is L which will showcase the Library.

The Boston Public Library (BPL) is an institution. Even those who don't love books as much as I do will find the history and architecture amazing. But for bibliophiles like myself, the BPL is an oasis.

Boston: K is for King's Chapel Burying Ground

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is K which will showcase the King's Chapel Burying Ground.

Okay, I will admit that I am cheating once again. While there is a King's Chapel Burying Ground, I only visited the Granary Burying Ground - a mere three-minute walk away.

While King's Chapel is the oldest cemetery in Boston (1630), the Granary Burying Ground is the third-oldest (1660) and serves as the final resting spot for such notable Americans as Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and John Hancock.