Boston: The Freedom Trail App

If you look at your app store there are a bunch of apps for traveling. Some are good, some aren't. I already had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to do while I was in Boston but I wanted to have something that was easy to take with me while doing things like the freedom trail. The National Park Service has a bunch of apps depending on where you are going but their Boston one (the only one I've used) is amazing. it's easy to use, detailed, informative, and perfect for walking around Boston, and getting directions and info without looking too much like a tourist. as long as you aren't stopped in the middle of the street.

This is the app on the app store. All pictures are screen shots I took to show details of the National Park Service app.

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This is how the app shows up on your phone.

This is what it looks like when you open the app. As you can see it's great right off the bat divided into things you will use the most, the sites, tours, and map.

I chose tours here as i was using it mostly for the Freedom Trail. There actual Freedom Trail says it would take between 4-8 hours depending on what you stop to see and do.

First stage after selecting Freedom Trail. It starts with the Visitor Center at the north east corner of the Boston Commons. you can also see there is an info button to select for more information. And a blue route highlighting the steps of the trail. One part i really liked as well was that it showed you how far and how long it would take to get to the next destination at the bottom.

Another graphic from the app. The Old State House is highlighted and if you select info you will get history and details on hours, etc for the old state house. you can go to other steps on the tour from there as well. Also, a really great part, is the bottom left locator button. If you select it, the app will use your data to locate you and you can find your way along the trail that way. Although the Freedom Trail is very easy to follow through Boston if you are easily lost this could be helpful. or if you're like me and wander off the path to do something else for awhile it's easy to find your way back.

Just one more image of the details of the map. both with the freedom trail itself and highlights, street signs, metro stops, and other information.

Specific details. the old North Church after i selected info. It will take you back to the map but also you can read about an overview, visiting, and listen to a short audio tour (use headphones please). the picture is nice too. and at the bottom right you can select next/back to go between the more detailed information stuff about the specific landmarks of the trail.

It also lists the sites along the way so you can scroll down and read more about specific places. This was very helpful.

Overall i had such a great time exploring Boston and the Freedom Trail. i would highly recommend the National Park Service app for use around the city of Boston, an easy to use map, and a detailed adventure through the Freedom Trail in Boston. 

Boston: The Last Day

Monday April 1st was my last day in Boston. It was definitely bittersweet. i had such an amazing trip but 5 days isn't very long and I knew i would miss this great city. i mostly spent the day in the Commons, walking around seeing a few more things, and just enjoying the amazing weather. Here are a few pics from my walk.

Trinity Church

I love the old churches with the skyscrapers right behind them. it gives the city an old world/new world feel and I love that. Reminds me of london, and the mesh of history and modern that is represented there.

Boston Public Library

Another entrance to the Boston Commons

My last day in Boston was a little windy but so nice and sunny at the same time. There were a ton of people in the Boston Commons enjoying the nice weather.

OK The mother goose statue with the little geese is pretty much the cutest thing in the world

There is a meme called Nerd Girl Problems. I very much relate to what they write about. One in particular that is totally represented by the picture below..."My idea of an outdoor activity is taking my book outside to read." I love reading and i like being outside so reading on a park bench in the Boston Commons was a great way to spend a few hours.

Finally, one of the things i did before I left, was eat at one of my favorite British restaurants. Wagamama's. They are all over London and a really good asian fusion kind of place. I found out there was one in Boston and I knew I had to eat there. I'm glad I did. i sat outside in the sun enjoying delicious noodles and people watching.

 

 

It's been over a month since i was in Boston. Really a month and a half. I had such a great time and i'm so glad i had the opportunity to see my dear friends from London as well as meet a bunch of really great people. i'm glad I got to experience city life again and hopefully have the opportunity to live in a big city again (instead of the suburbs). I'm glad i had the courage and sense of adventure to travel somewhere by myself, and not be afraid to try new things, talk myself into something I wouldn't usually do, or look for ways to put myself out there. I'm glad i love to travel, to see new places and meet new people, it's such a rewarding experience. Even though it can be expensive (and done cheaply too) it's totally TOTALLY worth it and I can't wait for my next adventure.

 

Speaking of, i have one more post about the AMAZING app i used while i was in Boston. then, i'm going to Southern California for 5 days starting next Wednesday. i'm so excited to be back in my old college town, see friends i haven't seen in almost a year, and spend time at the beach and our old favorite haunts. There will be a lot of gawking at wealthy people at south coast plaza, walking along the beach, eating at my favorite restaurants and coffee shops, walking around my old campus, and a day at disneyland. plus a lot of cuddling for me and my slightly codependent and overly affectionate friends. i can't wait!!!

The Boston Commons

The Boston Commons is such a fantastic area I wanted to devote an entire post to it. Plus it was BEAUTIFUL when I was there and wanted to show that as well.

It is right in the heart of the city and is easy to access from so many places. It's a great place to hang out, people watch, bird watch, see the skyline, read, picnic, literally whatever you want to do.

The entrance sign from one corner.

It's easy to walk, lots of paved trails throughout for walking, biking, jogging, etc.

Church on Boylston. It's so lovely.

The park is full of different water features, a pond (although it was dry when i was there), and tons of different statues that are great to check out.

I love the mix of the park and the city surrounding it. The streets are so charming, the buildings really lovely, and it was just a great place to spend a few hours.

The bridge over the pond.

Ok last picture. I sat for a long time reading and just enjoying the sights. I would definitely recommend an afternoon in the Boston Commons! It's a great hang out, meeting spot, get a little nature, and rest before heading into the city to explore.

Boston: Freedom Trail part 2

This is the second half of my pictures and adventures in Boston walking the Freedom Trail. once again, i cannot recommend this experience enough. it was so great.

Paul Revere's house

A second look at Paul Revere's house. it's in the middle of Little Italy. it was kind of funny to find his house among millions of Italian restaurants.

More of the Freedom Trail and Little Italy. i would have spent more time in this neighborhood if i had it. it was totally adorable.

I can't get enough of the street views. it was a lovely day to walk around and sight see.

Honestly this was the landmark I was probably most excited about. i mean, everything was so cool to see in person, but the Old North Church is just so historical and iconic in my mind and throughout history. That's it below with the Paul Revere statue in the foreground.

Unfortunately it was closed for the day, i had really been looking forward to going inside. but it was beautiful from the outside too.

The gold plate marking the spot where the lanterns hung when Paul Revere placed them.

Random view walking back to the metro. Obviously just an empty field but with a cool view of the Boston skyline in the back.

That's the Freedom Trail. My phone unfortunately died the rest of the walk which includes across the bridge and to the Bunker Hill Memorial and USS Constitution. They are worth the extra mile or so to get to them and back to the metro.

it was such a great experience. i have a few more Boston related posts to share another day. Also, i wanted to say that there are plenty of companies that have tours that walk the freedom trail and are quite informative. i chose to walk it alone and had an app that was a huge help. both would be fine experiences i just feel the need to save money wherever possible and that meant a $20ish tour wasn't worth it. and i also get irritated in large groups of tourists. but it was great to walk it at my own pace, stop when i wanted to explore or visit a museum, or just stop for awhile and finish another time. Definitely worth a trip to Boston for the history alone, but there's so many other great things to see and do as well!