Road Trip Day 8: Boston, MA

A bright, sunny Saturday in Boston is one essential element to one helluva day.

We set off into the city early, accompanied by Kait and her sister Jillian. What better way to start a Boston tour day than at Sam Adams Brewery at the ripe hour of 10:30am. After a quick summary of how Boston's finest ale is produced (mostly in other facilities, not the actual facility we were standing in), we were in a sample room with tester glasses in hand while Nick the humorous tour guide walked us through the beer sampling process. We tasted the original Sam Adams Lager, Summer Ale, and Boston Brick Red (which is only sold at select bars in the Boston area). We laughed a lot. Even for someone who doesn't actually drink a lot of beer, it was one great tourist experience.

After our breakfast of beer, we headed into Boston to begin a day of walking, talking, and sight-seeing. From Faneuil Hall and Quincey Market to the Old State House and the Boston Massacre Site, from Boston Public Garden and Cheers to Newbury Square and the Prudential Building, from Harvard Square to Mike's Pastry in the North end -- yep, as Jen said, we schlepped everywhere and saw it all!

We had lunch at the original Cheers which was a great deal of fun. I always liked the show even though I was somewhat young when it was popular. What I honestly remember the most about Cheers is how loudly my mom used to laugh while watching the show. She was literally in stitches every Thursday night when it aired. I think I appreciate Cheers for what is represents - that neighborhood "place" where you can go and no matter what you're feeling about whatever is happening in your life, you feel like you belong there sharing your day with others who feel the same. It was definitely a great stop for lunch.

After lunch, we trampsed along Newbury Street and headed toward the Prudential Building, where we headed up to the 50th floor for a spectacular view of the city. Unfortunately, part of the floor was closed off due to a private event and we still had to pay full price, but the views we did see were worth the elevator ride. If you're new to Boston or have only visited once or twice like myself, this is a fantastic way to view the different parts of the city and "see" firsthand how Boston comes together. The people's stories on the guided headset are a little over the top but this is definitely a great way to experience the city.

We stopped at Harvard because I like to see different colleges and universities, so it seemed fitting to see the oldest university in the country. In Harvard Square we had the opportunity to listen to two dudes playing their buckets like drums while little children danced to their good tunes - definitely cute and enjoyable.

After a quick ride on the T, we ended in my favorite part of the city, the North End. Specifically, I enjoy Hanover Street in this Italian district for its restaurants, shops and overall Italian flare. We decided to eat at Lucia for dinner, which is across from Paul Revere's statue. We chose Italian for dinner in order for Kait and I to reminisce about our travel in Italy together back in 2004 - I actually met Kait during this summer abroad trip when she was my travel buddy through Italia. We felt Italian food and wine was an appropriate dinner out for our time together. My friend Emily was able to join us for dinner, so this made the evening even more enjoyable.

Thanks to our attractive server, Massimo, we wined and dined, literally, on delicious sangria, wine, pasta and veal. Delish. Delectable. Delightful overall. We had such a good time that Jen signed her tab, "Life Is Good." No joke, she really did that. It was absolutely appropriate.

Finally, after our enjoyable dining experience, Jen and I hopped in line in the ultra-busy Mike's Pastry on Hanover Street. After pouring over a variety of cookies and pastries, we ordered our cannoli and pizzelles and headed out the door. It's a mad house in this place, and it's absolutely worth it. Oh, cannoli, how I love thee. Again, absolutely delish.

What a fantastic eleven-hour day of pure tourism and enjoyment. I can't think of a better way to spend a day traveling, honestly, than with such great experiences and great company.