Iwalked Boston’S Howard Athenaeum

I Walked Boston’S Howard Athenaeum - Within the brick plaza space atop the stairs of 1 Center Plaza is a plaque honoring Boston’s former favorite sailor haunts, “The Old Howard.” The Howard Athenaeum, or more commonly referred to as just the Old Howard, was known for its slogan of “Always something doing at the Old Howard.” In addition to its infamous burlesque shows, the Old Howard also showcased the top talent of the day including Abbott and Costello, The Marx Brothers and Rocky Marciano (who fought a series sparring matches here over a 1 week period in 1951).

During these popular shows one common staple which could be found was the bald-headed section in front. Thomas Edison reportedly commented as such in his diary when he was quoted as, “our seats were in the bald-headed section.”

Howard Athenaeum

The downfall of the Old Howard occurred in 1953 when the Boston Vice Squad captured a dancer by the name of Mary Good Neighbor stripping on 16mm film. The theatre was forced to close and the numerous efforts to re-open the theatre were finally exhausted when the building burnt down in 1961.


The plaque here to commemorate and remember the Old Howard was dedicated in 1968 by a group which included a songwriter by the name of Francis W. Hatch, who also wrote a song regarding the former burlesque called, “Some Coward Closed the Old Howard.”

• Website: http://www.bambinomusical.com/Scollay/Howard.html
• Address: 1 Center Plaza, Boston, MA (Address is approximate)
• Cost: Free

Iwalked Boston’S Public Garden Good Will Hunting Bench

I Walked Boston’S Public Garden Good Will Hunting Bench - Thousands of people come to Boston’s Public Garden every year attempting to relive or recreate the infamous “bench” scene from the 1997 movie starring Robin Williams and Matt Damon, Good Will Hunting. If YOU wish to sit upon a former movie proper what you need to do descends down the stairs from the lagoon bridge before crossing over it (on the south side of the lagoon). Walk along the path beside the water and look for the third backless bench on the left.

Public Garden Good Will Hunting Bench

In the movie scene Robin Williams character, Sean, provides Matt Damon (I. e. -Will) with some sound advice on love. This part you may already know. What you may NOT have noticed is that just prior to the 2 characters venturing to this particular point, Will invites Sean to take a “quick” walk from the classroom. Now, the classroom where Will instructs is portrayed at Bunker Hill Community College. While for some people a 45 minute walk from Bunker Hill Community College in Charlestown in the Boston Public Garden may be a short leisurely stroll, I’m not certain that this is quite what the directors had in mind.

• Website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBjWHfBHKos
• Address: Boston Public Garden, Boston, MA
• Cost: Free

Top 10 Things To Do With Kids in Boston

Summer is almost upon us and that means… family vacations! As all of the Clark Griswald’s of the world gather up their regrets to share with their families the largest balls of mud across the U.S., we here at I Walked decided to try and help you find some more worthwhile destinations here in our hometown of Boston. Traveling with families can be expensive, and entertaining the little ones can be a bit of a hassle unless you have a good tour guide—like us! Thus, I Walked Audio Tours proudly presents our Top 10 Things To Do With Kids in Boston:

1. Children’s Museum

Well, duh! The second oldest Children’s Museum in the United States. Afterwards, grab some ice cream at the Hood Milk Bottle ice cream stand situated outside the front entrance.
Website: http://www.bostonkids.org/
Address: 308 Congress Street, Boston. (617) 426-6500
Hours: Sat-Thur 10am-5pm; Fri 10am-9pm
Cost: Adults, Children and Seniors $12; Children under 1 are free.

2. New England Aquarium

Kids will love the 200,000 gallon central tank you can walk around all the way to the top. If price is an issue at least check out the harbor seals outside of the aquarium within a glass case for some free entertainment.
Website: http://www.neaq.org/index.php
Address/Phone: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA. (617) 973-5206
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. Summer hours (Jul 1- Sept 3) are typically extended 1 hour.
Cost: $22.95 Adult and $15.95 Children (Ages 3-11)

3. Public Gardens

Take a leisurely ride on the Swan Boats and let your kids sit on the Make Way For Ducklings statues. Better yet, bring a blanket and have a picnic and enjoy the picturesque scenery (or the parents can at least while the kids run around screaming).
Website: http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks/emerald/public_garden.asp
Address/Phone: Bordered by Beacon Street (north), Charles Street (east), Boylston Street (south) and Arlington Street (west), Boston. (617) 635-4505
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Cost: Free!

4. Museum of Science

Kids can interact with numerous exhibits and stare in awe at the life-sized T-Rez or Tryceratops. The domed Omni theater is a trip for older kids (younger ones may get scared). Also take part in the Community Solar System (http://www.mos.org/sln/wtu/passport.pdf), a little known treasure hunt of planets throughout the city!
Website: www.mos.org
Address/Phone: 1 Science Park, Boston. (617) 723-2500
Hours: Sat-Thu 9am-5pm; Fri 9am-9pm. Hours are extended Sat-Thur during summer months (Jul 5-Labor Day) by 2 hours.
Cost: Exhibit Halls: Adults $22, Seniors $20, Children $19. Omni theatre and planetarium are extra.

5. Boston Duck Tours

A bit expensive, but kids does get to drive these giant land-water vehicles! Don’t worry parents… only when you’re in the water and there’s nothing they can hit.
Website: http://www.bostonducktours.com/
Address/Phone: Departures exist in 3 locations. (1) The Museum of Science at 1 Science Park, Boston, MA. (2) The Prudential Center in Boston’s Back Bay at 53 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA. (3) New England Aquarium at 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA. (617) 267-DUCK.
Hours: 9am-Sunset with departures every 30-60 minutes (from the Museum of Science and Prudential Center). 3pm-8:30pm from the New England Aquarium. (Note: This is a seasonal tour typically offered beginning in March and ending in November.)
Cost: $28.99-$32.99 Adults and $19-$22 Children (Ages 3-11)

6. Fenway Park

A family tradition. Need I say more? Tours are obviously more affordable, but if you can swing tickets to a game, it is a must to experience.
Website: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/tour.jsp
Address/Phone: 4 Yawkey Way, Boston. (617) 226-6666
Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-5pm. On game days the last tour is offered 3 hours prior to game time.
Cost: Tours: Adults $16; Seniors $14; Children (3-15) $12. Game ticket prices will vary.

7. Quincy Market / Faneuil Hall

Top touristy area with more than 18 million visitors annually (more than Disneyland). Lots of shops, restaurants and area to run. Watch street performers (each of whom is required to audition).
Website: http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/
Address/Phone: 1 Faneuil Square Boston. (617) 523-1300
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-9pm; Sun 11am-6pm. Individual restaurant hours may vary.
Cost: Free to people watch. Shopping and food are obviously at your own discretion.

8. Frog Pond at Boston Common

During the summer the pond is a free wading pool for kids. By winter, a beautiful skating rink. And if you really want to gross out the kids tell them about how this used to be the site a cow pond (evil laugh).
Website: http://www.bostonfrogpond.com/
Address/Phone: Intersection of Beacon Street and Walnut Street, Boston. (617) 635-2120
Hours: Check website for details.
Cost: Free summer wading pool. Skating admission in the winter is $5 for adults and free for children under 13. Skate rental is extra.

9. Franklin Park Zoo

Kids love animals! Of all of the local zoos this one is by far the best. Nearby Drumlin Farms are also fun, but you need a car.
Website: http://www.zoonewengland.org/Page.aspx?pid=219
Address/Phone: 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston. (617) 541-5466
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. The zoo closes at 4pm during winter months (Oct 1-Mar 31).
Cost: Adults $17; Seniors $14; Children (2-12) $11; Children under 2 are free

10. Christopher Columbus Park

Near the waterfront and the North End, this is probably one of the best maintained children’s play areas.
Website: http://www.bostonharborwalk.com/placestogo/location.php?nid=3&sid=18
Address/Phone: Intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Richmond Street, Boston. (617) 635-4505
Hours: Dawn to Dusk.
Cost: Free!

Iwalked Boston Common Event Today – Park Street Subway

Iwalked Boston Common Event Today – Park Street Subway - While the reminders of our nation’s first subway may be gentle, the launching of the first subway car on September 1, 1897 opened a whole new avenue of transportation for Americans (pun intended). The first subway line ran from this location up to nearby Boylston Station just .19 miles (about 1000 feet) away. If you can imagine, there were actually four rail stops along this short path of which I can just hear the commuter cries if that were still in place today.

Park Street Subway

Now when our subway system opened its merits were not sold on all individuals. There were numerous skeptics whom feared the underground railway would lead to the buildings in this area collapsing. Fortunately the neigh-sayers were proven wrong and we still have our Park Street T-Station with us today.


The Boston T system, if you are unfamiliar, refers to their subway system. This is similar to how individuals in Chicago refer to their rail system as the ‘L’. Now while it is fun to think that the name of the rail system cleverly references historical events from Boston’s past, unfortunately, the reality is that it just simply stands for the term “Transit.”

There is a historical marker on the back of the subway exit nearest Tremont Street if you wish to view more details as to the station. Also outside of the station is a four-sided kiosk or marker with some additional history on the Boston Common if you wish to view this as well.

• Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Park_Street_(MBTA_station)
• Address: Boston Common, Boston, MA. Intersection of Park Street and Tremont Street.
• Cost: Free

Iwalked Boston’s Park Street Church

Iwalked Boston’s Park Street Church - Park Street Church is an active Conservative Congregational Church located along Boston’s Freedom Trail that dates back to 1809 (just five years after Park Street itself was established). Prior to its erection, the largest building in all of Boston resided on this site. A building known as the Granary (built in 1738), was located here for nearly seventy-five years, serving the purpose of storing corn and wheat for sale. It was inside the former Granary building in which the sails for the U.S.S. Constitution were said to be sewn. The Granary was demolished in 1809 to make room for the Park Street Church which was founded by twenty-six parishioners from the nearby Old South Meeting House.

Boston’s Park Street Church

Park Street Church was formally constructed in a very short period of time between 1809 and 1810 and was designed by architect Peter Banner. Banner based his plans on a similar London church by Sir Christopher Wren who is most noted for having designed St. Paul’s Cathedral. Integrated within Banner’s designs include a 217 foot Georgia steeple and some intricately carved wooden capitals on the front columns that were done by Solomon Willard. An addition of a stained glass window caused a bit of controversy when it was installed in 1904 for its anti-Puritan flare. The controversy eventually led the church to install a plain-glass window over the exterior so that this single example of stained glass may only be viewed from the interior.

When masses began here in 1810, the congregation was known as a very serious and passionate bunch. Masses would last approximately two to three hours each week and in the event that attendees were found to be “resting their eyes” they were awaken via a wooden stick.


Over the years Park Street Church earned the nickname of “Brimstone Corner,” both for the fiery speakers who used to preach both inside and outside the church and for the gunpowder which was housed there during the War of 1812. Amongst those who spoke here included William Lloyd Garrison who delivered his first anti-slavery speech here on July 4, 1829. It was during this address that he spoke the famous words, “Since the cause of emancipation must progress heavily, and must meet with must unhallowed opposition—why delay the work?”

A number of other notable firsts are said to have occurred within the Park Street Church. The first Sunday school program was held here in 1816. The church’s first organist, Lowell Mason, composed “Joy to the World” here. Another noted song, “America” (aka “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”) was sung for the first time of the church’s steps on July 4, 1831 by the Park Street’s Children Choir. And lastly, some unrelated organizations including the Animal Rescue League (a predecessor of the humane society) and the Prison Discipline Society (the first U.S. prison ministry) were also founded here.

Today the church continues to be an active congregation that is said to have nearly 2,000 mass attendees each week.

The Top 10 Tourist Attractions In Boston

The Top 10 Tourist Attractions In Boston - America’s most walkable, and arguably, most historic city. Often referred to as “The Athens of America,” it was here afterall that the American Revolution was born. From the Boston Tea Party to the Boston Massacre, every year some 17.2MM Americans travel to visit and experience these historic sites. But when the history wears out, where does one go to enjoy the sites and sounds of Boston? Well, we here at IWalked have compiled our favorite recommendations for :

Boston

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Boston

1. Freedom Trail

his brick-paved or red painted path extends approximately 2.5 miles throughout the city and connects 16 historical sites related to the American Revolution. Just a tip, of these 16 sites, while only 3 advertise admission fees (the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House and Paul Revere House) you may be expected to provide a donation at some of the churches (including Kings Chapel and Old North Church).

Address: Begins at the Visitor Center within the Boston Common. SE corner, along Tremont Street.
Cost: $11 Adult and $5.50 Children (Ages 6-12) for guided tours. Self-guided tours are, of course, free.

2. Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market

The center of tourist activity for Boston and a destination which has claimed at points to have more visitors per year than Disneyland. Tourists and locals alike gather and congregate here for the areas numerous (>140) shops, restaurants, pubs, and people watching. Some of this people watching may include some of the local street performers who typically perform outside of the markets. Each of these performers must audition so as to perform here.

Address: 1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, MA
Cost: Free

3. Beacon Hill

Check out 19th century America at it’s most preserved. Check out Acorn St, the most photographed street in the US with its cobblestone paths. If you’re hungry, head over to Charles Street—the only commercial street in the neighborhood. When all is said and done, enjoy a frosty beverage at the Bull and Finch Pub (better known as Cheers).

Address: Charles Street, Boston, MA
Cost: Free

4. Boston Duck Tours

The tours on these W.W. II style amphibious landing vehicles are extremely popular with kids (probably because they get to drive in the water!). A great overview of the city if you prefer to ride it instead of walking. The tours are guided by various “conducktors,” each with their own personality (sometimes a positive and sometimes not).

Address: Departures exist for 2 locations. (1) The Museum of Science at 1 Science Park, Boston, MA. (2) The Prudential Center in Boston’s Back Bay at 53 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA.
Cost: $31 Adult and $21 Children (Ages 6-12)

5. Cheers

There are actually 2, so be sure to check out the original in Beacon Hill (aka – The Bull and Finch Pub). Here you will recognize the famous awning and façade. The inside is a traditional Irish pub style but still worth braving the crowds. The 2nd locale in Faneuil Hall-Quincy Market is supposed to replicate the interior of the bar, however, the similarities end there.

Address: 84 Beacon St, Boston, MA or 1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, MA.
Cost: Depends on how much you eat/drink.

6. Fenway Park

Check out the home of beloved Red Sox since 1912(!). Capacity is less than 40,000 so tickets are hard to come by. You may need to acquire tickets on the street near Kenmore Station. Also check out Lansdowne Street for pre-game festivities. A couple of our favorite pre-game locale are: Game On (82 Lansdowne St) and Boston Beerworks (61 Brookline Avenue).

Address: 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA
Cost: Tours are $10 (children) to $12 (adults). Tickets to game (if you can get them at face value) range from $12 to $165.

7. North End

Boston’s own Little Italy. Each restaurant supposedly brings with it cuisine from a specific region of Italy. Hanover Street is the most popular but Salem Street is a bit quieter. Also located here are the Old North Church (“One if by land, two if by sea,”) and Paul Revere’s home. For a special treat off the beaten path, check out charming All Saints Way shrine at 4 Battery Street. (Note: This is a private residence, however, the shrine is viewable from the street.)

Address: Hanover Street, Boston, MA
Cost: Free

8. Boston Common / Public Garden

The Swan Boat rides in the Public Garden are a nice relaxing ride in the lagoon. Afterwards, let the kids climb all over the Make Way For Ducklings statues within the Public Garden. Finally, take a stroll in the country’s oldest park and check out the Robert Gould Shaw & 54th Regiment Memorial. A memorial in tribute to the 1st all black regiment in the Civil War. You may know the tale via the 1989 Matthew Broderick film, Glory.

Address: Boston Common may be found at intersection of Tremont Street and Park Street in Boston, MA. Boston Public Garden may be found at intersection of Arlington Street and Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA.
Cost: Free

9. New England Aquarium

Another popular destination if you have children. The centerpiece is the 4-story, 200,000 gallon tank which visitors walk around in a winding path to the top. The acquarium features over 8,000 varities of sea creatures. If price is an issue at least check out the harbour seals outside of the acquairum within a glass case for some free entertainment.

Address: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA
Cost: $21.95 Adult and $13.95 Children (Ages 3-11)

10. Trinity Church

Surprisingly does not make many Top 10s but this is one of the most impressive Gothic churches you will find in America. Trinity’s amazing architecture has made it the only church to make the American Institute of Architect’s (AIA) “Ten Most Significant Buildings in the United States” list every year since 1885. It’s said that prospective brides book this church for their wedding before even meeting their future husband.

Address: 206 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA
Cost: Tours are $6 for adults (guided or self-guided) and free for children under 16.