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Boston, which reimbursed Great Britain on the 4th of July in 1976 for the tea that its citizens dumped into the harbor, is steeped in Revolutionary War history. Sixteen nationally significant historic sites along a red brick path easily followed by tourists comprise the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail. This collection of patriotic places where American democracy was born comes alive during the 90-minute-long Walk Into History Tour, guided by members of the Freedom Trail Foundation. Historian-guides dressed in 18th-century garb take on the characters of real people who lived during the American Revolution. Dorothy Quincy Hancock and Rachel Revere -- the original "desperate housewives" -- will tell you firsthand how worried they are about the safety of John and Paul.
The Freedom Trail Foundation also conducts a Historic Pub Crawl, which takes visitors to four original taverns, offering beer and food while guides tell the story of how the American Revolution fermented here. A top-hat-and-tails Historic Holiday Stroll happens during winter months; this tour ends with hot chocolate and Boston cream pie at the Omni Parker House Hotel. New this year is an African American Patriots Tour that celebrates the contribution of African Americans who fought in the Revolution and were instrumental in the decisions and actions to break from Britain.
Visit the Faneuil Hall Marketplace on Fridays and Saturdays when there is an open-air market much like there was during Revolutionary War times.
One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city -- the North End -- is where Paul Revere's house and the Old North Church are located. Still colorful today, this now-Italian neighborhood has lots of shops and restaurants.
Just because the Founding Fathers didn't have burgers and Bloody Marys at Cheers Beacon Hill doesn't mean you shouldn't. It was known for years as the Bull & Finch Pub, and was the inspiration for the TV classic, "Cheers!". If you're hungry for history as well as a hearty portion of Yankee-style seafood, dine at the Union Oyster House. Celebrating its 180th anniversary in 2007, it's America's oldest restaurant. Don't forget to ask for a toothpick, as these little implements were first used right here.
