This past week, I had the privilege of traveling to the beautiful city of Boston with the Florida State Advertising Club. If you read my previous article, “Best Cities for Recent College Grads,” you would know that Boston is ranked #3 for most career opportunities by www.careerbuilder.com and www.apartments.com. While I was there, I got a chance to visit advertising agencies such as Allen and Gerritsen, Connelly Partners, Mullen, and Small Army. A few of the Advertising Club members were also blessed to visit the Beam Agency, Digitas, and Hill Holiday. The visit was amazing and the city is beautiful, though I could live without the excessive wind in and low temperatures. Since I’m a true traveler, I have put together a list of the top 4 must-see destinations for everyone who would like to visit or has recently moved to Boston.
Harvard University
Harvard University is the number 1 must-see on the list because it’s Harvard. It is arguably the top University in the nation, and the alma mater to a few educated celebrities, politicians, lawyers and CEOs. Not to mention, it’s the school that educated our current president, Barack Obama! The campus is exquisite. It is traditional and full of historical elements. The Harvard Square is a plaza near the campus which house popular shopping avenues like Urban Outfitters as well as delicious restaurants such as Wagamama Café.
MIT
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) looks like exactly as it sounds: an institute of technology. By that, I mean its architecture is very industrial and modern as well as quirky and futuristic. The reflection glass that covers most of the campus buildings’ surface area give it that scientific and engineered look they were probably going for. Also, the campus is massive! The land is covered with abstract sculptures that are intended to get visitors to ask, “What is that and what does it mean?” When it comes down to it, MIT is the exact opposite of Harvard, both in ambitions and aesthetics. Harvard embodies the past and tradition while MIT seems to embody the technology movement and face the approaching future. It even has a wind dome dedicated to the Wright Brothers!
The Freedom Trail
Boston is known for its rich history and is the home of one of the thirteen colonies (see school is good for something). Freedom trail takes you from the Quincy Market, which houses outdoor shopping, food and entertainment, to the Boston Harbor, Paul Revere’s home, and more. There are several trolley tours available starting at $26 or $20 if you’re with a larger group and walking tours starting at $13. The Freedom Tour is a quick way to get snippets of information about Boston and cover as much ground as possible.
Mike’s Pastries
Everyone who lives or have ever visited Boston knows about Mike’s Pastries. The moment you get on the shop’s block, you can see the line that has filled the inside and is overflowing out the door. Mike’s Pastries offers decadent cannoli and deserts such as fat cupcakes, napoleon bars, tiramisu and crème-Brule at affordable prices. I’m talking one cannolo for $3.50, people! The way business is going, they could charge one dollar each and still make money. If you’re in the mood for some Italian, the block is filled with Italian restaurants that will leave you satisfied.
Now, these are only my Boston top 4. Take a visit, and see ol’ Beantown, USA for yourself! I guarantee it’ll be a great time!