A couple weeks ago my sister, Cindy, and her now-fiance Mike (that's a story you'll hear about later) came to Boston to visit. Those of you who have been here know what that means.. the return of Tour Guide Nick. But it's cool, I actually still like seeing all the sights here in Boston -- being the Revolutionary War buff I am.
Here's a quick run-down of what we did:
Friday, August 1, 2008 -- Freedom Trail to Fenway
Cindy, Mike, and I started the day pretty early. We headed out from our place here in Charlestown and hit the Freedom Trail (the path through the city marked by a red line taking you by most of the cool historic sites) in reverse -- starting with the Bunker Hill Monument. Climbing the 294 steps first thing in the morning took a little out of Cindy and Mike, I think.
(By the way, Ann still had to work this day and missed all the fun.)
After that, we hit the rest of the sites, stopped for lunch for some awesome clam chowder (a requirement from Cindy and Mike) and then for a beer and some Boston Cream Pie (also a requirement from Cindy and Mike).
By the time we were done with the Freedom Trail it was mid-afternoon and we started making our way toward Fenway Park -- where we watched the Sox beat the Oakland A's in 12 innings. When all was said and done, we had probably walked a good 8 miles that day. Not a bad day's exercise.
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Saturday, August 2, 2008 -- Beer Bust
This was the day we had planned to tour the Sam Adams brewery, but by the time we got there (early afternoon) all the day's tours had been filled. Nuts. So.. it became a bit of a recovery day following Friday's whirlwind tour. I was able to show Cindy and Mike my TV station, which they seemed to enjoy. We also got lunch with Ann's sister Susie and caught dinner and a movie later on -- since it was raining buckets and outdoor activities weren't possible.
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Sunday, August 3, 2008 -- Babies & Betrothement
Ann and I were invited to our friends Kevin and Victoria's baby shower (Vic is due to give birth to their first son in just a few days -- August 30) in Salem -- and since Cindy barely remembers Salem from our first trip as a family out to Boston, and Mike has never been anywhere around here -- they tagged along.
Ann and I had a great time at the party, but Cindy and Mike made the headlines today. While they were off on their own (the only chance they really were alone this whole trip) Mike proposed (and Cindy accepted, of course). They have been dating for a few years, and living together, and frankly, what the heck took so long? hehe... Just kidding. I did know it would happen sooner or later, though. Congrats again, guys. :-)
For dinner we met up with Susie at Legal Seafoods to celebrate the engagement.
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Monday, August 4, 2008 -- Big Screen, Surf, and Sand
I just couldn't let family from out of town visit without exposing them to the marvel that is Jordan's Furniture -- and particularly the IMAX movie theatre inside the furniture store. So.. Cindy and Mike and I caught an early showing of "The Dark Knight" (and, yes, it is still awesome after seeing it four times) and lunch at Fuddrucker's (which is also inside the furniture store) before heading to one of the many beaches here around Boston. After a few hours in the sun, we came back to Boston, met Ann, and got dinner down in the North End at Pizzeria Regina.
After that, the engaged tourists and I took a quick drive up to Lexington and Concord to check out the spot where "the shot heard 'round the world" was fired at the Old North Bridge.
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Tuesday, August 5, 2008 -- Suds Success!
Giving it another shot, Cindy, Mike, and I were able to make it on a tour of the Sam Adams brewery, which was fun, as always. Then after more chowder and beer for lunch, and seafood and beer for dinner (at my favorite place, The Barking Crab), Ann and I took Cindy and Mike to the airport where they got on a flight back to Chicago.
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In all, it was great having Cindy and Mike out here. Ann and I had a lot of fun and would definitely enjoy hosting them again. So.. y'all come back now, ya hear? On the docket for next time: a Duck Tour, the New England Aquarium, the Harpoon Brewery, and how about a trip to the cape?
