Boston Day 2: Still Running

Hello from Detroit!

Scott and I got home from our Boston trip last night, and I have so so much to share with you. Since this was one of our first vacations together since our honeymoon (man, it’s been forever!) we wanted to make the most of it and squeeze everything we possibly could into each day there.

I think it is safe to say we kicked that goal’s booty, and I am going to use the next few posts to highlight things we did that I think any visitor would like to see during a trip to the city.

In case you missed it, I highlighted Day 1 of our trip earlier this week with things to do on the North End. Here we go!

Boston Day 2:

Walking the Cemeteries

We set out ready to hit the city Sunday at about 10 a.m. Without any destination spots in mind, we stumbled upon not one but two cemeteries on our way to grab some coffee. Just about a block from where we were staying lays the King’s Chapel + Burial Ground.

Pre-coffee I wasn’t completely thrilled about stopping in, but I got over it soon enough and started to appreciate the history in front of me. I actually became quite intrigued.

The majority of the tombs had what’s called a “death’s head”: a non-religious symbol of a skull usually with wings or crossed bones.

We spent about fifteen minutes in the first cemetery, and then quickly found the next one called Granary Burial Ground.

This one was considerably larger and housed the tombs of John Hancock, Samuel Adams, all signers of the Declaration of Independence, and an impressive list of Governors!

Both burial grounds were established wayyyy back in the 1600s, and both Scott and I couldn’t believe we were standing on the ground that keeps their remains.

We kind of felt that way the entire weekend, wherever we happened to go. History seems so much more fun when you are walking it and seeing it in person!

Boston Marathon Memorial

While waking up Sunday morning, we heard cheering outside of our window coming from the streets. We figured it was some kind of Memorial Day Parade and didn’t think too much else of it.

Come to find out, the cheers were for the runners who never got to cross the finish line during the 2013 Boston Marathon. THIS was the day anyone running the race got the chance to run the final mile, right along the same Finish Line path that caused so much pain and suffering when two bombs went off just last month.

We only found this out after asking our hotel concierge about the cheers, and decided it would be an appropriate time to go see the memorial the city has so lovingly set up.

On our walk over to Bolyston, the Boston Strong signs and symbols consumed the streets. This city is very proud and very strong, showing support in every way possible.

We found the Boston Public Library before anything else.

Knowing this was the landmark that surrounded the bombings, it only took a glance over to see the an entire corner set up to honor and support those who ran, got injured, lost a loved one, or lost their own lives just about a month ago.

It was so sad, but at the same time incredible to see such a huge display of love and support for a city in mourning.

It was a quiet rest of the hour while Scott and I researched and took note of exactly where everything happened. You could see where the sidewalk tiles had been replaced, you could see where businesses have closed down for repairs, but most importantly, you could see how much the city is NOT letting this act of terror define it.

The Finish Line is still painted onto the street, and I have a feeling it won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

Boston will continue to receive prayers from us, as well as from runners, Americans, and people across the globe.

#BostonStrong

Max Brenner Chocolate Store + Restaurant

Feeling kind of blue, Scott and I turned our focus away from pain and onto something a little less depressing: chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate!

I had never been to a Max Brenner’s restaurant before, and Scott said there is where we were going to eat the second we saw it. Known for creating unique and tasty ways to eat chocolate during every course of your meal, this idea was perfectly fine by me!

Torn between a gazillion scrumptious chocolate stuffed and drizzled entrees, we both decided on two less sweet and more “normal” dishes.

Craving greens, I ordered the Chicken Cobb Salad and Scott got the Mexi’can Omelet (which was my second choice).

Notice there is a buttered biscuit dusted in powdered sugar with a side of dipping chocolate on the plate. Umm… mine.

Lucky for me, we ended up sharing the two (like he had any other option), and finished our lunch off with a pair of Italian Crème hot chocolates.

I ordered the dark chocolate, and Scott ordered white chocolate. Hate to brag, but his was a bit too rich for our liking, while mine was just the right amount of richness and perfection.

(His was also five times as hot to hold. I totally win!)

It took all of my will power to not purchase the adorable and strangely comforting Hug Mugs they came in, too! Max Brenner is definitely worth a visit if you ever come close enough to one.

We spent the rest of our afternoon walking the city, soaking in history, and taking way to many pictures.

 Boston Common and Public Garden

Our last part of our day passed through two gorgeous areas: the Boston Common and the Public Garden.

Founded in 1634, the Boston Common is known as the “Central Park” of Boston, and is the oldest city park in the United States! Two decades later, the Public Garden was established (in 1837) and is considered to be America’s first botanical garden.

The two parks are located right next to each other and are incredibly stunning!

Both are very inviting to come take a stroll, sit on the lawn, walk your dog, or just sit enjoy the beautiful scenery. You can even go for a Swan Boat ride.

Throughout both parks, there are numerous statues and structures representing some of the city’s greats.

Unfortunately, we only got to quickly walk through this area before having to rush back to the hotel and get ready for Scott’s work event later that evening. Even for the few minutes we were there, it was a beautiful and memorable experience!

More on Boston to come, friends.

(I told you… we did SO much, and I have SO much to share!)

Happy Hump Day!