Boston: Beantown Boating

by Lynn Seldon, Boating Writer

Come summer, it's hard to beat boating in and around Boston. Like the boys of summer at Fenway Park, Beantown boating is a summer ritual that's a grand slam for both locals and visitors.

England established the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630 and made the well-situated and -protected port of Boston its capital. Harvard, the country's first university, was established in 1636. Other "frsts" included the nation's first newspaper, first labor union, and first subway system.

Many marinas play a key role in Boston boating. Some top options in Boston Harbor proper (depending on your destination and needs) include: The Marina at Admirals Hill (www.admiralshillmarina.com); Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina (www.bhsmarina.com); Constitution Marina (www.constitutionmarina.com); and Marina Bay (http://www.flagshipmarinas.com).

Those trailering their boats will be glad to learn that there are an array of public launch ramps in the Greater Boston area (see www.bostonboating. com/publiclaunchramps). These include town and state ramps, with good parking at a majority of them.

Once off the water, highlights of Boston exploration can include: Boston Common, which was established in 1634 and is the nation's oldest public park; following the famed Freedom Trail through America's formative years to many historic spots (16 colonial and Revolutionary history sites over a three-mile walk); saying "Cheers" (www.cheersboston.com) at the original location in Beacon Hill or the new one in Faneuil Hall (an authentic replica of the Hollywood set); museum-hopping (including the excellent Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Science); enjoying a meal in the North End, the "Little Italy" of Boston; and heading across the Charles River to eclectic Cambridge, which many call Boston's "Left Bank."

One water-based destination not to be missed is "Old Ironsides," the USS Constitution (http://www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution/index.html). Located at the Charleston Navy Yard, Old Ironsides was launched and christened (with a bottle of Madeira) in 1798. The ship saw duty in the War of 1812, the Civil War (as a training ship for the Naval Academy), and during other missions, before heading back to the Charleston Navy Yard on her 100th anniversary. Old Ironsides is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Fascinating (free) tours of the ship run every half hour (last tour starts at 3:30pm). Visitors should allow an extra half-hour for pre-tour security inspections.

The Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area (www.Bostonislands.com) is another great destination for boaters. The possibilities include many historical sites, wildlife, and recreational opportunities like hiking, camping, swimming, and fishing amidst spectacular scenery. The National Park Area contains more than 30 islands lying within Boston Harbor. Seasonal ferries (called the Blue Island Express) run from the mainland to Georges Island, with ongoing service to five other islands from there. Of course, those with their own boats have more flexibility for exploration.

The historic towns of Plymouth and Salem are definitely worthy diversions by land or sea. Plymouth was the site of the famed Mayflower landing and the quaint area still welcomes those arriving by boat. Plimoth Plantation is a living history destination that includes period actors and the Mayflower II, a 1957 reproduction of the pilgrims' original vessel. Several marinas make a visit to modern Plymouth easy.3Situated 20 miles northeast of Boston, Salem is notorious for its witchcraft trials of 1692. Many exhibits showcase this historic event and there's even a Witch City Tour and a Salem Witch Museum. Salem-area marinas welcome modern-day witch hunters (there's also ferry service from Boston). Back in Boston proper, the summer of 2007 marks Boston Harborfest's 26th year. Harborfest (www.bostonharborfest.com) features a seven-day Fourth of July celebration that is perhaps one of the nation's best. Showcasing the colonial and maritime heritage of the cradle of the American Revolution in historic Boston, more than 200 events are concentrated in Boston's historic downtown and waterfront districts ("Main Events" take place in Boston's City Hall Plaza). Highlights of Harborfest include: re-enactments, historical tours, concerts, cruises, a parade, and - of course - Boston's Fourth of July on the Esplanade (with a concert by the Boston Pops Orchestra followed by fireworks over Boston Harbor - see www.july4th.org for details).