Boston, Massachusetts

Making Memories in New England & Canada

There are some places you visit because they’re famous… and then there are the places you absolutely have to see because they mean something to you before you ever get there.

Boston was both for us.

For me, one of those places was TD Garden. The Celtics were more than just a team in our family. My dad, L.T. Simmons — Pa T to my boys — was a huge Boston fan. I grew up watching those games with him, Joe married into it, and later my boys made some of their own favorite memories watching the Celtics with their Pa T. He was so special to them, and they’re still big Boston fans today because of those years with him. ❤️🍀

So when Joe and I finally made it to Boston, there was absolutely no way we were coming home without Larry Bird shirts for our boys. 💚

The other place I absolutely had to see was the Make Way for Ducklings statues in Boston Public Garden.

We stopped at Cheers — the famous bar from the old TV show — because, well, you’re in Boston and you kind of have to. 🤣

I was much more excited about what was right across the street. I could hardly wait to get over to the Public Garden and see those ducklings.

I taught first grade for years, and I don’t even know how many times I read that book to my students. Seeing Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack and Quack in person felt a little like meeting old friends from my classroom days. 

I had also been looking forward to riding the Swan Boats and feeding the real ducks, so I was a little disappointed to find the pond drained while we were there. Joe, on the other hand, seemed to recover from that disappointment much faster than I did. 🤣

Joe’s must-sees were a little different from mine. He was much more interested in Boston’s history, so the Freedom Trail, Paul Revere and Old North Church were high on his list. I enjoyed all of that too, but I have to admit — he was definitely the history one and I was the one trying to get to the ducklings. 🤣

And then Boston gave us a bonus.

Weather caused us to miss Portland, Maine, so instead of one day in Boston, we got two. Neither one of us was complaining. We had already decided we liked Boston, and the extra day gave us time to do something we probably wouldn’t have fit in otherwise — the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.

That ended up being one of the most fun things we did. We didn’t just hear the story — we got to be part of it, right down to throwing tea overboard ourselves. 🤣

Boston ended up being one of those places that gave both of us something we were looking for. Joe got the history he loves, I got the ducklings and the Celtics memories I had carried with me for years, and together we got an unexpected second day that gave us even more time to enjoy the city.

Some places are memorable because of what you see. Others stay with you because they connect you back to people and pieces of your life you already loved before you ever got there.

Boston did both for me. ❤️

Want to come along on another New England & Canada adventure? Explore More New England & Canada Memories and see where our travels took us next!

💙 Until next time... keep making memories.
— Mel

Dreaming of Your Own New England & Canada Adventure? 🍁

New England and Canada have a special way of bringing history, beautiful scenery, and memorable experiences together. Whether you're exploring a city or discovering a charming coastal town, I'd love to help you make some memories of your own!

Hi, I'm Mel! 

I'm the travel advisor behind Making Memories with Mel!

I love sharing the memories Joe and I have made along the way, but nothing makes me happier than helping someone create wonderful travel memories of their own.