Having a parent that was born and raised in Boston, I’ve learned to love the city. I’ve been there more times than I can even count since I was born. It’s a tradition for my family to go and spend the Fourth of July there. Read closely as I share with you some of my favorite things about the city.
Coming from a Sicilian family, I’m most familiar with the North End of Boston, also known as little Italy. In the summertime, it’s impossible to not indulge in their seafood. They have some of the best lobster and clams I’ve ever had. Our first stop in Boston was a place called Chart House. It’s right on the water overlooking all of the boats coming in and out of the pier. To start my family shared an order of mussels. I, of course, had to eat my food with a Blue Moon, making a perfect combination. For my main course, I couldn’t avoid getting the lobster. It was amazing.
Another restaurant in the North End is my favorite pizza place in all of the world, Pizzeria Reginas. It’s the traditional thin crust pizza, but it’s to die for. There’s always a huge line outside due to the pizzeria being so small, but it is always worth the wait and has yet to disappoint.
If you’re a dessert fan you have to hit Modern Pastry. It is my all-time favorite stop for cannoli’s. Their selection goes beyond that though. You can get everything from cookies, to cupcakes, to chocolate, and more. If you like more fun cannoli’s, Mike’s Pastry is a good stop too. You can choose from Oreo to strawberry filling.
Having been there so many times my family no longer does the fun, touristy stuff, but there’s so much more to do in this great city. A personal favorite is the duck boats that go from driving on land straight to being a boat in the water. It’s also very fun to walk along Paul Revere’s trail, easy to spot by the red brick in the cement. If you’re ever in the area make sure to check out Salem, MA. It’s the most fun spooky town, especially around Halloween. Or even take the ferry over to Martha’s Vineyard and spend the day on one of my favorite islands.
The best part about visiting Boston, I have to say, is being able to spend time with my family. Not only does it bring together my brothers, parents and I for a 7-hour car drive, but it also brings together my extended family. Being able to be in the presence of family for the Holiday’s is very special to me.
Tori Terrazzino
