Whether you've lived in Boston all your life, recently moved here or are stopping by for a visit, the iconic Harborwalk can offer a ton of fun all year round. 

 

Conceived of as a way to connect the public to the-then redeveloping Waterfront and Wharf District, three decades worth of innovation have resulted in the now extensive 43 mile long network of rich and diverse pathways winding through 8 neighborhoods. With so much to see and do while exploring, you'll be exposed to multiple examples of Boston's evolving over time --- from its humble origins as a colonial town to the dizzying heights of new horizons, waterways and the urban sprawl.

 

Up for a bite-sized adventure? 

If you were to start right at the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, one of the first nice little additions you'd notice besides the ship-shaped Marriott Hotel would be the famous trellis, known for its seasonal illuminations. Covered in fresh greenery, the trellis is a great photo opportunity day or night. Take in the scenery uniting the nearby North End with life by the water's edge

                                                                              The nearby boardwalk will connect you to Long Wharf , The Chart House (formerly John Hancock's Counting House) and a splendid sundial and flagpole. The duckhouse next to the marina is something of a local landmark with, you guessed it, plenty of cute feathered creatures mingling with the crowds. 

 

 

Central Wharf is where the New England Aquarium has been welcoming visitors young and old since 1969, with several harbor ferries and whale watch vessels ready to spirit you off to sea. You'll also pass by Rowes Wharf with its wide open arch beckoning the curious to summer concerts and views of the Northern avenue Bridge. The wharves helped to establish Boston as a booming maritime port for centuries, some named for their trading origins like India and Russia Wharf.

                   

 

Before walking across the elegant Evelyn Moakley Bridge, stop by the Independence Wharf Observation Deck. You'll be able to admire the industrial origins of the Fort Point Channel, [and as you enter the Seaport with its modern architecture and rapidly evolving skyscape you'll gain a sense of just how much Boston has expanded over the years.

 

 

Fan Pier is where you may feel closest to ocean vibes. Sunrises, sunsets, and so many ships of all shapes and sizes rise with the tide. Even a brief trip like this can offer locals, new arrivals and newcomers alike with a sense of appreciation and opportunities to make memories in one of the world's most amazing destinations.                                         

Along the way on your bite-sized adventure you can check out some of Boston's iconic Waterfront residential real estate such as:

 

• Harbor Towers
• Rowes Wharf
• Intercontinental Residences
• 22 Liberty
• 50 Liberty
• 300 Pier 4

 

 

 

 

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Broad Street Boutique Realty is a real estate firm located in Boston, Massachusetts. We represent clients in the sale, purchase or lease of properties in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Visit us at www.broadboutique.com 

 

Faneuil Hall is known the world over for its marketplace filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment - visitors and locals alike have been gathering here for well over two centuries.

One of the most interesting aspects of the actual building has been greeting people --- and at one time whole fleets of ships for centuries as a golden symbol of history, community and commerce.

 

 

The Grasshopper Weathervane.                                                                    

Built in 1742, the North End’s own Shem Drowne was responsible for its construction. Drowne was one of Boston’s most noted innovators at the time: operating as both a coppersmith as well as the city’s first tinsmith. His work with weathervanes, instruments used to show which way the wind is blowing, produced several pieces starting around 1716.

For example Drowne designed a weathervane for the Royal Governor’s House, another for The New Brick Church on Hanover Street (now perching on top of First Church in Cambridge and created the copper swallowtail banner for The Old North Church.

When it comes to our esteemed grasshopper however, gilded and glass-eyed, it weighs thirty eight pounds and is made of copper. It’s a rather clever reference to its cousin across the pond that adorns the Royal Exchange Building in London. Having seen its fair share of famous events, it’s also featured in (and is filled with) many interesting surprises – including the newspaper snippets, coins, and other articles of historical significance placed inside this makeshift time capsule.

 

In 1755 a earthquake struck Boston, damaging the grasshopper and severing one of its legs. It “reported” the details with quite a bit of journalistic flair:

 

To my brethren and fellow grasshoppers, Fell in ye year 1753 (1755) Nov. 13, early in ye morning by a great earthquake by my old Master above. Again, like to have met with Utter Ruin by Fire, by hopping Timely from my Public Station, came of the broken bones and much Bruised. Cured and Fixed. Old Master’s son Thomas Drowne June 28, 1768, and Though I will promise to Discharge my office, yet I shall vary as ye wind.

In 1976, the grasshopper experienced another shock when it was stolen – but was fortunately later recovered due to the detective work of Paul Carroll, who happened to be a direct descendant of Paul Revere.

So the next time you’re out and about around Faneuil Hall – sampling some clam chowder from Quincy Market, taking photos with the statue of Red Auerbach, or simply taking in the sights and sounds – make sure you look up and say hello to this jolly old fellow.

 

 

 

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Faneuil Hall is located in Downtown Boston and on the cusp of the  Financial District It is a quick walk to the Waterfront and North End Neighborhoods which are filled with great architecture and fascinating history. 

 

 

Browse Boston Real Estate 

LUXURY CONDOS  | LUXURY RENTALS | NEIGHBORHOODS

Broad Street Boutique Realty is a real estate firm located in Boston, Massachusetts. We represent clients in the sale, purchase or lease of properties in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Visit us at www.broadboutique.com