by Amber Mette

History came alive for me during this trip…bringing to light all of the stories that my former history teachers and especially my dad tried to convey.

Growing up, like most kids of executives, I moved around a bit…going mostly where the next promotion or job was. Originally from Texas, we once moved as far north as Connecticut. Although we got close, we regrettably never made it to Boston. My dad, a Navy man and quite the history buff, definitely had it on our list of places to hit, but our time in Connecticut was short. Thankfully, I recently had the opportunity to visit there with my husband and two dear friends, and I’m quite glad it was during my adult years when I could truly appreciate its rich history and wonderful cultural opportunities!

It’s true—Boston really is a walking city. With the amount of sites to see along the Freedom Trail and wonderful restaurants in which to dine, you’re glad it is. There’s no better way to take in a wonderful city than by foot, and it’s also a great way to burn those calories you consume eating all of the wonderful clam chowder the city’s restaurants offer. I had the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful steaming bowl of the creamy concoction from the Union Oyster House, touted as America’s Oldest Restaurant. You’ll find it on Union Street, a 250-year-old cobblestone street along Boston’s Freedom Trail, and it is a must-do on any tourist’s list…one that I’m sure is on my dad’s list.

You get a real sense of the history that surrounds you as you walk through the various dining rooms adorned with heavy wood-beamed ceilings, and survey the centuries-old booths and tables. It was our honor to sit at the very booth that John F. Kennedy occupied on his many visits…so many that the booth bears a plaque with his name. I enjoyed my scrumptious bowl of chowder as I envisioned what it must have been like to sit among such great men, not only Kennedy but Daniel Webster and other great statesmen of Boston who frequented back in the early 1800s. What a great way to set the tone for a most memorable trip rich in history.

As we meandered on our self-guided tour of the Freedom Trail we found ourselves once again, engulfed in life as it was in Boston’s early days. We had the opportunity to visit Fanuiel Hall, The Old State House and even made it to the North End boasting the home of the famous Paul Revere, just to name a few. History came alive for me during this trip…bringing to light all of the stories that my former history teachers and especially my dad tried to convey.

What is so wonderful about Boston is that this charming history-rich city also is invested in the future. Boston is going to great lengths to strengthen its tourism industry, offering attractions for a myriad of visitor. Its historic waterfront is just one area where Boston is putting a major emphasis on revitalization. The pearl of this effort is the luxurious InterContinental Boston hotel. Premiering in November of 2006, this radiant 424-room hotel was the first InterContinental hotel in Boston and in New England, and the hotel group absolutely pulled out all of the stops in designing a hotel for the Boston of today and for the future. I appreciated not only the unique elements of its two restaurants and bar, but the thought and creativity that the chefs and directors put into making these three areas one of a kind.

First there’s Sushi-Teq. Yes, you guessed it, a restaurant that offers a cultural fusion of sushi and premium vintage tequilas from around the world. It’s actually the first sushi/tequila venue of its kind in the United States. I enjoyed a most unique experience by having their famous “Big Dig” roll so called in honor of the famous underground tunnel the city constructed so that visitors and residents could enjoy beautiful green space instead of paved roads in its financial district. I also got to sample a flight of margaritas…now that’s the way to get a taste of the fruity concoction to pick a favorite!

In addition to Sushi-Teq, the hotel boasts a most impressive AAA Four Diamond-rated signature restaurant in Miel “Brasserie Provencale.” This French provincial gem is a must-dine at the hotel. Again, chef brings such a unique lair in his offerings. One of my favorites was the olive oil tasting. I enjoyed the artisan breads, and sampling to determine which of the three premium olive oils was my favorite. The verdict? I enjoyed them all with their different flavors. The service was amazing, and I felt quite at home in this French-inspired retreat amid the gorgeous and modern hotel, a hotel that is definitely on my list when I return to Boston.

These are just a few of the highlights on a long list of things I enjoyed about Boston. With its appreciation for its historical treasures and vision of what it desires for its future, Boston has something for everyone. I will come back for more, and next time it will be with my dad!

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For more information, visit www.intercontinentalboston.com or www.bostonusa.com