I recently came to the conclusion that I was ashamed of myself for never taking the time to learn much about Boston’s history other than an extra credit field trip to the Freedom Trail I took while in high school. Tourists are everywhere in Boston during the summer and fall and always seem to be having fun and I wanted to join in on the reindeer games. Whenever friends came into town I would recommend sites and attractions that “I heard” were worthwhile to check out, but had never experienced on my own. Thanks to Peter Brady I was inspired to realize it was time to change and rearrange. I was looking to do a historical walking tour that was educational, interesting, and did not involve any quacking. There was a time in my life that I thought a Boston Duck Tour would be fun. However, that came to an end when I was sailing on the Charles River through Community Boating and capsized. It was just me, my life vest, and a capsized sailboat on a chilly fall October day and this Duck Boat circled me as I was treading Charles River water and I was greeted with “Quack Quack” and flashing cameras. I am glad I was the entertainment for their tour but I on the other hand had a different perspective. So no Duck Tours for me. 
Instead I chose the Lessons on Liberty Tour which had great reviews and was a small business that I wanted to support. This ninety minute walking tour left from the entrance of the Boston Commons on Tremont Street. Michael Szkolka, who was our group’s guide was dressed in a Redcoat uniform and made the tour all that I had hoped for and more. Michael, a historian and educator wasn’t just some actor who memorized a few lines like many of the tours that exist. Instead, Michael made this tour top-notch through his master of knowledge and enthusiasm for American history. Throughout the tour he was personal, absolutely hysterical, encouraged questions, detailed, and witty from start to finish. Michael guided the group by various sites along the Freedom Trail while he discussed the significance of each site. This Lessons on Liberty Tour was the real deal, rather than some of the myths and untrue stories that float around. If you want a genuine guided tour of historical Boston delivered with panache go look for the Redcoat hanging around Boston Common with the blond ponytail. You will not be disappointed. The tour costs $12.00 and is worth much more.
After the tour I would recommend having some lunch and a pint of Samuel Adams at the Beantown Pub. They have great pub faire at reasonable prices and an abundant selection of drafts. However, get yourself a Sam Adams because this is the only place where you can drink a cold Sam Adams while viewing one (The grave of Mr. Adams is directly across the street).
After consuming some lunch I spent some time roaming the Public Gardens where I enjoyed the swan boats, experienced the entertainment of a “One Man Band,” and took some photographs. Before I knew it, it was time to head to South Station to catch the Greenbush train back to Scituate. What a difference from the Redline. Comfortable, Wi-Fi, and I don’t feel like I am a playing craps trying to guess if it will be a Braintree train or an Ashmont train.
I am grateful that Scituate brought the commuter rail in town. It gave me the opportunity to enjoy a lovely day in the city and gain a sense of pride and patriotism for Boston, Scituate and America. Take advantage of your surroundings and be a tourist every so often. There is something out there for everyone whether it is a Sons of Liberty Tour, a Boston Duck Tour, exploring Salem, going on a whale watch, or exploring Scituate’s own history. Scituate- thanks for bringing the train in and giving me this opportunity and Happy Birthday!
