Tag Archives: walking tour

HistoryMiami CityTour: A lesson on the Magic City

Miami may be a young city but there’s still a rich history to be learned and that’s what the HistoryMiami CityTour provides for out-of-towners who want to learn about the place called “The Magic City.”

Tours are done by boat, coach, bike or on foot and feature some of the city’s most historic and iconic spots. Dr. Paul George, a professor at Miami leads tours of The City of Miami Cemetery, where Julia Tuttle, one of Miami’s most legendary pioneers, is buried as well as historic Little Havana homes , among several others. While long-time Miami resident Frank W. Schena leads the eco-history tours of The Redland Farm, Cape Florida Lighthouse and Miami Beach Boardwalk.

The boat tours go to Elliot Key and Boca Chita while another goes to Stiltsville where seven homes are built on stilts in the middle of Biscayne Bay. This one’s a sight to behold.

Departure spot depends on which tour. HistoryMiami is located at 101 W. Flagler St. and it’s best to call or visit their site to find the departure location.

4. Discover Secret Gardens at VA Garden Week April 17-25

In its 77^th season, the Virginia Historic Garden Week showcases more than 250 of Virginia’s most beautiful gardens, homes and historical landmarks. Three dozen tours visit some of the nation’s most beautiful properties during the peak of Virginia’s springtime color. Highlights for this year include the countryside in the Albemarle County/Charlottesville region that Thomas Jefferson called “Little Eden,” the Morven Estate Gardens and House, historic properties linked to George Washington and Robert E. Lee, a number of historic James River plantations, and Monticello.

Get a taste of history as you explore various architectures and gardens, from water gardens to cottage gardens to even secret gardens.

Major Landmarks Along Boston’s Irish Heritage Trail

It has been said that Boston has more Irish people than Ireland, so what better way to celebrate its historic roots than a walk along the Irish Heritage Trail throughout downtown Boston and Back Bay.

Along the way, you’ll find the Boston Irish Famine Memorial that include eight narrative plaques that recount the 150^th anniversary of the country’s historic famine. Stop by the Boston Public Library’s Irish collection, which houses over 13,000 items, including materials on the formation of the Irish Free State, the Abby Theatre and Seamus Heaney. The Colonel Shaw Memorial is the city’s most prized public art, which took 14 years to complete, depicting the state’s 54th Black Infantry Regiment which fought valiantly in the Civil War. End the day with a stop by Fenway Park, which was built by Irish immigrant Charles E. Logue.

The Trail is divided into three sections with 20 sites located in downtown Boston and Back Bay, covering more than three miles and over 50 other landmarks in Boston neighborhoods. Other highlights on the walking tour include the Rose Kennedy Garden, Kevin White statue, James Michael Curley statues and the Boston Massacre Memorial.

Walk Along History with The Freedom Trail

You read about it in history class, but now is your chance to experience firsthand the places where the American Revolution began with a walk along the Freedom Trail. Each year, more than three million tourists visit the 2.5-mile historical landmark that points out 16 original sites related to the establishment of the country.

Every American visiting Boston should take a walk along the famous red line with stops along Paul Revere’s house, the Old South Meeting House and Old North Church. You can print out a map and take the tour individually at your leisure, but there are also guided tours available (including an 18^th century costumed guide) where you will learn how these Colonialists dared to challenge Britain and establish our democratic nation.

The best time of year for the individual tour would be April to November as the snow will cover up most of the trail during the winter months. One of the most popular tours is the self-guided audio for $15. Just pick up the audio player at the Visitor Information Center on Boston Common and get started!