Submitted by Professional-Dork26 t3_11dweq6 in boston

Been wanting to visit for ages since I love American history. Plan on doing a bunch of things in downtown Boston. Planning on visiting March 23-26. One of the main things I plan on doing is visiting all the Freedom Trail sites + Boston Tea Party museum + Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site + Boston Public Library.

Questions:

  1. Should I rent a car or is the city very walk-able? I am very interested in visiting Salem Witch museum as well as Lexington + Concorde. Will this require a rental car? I'm assuming uber/lyft would be way too expensive. Or are there tour groups/busses/vans that drive out there for tours?
  2. How will weather be? Specifically, will there be tons of snow and is there a chance I might get locked inside during a snow storm during my visit?
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-CalicoKitty- t1_jab8jtd wrote

The city is walkable and you can take the subway. Salem and Concord can be reached by train, but Lexington would require a rental car or Uber/Lyft. For such a short trip I probably wouldn't try to visit all three.

Don't forget to visit the USS Constitution. Bunker Hill is nearby as well. You should also take the ferry to George's Island, it's worth it.

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Professional-Dork26 OP t1_jab8xrv wrote

Thank you so much! I'll look into that the train to Concord and Salem one of the days I'm there.

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Luna_Blonde t1_jacfeji wrote

As someone who lives in Concord, you’re going to need a rental car. Both of our commuter rail train stops are far from historical sites and Uber is spotty especially in March.

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jtet93 t1_jachhg5 wrote

So Lexington and Concord are next to each other but Salem is far from them. Separate trains. This person is right that visiting both would be a lot on such a short trip. I much prefer Salem as there is a lot more to do there.

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bobby_j_canada t1_jacqql9 wrote

Given the length of your stay, I'd suggest sticking to Boston and Salem and skipping Concord. Yeah yeah, it's an important site and all that, but unless you go during one of the reenactments (which happen on Patriots' Day in April, not in March) you're basically just looking at an empty field with a few plaques.

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octopodes1 t1_jaeo6a5 wrote

Just to add, if you're already near North Station downtown, the commuter rail is very easy to Salem. It's usually faster than driving and you don't have to find somewhere to park. Salem is nice and walkable too so you won't need a car, unlike Lexington and Concord.

Google maps will give you the schedule.

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psychicsword t1_jackv31 wrote

> Lexington would require a rental car or Uber

It can be reached by bike as well. That would be much cheaper than renting a car or Uber and it is a great way to see more of the suburbs while traveling to the Lexington Battle Green.

I probably wouldn't use a blue bike and I would rent a bike specifically for it but it technically is possible.

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Initial_Dimension541 t1_jabej7s wrote

You need a a good water proof shoe and layers. March can be our greyest and wet month but could randomly be 70! Tbh if you’re not a walker start getting your steps in because you really can’t drive the freedom trail. Car rental and parking are very expensive so Uber will be a better option for anything non walkable

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tarandab t1_jac5wrj wrote

Yep, I’d bring layers. February’s temps ranged from -30 to 60s, and March could very well be the same. If we had snow that melted, or it rains, you’d want the waterproof shoes.

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tleon21 t1_jabd6tx wrote

I would plan to take the T unless you are ok paying $25+ for parking garages. It’s walkable for sure, but especially with rain you’ll want to have a backup plan. I lose ~5 years of my life every time I drive in Boston and wouldn’t recommend unless necessary

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Professional-Dork26 OP t1_jabdfxr wrote

What's "the T" exactly? Train?

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bobby_j_canada t1_jacrinm wrote

The "T" is the nickname for the MBTA -- Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority. People usually use it to refer to the subway, but the MBTA also runs buses and Commuter Rail trains as well.

The four lines of the subway (Red, Orange, Blue, and Green) and buses are considered part of the same network, and you can buy a daily or weekly "Link Pass" for unlimited usage of them. This is what you'd use when getting around Boston, Cambridge, etc..

The Commuter Rail trains (indicated in purple on the system maps) are their own network which require you to buy separate tickets: you'd need to take the Commuter Rail to get to Salem and Concord.

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GM_Pax t1_jacd7a3 wrote

Mostly subway, but parts of it are on the surface, especially the Green line.

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Liqmadique t1_jabnqt4 wrote

The subway portion of the T is fine for getting around the core tourist parts of Boston (or you can just walk around - its a small city), but drive if you want to go to Salem or anywhere outside Boston. The commuter rail is a god damned fucking disaster and you're more likely to spend time sitting on the tracks than actually enjoying your trip.

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GM_Pax t1_jacddt3 wrote

>The commuter rail is a god damned fucking disaster

Maybe your line, but not the whole system. The last several trips I've taken on the Lowell line, in either direction, have gone without a hitch.

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Subject_Rhubarb4794 t1_jadfgh4 wrote

I mean, this is just andecdotal evidence. At least find some actual data if you want to "well actually...."

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GM_Pax t1_jadfvfp wrote

And u/Liqmadique's claim isn't equally anecdotal and devoid of actual data?

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Subject_Rhubarb4794 t1_jadg3he wrote

did I say that or claim either of you were right?

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Pinwurm t1_jabd1wy wrote

The weather is unpredictable in March. It might feel like spring, or we might have a blizzard. Who knows. But you can expect it to be pretty ugly that time of year. Street sweeping doesn’t start until April, so March is usually when you see the most trash.

Boston is one of the most walk-friendly cities in the country. You should use public transit to get around, which is safer than driving in every way. Driving here is quite challenging, even for experienced locals - and parking is limited and expensive. I do not recommend it. Use Uber/Lyft if you need to get somewhere not close to a subway/trolley stop - or if it’s late night.

You can get to Salem by Commuter Rail in about an hour. It costs $4.10 and it comes every hour or so. Salem itself is super walk friendly, small and compact. No trouble there.

Lexington and Concorde is best by car. And that’s about the only time you’d need one. You could also take a Commuter Rail to Belmont (about $6.50, 30-40 min) and then Uber about 5 miles to your location. Or take a local bus.

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Chippopotanuse t1_jacle97 wrote

This should be the top answer.

OP, the correct answers to the questions you asked are what Pinwurm says.

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conor5912 t1_jab7k1c wrote

Salem/ Lexington and concord almost certainly require a car. Freedom trail, library and such can very easily be accomplished by walking/ train. Boston is more walkable than a lot of US that I’ve seen.

Late March is usually pretty tame for snow, we have for sure seen snow that late in the season but it’s rare. I would bring a decent jacket for sure, cold wind here can be crazy. Have fun!

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Professional-Dork26 OP t1_jab7q39 wrote

Would you say Lexington/Concorde are worth it for history buffs? Is there a museum there? Or is it just a statue/memorial and grass field?

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conor5912 t1_jab84iq wrote

Honestly I’ve lived here all my life and only ever driven through the towns. the NPS seems to have some pretty good info/ scheduled events. Maybe even some battle re-enactments?

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Professional-Dork26 OP t1_jab8svu wrote

> Maybe even some battle re-enactments?

Oh wow that would be very cool!

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becausefrog t1_jac31ob wrote

You'd have to reschedule your trip to see any of the reenactments, but for a history nerd I think it's worth it. The Plimouth Pawtuxet living history museums are worth it too, but that's maybe for another trip.

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GM_Pax t1_jab8zi5 wrote

Lexington Green has the field and statue, and also a Visitor's Center. Not a museum that I'm aware of.

Just a mile or two from there, though, is the Minuteman National Historic Park, where you can walk through the location of actual battles during the opening hours of the Revolution. The park also often has events and such that teach about history, and how people in that time period lived. Definitely worth the time to go.

As for GETTING there? The Minuteman Commuter Bikeway stretches from Alewife Station (the end of the Red line subway) through Arlington, right past Lexington Green, and up to Bedford. It's a bit far to walk (a couple miles), but not at all too far to ride a bike. (You'd probably have to rent one, of course.)

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Professional-Dork26 OP t1_jabbnqt wrote

This is an amazing response and exactly what I was looking for. Thank you sooooo much!

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bobby_j_canada t1_jacsjig wrote

If you have any flexibility in your plans, as a history nerd it might make sense to delay your trip a few weeks to the Patriots Day weekend instead (April 15-17). That's when the "big grass field and a few statues" in Lexington/Concord will be a lot more interesting since they have battle reenactments and other events to commemorate the anniversary of the battle itself.

Not sure how committed your plans are, but given that it's only three weeks after your planned trip and you're coming here for the history, it might be worth thinking about if you can do it.

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sdzk t1_jabawch wrote

There could be snow but probably not. The weather here is random.

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Luna_Blonde t1_jacepxy wrote

If you’re planning on visiting Lexington and Concord you will need a rental car for that.

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emaki t1_jacxsnf wrote

Just wanted to point out that one of your planned stops--the Longfellow House--will not be open during your visit. It does not open for the season until late May. Their website will tell you that the grounds and garden are open year-round, but they are very small and not worth your time on their own.

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willzyx01 t1_jab7lhw wrote

If it snows at the end of March, we will all be fucked I tell you.

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AutoModerator t1_jab70n5 wrote

Boston's nearly four centuries of history are showcased by the city's must-see sites.Start your city tour on the Freedom Trail,which will lead you to landmarks like the Paul Revere House and Boston Common.Or, discover Beantown's artsy side at the Museum of Fine Arts and its fashion sense along Newbury Street.If you're a fan of baseball, you can't miss catching a game at Fenway Park, home to the beloved Red Sox. Though blowing through your travel fund is an easy thing to do in Boston, there are also plenty of things to do that won't cost you a penny; the lovely Boston Public Garden and the lively Faneuil Hall Marketplace can be experienced without opening your wallet.Four buildings – Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market – constitute Faneuil Hall Marketplace, with the oldest being Faneuil Hall. Built in 1742 and now located on the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall has had a long and important history in Massachusetts politics.Samuel Adams once stood here to push for resistance against the British, and abolitionists and suffragists have stood on their soapboxes here.In fact, this is where Jonathan Mayhew famously challenged the Sugar Act of 1764 by proclaiming, no taxation without representation. 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Travelers who have Go Boston Cards, visit on their birthday or are named Isabella and register on the museum's website get in for free.The grounds of Boston Common started as a cow pasture in the mid-1600s. After a few years, overgrazing became a problem and the area was transformed into a British camp. After the Revolutionary War, the park became a popular locale for public speeches and rallies. Now, the Common is best known because of its status as the oldest public park in the country. You'll also find a variety of activities and events, including theater and musical performances, hosted here throughout the year.Though some visitors said you won't find much to do in this park, Boston Common is great for picnics or a leisurely stroll. Recent travelers also noted that this site is a wonderful spot to take young children. In addition to ample running room on the park's green space, kids can play at the Tadpole Playground or Frog Pond. 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GM_Pax t1_jab92jv wrote

Good information, but desperately needs to be reformatted. Giant walls of text are rarely welcoming to read, and this one is no exception.

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