Unlike most states in the Union, the capitol of Massachusetts is also its largest city – Boston. (Most states chose capitol cities based on their geographical location, not how big the city was…or might become.)

Indeed, Boston is a huge city, with over 600,000 people in the city proper and over 4.5 million people if you count all the suburbs and environs of that comprise “Greater Boston.” It’s located at the innermost point of Massachusetts Bay, at the mouth of the Charles River.

Boston holds the distinction of being one of the oldest cities in the United States, founded in 1630. Revolutionary war enthusiasts know that the Boston Tea Party and the Boston Massacre took place here, as well as the Battle of Breed’s Hill. (Let this article be the first to stop calling it the Battle of Bunker Hill when everyone knows it took place on Breed’s Hill!)

But every visit to a state’s capitol city should start with that city’s government buildings.

The capitol building and seat of government in Boston is called the Massachusetts State House.  The gold gilded-domed building houses the state legislature – called the Massachusetts General Court, and the offices of the Governor of Massachusetts. The building is located at the top of Beacon Hill… the only one of three hills that used to be part of Boston, until two of them were dug up to serve as for landfill, in order to triple the size of the city. Indeed, Beacon Hill is only half its original size.

In any event, walk up Beacon Hill to visit the State House, a building which has been standing since 1798 (with a few additions and renovations since then, of course). Walk through the grounds to see statues of prominent Bostonians. Within the building itself are historic murals, by Edward Brodney. These murals are, according to the New York Times, “relatively rare examples of military art with women as their subjects.”

Massachusetts is one of a handful of states that does not provide a governor’s mansion to serve as the governor’s residence.

After you’ve visited the State House, walk around the Government Center. Here you’ll find Boston City Hall, two Suffolk County courthouses, two state office buildings, and two federal office buildings, and City Hall Plaza, a large open square used for outdoor community events such as free concerts in the summer.  There’s a large Santa’s-workshop display there in the winter. These buildings have been in existence only since the 1960s, when they were built on the site of what had been the historical Scollay Square (1838-1962).

Other historical spots in Boston are located within minutes walk of the Government Center, on the Freedom Trail.

You’ve heard of the Yellow Brick Road? The Freedom Trail is a red brick path, which leads pedestrians through downtown Boston and past 16 historic sites. Return to the State House to pick up the trail, and then follow along to see:

Park Street Church

Granary Burying Ground

King’s Chapel

King’s Chapel Burying Ground

Benjamin Franklin statue (and former site of Boston’s first public school)

Old Corner Bookstore

Old South Meeting House

Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market

Paul Revere House

Old North Church

Copp’s Hill Burying Ground

USS Constitution

Bunker Hill Monument

The Freedom Trail actually starts at Boston Common (site of the Boston Massacre) and then goes on to the State House. You can pick up the trail wherever you please, of course.

The Black Heritage Trail intersects with the Freedom Trail at the State House. Massachusetts was the first state in the Union to declare slavery illegal, and the famous 54th Regiment of the Civil War came from Massachusetts (their story is told in the movie Glory.) Other sites of interest in the Civil Rights movement are also on the trail.

Note that many of the buildings on the tour are private residences and are not open to the public.

1. Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Regiment Memorial

2. George Middleton House

3. The Phillips School

4. John J. Smith House

5. Charles Street Meeting House

6. Lewis and Harriet Hayden House

7. John Coburn House

8-12. Smith Court Residences

13. Abiel Smith School

14. The African Meeting House

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/visiting-bostons-historical-sites-1352154.html

After arriving at the Zacatecas airport we took about a 45 min. bus ride to the city of Zacatecas. I had never been there or heard of this city before, but was told I would like it a lot, and I did. In fact, it was my favorite trip this year. The city is fairly small, with a population around 1.5 million, but you can see most the attractions in a day. One of the things I liked the most were the narrow winding streets and alleys of cobblestone. It’s a look I really like a lot. The energy there is very peaceful and laid   back, much like many of the smaller cities in Mexico and something you find more as you get closer to coastal cities.

Our concert was on the 1st night there, and after the show we had one day free to wonder about the city. This was such a treat for me because many times I visit a new place, I fly in for the concert, then leave the next day, with very little time for sight-seeing.

We started our day off taking the cable car or Teleferico to the top of the mountain overlooking the city. The city is known for its silver and copper mining, and the area surrounding the city is pretty desolate. After that we walked down the mountain on a road which led us directly to the city center. There we spent the day wondering through the streets and alley ways, visiting art galleries, and hanging in the centro park.

The churches and architecture are really something to see here, as it is in much of Mexico. But here they were exceptionally beautiful. The city has policies about keeping everything historical looking. So, although you will find a Starbucks, on the outside you will not find the typical commercialized logos. Another point that I like very much.

We continued our journey on foot, because everything here is very close, until we ended up at the Quinta Real. Although I did not stay at this hotel, it is the premier hotel in the city. The hotel is a converted bull fighting ring, completely remodeled into a gorgeous hotel, and I mean gorgeous. As we walked through the hotel there was lots of beautiful art and details that really make it a worthwhile visit or stay while there.

Zacatecas is at the top of my list for trips this year. I really had a great time and if you are in Mexico, spend a couple days there, it will be worth it. If you liked my article and would like to see pictures of Zacatecas or want other Mexico Tidbits, please visit my Travel Blog: http://www.travelmexicowithme.com

Happy Travels!

Craig De Borba is a Musician, avid lover of Mexico, and writer on “TravelMexicoWithMe.com: A Travel Blog” at which he discusses all things travel, including; tips, travel deals, recipes, and Much more. Visit him today at: http://www.travelmexicowithme.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/zacatecas-mexicothe-hidden-gem-1273815.html