ORIENTATION: There will be an informative overview of the program to come plus an opportunity to meet the program staff and your fellow participants during an introductory get-acquainted session. We'll review the updated schedule, cover responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. (If you arrive late, please pick up your packet at the hotel front desk.)
Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible.
This City Highlights Weekend is a new Road Scholar "Flex" program. It is different from other programs with more opportunities for you to dine out and explore on your own. Several meals have been excluded from the program cost and you will have substantial free time for personal independent exploration. We hope you enjoy this new "Flex" program and highlights of what's on in Boston this weekend.Dinner: Elephant & Castle. This popular British-style pub connected to the hotel is a lively watering-hole for the downtown crowd. For dinner, choose from a selection of British classics and North American favorites.Evening: PRESENTATION: 100 Years of Fenway. Discuss the history of Fenway Park and its 2012 centennial year as background for your field trip to the original cathedral of baseball.Lodging: Club Quarters in BostonMeals Included: Dinner
Our walk will take you to illustrious sites such as Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, Paul Revere's House, and Old North Church. Continue to explore on your own and return to the hotel at your leisure.Lunch: Experience more of Boston's flavors with lunch on your own. There are numerous restaurants in the North End, once a predominantly Italian neighborhood, or you might choose Quincy Market with many popular eateries indoors and out. The Group Leader will have recommendations. You may also join the Group Leader for lunch (at your cost) if you like.Afternoon: FREE AFTERNOON. After our extensive morning walk, we have left the afternoon free for your personal independent exploration or to relax before the big game at Fenway this evening. The Group Leader will take an impromptu walk you are free to join if you like.Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurantEvening: SPECIAL EVENT: Attend a Red Sox home game as the Sox take on the Toronto Blue Jays at historic Fenway Park. How will this long-time rivalry play out? Cheer for your favorite team!
Although there have been many improvements over the generations, Fenway's appearance has changed little from the way it looked at the opening on April 20, 1912 It remains America's most beloved ballpark.Lodging: Club Quarters in BostonMeals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
As a very special highlight, we'll have a presentation by distinguished historian and author Sheldon M Stern beforehand, who served as official historian of the JFK Library from 1977-1999. Dr. Stern, who earned his Ph.D. in history from Harvard University, has compiled the most accurate and up-to-date account of the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis based on recently declassified secret tapes. He is the country's foremost authority on this volatile turning point in the Cold War, and we are privileged to have him as our guide and guest speaker.
You are free to stay longer and explore. When you're ready, return on your own via the T.Lunch: Your free afternoon and evening begin with lunch on your own. The museum cafe serves light meals and beverages, or you may wish to go back into town for something more adventurous. You may also join the Group Leader for a quick bite (at your cost) if you like.Afternoon: FREE AFTERNOON: Personal independent exploration time. Boston is one of America's most historic cities. Much more than a "living museum" everything in the city is connected: past, present, and future. If you are at a loss about what to see and do (unlikely!), the Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You may also join the Group Leader on an impromptu walk in one of the neighborhoods.Dinner: Dinner is on your own to savor more of the local flavor. Among the extraordinary array of restaurants, you're sure to find something to delight every palate. You may also join the Group Leader (at your cost) for a simple supper at a neighborhood eatery.Evening: FREE EVENING: Personal independent exploration time to enjoy what you like the most. A show? concert? play? lecture? swing dance? a stroll? Check websites such as www.Boston.com for up-to-date listings of what's going on all around town.Lodging: Club Quarters in BostonMeals Included: Breakfast
Originally serving as pasture land, the Common became the site of British occupation leading up to the Revolutionary War, and was turned into the first public park in the United States in 1830. Right across Charles Street -- named for King Charles I of England, who gave the Massachusetts Bay Colony its charter in 1629 -- is the Public Garden. Created as America's first botanical garden, its beautiful landscaping features statues, fountains, a lagoon, the world's smallest suspension bridge, and Boston's beloved Swan Boats (mid-April to mid-September).
The program concludes with this field trip. We trust you have enjoyed these highlights of Boston and will return for other rewarding Road Scholar programs in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!Afternoon: Departures, please check out of the hotel by 12:00 PMMeals Included: Breakfast