"Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Degas, where art thou? That’s a question the staff has been asking at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum since 1990, when thieves made off with 13 of the museum’s most valuable pieces, worth an estimated half a billion dollars. Rather than sulk, however, museum officials left empty frames on display both to educate visitors and to serve as hopeful placeholders awaiting the artworks’ eventual return. Meanwhile, you can visit the museum’s lovely courtyard and vast collection of historic and contemporary art at Fenway Court, built to resemble a Venetian palazzo and packed with paintings, sculpture, furniture, and textiles gathered by Gardner, an avid art collector and philanthropist, during her lifetime. Pro tip: Wear a Red Sox hat or shirt to get a $2 discount on admission—as stipulated by Gardner after her beloved Sox won the 1912 World Series (also, you get in free if your name is Isabella)."

"The Swan Boats Boston’s Public Garden is magical in the summer, with its many weeping willows and manicured hedges. Kids and adults alike will delight in a ride on the iconic Swan Boats, which float on the garden’s lagoon. The whimsical boats are foot-pedaled, and the propeller makes a relaxing paddling noise while you glide around the water, admiring the ducks and sometimes spotting a turtle or two. The boats—in different iterations, of course—have been paddling around the Public Garden’s pond for over 120 years, and are beloved by locals and visitors alike. Photo by Tim Sackton/Flickr ."

"Toro Toro, located in Boston 's South End district, is a little slice of Barcelona in the Northeast. The menu is based on small plates (tapas), and while the ingredients are regionally sourced, the wine list is all Spanish, giving Toro a nice mixture of local atmosphere and international appeal. Also, though the standard menu has a traditionally Spanish emphasis on meats and fresh seafood, there are also vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free options."

"Faneuil Hall Sure, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market make up the most touristy part of Boston , complete with street performers, a light show, and the obligatory Yankee Candle store and Cheers restaurant; we nonetheless defy you to stay away. This part of the Boston waterfront has thrived on commerce since colonial times: Faneuil Hall was crowded with merchant’s shops as early as 1743, and the larger Quincy Market was added in 1824 to provide more space (it also was the site of speeches by Samuel Adams and other early patriot leaders). If you’re looking for a Red Sox hat or a "Boston Strong" T-shirt, you’ll find it here, along with a classic New England boiled dinner served with attitude at Durgin Park . The restaurant’s basement beer garden, the Hideout, is aptly named for the shopping widowers passing time at the bar."

"Stumptown Coffee Fix When you've been called "the best coffee in the world" by the likes of NPR and the NY Times, you've got the bar set pretty high. Thinking Cup does justice to those beans, and is a really great spot to get your morning or afternoon fix. Their cafe menu offers breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and freshly baked pastries, killer tiramisu will finish you off nicely. They also have another location in the North End."

"Latte Art from Japan I usually think of tea when it comes to Japan, but one visit to Ogawa changed my mind. Aside from the gorgeous latte art they are known for, this artisan coffee house from Kyoto is committed to the perfection of the beverage through sourcing, roasting and preparation. As soon as you walk in the door, the aroma is enough to give you your afternoon fix. I loved their stadium seating for a unique change of pace and they also offer interesting sandwiches and Japanese snacks in addition to beans. Try the Single Origin Trio, three small cups of single origin coffee served side by side for a bit of caffeine heaven."

"The Common becomes extraordinary on winter evenings when the Christmas tree is up and soft lights seem to hold back the twilight chill, but the truth is there’s no bad time to visit the nation’s oldest public park. The former cow pasture has been a focal point for Boston ’s history and culture since its inception in 1636—a site for riots and rallies from the Revolutionary War to the Vietnam War era as well as weddings, hangings, and burials. Summer splashing and winter skating at the Frog Pond are local traditions, and you can spend hours wandering from landmark to landmark (like Augustus Saint-Gaudens’s famous bas-relief Memorial to Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusetts Fifty-Fourth Regiment, or the Soldiers and Sailors monument atop Flag Staff Hill). Or you can just laze in the sun on the park’s west-side lawn."

"Walk the Freedom Trail Love history? Then don't miss at least part of The Freedom Trail. Two and a half miles of 16 sites steeped in history make up Boston 's version of the 'Yellow Brick Road.' This time, the brown bricks start at the Boston Common, and lead you on a winding outdoor museum tour ending at the U.S.S. Constitution . The gold-domed State House, built in 1798, is where the government now conducts its daily business, and is the first building on the route. Period dressed characters along the way put a fun spin on the activity, and you can either map out your own itinerary after getting a map, or take a guided tour."

"This building, a National Historic Landmark, has been described as the birthplace of the American Revolution, as citizens of the colony gathered here to discuss the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party and other events of the day. Built as a Puritan meeting house in 1729, this is where Benjamin Franklin was baptized and the plans for the Boston Tea Party were conceived. See rare treasures that include a vial of tea and a tea-crate label from the Boston Tea Party; a 3-D historic model of colonial Boston built more than 100 years ago; and John Hancock’s portable writing desk."

"The Midnight Ride Walking through the narrow streets of Boston 's North End might have you thinking about a delicious Italian meal. Take the time, however to explore the area on Hanover Street where the surrounding brick buildings suddenly give way to a park where Paul Revere stands guard. Commemorating his ride to warn the colonists of the impending British Invasion, the statue stands in front of a small park leading to the famous Old North Church. The setting is a perfect spot to relive the beginning of the American Revolution, and after exploring, leaves you in a location filled to the brim with restaurants and cafes to recharge before moving on."

"Like Sean Bean in National Treasure , you won’t find the booty of the Knights Templar in the basement of the Old North Church, but there is a crypt here with thousands of bodies dating back to the 18th century. This prominent stop on the Freedom Trail is rich in colonial and Revolutionary War history, most notably because the 191-foot steeple was where patriots hung two lanterns on the night of April 18, 1775, warning that British troops were setting out by sea to their fateful encounter with local militias at Lexington and Concord. A walk around the church, constructed in 1723 (making it Boston’s oldest house of worship), is a revelation in irony: While the building played a role in the start of the Revolutionary War, most of its Episcopal congregants remained loyal to King George. Chimes from the steeple still announce Sunday services, thanks to the Bellringers Guild, which is comprised of MIT students."

"Now through 2017, visitors can see the historic USS Constitution in dry dock as it undergoes a major restoration right outside the USS Constitution Museum. Inside the museum, learn about the restoration of “Old Ironsides,” as well as how it has remained undefeated since it was launched in 1797. Exhibits also explore the War of 1812 and the ship’s role in it, along with the lives of sailors, through hands-on activities and personal stories."

"Historic Spirits Like to have a meal with historic spirits? Visit the oldest tavern in MA. and one of the most historic watering holes in America. First erected in 1780 in Charlestown, George Washington dropped in for refreshments and Paul Revere counted it among his favorites. Featuring traditional tavern fare for lunch and dinner, it's a great pit stop after burning up calories climbing the Bunker Hill Monument just up the street."

"Keeping it New England Local The recently opened Boston Public Market is the only year round indoor market in the country to feature exclusively New England vendors. The bounty of 35 businesses representing farms, makers and food producers offers a cross section of all things local to eat from around Boston. Farm fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, dairy and flowers along with an assortment of speciality and prepared foods. There are even a few beautiful craft artisans in the mix. A great place for families and foodies alike, there is even a selection of locally produced wines, beers and alcohol. Catch the warm glow from the hive at Boston Honey. Interactive classes will take place for all ages in the Market's demonstration Kitchen. Connect with the people who feed New England in this great community space."