The Customs House does Time Share

                    The Third Customs House in Boston is now a Marriott Vacation Club
 
 The pictures attached and in our collage will show you its location in the center of the “Hub of Boston”.  If you were on the 27th floor observation deck you would be able to throw a baseball to any of the various interesting stops referenced below.

1.   Long Wharf was completed in  1721 after ten years of toil by ships’ captain Oliver Noyes.  If you are really hungry and have a full wallet try the Chart House, the only original building from the 18th Century.  Great fish and victuals following the rich traditions of John Hancock, the original owner. 

2.  The first and second Custom House was on State Street and the  site of the  Boston Massacre.  Cross State Street opposite Kilby Street to the steps on the North side and stand in the original site of the Boston Massacre.  Pay little attention to the Boston Massacre marker just under the Old State House window west of this location.    Consider our history tour for a full eighteen-month review of events that concluded in “the bloody riot on King Street”. 

3.  In 1742 Peter Faneuil donated money to Boston to build Faneuil Hall. He desired a place in the evening to drink wine and cheese with his fellow Huguenots long after the Puritans had closed their bibles for the evening.  The vote in favor of accepting the money was 367 for to 360 against.  If you did stop 2, Faneuil Hall is just behind you through the brick walkway.  Be sure to visit the second and third floor. Free.
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4.  Quincy Market was constructed in 1824 to handle the overflow from Faneuil Hall. It is the long granite building just north of Faneuil Hall and a food market of convenience if you have to rush to your next stop.  Regina’s pizza is about as good and basic an offering for any budget. 

5.  Visit the aquarium, on the wharf immediately to the right of the Marriott Long Wharf.  Their whale watching tour on their high speed catamaran generally takes an hour out to travel 25 miles, a half hour to view numerous whales, and an hour back.  Check with them on any seasonal issues but the kids will love the motion of the catamaran as it rides the ocean swells. 

6. The Rose Kennedy Greenway provides plenty of entertainment, particularly March through October.  Follow the numerous water works by finding the sights pictured here.   Vendors typically display numerous crafts the entire length of the greenway leading to China Town; another of Boston’s very distinct and lively neighborhoods. 

7.   To visit the Old State House. exit the Marriott Vacation Club by the side door on State Street and walk 200 feet left and up to the museum.  While this Old State House was twice ravaged by fire it remains the very last of Old England’s contribution to Boston architecture.  It served as Boston’s city hall for eleven years.   Thankfully, The Boston Society was formed to prevent its sale to Chicago in 1881.  Today It might take a good South-Boston comedian to explain the reason a public subway stop was added in the 20th Century, to the basement of this venerable historic building. 

8.  Walk through Christopher Columbus Park at the water’s edge and just to the right of the Marriott Long Wharf to view their wonderful trellised garden arrangements and many events conducted there.  Continue through the park past the dancing fountain at the north side and marvel at the old world style of the North End. 

9.  The North End is Boston’s Italian community, with dozens of authentic Italian restaurants and shrines.  It was the home to Paul Revere and is the home of the Old North Church.  Their restaurants out-perform those you may have tasted in Tuscany. Stop at Edes and Gills printing museum and Captain Jackson’s Historical Chocolate Shop, to see how the Declaration of Independence was reproduced and to taste hot chocolate made as if it was the 18th Century.  Both stops are free.  See our collage and video,  titled Paul Revere’s Neighborhood by clicking here and  Video. 

10. If you are a skateboarder one of the largest and most challenging inter city parks is available to you just across the channel.  Leave your parents behind.  Walk across the rickety Charlestown Bridge at the north end of the North End.  Pass through Paul Revere Park and look for the skateboard park just under the inter-state. 

11. Parents, as a back-up plan the Children’s Museum, into its second century, is located south of the Marriott Customs House, on its own Wharf, in walking distance.  Cross the channel at Congress or Summer Street.  Once over the channel you have entered South Boston, another unique neighborhood.

As for the Marriott Customs House, don’t miss the tour and ride to the 27th floor available every day at 2:00 or 6:00 p.m, but for Friday.  Buy $5 tickets at the front desk.  Drinks are available on the 6:00 p.m. tour for $15.  It is probable that you may see peregrine falcons nesting just above the observation deck.

Please visit our collage for pictures that relate to this post under customs house.