Noreascon Four

Helpful hints online

Boston can be a somewhat confusing city to visit for the first time, even (or especially) for Americans from other locations. So we've posted some useful information for visitors.

Our Guide to Boston English (perhaps better called "How English Are Spoke in Da Hub") will give you an idea of the language (and accent) we use.

We've also got a guide to Speaking Fannishly for people who may be new to our community.

Progress Report 6 was mailed in May, and it contains lots of useful tidbits. We have an online version (as a PDF) you might wish to check out.

Planning to drive in Boston? We like to give people fair warning about the lunatics, er, wonderful people who populate our streets. One great mundane resource, Boston Online, offers these helpful (?) driving tips.

That last link worry you? Consider our public transportation system, the "T." You can see a map of the MBTA subway and trolley lines, together with information about buses and schedules, at the MBTA official web site. (The MBTA includes commuter boats and water taxis.)

Tourism 101: Historic Boston

[We'll be posting general tourism information occasionally here, so you can plan things you might like to see in Boston before and after Noreascon Four.]

A Closer Look at The Freedom Trail

Most of the Boston National Historical Park sites are connected by the Freedom Trail. Recognized as National Recreation Trail, the 3-mile trail is a walking tour of 16 sites and structures of historic importance idowntown Boston and Charlestown. You can see a map of the whole trail at the official web site of the Freedom Trail Foundation.

Ninety-minute tours begin at the Visitor Center at 15 State Street and cover the heart of the Freedom Trail from the Old South Meeting House to the Old North Church. Tours leave at regular intervals, weather permitting. Call (617) 242-5642 for daily schedule or (617) 242-5689 for group reservations.

If you wish to walk the Freedom Trail without a tour, try the virtual tour on the Boston National Historical Park Virtual Visitors Center.

Start at (follow the red line you'll find on the sidewalk... sometimes painted, sometimes brick):

Boston Common

State House

Park Street Church

Granary Burying Ground

King's Chapel and Burying Ground

Benjamin Franklin's Statue/First Public School Marker

Old Corner Bookstore

Old South Meeting House

Old State House

Boston Massacre Site

Faneuil Hall

Paul Revere House

Old North Church

Copp's Hill Burying Ground

USS Constitution

USS Constitution Museum

Bunker Hill Monument

Most of these attractions are free, but some require a small fee or donation.

Information on many of these sites can be found at the City of Boston Freedom Trail web pages.