Samuel Adams would cheers to that!

Yesterday was one of those days that began early and ended late, and not due to horrible costume malfunctions or a blurred evening full of 'black outs' and booze. Indeed, there was a beer or two present throughout the adventures of my Bostonian Halloween, but the walking and organist jam session overshadowed any underlying desire to be drunk along the streets of Beacon Hill.

My introduction began as many do when visiting a new city: the subway/metro. Though there was an insistence that Boston's Orange Line was the "worst and most disgusting" transit route in the metro system, I would like to point out that at no point did I see any skeezy characters in the shadows, nor did I feel unsanitarily consumed by any 'filth' that may have encompassed the deep crevasses of the train seats. This, of course, is the typical expectation of anyone who has ever ventured off onto the New York subway trains. Even the LIRR is questionable from time to time. Still, it was an inexpensive and comfortable, above-ground (mostly), ride for about 20 minutes into a city that's skyline would shadow in comparison to NYC or even San Francisco. I liked it though. No, I loved it. There were people in the streets and vendors everywhere, but it didn't feel like a Disney creation. The brownstone facades were elegant and beautifully preserved. The Halloween decorations lining the individually welcoming residential pathways were both illuminating and inviting. It was love at first sight for sure, and standing in the midst of centuries of history and discovery, I realized, even in the swarm of fall weather and wind, that this city would look as magnificent in the throws of winter's grasp as it does in the peaking sunbursts of fall's changing climate. With that said, it may be noted that Boston most definitely cannot be properly explored in just one day. There's so much grace and sophistication, yet with a flare of the South's hospitality that you almost forget where you are geographically.

And one of the most fantastic FREE treks one must explore would have to be the tour and beer tasting at the Sam Adams Brewery in the Jamaica Plain burrow of Boston's greater urban area. Nestled in what appears to be a side street overcrowded with old brick erections and newer model cars, sits the staple of the Northeast's American creation: beer. And, not just any beer, but the justifiably enticing Sam Adams distillery. One of three such landmarks in the United States, they provide you insight into how Sam Adams became the trademark of any traveler's Boston vacation. Our tour guide, Andy, was hilarious and knowledgeable, and clearly enjoyed his part of the overall tour experience. The beer was less than two weeks old, making it the freshest glass of Lager or Octoberfest you can get without officially working for the company. And maybe the best piece of the whole ordeal---the free double shot glass you receive as a valued patron of the history Sam Adams brings to Boston's subset. Definitely a must visit when in town, but know only those of legal age to drink are permitted on the tour.

Even better than free beer and souvenirs would have to be the fact that they have a 'party trolley' that will take you directly from the brewery to Doyle's Irish Pub, which is one of the oldest original Irish pubs in the entire area. And, if you remember to bring along your label entry ticket from the tour, you are permitted to purchase any beer on tap at the pub and keep the professional beer tasting glass as yet another fabulous trinket. The price of refreshing yourself this delicious sample of freshly brewed and frosty Sam Adams?? Just $4.50. Great price and a great atmosphere to indulge on their hand-made onion rings and juicy bison burger.

Besides the intoxicating aroma lingering in the air of Boston's burrows, there's also a plethora of history and religious icons to visit, even for those who may not necessarily find that sort of topic appeasing to their intellect. May I suggest a waltz through Beacon Hill and a visit to Benjamin Franklin's parents tombstone? There's also the King's Chapel with the 'good luck' bronze donkey statue that has tarnished to a brassy aura due to the decades of welcomed visitors gracing the icon in hopes of turning some fortune their way. There's also the cobblestone vendors who will both sell you branded t-shirts and key chains, but also indulge you in a brief history lesson of any building within the vicinity.

All in all Boston, thus far, has treated me quite well and still left me wanting more. Today is my last full day in the city and I plan to investigate it as much as I can, but I know that just this weekend was not nearly enough time to fully take advantage of every treat Boston can and does offer. It's a walking city, so bring your tennis shoes and plan on taking your time.

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Part of trip: Boston, MA

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