What is there to do in Boston?

We chose the Brookline Courtyard Marriott for its proximity to the T (public transportation), shops and such, and several synagogues. (but yea, that's a picture of Newbury Street.)

Shops and restaurants abound, and we're happy to offer specific recommendations if you'd like.

Here are some ideas for Saturday:

Alas, the MFA (Museum of Fine Arts) is closed on July 4th...

Institute for Contemporary Art: a new museum, and it's the museum of Shepard Fairey fame (the Obama HOPE poster artist)! Located on the waterfront, it will make you very hip to have been there. www.icaboston.org

The Freedom Trail: This is a walking trail of 16 sites significant to Colonial Boston. You can take either a self-guided tour or one offered by the National Park Service. The Boston Common Visitors Center is located at 148 Tremont Street. For a simpler history of Revolutionary Boston, Joita will be more than happy (I hope) to tell you all about John Hancock (the man, not the building) and Sam Adams (the man, not the beer)! www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/

The Freedom on Trial Trail, July 4th: 11 AM-12:30 PM at the Samuel Adams Statue, Faneuil Hall. This is a 90-minute walking tour focusing on the time when the promises of the American Revolution were 'on trial' in Boston's 19th-century African-American community. Learn of the struggle to maintain churches, the ongoing figt for equal school rights, the Abolition Movement, and the burgeoning social welfare services and organizations of the community. Free of charge.

JFK Birthplace, 83 Beals Street, Brookline. Open Weds-Sun 10 AM -4:30 PM. (1.5 miles from hotel)

Julia Child's (former) house (private house, but you can drive by, not too stalker-ish): 103 Irving Street, Cambridge.

Swan Boats: Float along on the waters of Boston's Public Garden, the first botanical garden in the US. Rides cost just $2.75. For fans of children's literature, these swans are famous both from Make Way for Ducklings and Trumpet of the Swan. Take the Green Line T to Arlington Station and walk into the garden. www.swanboats.com

Faneuil Hall Marketplace: is a good place to go for those who like to combine history, shopping, and eating!  It's right in the heart of downtown, is on the Freedom Trail, and is accessible by a variety of T lines: Take the BLUE line to Aquarium/Faneuil Hall, the GREEN line to Government Center, or the ORANGE line to State Street. www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com

If it's a beautiful day, head to the Arnold Arboretum! Admission is free, and in addition to enjoying the beauty of nature, there are exhibitions and a shop. Located in Jamaica Plain, the Arnold Arboretum is one part of Frederick Law Olmsted's Emerald Necklace park system. You can get there on the T -- Orange Line to Forest Hills -- for more detail and/or driving directions, check their web site: www.arboretum.harvard.edu