The Exploring Cousins- The Freedom Trail

The 'Exploring Cousins' get together about every two months or so and visit different sites around New England. It is a wonderful way to see each other and to spend time together.

So far this year we visited the John F. Kennedy Library, the Newport Mansions and walked part of The Freedom Trail in Boston. This photo is of our group standing in the back yard of the "Breakers" a mansion owned by the Vanderbilt's in Newport, RI.

Since we all come from different directions, we meet at a central location. Not everyone of us is able to make each trip. Bob, Karen and Gary could not come to The Freedom Trail, but they will come on the next trip! And, we picked up honorary family members...Sheila and Ken have joined us on several trips.

What do you know, we have even learned a thing or two along the way.....


In May, the Exploring Cousins walked The Freedom Trail in Boston. We had a beautiful spring day to explore, shop (well, some of us that is) and visit with each other.

This time, we met up at Boston Common. I learned Boson got its name from a town in England. The 'Common' got its name because this was an area for anyone at that time (1700's) to use the land. Can you imagine during the 1700's cows grazed on the very land we were walking on!

Our guide brought us through some interesting areas and told us little tid bits about many of the good ole' boys. Our tour ended at Fanueil Hall, but we managed to continue the walking tour on our way. We walked to the North End and visited The Old North church. Then we had a delicious dinner at G'Vanni's (www.gvannis.com) where a dinner for two with a bottle of wine cost $29.00....After dinner, we managed a stop at a pastry shop and then walked back to the Common where we said our 'goodbye's'.

Stay tuned for our next adventure!

The Freedom Trail

Our guide had a treat! Here he is standing with two such gorgeous women...even if it is in the year 2008! We had a beautiful day to take our long walk down The Freedom Trail. The Common was green, there were lots of people roaming around.

Beginning our walk

We've paid our money and now it is time to put on our tags that say "Freedom Trail" then find our group and listen to our guide. Here is our guide explaining why we might have to pay a fine if we lived in 'the ole days' and were walking in the area.

Walking the Freedom Trail

See, Howard the photographer was really with us on the trip! Standing in front of Sam Adam's grave stone, our guide gave us a 'tip' of the day. Go to the bar across the street, order a beer, and raise a toast to Sam Adams who is buried right across the street. This could only happen in Boston....

Haymarket Square

Walking around Fanueil Hall Marketplace was fun! We checked out some shops, ate some ice cream and then walked some more...Hey, look who our new leaders are... The Hands!

Walking the Freedom Trail

So, which way to Rome? Sheila, Pat and I hope we find the right way! We crossed from Haymarket Square into the North End.

Old North Church

We enjoyed seeing the Old North Church and reading all about its history. We read documents from the 1800's! For a history lover, that was fun.....take a look at Paul Revere's statue which is located nearby.

Nourishment--after a long walk

G'Vanni's! We had to wait for a table that sat all eight of us together. Then, we all ate delicious meals and drank luscious wine.

Desert Time

What's a trip to Boston without a trip to the pastry shop.....

Looks like there is enough pastry in that bag to keep us all full and happy, good going, Pat!

Walking the Freedom Trail

It's been a long walk and we all enjoyed every step! We had one last look at the Mime in Fanueil Hall and then it was big hugs and kisses all around! Until our next 'Exploring Cousins' event!