Title: Exploring Boston & Salem: A Campus Tour Meets Colonial History
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Join me on a memorable 2021 journey to Boston and Salem, Massachusetts — a college tour turned historical adventure. From Harvard and MIT to the witchy wonders of Salem and a delicious walking food tour, here’s how we explored it all.
✈️ Flying into Boston Logan from BWI
In the summer of 2021, my daughter and I embarked on a meaningful journey from Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) to Boston Logan International Airport. The primary goal? A college campus tour for my daughter — but knowing me, no trip is ever complete without a dive into the history and culture of the area.
We picked up a rental car at Logan and used it for the duration of our stay, which gave us the flexibility to move between Boston, Cambridge, and even as far out as Salem without the constraints of public transit or tours.
🏛️ Touring the Ivy League and Beyond: Harvard, MIT, and Northeastern
Our campus visits included stops at Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Northeastern University. Each school had its unique charm:
- Harvard, nestled in Cambridge, impressed us with its Ivy League prestige and colonial-era architecture.
- At MIT, the fusion of science and creativity was palpable. The vibe was intellectual yet unpretentious.
- Northeastern gave off a more urban and innovative feel, with its strong focus on experiential learning.
The tours were not only informative for my daughter but also awe-inspiring for me. Walking the same grounds where some of the world’s most brilliant minds once stood was humbling.
🕰️ Diving into History: Boston’s Revolutionary Sites
As a history enthusiast, I carved out time to explore Boston’s historic heart. We visited several sites along the Freedom Trail, including:
- Faneuil Hall
- Boston Common
- Paul Revere’s House
- Old North Church
Every corner of Boston whispers tales of the American Revolution, and walking those cobbled streets felt like traveling back in time. I made sure to pause often — not just for pictures, but to soak in the depth of what had taken place in those very spots.
🍽️ Walking Food Tour: A Taste of Boston
One of the highlights of our trip was participating in a walking food tour in Boston. This experience gave us the chance to taste our way through the city’s rich culinary scene, guided by a knowledgeable local.
From classic New England clam chowder and lobster rolls, to sweet treats like Boston cream pie and fresh cannoli from the North End, every bite told a story. We also sampled regional favorites from Boston’s Italian-American heritage, and learned about the cultural significance of the neighborhoods we walked through.
It was the perfect pairing of food and history — a must-do for any visitor.
🧙♀️ A Week in Salem: Witches, Walks, and a Quirky Airbnb Stay
While most people might stay in Boston proper, we chose to lodge in Salem, Massachusetts, renting a cozy Airbnb for an entire week. Salem provided a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle and also came packed with eerie colonial charm.
While in Salem, we explored:
- The Salem Witch Museum
- The House of the Seven Gables
- Local witchcraft shops and historic cemeteries
Salem’s history, rooted in the 1692 witch trials, was both fascinating and sobering. Yet the town manages to embrace its past while offering quirky, educational, and family-friendly attractions.
🚗 Travel Tips & Reflections
- Best way to get around: A rental car is a must if you want to easily move between Boston, Cambridge, and Salem.
- Where to stay: I highly recommend staying in Salem for a quieter, yet culturally rich experience. It’s only about a 45-minute drive from downtown Boston.
- Travel season: Summer was ideal for walking tours and outdoor exploration, but do be prepared for occasional crowds.
❤️ Why This Trip Mattered
This wasn’t just another getaway — it was a pivotal trip for my daughter’s academic future and a deeply enriching experience for both of us. Boston and Salem together created a perfect blend of education, inspiration, culinary delight, and history.
Whether you’re planning a college tour, a family vacation, or a historical road trip, Greater Boston has something unforgettable waiting for you.