Quincy Mass, the City of Presidents"

With the cost of lodging in downtown Boston soaring past $200.00 plus an evening I decided to search the surrounding suburbs for a suitable hotel for our “Pilgrims to Patriots” hub and spoke tour. The hub and spoke tour concept is simply that the tour members travel out of and return to a central point (hotel) each day. Price, access to public transportation and activates were my main concerns in selected the proper hotel.

Just minutes south of Boston awaits one of New England’s most captivating destinations, the City of Quincy (“quin-zee”). Called the "City of Presidents" and "Birthplace of the American Dream", Quincy is the birthplace of the second and sixth U.S. Presidents, John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams. Rich in historic treasures, Quincy’s impressive past remains vibrant today as the city lays claim to an exciting future.

Fascinating historic sites abound, while miles of coastline capture the imagination with their enchanting beauty. Culture and commerce blend to create an impressive array of things to see and do year round.

Home to The Adams National Historical Park which commemorating the distinguished men and women of the Adams family who dedicated their lived to the founding and strengthening of the United States was a major plus. The thirteen acre park includes the home Peacefield (see photo) of this remarkable family; the farmhouse where both presidents were born, recognized as the oldest presidential birthplaces in the country; the Visitor Center; and the United First Parish Church and Adams Crypt. The Park Service operates a shuttle bus that takes you from the downtown visitors’ center to the historic homes. Visit the Adams National Historical Park web site at http://www.nps.gov/adam.

Other prominent attractions include the Hancock Cemetery, the colonial community’s first and main burial ground; the Thomas Crane Public Library, a national architectural landmark; the Adams Academy Society; the birthplace of John Hancock; the Dorothy Quincy Homestead; and the Josiah Quincy House, site of many Sons of Liberty meetings.

Or you could stroll along the boardwalk at picturesque Marina Bay, the largest marina in the Northeast, and enjoy the incredible view of the Boston skyline. Known for its spectacular sunsets, Marina Bay has several restaurants offering outdoor and indoor waterfront dining as well as a variety of retail shops.

Other plusses for the city of Quincy were that it is on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Red “T” line (http://www.mbta.com) and that the “Beantown” Trolley (http://www.beantowntrolley.com/) had regularly scheduled stops at area hotels. For $15.00 you could purchase a “T” pass that is good for 7 days of unlimited travel and the “T” stop was an easy 10 minute walk from the Best Western Adams Inn. Based on availability the hotel also would provide a courtesy shuttle to the “T”. The trolley service offered an affordable hop on, hop off 20 stop narrated tour route through Boston central so this easy access to transportation and activities near the hotel plus a reasonable nightly rate sealed the deal. Quincy Mass for me please.

I’ll tell you more about the sightseeing inclusions in our “Pilgrims to Patriots” study tour in subsequent pieces.