Capital of Massachusetts, Boston is a well loved US city and has the honour of being the unofficial capital of New England. A place of contradictions, Boston can be at once modern and historic, stylish and old world, but always warm and friendly. Late in the 18th century, the American Revolution gave us the Boston Tea Party and the Boston Massacre, so the city has certainly secured a place in the annals of history, and it is almost a given that you should start your journey walking the Freedom Trail to get a true sense of it's origins. As far back as the late 1700's Irish emigrants flocked to the city and made it their own. The "Boston Irish" is almost a byword these days and the city still lures huge numbers of Irish visitors. Today, the main attractions of Boston lie in the wonderful shopping opportunities, the marvellous food culture and the historical buildings and architecture. Clam chowder could well have been invented here and, at Union Oyster House (Boston's oldest restaurant), you can experience a culinary treat (and watch the chefs shucking oysters!) in what is virtually a Boston institution. Shopping in the city is fabulous with local farmers' markets, the Haymarket, famous Filene's Basement in the Back Bay, out of town Outlets and and Downtown Crossing district with stores such as Macy's. Art and culture is also a big draw in the city and, with Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard Art Museum, Boston Symphony, various theatre companies, lots of concert halls and performance centres, you will be spoiled for choice. With such a superb location too, Boston can be a fine day trip from Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, so, if you fancy a bit of star spotting...... Whatever reason you choose to visit the city, Boston will win you over.