Row House - Boston

America's fight for independence began in Boston, so what better way to celebrate Independence Day than in the place where it all started? The Boston Harborfest is the city's week-long celebration of American independence, and on July 4th the festival moves to the Charles River Esplanade for a great view of fireworks and patriotic music by the Boston Pops.

Housing over 450,000 works of art, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston boasts one of the most extensive art collections in the country. The museum is one of the largest in America and features a wide variety of art, including French impressionist and post-impressionist works, 18th and 19th century American art, imperial Chinese art, the largest collection of Japanese art outside of Japan, and much more. A few of the renowned artists with works in the collection include Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.

Explore the historic neighborhood of Beacon Hill. This area of town is beautiful, with narrow streets, brick sidewalks lit by gas lights, row houses with beautiful doors and brass knockers, hidden gardens, decorative ironwork throughout, colonial revival homes from the early 20th century and other elements that harken from neighborhoods of the past. Beacon Hill draws plenty of attention for its looks but the neighborhood also offers unique shops and some of the city's best restaurants, along with other businesses and attractions.

Learn about the important contributions made to Boston and our nation by the African American community at The Museum of African American History. This institution offers insight to the struggles, the triumphs and the stories of African Americans from the Colonial Period and throughout the 19th century. Exhibits feature important African American figures like Colin Powell, Barack Obama, and Nelson Mandela, and also showcase art works and artifacts.