Boston, and the surrounding areas, is by far our favorite New England spot thus far. Every time we find ourselves seeking adventure in this city, we find new and exciting things to return to. Undoubtedly, Boston is well known as a historically significant place. It is here that many of our nation’s beginnings were birthed and grew. History buffs will love this town but the historical sites are not the only reason to visit.
Boston is bursting with sites for those with a passion for the literary. Here, we provide you with some of the sites in and around Boston that every bibliophile would love to see.
Boston
Boston Public Library – You show me a bibliophile and I’ll show you someone who can get lost in the rows and stacks of a library. The Boston Public Library is a stunning building dating back to the 1800s and home to over 23 million texts, artifacts and works of art.
Omni Parker Hotel – Since 1855 the Omni Parker Hotel has been a meeting place for the bookish, whether writer or reader. The Saturday Club met here as well as other literary greats like Longfellow!
Old Corner Bookstore – One of the oldest buildings in Boston, completed in 1712 and frequented by renowned authors in the area. One of the many stops along the Freedom Trail, we recommenced traveling to visit this iconic piece of the literary fiber of America.
Boston Literary District – It is here that you can find sites such as childhood and young adult homes, restaurants frequented by authors like Kerouac, intersections near significant places such as Poe’s birthplace, bookstores and museum collections of the many significant writers of America’s past and present.
Surrounding Areas
Longfellow House – Henry W. Longfellow, one of the world’s most well-known, and beloved 19th century poets called this stunning place home. But Longfellow is not the only major American historical figure to have a link with this property. It was once occupied by George Washington!
Louisa May Alcott House – Orchard House – No far from the Longfellow House, you will find the home of the Alcott family. It is here that Louisa May Alcott wrote and set “Little Women”. Open year round for tours, you can see some of the artwork, sketched on the walls by Alcott’s sister, walk to grounds and view books owned by Alcott as well as the very desk on which Alcott wrote her books.
Walden Pond – Undoubtedly made famous worldwide by Henry David Thoreau, Walden Pond holds great significance in the Transcendentalist History of the time. Often walked by those who shared in the views of Thoreau and Emerson, Walden Pond is where Thoreau made his home “closer to nature” and is now a Nature Reservation.
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery – While not the “Sleepy Hollow” of Irving fame, it is here that you can find “Author’s Ridge”, a section of plots where you will find the gravesites of many of America’s most well-known writers. The graves of the Alcott Family, Emerson, Thoreau, Channing, and Hawthorne as well as some other notable historical names such as Daniel Chester French, sculptor of the Lincoln Memorial and Ephraim Wales Bull who created the Concord grape, are all found here. 
The House of The Seven Gables/Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace – A key piece of American literary history that stands in Salem, Massachusetts, the House of the Seven Gables is a must-see for all literary lovers. Whether you have read “The House of The Seven Gables” or “The Scarlet Letter”, this historical home offers a glimpse into the young years of Nathaniel Hawthorne. Built in 1668, the home has undergone several “updates” and “additions” over the last 300+ years. Some of the original beams can be seen as well as the passageway behind the fireplace. Visit the gardens and the gift shop while you are there too.
Boston has so much to offer, whether you are a “foodie”, a writer, reader or history buff. Take the time to take in the many sites as well as the surrounding areas, it is a truly rewarding and enriching area to visit.
“Keep your heart open, a suitcase packed and wonder often, for the world is wide and adventure awaits.” ~ Emylee
The Voyagers' Pen 