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Save money with a Boston area daycation, Part One Patriot's Day
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, Old North Bridge, Concord, MA, Photo by MOTT , MA Visitors Bureau
Pinching pennies during this economic slowdown? If so, a "daycation" is a cost effective way to travel this spring and summer. The Boston area has a wealth of day trips for all types of day trippers and many are either low cost or free.
Low costs Daycations in Boston area
With Patriot's Day coming up on Monday April 20th, there will be a wealth of historic and sporting events in the Boston area. The two most popular events are The Boston Marathon and the Patriots's Day reenactments and parades in and around Boston.
Good viewing spots for the Boston Marathon
There is no charge, of course, to watch the runners make their way along the 26 mile course from Hopkinton to Boston. However, one should do a little homework to figure out the best place to go for viewing. To witness the start of the race, drive out to Hopkinton, MA. However, expect large crowds and strict crowd control. Once all the runners are off, there isn't much left to see or do.
For a more relaxing and less stressful experience, try a stretch of the course somewhere between Hopkinton and Wellesley. Ashland, Framingham and Natick are three cities and towns between Hopkinton and Wellesley where you'll most likely find a spot to park yourself without the huge crowds and Marathon intensity.
Heartbreak Hill near Boston College is where the runners either get up the steam to finish the race or fall behind in the pack. So, if you are looking for a little Marathon drama, this is the place for you. Remember however that you will be competing for curbside space with hordes of Boston College students who probably camped out in the wee hours of the morning for a prime viewing space.
If you want to witness the photo finish, by all means, get to the finish line in Copley Square in Boston. But get there early since curbside spots are at a premium and security will be very tight. This is where you'll see the most hoopla since the runners are crowned here and the press and public are everywhere.
Patriot's Day celebrations
Patriot's Day is a legal holiday in Massachusetts, though not all businesses give workers the day off. Still, this is an important day in Massachusetts and American history and the cities and towns in the Boston area love to celebrate this day.
The adjacent town of Concord, MA also has it share of Patriot's Day events. Concord historians believe that "the shot heard round the world" was actually fired at The Old North Bridge in Concord, and not at Lexington Green. At any rate, a visit to the Old North Bridge, whether on Patriot's Day or any other day, is well worth your time. Concord also have many events lined up both during the week leading up to the Patriot[s Day holiday on April 20 and on Patriot's Day itself. They include A Patriot's Day Ball and a re-enactment of the Ride of Paul Revere, according to an event listing on the Chamber of Commerce website.
Concord, MA Chamber of Commerce has complete listings of all events related to Patriot's Day
Lexington Chamber of Commerce has complete listings of all events related to Patriot[s Day
Best Viewing for Boston Marathon: If you have tips for viewing the Marathon, please post a comment below!
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