It all began with a whisper of free ferries. A chance to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, to explore the historical allure of Georges Island and its majestic Fort Warren. My excitement bubbled as I envisioned ticking off another item on my never-ending Boston bucket list.
The ferry departed from Long Wharf, a location that initially posed a bit of a mystery. A quick consultation with the MBTA Trip Planner revealed a serendipitous discovery – a direct, ten-minute boat ride from Lewis Wharf in East Boston, offering a scenic, straight-as-an-arrow passage to Long Wharf. My jaw dropped. A ferry ride, costing half the price of a T ticket and conveniently closer to my home than the Maverick Station? A hidden gem right in my own backyard!
Alas, my eagerness to embark on this maritime adventure cost me. Seconds separated me from the 10:00 ferry as I frantically downloaded the mTicket app. No CharlieCard here.
A Whirlwind of City Delights
Twenty minutes later, I was aboard the ferry, arriving at Long Wharf just before 10:45. But the coveted free tickets for Georges Island were long gone. The lure of the free ferry had evidently attracted a horde of eager adventurers.
Undeterred, I turned my attention to the New England Aquarium, a familiar haven for sea-loving souls. Memories of its grand central tank, featuring a spiraling ramp, flooded back. The last time I visited, I dropped a pencil into the tank, causing a moment of sheer panic and a rather embarrassing encounter with a staff member. Today, the Aquarium’s commitment to its marine residents was evident, with warnings plastered everywhere reminding visitors to keep their hands, phones, and other loose objects away from the enclosure edges.
The Aquarium buzzed with activity. Families, couples, and solo explorers like myself filled the halls, creating a vibrant symphony of laughter and chatter. What better way to spend a damp Sunday? I greeted the penguins, meandered along the tank’s winding walkway, and checked in on the seals and sea lions. All were in fine form.
But a rumbling in my stomach reminded me of my culinary needs. I was not in the mood for the lengthy wait at Legal Seafoods, once a charming little fishmonger in Inman Square, now a sprawling seafood empire. Fish and chips beckoned, and Legal, conveniently located across the street, seemed like the perfect solution.
A Stroll Through Time and Commerce
Returning to Long Wharf, I discovered a Sunday snag – no ferries between 12:15 and 3:15. But this unexpected delay wasn’t a setback, merely a chance to embrace the city’s unique charm. Downtown Boston, reminiscent of Paris’s compact delights and Rome’s walkable allure, invited exploration.
Faneuil Hall Market, a vibrant hub of tourists, shoppers, and street musicians, became my next destination. The Old State House, a mere block away, beckoned with its historical grandeur. I decided to pay it a visit, lured by the promise of free admission. The museum, a testament to our nation’s founding, showcased the events leading to the Revolutionary War on its main floor. Upstairs, an exhibition delving into the history of petitions captivated my attention. The museum was abuzz with visitors, particularly families with inquisitive children. I pondered whether I possessed such curiosity during my childhood visits to historical sites, concluding that I was probably a rather dull child.
My walk back to Long Wharf North was a swift one, fueled by a newfound appreciation for the city’s compact beauty. I couldn’t resist a detour into Sephora, a haven of cosmetics and fragrance. My aging face, I realized, wasn’t as receptive to makeup as my younger self’s. And Sephora’s target market clearly didn’t include my demographic.
As I ambled along Atlantic Avenue, the sounds of music filled the air. A guitarist on one side serenaded the crowd with a Bill Withers tune, while a fellow on the other side played panpipes and a wooden flute. A symphony of urban sounds.
A City Within Reach
The Rookie, my vessel of choice, departed promptly at 3:15, returning me home by 3:30. This ferry, a mere ten-minute jaunt to the heart of historic Boston, had become a delightful discovery. My city, a place of history, culture, and unexpected adventures, had once again surprised and delighted me. A ferry in my own backyard, connecting me to the very soul of Boston? It’s a wondrous thing indeed.
