You only turn 250 once. To celebrate, Massachusetts, the birthplace of the American Revolution, is planning a multitude of events and programming for America’s semiquincentennial. Among the highlights is an over-the-top Patriots’ Day on April 20, featuring one of the largest reenactments ever along the Battle Road in Lexington.
Always a big deal in Boston, the Fourth of July holiday this year will feature the “Freedom Fireworks Spectacular,” produced by the Boston Symphony Orchestra on the Charles River Esplanade, which will be the largest pyrotechnic display in the state’s history. The show is a part of Boston Harborfest, which runs July 2 through 4.
From July 11 through 16, Sail Boston — part of Sail250, a maritime celebration marking the U.S.’s 250th anniversary — will be in port in Boston Harbor. Visitors can take in the Parade of Sail, board tall ships and military vessels, and enjoy fireworks during the week.
Beyond fireworks displays and parades, there are some longer-lasting programs that will give you more time to reflect on the nation’s milestone, as well as plenty of luxurious properties with special anniversary perks.
NOTABLE EXHIBITS
The main branch of the Boston Public Library presents its first major exhibit in almost a decade. “Revolution! 250 Years of Art & Activism in Boston” features more than 100 artworks and documentary materials from the library’s Special Collections. Through prints, photographs, paintings, sculpture and other media, the exhibit examines America’s ongoing struggle for freedom, civil rights and belonging for all. Highlights include early portraits of Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and Crispus Attucks, as well as works by Boston-area artists. The exhibit runs through April 21.
One of Boston’s most esteemed museums, MFA Boston, will reimagine its 18th-century galleries in the Art of the Americas Wing for the first time since it was created in 2010. Set to open in June, the exhibit will bring together pieces from across the Americas, integrating the works of Native, non-Native, Caribbean, and North, South and Central American artists. The goal is to explore how artists have contributed to, or in some cases resisted, ideas of nationhood and identity.
Historic Beverly aims to preserve the town’s legacy through its extensive collections. Special exhibit “The American Revolution: A Story of the War in 28 Paintings” at the Cabot House showcases art commissioned to illustrate Senator Henry Cabot Lodge Sr.’s impressive book of the same name. These paintings are also featured in Ken Burns’ new documentary The American Revolution. The exhibit will be on display through July 4.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotels all over New England are jumping on the anniversary-year bandwagon to offer special deals and packages. However, these three Forbes Travel Guide Star-Rated properties take the celebrations to the next level, with curated guides, unbeatable locations and luxurious perks.
With its Cheers to 250 package, Five-Star Boston Harbor Hotel, right on the waterfront, gives visitors many reasons to celebrate America’s birthday.
Guests will receive a $250 prepaid gift card to spend however they wish — maybe a visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum? — plus a special Sam Adams-inspired craft beer welcome gift and local snacks. Other amenities include complimentary parking and a Boston 250 Historic Guide, detailing important highlights and sites to explore. The package is available April 1 through October 31.
If your goal is to be mere steps from some of the city’s most pivotal names and places, such as the Freedom Trail, Paul Revere’s House and Boston Common, then Forbes Travel Guide Recommended XV Beacon in the heart of historic Beacon Hill couldn’t be better situated.
Its Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution package includes a $250 gift card to use at the hotel upon your next stay or at a collection of restaurants, including Forbes Travel Guide Recommended steakhouse Mooo…., a custom welcome treat that was popular in 1776 (paired with hard local cider), a Boston history guide curated by the hotel’s concierges and complimentary parking. The promotion runs from April 21 to August 31.
Inn at Hastings Park
Four-Star Inn at Hastings Park pulls out all the stops for America 250. The Lexington property is just steps from where the “shot heard ‘round the world” marked the start of the American Revolution.
One of the boutique hotel’s more unique offerings is the One if by Land, Two if by Sea, Three If by Air Package, which begins with a round-trip helicopter tour for two tracing the steps of Paul Revere’s famous Lexington-to-Boston journey, one night’s accommodations and a $100 dining credit to use at the hotel’s Town Meeting Bistro. It’s available throughout the year.
The inn also provides several bespoke experiences, such as a special Patriots’ Day Brunch at Town Meeting Bistro, a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting at the Samuel Adams Brewery and a thematic Liber-TEA on July 4.
