I-90 and MASSACHUSETTS

A scenic alternative to the Mass Turnpike - if you aren't in a hurry and would like to enjoy a relaxed, scenic route, visit some very interesting towns, maybe even break your diet with some great food, try this. Avery Turnpike exit west of Worcester and east of Lee - except in the immediate Springfield area - has excellent access to US-20. When they built the Turnpike to replace US-20 they followed its routing. If you get tired of relaxing on US-20, just watch the "To Mass Turnpike" signs to pay your toll and get back on the Turnpike.

• Stockbridge
• Lee
• Springfield
• Worcester
• Boston

Stockbridge
and West Stockbridge

There is a Stockbridge and there is a West Stockbridge. As is typical with these toll roads, Stockbridge, the larger of the two, has no exit from the toll road and takes a bit of maneuvering to get there. West Stockbridge has an exit for westbound traffic only.

Stockbridge Visitors' Center - From I-90 take exit 2 and turn left and then right after the toll gate to go eastbound on NY-102. When you get to Stockbridge, this becomes Main Street. Four blocks after Main is joined by US-7 is Elm Street. Turn right and the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce is at 6 Elm Street.
  For more information phone 1-413-298-5200.

Berkshire Botanical Garden - A landscaped display, presented in home garden style, of over 3,000 species and varieties of native and exotic plants. They also have opened their greenhouse for touring. Find something you like? They also have a gift shop.
  For more information phone 1-413-298-3926 or visit their web site at BotanicalGarden.
  From Stockbridge, go westbound on NY-102 to the intersection of NY-183 (about 2 miles) and there they are.

Chesterwood - Home and studio of the famous, turn-of-the-century sculptor Daniel Chester French. (He sculpted the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, the "Minute Man" at Concord MA and many familiar public monuments.)
  This was his haven, his retreat from the urbanias of the world. Tourist may view his summer home and his studio - replete with models, studies and full-size sculptures of his famous works.
  Open May through October from 10a to 5p daily. Admission $10; kids 6-18 $5. (Cash only!)
  For more information phone 1-413-298-3579 or visit their web site: Chesterwood.
  From Stockbridge, go westbound on NY-102 to the intersection of NY-183 (about 1.9 miles) and turn left. Follow NY-183 1 mile south and, when you see the sign directing you to Chesterwood, turn right and go another 0.5 miles.

Norman Rockwell Museum - View the world's largest collection of original art by Norman Rockwell, America's favorite illustrator and well-known illustrator for the old Saturday Evening Post covers. Exhibits include of other artists and are changed regularly.
  Open May through October from 10a to 5p daily. Remainder of the year (November through April) they close at 4p. Closed major holidays. Admission $12; kids 18 and younger admitted free with paying adult (up to 4 kids per adult).
  For more information phone 1-413-298-4100, ext. 220. Web site: Rockwell.
  From Stockbridge take NY-102 westbound to NY 183 (about 1.9 miles). Turn left and drive another 0.6 miles to the Norman Rockwell home (on your left).

» Hotels in nearby Lee «

Lee

Lee is a picture postcard town - like something one would see in a Norman Rockwell painting (maybe it was one of his subjects).

Visitors' Center - From I-90 take exit 2 and turn right on US-20 after you leave the toll booth. As US-20 enters Lee it makes a right turn onto Park Street. The second street on your right in Park Place. The Lee Chamber of Commerce is at 3 Park Place.

Main Street - There are several great restaurants within walking distance. The 'Red Apple' on Park Plaza (which you passed on your left on the way into town) is a Chinese restaurant. If you walk over to Main Street you will find the Strange Brew (they serve brewed coffee and they're not at all strange). The Cactus Cafe serves Mexican cuisine. Then there's the Juice N Java and, a little bit further, is the Salmon Run Fish House. That is a lot of eateries for a little town!
  As you walk up Main Street you can't help but feel that you are in storybook land. The sidewalk is so nice and wide; the old-fashioned canvas awnings overhead protect you from the sun (or rain) and the store fronts (there are several dress shops) are very inviting. Even if there were nothing else to see, here, Main Street in itself is more than enough excuse for getting off the Turnpike and stopping in.
  This isn't meant to be an afterthought but, after all, eats come first. The Chamber has devised a historic walking tour of downtown Lee. You just might find this tour very interesting. For an outline go to their page at WalkingTour.

Jacob's Pillow Dance - Jacob's Pillow was originally a family farm. In 1933, the legendary dancer, Ted Shawn, founded a dance center here. Since then, many great artists of the dance have taught, performed and even created dance at the Jacob's Pillow.
  Each summer Jacob's Pillow has a summer-long festival including a host of varied performances. (See their web site for details and schedules.) The successes of Jacob's Pillow have resulted in its naming to the National Register of Historic Places.
  Turnpikes being what they are, there is no exit convenient to Beckett - the location of Jacob's Pillow. Take the Lee exit (exit 2) and follow US-20/NY-8 eastbound to about 7 miles east of West Becket. Here, NY-8, and you, turn left to drive 6 more miles to Becket.

» Hotels in Lee «

Springfield

Visitors' Center - From I-90 eastbound take exit 4 and follow I-91 to exit 7. Proceed past the traffic light and the Sullivan Visitor Information Center will be just ahead to your right.
  From I-90 westbound take exit 6. At the traffic light immediately after you pass through the toll both make a left onto I-291 west. Follow I-291 to the I-91 interchange and merge with I-91 south. From I-91 take exit 5. At the bottom of the exit ramp turn left, do under the Interstate and turn left into Columbus Avenue. At Union Street (the next traffic light), turn left again, go under the Interstate and you will see the Sullivan Visitor Information Center just ahead to your right.
  This Visitors' Center is open daily 8a to 6p (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Days).
  For more information, phone 1-800-723-1548 (toll free).

Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden - Remember Dr. Seuss? Well, meet Dr. Seuss and his best-loved characters, - including the Cat in the Hat, Horton, the Grinch and Max, the Lorax, Sam-I-Am and Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose. Actually, these are life-size bronze sculptures. Also here for your eyes is the famous Yertle Garden.
  For more information phone 1-413-263-6800 or visit their web site: CatInTheHat.
  From the Visitors Center, go back under the Interstate and up Union to Main Street. Turn left and follow Main to State Street (it will be the 6th street on your right). Turn right and Dr. Seuss is in the Quadrangle at Chestnut and State Streets (3 blocks).

Hatikvah Holocaust Education & Resource Center - Houses a large resource library (over 3000 books and 350 videos) on the Holocaust and related subjects (e.g., anti-Semitism, prejudice and discrimination, ethnocide and genocide, and the historical experiences of various victims of oppression).
  The Center is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating the community about the Holocaust and to combating prejudice, hate and racism in today’s society. Donations are usually tax deductible under IRS rules and, similarly, for State taxes.
  In 2004, a new permanent exhibition on the history and lessons of the Holocaust will be installed. The new exhibition will contain artifacts, documents, and interactive learning displays featuring video and oral testimonies combined with archival material.
  For more information phone 1-413-734-7700 or visit their web site: Hatikvah.
  From I-90 eastbound, take exit 4 and follow I-91 to exit 1. Exit and follow US-5 southbound to Converse Street. Note: At this intersection 'Englewood Road will be on your right and Converse Street on your left. Turn left into Converse Street and follow it to Dickinson Street. Turn left and the Center is at 1160 Dickinson Street (9 blocks counting the streets to your left).
  From I-90 westbound take exit 6. At the traffic light immediately after you pass through the toll both make a left onto I-291 west. Follow I-291 to the I-91 interchange at exit 2A and merge with I-91 south. From I-91 take exit 1. Exit and follow US-5 southbound to Converse Street. Note: At this intersection 'Englewood Road' will be on your right and 'Converse Street' on your left. Turn left into Converse Street and follow it to Dickinson Street. Turn left and the Center is at 1160 Dickinson Street (9 blocks counting the streets to your left).

Indian Motocycle Museum - INDIAN was the first, commercially marketed, gasoline powered motorcycle manufacturing company in the United States. Founded by George Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom in 1901, they also manufactured airplane engines, bicycles, outboard motors, home unit air conditioners, and many other items. Many of these products are on display in this museum.
  The Indian Motocycle is famous world-wide. Its quality and beauty have never been surpassed. Manufacturing ceased at the end of the Korean War in 1953. 
  The Indian Motocycle Museum has the finest collection of Indian Motocycles and other Indian products in the world. Also on display are collections of toy motorcycles, relevant photographs and other related memorabilia. Some other brands of American-made motorcycles are included in the displays.
  Open daily from 10a to 4p (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Days). Admission: Adults $3; Kids under 12 $1.
  For more information phone 1-413-737-2624. We couldn't find a working web site for the museum but did find an interesting article by Bill Whitney of the Sunday Republican at WMAIndian.
  From I-90 take exit 6 and follow I-291 to exit 4. Exit and at the end of the off-ramp turn right onto Page Blvd. Follow Page to Hendee Street. The Museum is just around the corner to your right inside the Titeflex Corp compound. Look for blue and white Indian Motocycle Museum signs.

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame - Billed as "the world's finest sports museum", the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame features dozens of hands-on exhibits, a regulation-sized basketball court and displays of over 900 basketball-related artifacts. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's mission is to preserve and promote the game of basketball at all levels and serve as basketball's ultimate library of history.
  Open daily 10a to 6p. Saturday's hours are extended to 8p. Admission is $15; kids 5 to 15 pay $10.
  For more information phone 1-877-4-HOOPLA (toll free) or visit their web site: HoopHall.
  From I-90 eastbound, take exit 4 and follow I-91 to exit 7 (Springfield Center). At the bottom of the exit ramp you will be on West Columbus Avenue. Follow West Columbus through three sets of traffic lights and the Hall of Fame will be on your right at 1000 West Columbus Avenue.
  From I-90 westbound take exit 6 and follow I-291 to exit 2A. Merge with I-91 Southbound and drive to Exit 7 (Springfield Center). At the bottom of the exit ramp you will be on West Columbus Avenue. Follow West Columbus through three sets of traffic lights and the Hall of Fame will be on your right at 1000 West Columbus Avenue.

Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center - "Try a real Smith & Wesson at our Shooting Sports Center and Retail Store." Shooters are accompanied by Certified Range Officers. There is also a shop carying branded Smith & Wesson apparel, accessories and other gifts.
  For more information phone 1-413-846-6404 or visit their web site: ShootingSports.
  From I-90 take exit 6 and follow I-291 to exit 4. Exit and at the end of the off-ramp turn right onto Page Blvd. The Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center is at 299 Page Boulevard.

Springfield Armory National Historic Site - Two hundred years of firearms production ended in 1968. Springfields had been used in every American war but Springfield was to be no more.
  In 1978 as a National Park Service Historic Site the Springfield Armory reopened as a museum with the world’s largest collection of American military firearms on display.
  Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10a to 5:30p.
  For more information phone 1-413-734-8551 or view the NPS web site: Springfield.
  From I-90 take exit 6 and follow I-291 to exit 4. Exit and at the end of the off-ramp bear left onto St James Avenue. Follow St James to State Street (this is a five-street intersection) and go to the right to get on State. Go 1 block (this is Federal Square) to Federal Street and turn right. Turn right on Federal and the Springfield Armory entrance will be on your left (official address is 1 Armory Square).

Springfield Science Museum - Explore science from bottom of the sea and the innards of our earth to the distant stars. Get up close to a realistic, life-sized replica of Tyrannosaurus rex. Many hands-on exhibits both excite and educate both kids and adults. Included in the facility is a comprehensive genealogy and local history library. Includes a Museum Shop.
  Open Tuesday through Friday from 11a to 4p; Saturday and Sunday from 11a to 4p. Admission for adults $7; for kids 6 to 17 $3.
  For more information phone 1-413-263-6800 of visit their web site: SpringfieldSciMu.
  From the Visitors Center go back under the Interstate and up Union to Main Street. Turn left and follow Main to State Street (6th street on your right). Turn right and Dr. Seuss is in the Quadrangle at Chestnut Street (3 blocks).

The Zoo in Forest Park - Many community zoos long for community support which, usually, just isn't quite adequate. Springfield's Zoo seems to have exceptional support from the community and, especially, Mass Mutual which is headquartered here. Mass Mutual's recent donation of a 'train' (looks like one but runs on rubber tires instead of requiring rails) not only makes getting around the zoo more fun but brings in badly needed revenue. But you still walk through their Deer Garden. They have a very interesting web site at ForestParkZoo.
  For more information phone 1-413-733-2251 or visit their web site (see above).
  From I-90 eastbound, take exit 4 and follow I-91 to exit 4. At the bottom of the off-ramp turn left, go under the Interstate and turn right on Longhill Street. Follow Longhill to Sumner Avenue, turn left and the Forest Park Zoo is on the right.
  From I-90 take exit 6 and follow I-291 to exit 2-A. Merge with I-91 Southbound and drive to exit 4. At the bottom of the off-ramp turn left, go under the Interstate and turn right on Longhill Street. Follow Longhill to Sumner Avenue, turn left and the Forest Park Zoo is on the right.

» Hotels in Springfirld «

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Worcester

Visitors' Center - From I-90 take exit 10. After you exit the toll booth drive on to I-290 eastbound (watch for 'Worcester' signs) and follow I-290 into Worcester and exit 17. Exit and, at the end of the exit ramp turn left into Belmont Street. Follow Belmont to Worcester Center Blvd and turn left. The Central Mass. CVB Visitors Center is at 38 Worcester Center Blvd.

EcoTarium - A Center for Environmental Exploration. A combination zoo and natural history museum but with a very different twist. Rather than an array of exhibits and animal environments, the Worcester Natural History Society (now known as the EcoTarium) is determined to educate the public - especially the younger set - about the environment and how to safeguard it for this and future generations. Significant capital investments in the facilities have been made recently and much more has been committed.
  Hours are 10a to 5p Tuesday through Saturday; noon to 5p Sundays. Closed major holidays and in severe weather.
  For more information phone 1-508-929-2700 or visit their web site at Ecotarium.
  From I-90 eastbound take Exit 10 (Auburn). After you exit the toll booth drive on to I-290 eastbound (watch for 'Worcester' signs). Follow I-290 and to exit 21 (Plantation Street exit). Exit and, at the end of the ramp, turn right on Plantation Street. Go through three traffic lights, including the major intersection with Route 9. At the first light after the Route 9 intersection, take a left into Franklin Street. Go 2 blocks and turn right into Harrington Way. EcoTarium is on the left after a baseball field at 222 Harrington Way.
  From I-90 westbound take Exit 11. At the end of the off-ramp, turn left onto MA-122 North (Grafton Road). Follow for approximately three miles. At Massasoit Road, MA-122 makes a half-right. At this intersection is Plantation Street which is a full right turn. Turn right into Plantation Street and follow it for about one mile. At the second traffic light, turn right onto Franklin Street. Take the second right onto Harrington Way. EcoTarium is on the left after a baseball field at 222 Harrington Way.

Worcester Center For Crafts - Established in the 1950s, the Worcester Center For Crafts conducts over 200 courses offered annually by more than 60 instructors and visiting artists in eight fully-equipped studios within 26,000 square feet of space. Also at the site are an exhibition gallery to display work of many of their students and a gift shop where many of these crafts may be purchased.
  If you are interested in crafts, you'll find it very worth while to visit the Center and observe how the students are instructed, how the crafts are created and, if you wish, purchase your favorites.
  For more information phone 1-508-753-8183 or visit their website: WorcesterCrafts.
  From I-90 take exit 10 (Auburn/Worcester). After you clear the toll booth, bear left onto I-290 toward Worcester. From I-290 take exit 17. At the top of the off-ramp, turn left, go down the hill and bear right at Route 70/290 E. sign. Immediately get into middle lane, bearing left at fork and continuing through light. Take second right onto Grove Street. Go 0.6 mile and turn left onto Sagamore Road (after Tweed's Pub). Worcester Center For Crafts is the second building on the left at 25 Sagamore Road.

» Hotels in Worcester «

Boston

Visitors' Center - Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau's Visitors' Center is conveniently located at the Prudential Center near exit 22 of I-90. This avoids requiring you to drive downtown. From I-90 take exit 22. Stay in the left lane, cross Huntington Avenue and then merge with the Huntington traffic (A method used frequently is Boston to make left turns). Park in the Prudential Center.
  For more information phone 1-888-733-2678 (toll free).

Boston's CityPass - "Visit 6 of Boston's best attractions for one low price! Save 50% and avoid ticket lines." The CityPass ticket booklet includes admission to:

• Harvard Museum of Natural History
• John F Kennedy Library & Museum
• Museum of Fine Arts
• Museum of Science
• New England Aquarium
• The Skywalk Observatory
   at the Prudential Center

CityPass is good for 9 days. Adults: $34; Youth 13-17 $19.50 (entrance for children under 12 is available on a per attraction basis - free or reasonably priced).
  Gor more information and to purchase your CityPass, phone 1-888-733-2678 (toll free) or, locally, 1-707-253-1222 to purchase the CityPass. Or, stop in at the Visitor Center in the Prudential Center (see above).

Harvard Museum of Natural History - The Harvard Museum of Natural History is one of the nation's finest university-based natural history museums. Displays include the first Triceratops ever discovered, a 1,642 pound amethyst geode and the "garden" of Glass Flowers (see below). In all, there are some 21 million specimens representing approximately 4.5 billion years.
  About the Garden of the Glass Flowers - View a unique collection of over 3,000 glass models of flowers created by the the famous glass artisans, Leopold Blaschka and his son, Rudolph. They began this work in 1886, and continued creating these masterpieces for some 50 years. This collection represents more than 830 plant species all created from glass.
  Open daily 9a to 5p. Admission: Adults $7.50; Children ages 3-18 $5; Seniors and Students (with ID) $6. Free to the public on Sunday mornings 9am until noon. From September through May, Free after-school admission on Wednesdays from 3p to 5p. The HMNH also accepts Boston's CityPass.
  For more information phone 1-617-495-3045 or visit their web site: HMNH.
  Driving in downtown Boston or Cambridge is not recommended. It is so easy and economical to use the Metro Boston Transit Authority rail and bus lines. Directions: Ride the MBTA Red Line T to Harvard Square. Walk through Harvard Yard and down Oxford Street two blocks, museum is on the right at 26 Oxford Street.

John F. Kennedy Library & Museum - Learn more about life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Displays feature period settings from the Kennedy White House. Some two dozen multimedia exhibits portray President Kennedy's thousand days in office. The Library, designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, is situated on a 10-acre waterfront site at Columbia Point. From the grounds you have excellent views of Boston and the Harbor Islands. Special events and programs are scheduled throughout the year.
  Open daily from 9a to 5p. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Days. Adults $8, Seniors & Students, $6; Children 13 to 17, $4, Under 12, Free. Fully Handicapped Accessible. The Kennedy Library also accepts Boston's CityPass.
  For more information phone 1-877-616-4599 (toll free) or visit their web site: JFKLibrary.
  From I-93 take exit 15 and turn left on Columbia Road. Bear to the right after you get on the other side of the Interstate and merge with Morrissey Blvd. Follow Morrissey to the University of Massachusetts. Actually, all you have to do is follow the signs - there are plenty of them.

Museum of Fine Arts - Works representative of virtually all the visual fine arts are showcased in a variety of different forms of display. Displays do change periodically and a schedule is available on their web site (see below).
  The museum has printed visitor's guides in Japanese, Français, Italiano, Russian, Español, Deutsch, and Chinese languages available at the entrances.
  Open Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday from 10a to 4:45p; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10a to 9:45p. Closed Patriot's, Independence, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years' Days.
  General Admission (includes one return visit within 30 days). Does NOT include Gund Gallery Exhibits. Adults $15; Seniors & College Students, $13; Youths 17 and under on school days until 3p, $5. all other times FREE. Thursday & Friday evenings, after 5p, admission is reduced by $2. Special! Wednesday evenings (after 4p) admission is by voluntary contribution. The Museum of Fine Art also accepts Boston's CityPass.
  For more information phone 1-617-267-9300 or visit their web site: FineArts.
  Getting there by Metro Boston Transit Authority rail is the easiest mode of transportation from downtown Boston. Just get on or transfer to the Green Line "E" Train which takes you right to the Museum.
  From I-90 take exit 22. Stay in the left lane, cross Huntington Avenue and then merge with the Huntington traffic (A method used frequently is Boston to make left turns). Continue on Huntington to 465 Huntington Avenue. The museum will be on your right.

Museum of Science - Boston's world famous Museum of Science is a very complex institution. Museums have displays, of course, and the MOS has them. Over 600 interactive exhibits let visitors personally explore the our world. Live presentations are conducted on a daily basis in a way to make learning fun and more retentive. A special science theatre, and apparatus which creates 15 foot lightning bolts, and the list goes on. Other facilities include a sophisticated computer center, the awesome dinosaur display, the unique Bird's World, the Charles Hayden Planetarium and the Mugar Omni Theater. Many of these exhibits (if that is an adequate word), while seemingly sheer fun, are actually very educating. For example, here is an opportunity to test your senses with dozens of visual and auditory illusions that explore the conflict between perception and reality. Sometimes our eyes, ears, and brains play tricks on us. What we are sure we see or hear is actually an illusion.
  Normal hours are, daily, from 9a to 5p (Fridays until 9p), During July and August the museum doesn't close until 7p. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years' Days.
  General admission (museum only) is $13; $10 for kids. Admission to the Planetarium, Laser Show and Omni Theater is $8.50; $6.50 for kids. There are other combination prices - see their web site for details. The Museum of Science also accepts Boston's CityPass.
  For more information phone 1-617-723-2500 or visit their web site: BostonMOS.
  Using the MBTA take the Lechmere Green Line train to the Science Park Stop. The Museum of Science complex is just 200 yards from the station.
  From I-93 take exit 26-B and stay in the left lane. Follow the blue signs following MA-3 around the Science Park station (Leverett Circle). The street becomes MA-28 and you are there at Science Park.
  This is Boston and parking is at a premium, The Museum has its own parking garage. Fees range from $4.14 for 1 hour to $16.25 for the entire day. Again, see their web site for specifics.

New England Aquarium - View over 8,000 fish and other aquatic creatures including sharks & sea turtles. The Aquarium highlight is their 4-story high glass cylindrical saltwater tank that houses a realistic coral reef and a variety of sea turtles, moray eels, and other tropical fish. Many other displays help give you a real sense of how alive our oceans and fresh water bodies really are.
  Also on site is a Simons IMAX Theatre which allows you to view animals which cannot practicably be housed in an aquarium setting because of size or, perhaps, too endangered.
  Winter Hours: Labor Day through June 30. Monday to Friday from 9a to 5p; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 9a to 6p. General Admission: $13; Seniors, $11; children (age 3-11) $7. 
  Summer Hours: July through Labor Day. Monday, Tuesday and Friday 9a to 6p; Wednesday and Thursday 9a to 8p; Weekends and Holidays 9a to 7p. Summer Peak General Admission: $14.50; Seniors $12.50; children (age 3-11) $8. CityPass. Aquarium.
  Getting there by Metro Boston Transit Authority rail is the easiest mode of transportation from downtown Boston. Just get on or transfer to the Blue Line which takes you right to the Aquarium Station - about 3 blocks from the Aquarium.
  From I 90 to I 93 Northbound and continue on I-93 to exit 23 ('Government Center, North End, Aquarium, Quincy Market'). Exit and at the end of the exit ramp turn right onto Cross Street. Continue on Cross Street (it’s one way) for 1 block to Atlantic Avenue. Follow Atlantic Avenue to its intersection with Milk Street (3 blocks - three traffic lights). The Aquarium is on your left on Central Warf.
  This is Boston and parking is frequently a challenge. We had to park in a garage on Clinton Street. There is another, about 2 blocks closer, on State Street (2 blocks north of Milk Street on the west side of I-93.

Skywalk Observatory at Prudential Center - While you're at the Visitors' Center you might enjoy the spectacular view you have from the Skywalk Observatory there in the Prudential Tower at Prudential Center. 50 floors above the city, - the view is absolutely breathtaking. As a bonus they even have some interactive exhibits presenting the history of Boston.
  Open from 10a to 10p daily. Admission: Adults $7; Children under 10, $4; Seniors, $4. They also accept Boston's CityPass.
  For more information phone 1-617-859-0648.
  From I-90 take exit 22. Stay in the left lane (the right lane goes to Copley Square), cross Huntington Avenue and then merge with the Huntington traffic. Continue down Huntington to Belvidere Street, turn right, then right again on Dalton Street. The first street on the other side of I-90 is Boylston Street. Turn right and you will see the tower up ahead on your right (800 Boylston Street).

Mary Baker Eddy Library for the Betterment of Humanity - Much more than just a library, the big, and probably most popular and famous, feature here is the Mapparium, a walk-through, 30-foot diameter, inverted glass globe. Recently refurbished (it was originally built in 1934) the Mapparium contains a rich mix of words, music, and lights illustrating how ideas have traversed time and geography and changed our world. They tell you, "Don't forget to whisper." The Mapparium is a whispering chamber similar in a way to the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC. 
If you whisper at one end, a person can hear you at the other end as if you were speaking in a normal voice.
  Every Sunday afternoon the Hall of Ideas hosts a special production with music, drama and a multi-media show celebrating the power of an idea to shape history. Actors perform skits drawn from poetry, philosophy, history, law, literature, and news headlines. Woven through the performance is live music.
  Admission: FREE.
  For more information phone 1-888-222-3711 (toll free). Web site: MaryBakerEddyLibrary.
  Getting there by Metro Boston Transit Authority rail is the easiest mode of transportation from downtown Boston. Just get on or transfer to the Green Line take it to the Symphony stop. You exit the station onto the same block of Massachusetts Avenue as the library which is just north of the Church.
  From I-90 take exit 22 (Prudential Center/Copley Square). Keep left at the fork in the ramp to go to 'Prudential Center'. Merge onto Huntington Avenue. Following Huntington Avenue, you will see the Christian Science Plaza on your right. Turn right at the light at Massachusetts Avenue, and the Library will be on your right, immediately past the Church.

Freedom Trail - a 2.5 mile walk through history. Follow the red brick road (or red-painted line) past 16 historic sites: Boston Common, The Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King's Chapel, Ben Franklin's statue, Old South Meeting House, Old Corner Bookstore, Old State House, Boston Massacre Site, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Copp's Hill Burying Ground, USS Constitution, & Bunker Hill Monument.
  Because The Trail is outside, it is always open for walking. Individual sites, however, have varying operating times and some charge admission. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Most spend about 4 hours on the Trail; it depends on how many stops and how long you spend in each. Guided tours are also available (not free). See their website for details.
  The National Park Service operates a Visitor Center on the Freedom Trail. We suggest you stop in, first, to pick up information about The Trail.
  For more information phone 1-617-227-8800 or visit their web site: FreedomTrail.
  From I-90 we urge you NOT to drive into the downtown area. The 'Big Dig' has made - what has always been bad - a nightmare. Our suggestion is to go to the Prudential Visitors' Center and park at the Prudential. There, board the Green Line train to the Park Street Station. Exit the station and turn 180 degrees. The Visitors' Center will be about 100 yards directly in front of you.

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