March Madness - Boston Style

By Boston Barb (One Person's Perspective)

Green is the theme around Boston. You may see, feel, and wear green whether you're Irish or not! St. Patrick is the man Bostonians hail to! This year marks the 284th St. Patrick's Day parade celebrating evacuation day— when British troops evacuated Boston during the American Revolutionary war, turning the annual holiday into a celebration of Irish legends. About a million people attend, and four thousand participate in the parade making this fun and festive event to be put on a bucket list at least once in your lifetime! So what's not to celebrate??

I joined my friends on St. Patrick's Day at the historic Bell in Hand Tavern featuring talented Berkley college musicians and partied the Irish way, drinking from a green aluminum can. Celebrating the next decade for our college roommate's birthday, we returned to the 80s vibe and had a blast from the past, keeping up with the next generation and enjoying live dance music from our best of times. People were happily waiting in line to enter another world, replicating Ireland. Having just returned from the eclectic Mardi Gras, in comparison, Boston is second to none in liveliness! The energy in both cities lights me up green with envy! Lights, camera, and action was the motto of the night, one to remember. As a Boston-based writer, I'm fortunate to live near Beantown and all it offers.

In addition to the collegiate competitions, March Madness accurately describes spring in Boston. Sports mania surrounds you with the Celtics, Bruins, Red Sox, Patriots, and Revolution;?you will likely engage with passionate New England fans with vibrant accents. Then, return in April, check out the famed Boston Marathon, and join the buzz of these athletes. In addition, there are infinite things to see and do, with many world-renowned museums and libraries, gardens and parks, exciting city life, and delicious restaurants with outdoor igloo dining. Sound good?

The fancy hotel and culinary scene has boomed since the Covid lockdown. During the pandemic, the city shut down, offering cheap rents as everyone departed and worked from home. Yet, now it is bustling more than ever with tourists, conference attendees, college students, and millions of people proud of their hometown. So expect to bring lots of green to share your Irish spirit! A round of three drinks can command you a Grant, yet a memory of a lifetime and bragging rights.

The city has plenty of springtime merriment, and a weekend in Boston may be the perfect getaway from far and near. An International airport, trains, and subway system with plenty of ride-shares make getting around easier than driving in the notoriously congested traffic. Walk amongst the spirits who made Boston famous and rent an e-bike along the riverwalk Esplanade, hike the Freedom Trail, take a boat ride to an island, stroll and eat your way through Quincy Market, and watch the talented street performers at Fanuel Hall. Visit famous colleges, universities, and hospitals that the smartest in the world call home.?

Still have more energy to expend? Take a nighttime walk through glowing green lights in the fairy-lit park in the emerald necklace. Check out an international film fest or big screen, hit a candlelight concert in a historic venue, or party like a rock star in one of the city's major concert venues.?

Whatever the weather, "In like a lion, Out like a lamb," springtime is awakening. So march into spring mode in the hub. Book a historic hotel featured in Chronicle, dine at the city's top, or watch a show in the theater district. Make sure you hit the north end for savory treats, such as Boston's famous baked beans and Fenway frank, cream pie and cannoli, clam chowda and lobster roll; get your picture with the ducklings, and drink a Guinness to toast to the Bostonians, fearless, resilient,?and forever Boston strong.

Boston Barb (Travel Writer) Check out my blog below!