East Coast Cities: A Metropolitan Disneyland

Most people would probably want to spend more than a week in some of the big east coast cities. Visiting Boston, Rhode Island, Block Island, and New York City, is a lot of ground to cover but my family pulled it off in just seven days. A nice hotel in Manchester, Connecticut became our home base, providing a central location to our destinations. It’s not in the middle of the city so prices aren’t ridiculous, and it was only about an hour from our destinations.

            First on the list was the not-so tourist infested hot spot, Block Island. The most economical thing to do is rent some bikes or scooters and ride around the perimeter. Although most wouldn’t be able to make it around the entire island on a bike without passing out, seeing half of the island is more than satisfying. The scenery on our ride was breathtaking with billowing hills, ocean-side cliffs, and historic buildings. A pleasant, relaxing experience that was worth peddling up hills.

            Next, came the ever famous, Rhode Island Vanderbilt mansions. Visiting the mansions is an all day event, but because the majesty of the houses and grounds is so awe-striking, you won’t even realize the day has waned away. We took a guided tour which is the best route to see exclusive areas and learn intriguing information. But seeing a fog sitting upon the grounds with the ocean in the background completed the effect and made me feel as if I was in a book; it was mysterious and extremely gratifying.

            Boston— the home of the Red Sox, the Irish, the Italian and our nation’s history. In two days we walked from one side of Boston to the other, visiting old graveyards, the North Church, Patriot Square, Paul Revere’s home, and then took a side trip to Harvard; it’s a must. Since Boston isn’t incredibly large, walking worked the best. There are plenty of great restaurants to choose from, but if you go anywhere for a bite to eat, Mike’s Pastry is an essential for authentic, Italian pastries. Boston was one of my favorite places, partly due to its history and top Ivy League College, but mainly because it ended my preconceived notions and gave valuable insight into my life and studies.

            In NYC there is so much to do and two days there was not enough. It is best to, ahead of time, get to know the subways, and if you want to cover ground fast, spend the money and take a taxi. We visited Central Park, St. Pat’s Cathedral, The Empire State building, Time Square, saw the Statue of Liberty from a distance, glimpsed ground zero through construction gates, and watched “The Lion King” on Broadway. If you love the theatre, spend the extra money to see a show; the resident shows are almost, if not, better then the touring ones. Though the NYC part of our trip was extremely fast paced, I guess you could say we experienced the city like real New Yorkers; doing things at 100 miles an hour, not stopping for anybody. 

            This trip was memorable because I got to visit cities everyone talks about, learn about our country’s history, and essentially visit our country’s metropolitan Disneyland.

             Sure an extra day or two would have been nice to make the trip more leisurely or visit places we missed, but the whirlwind of it all is what kept our interest peaked and made us long to return the instant we got home. That’s what makes it a good vacation spot; a place that satisfies but keeps you wanting more.