There is something incredibly marvelous about Boston. A walk along chic Newbury Street with its boutiques.  Students reading in the boulevard on Commonwealth Avenue.  Beacon Hill with its cobble stone streets. 

There is nothing like it in North America.

With out-of-state gay marriages on and off it it's hard to plan a wedding trip to Massachusetts, but, for the gay traveler Boston has so many things to see and do even the natives overlook some.

This history-filled Freedom Trail is a two and a half mile walk from Boston Common to the berth of the U.S.S. Constitution. Throughout the trail, a red line embedded into the pavement guides you past 18 of Boston's famous points of historic interest.

Among the sites is The Old North Church.  Built in 1723, as "an house of prayer for all people," "Old North" or Christ Church is the city's oldest standing church. 

From its steeple sexton hung two lanterns, made famous by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere."

 If one lantern were lit, the British would come by land, "two, if by sea." 

The steeple is not the original, which was destroyed years ago by a hurricane.

The oldest commissioned warship still in use, Old Ironsides is rich in tradition. 

From fighting Barbary Pirates to winning victories in the War of 1812, the ship has played a large part in America's history.

 Free tours are led by active-duty sailors dressed in vintage 1812 uniforms. 

The museum contains interactive visual exhibits on Old Ironsides, as well as video games where you can show off your naval skills.

One of my favorite places to stay is Oasis House.  Near the gay village in Boston the Oasis Guest House was designed with a clear understanding of the business and pleasure traveler.

Totally renovated, the Oasis is  handsomely appointed with comfortable furnishings blended with the modern conveniences of today.

 All new private and shared baths. Central air conditioning. Color TV’s and a computerized telephone system. Complimentary coffee, juice, fruit, and pastries are available every morning (8 A.M. - 11 A.M.), and cocktail set-ups (BYOB) in the evening in the main living room. 

Plus a friendly staff is always available to assist you find the clubs.