Black Heritage Trail
Self-guided walking tour of African American historic sites in Beacon Hill; sites include Underground Railroad stations, former schools and homes, 54th Regiment Memorial, African Meeting House; brochures available at African National Historic Site; 46 Joy Street; 617-742-5415

Cambridge African American Heritage Trail
Self-guided walking tour of American historic sites; sites include the former home of W.E.B. Du Bois, the former home of nation’s first African American novelist, William Wells Brown), and former home of Maria Baldwin; 617-441-2884

Freedom Trail
A 2.5 mile walking trail through Boston that connects 16 historical sites linked to the American Revolution; informative and engaging costumed characters travel the Trail during the summer; Tours: June 29-September 1; Saturdays and Sundays 11am & 1pm. Tours last 90-minutes and begin at the Boston Common Visitor Center. $12 Adults, $6 Children; 3 School Street; 617-227-8800

Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail
Only an hour north of Boston in New Hampshire, Portsmouth has a lovely historic district located on New Hampshire's 27 miles of seacoast; the Black Heritage Trail provides a brochure outlining a self-guided walking tour of 24 marked sites, interpreting 350 years of Black history in New Hampshire and a comprehensive resource book; http://www.friendsofthepearl.org

Major Cruise Lines

Running April-November, the 2008 cruise season boasts 116 vessel calls, sailing north along the New England and Canadian coastline, south to Bermuda, or across the Atlantic to Europe. These major cruise lines depart from Cruiseport Boston, which is only 10 minutes from the airport:

- Holland America
- NCL
- Princess
- Royal Caribbean International

- Celebrity

- Cunard

Cruiseport Boston is located at One Black Falcon Avenue in Boston, MA; 617-330-1500

Moonlight Cruises
A great after dinner treat! Marvel at the sunset to nightlife transition of Boston's skyline from the harbor; theme oriented Replica Steamships provide historic tours of Boston Harbor, 60 minutes on the hour tours, 90 minute Sunset Cruises and 90 minute Moonlight Cruises; Live entertainment cruises; most cruises start at 8pm from late May-early October; admission fees; Boston Steamship Company at 60 Rowes Wharf; 617-542-8000

Spirit of Boston Cruises
Abundant seafood and dancing to bring you an unforgettable sea cruise experience of Boston Harbor; lobster lunch & dinner cruises May-Oct; holiday cruises, Nov-Jan; special rates Jan-April; air-conditioned and holds up to 600 passengers; 6 hours of complimentary parking at the Seaport Hotel parking garage; World Trade Center, Suite 75 at 164 Northern Ave; 800-8-SPIRIT

Boston Harbor Cruises
Whale watching cruises, Harbor Islands ferry or harbor sightseeing tours from Boston; whale watch is Boston's only 3 hour trip; ride a high-speed catamaran or Sunset Cruise; cruises run May-October; One Long Wharf; 617-227-4321