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My apartment is in what is technically the fifth ward, just barely past the third ward, and yet in an interesting and quickly developing neighborhood all its own.  The location is perfect, since I’m near an Alterra to satisfy my daily coffee cravings and close enough to the third ward that I can easily go over the bridge and enjoy the history of the area.  I love to look at the worn paint on the side of the buildings and imagine what could have been there before the trendy lofts each with their own accent wall and hanging flat screens.  I love sitting on the patio of Wicked Hop and daydreaming about an open market on Broadway (I believe there was on there at some point) and what possibly could have taken place within the walls of the funky and modern restaurant.  It’s amazing to have this fusion of old and new around me every day.

This morning while walking my puppies, I stopped to read a historical marker right by the Fratello’s entrance.  It talked about the Third Ward’s Irish history (which excited me since I love Ireland and the history of all things Irish, which Boston definitely has) as well as a political struggle in the state and a tragic ship sinking. 

I love history, I’m a History Channel junkie, and I enjoy that Milwaukee appreciates its past, is trying to keep it around in the restoration of its buildings, and is proud to take it into our future.  I also began to think about how amazing walking the Freedom Trial would be and how immersing myself into that history, the history of more than a city but of our nation’s founding, would be nothing short of life changing.

The Freedom Trial is a magnificent 2.5 mile trail hitting on such spots as the Boston Common (America’s oldest public park), the golden-domed State House, Paul Revere’s house, the site of the Boston Massacre, the Granary Burying Ground (home to some of America’s most famous deceased like Sam Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere), and the Old North Church to name a few.

Seeing the historical sites as well as the architecture of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods would be like falling right into one of the history/travel shows I watch with such awe.  It would bring me closer not only to our forefathers (literally in distance if I stopped at Granary), but to the spirit of the foundation of our country and bring me an even greater appreciation for where we’ve come from as a nation and the great places we’ve yet to go.