The Boston Marathon brings together the top runners from all over the world to compete in this famous 26 mile, 385 yard race across the rolling suburban countryside outside of Boston and finally through the city’s streets. If you’re planning to be in Boston when this exciting event takes place, you have two different options for enjoying it.

The first option is easy: join the other hundreds of thousands of Boston visitors and Bostonians who line the race course to watch it. Although the Marathon begins southwest of the city in Hopkinton and continues east through several suburban towns, all of which provide excellent viewpoints, the easiest observation points are those near subway (called the “T” in Boston) stations.

In Newton, where the runners follow a course along Commonwealth Avenue (including the infamous Heartbreak Hill between Miles 20 and 21), you’ll find a stretch near Boston College and the Chestnut Hill Reservoir that’s usually not too crowded and offers a lovely spot for a picnic as a bonus. The “B” branch of the T’s Green Line has 3 stations in this area: Boston College, South Street, and Chestnut Hill Ave. Take the T to any of these stations, and you’ll find plenty of curbside spots with an easy view of the racers.

As the runners continue on Commonwealth Avenue toward the city, the crowds get thicker, especially around Boston University where groups of students compete to see who can cheer the loudest. The Boston Red Sox traditionally play a home game in Fenway Park on Marathon Day each year, starting at 11:05 and ending in time for the crowds to pour out into Kenmore Square to cheer on the runners as they enter the final mile.

The most crowded and perhaps the most exciting place to watch the Boston Marathon is near the finish line in Copley Square across from the Boston Public Library. If you choose this spot to watch, be warned: the crowds are huge! The Marathon is New England’s most widely viewed sport.

If the weather is good, as many as half a million spectators come out to watch the race – and you’ll swear that they’re all in Copley Square. However, if you don’t mind large and loud crowds, there’s no more exciting place to be. The fastest runners usually cross the finish line not long after noon, but the remainder continue to arrive throughout the afternoon.

The other option for enjoying the Marathon is harder – quite a bit harder, in fact – and takes more preparation: you can run in the Marathon yourself, along with 24,999 other participants.

But first, you have to qualify.

The Boston Marathon is the only U.S. Marathon with qualifying time standards, which is why it’s so prestigious. You must achieve the qualifying time for your age/gender group on a U.S.A Track and Field certified course (or international equivalent) within approximately 19 months before the date of the Marathon in which you want to run. Can you do it? You won’t know unless you try – so off your running shoes and start training now!

Boston is as rich in history as it is in culture. Although the state of Massachusetts offers a wide variety of scenic, historical and cultural interests, it is in Boston where many visitors often start their tours. If you are looking for a fantastic destination for your next family vacation, take a trip back in time in American History and visit lovely Boston, Massachusetts. Everyone of every age will certainly enjoy the great history, entertainment, sports, and fun available in this classic Massachusetts city. Whether you make it a weekend trip or a week’s vacation, the options are endless when it comes to things to do and see in the state’s capital. The patriot in everyone will come alive with a trip to Boston.

The historic Massachusetts Freedom Trail takes you to 16 historical sights that played a huge part in the creation of America. You will see Boston on the Freedom Trail all the way from historic buildings to special places to memorials to statues and much more. You start on the trail at the National Park Visitors Center across from the historic Old State House. You can ask the Park Rangers to lead you on a guided tour or you can explore the trial for yourself, but do wear comfortable walking shoes, since you will be walking quite a bit while on the trail.

Baseball fans would feel a never before felt thrill on watching the world famous Boston Red Sox slog it out in Fenway Park, the park famous in the entire baseball professional circuit. Moreover, the Boston Red Sox are back on the victory trail, breaking record after record and on a roll. The football enthusiasts will enjoy watching the fantastic New England Patriots, Super Bowl winners in 2002, 2004, and 2005. When these talented athletes take the field they are a pleasure to watch; it is an experience enjoyed by both adults and kids alike. You will have to check out their schedule to see when they will be playing at the fantastic Gillette Stadium, which is nearly 30 minutes south of the city.

What trip to Boston would be complete without a trip to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market? These great attractions sell everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to great souvenirs of the city. Quincy Market’s newest resident is the professional chef, Emeril Legasse, so see if you can score tickets to his fantastic live show. An afternoon spent exploring Boston Common is rewarding for the entire family. The Bostonians are extremely fond of this green space. Your kids will enjoy playing on the many play grounds and you can enjoy a pick up game of baseball, softball, basketball, or soccer.

Another park, and a big one at that, is the Public Garden of Boston. E.B. White has made this garden and its swan boats famous in his book, “Trumpet of the Swan”. So whenever you are in Boston, bring your family to Public Garden to enjoy a ride on these Swan Boats. Don’t miss Harvard while you are in Boston. A visit to the historic Massachusetts institute of higher education is awe-inspiring. Your kids may get interested in becoming an Ivy League whiz kid after walking on the beautiful and historic grounds of Harvard. They can also buy Ivy League outfit on Harvard Square.These are only a few places that you can go to while visiting Boston. For more information, talk to friends or family who have been to Boston, and do a lot of research online. This way, you can make your trip to Boston a more memorable experience.