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1. SPoT! This coffee shop is a one-stop-shop for all your breakfast needs. Not only does it serve good coffee at fair prices, but you can also get a fresh-made bagel sandwich as well. There are several bagel sandwiches to choose from, and it might take a few trips to figure out what bagel goes best with your morning brew! Although, getting the 'everything bagel' can certainly help with that choice. It's fast, convenient, and provides both coffee and sandwiches depending on your breakfast needs. That's the best of everything and why it's one of the best spots to go to! 2. Big Bear Cafe and Espresso Bar If you are the type of person who likes to sit down and enjoy their coffee with a hearty breakfast and good friends, then this place is for you. Big Bear Cafe not only serves up hot coffee for their customers, but they also have a wide array of breakfast items as well. It's the perfect sit down restaurant to talk with friends and enjoy a lazy morning with some sandwiches and eggs. 3. The Common Cafe and Patisserie There's nothing at all common about this place whenever you come for morning coffee. This eating spot gives you all of the comfort and atmosphere of a coffee shop, along with fresh food made from scratch for breakfast and lunch. If you want great coffee, good food, and a very cozy atmosphere, then you won't need to look any further than this café. 4. Perks Coffeehouse in Norwood MA Another great place to find some good coffee and relax with some ambiance. This coffeehouse not only serves amazing coffee, but also has art lined walls, amazing breakfast and lunch items, and a nice cozy vibe. Whether you want a hub for good conversation with friends, a place to meet with clients, or a place to just have a good cup of coffee, Perks Coffeehouse has you covered. Every coffee shop on this list is perfect for anyone who lives in Norwood and wants a good drink to start the morning. Whether you are the type to grab your drink and go, or sit down and enjoy your expresso with a meal, you'll find something that makes your day. If you need even more places to find good coffee, then be sure to drop by Jack Madden Ford and talk to one of us! Image provided by Pexels

Ordering takeout or delivery can help reduce stress after a long day of work. These four popular places for takeout and delivery in Norwood are here to help you provide a hot, delicious meal even on nights when you don't feel like cooking. more Broadway Pizza and Grill Pizza is always on the menu when you're considering what to order for takeout or delivery, but Broadway Pizza and Grill offers so much more than just a tasty pizza. Calzones, sub sandwiches, grinders, salads, chicken, burgers, gyros, fish and chips, and more await you at this versatile restaurant. The nice thing about having such a large menu is that everyone in your family can get what they want rather than having to settle for pizza if they really don't want it. Popular pizzas include the chicken pesto pizza, the eggplant pesto delight the veggie deluxe pizza, and the herbivore pizza. The cheesesteaks are extremely popular as well, but don't forget to order baklava for dessert no matter what your entrée is because locals rave about this sweet treat from Broadway Pizza and Grill. Casa Loca Cantina Takeout Mexican food from Casa Loca Cantina will keep your family full and happy. The portion sizes here are massive, so you can either get a few entrees to share or save some of the scrumptious food for a second meal. Either way, you will be delighted with the flavor and presentation of any entrée you order from Casa Loca Cantina. Popular entrees at this restaurant include fajitas, empanadas, carnitas tacos, the Tijuana chicken quesadilla, and the Cajun salmon. As with other restaurants on this list, there are plenty of different foods to choose from so that everyone can order something they like. The service here is also excellent and will be one of the reasons you return over and over again. Shabu Lee Japanese food, Chinese food, and sushi are on the menu at Shabu Lee. Asian food is a standard for delivery and takeout, but finding a place that provides hot, delicious Asian food, fast is sometimes a challenge. Well, Shabu Lee has it down, and your meal will be one that you rave about for weeks. Traditional Chinese hot pot is a local favorite, but the sushi also gets high marks. As with many Asian restaurants, you will get more than you bargain for in terms of portion size. The takeout boxes are literally stuffed full and you won't pay a lot either. This means you will be able to get at least a couple of meals out of your order for one low price. However, the quality of the food does not suffer one bit for being on the cheaper side, so you win on both accounts. To Beirut The owners of To Beirut pride themselves on serving up authentic Lebanese and Greek dishes to its customers. You will find traditional meals such as kabobs, shawarma, falafel, Greek salads, grape leaves, and more on the menu, but for those who are not as adventurous, this restaurant also offers traditional American food as well. In fact, it offers one of the best cheeseburgers in the city, which is surprising considering its cuisine focus. No matter what kind of food you're craving, there is a restaurant in town that offers it for takeout and delivery. The four restaurants listed here are some of the best around, but it is certainly not an exhaustive list. For additional restaurant recommendations, drop by Jack Madden Ford and speak with one of our local residents who can give you the names of even more hidden gems.   Photo courtesy of Pexels

Situated just minutes from downtown Boston, a visit to Blue Hills Reservation will transport you from the hustle and bustle of city life straight into nature. Visiting the reservation is free to the public, as is parking. There are some essential facts that all visitors should know in order to get the most out of their visit. more 1. The Reservation Is Huge The park is over 7,000 acres and at some points, reaches 635 feet, giving visitors a view from the rocks that showcases the Boston metroplex. There are over 125 miles of trails within those 7,000 acres. 2. You Can Download a Map Even the most experienced hiker needs some form of direction. Download the trail map online before starting your hike to make your life easier and keep you from getting lost in the woods. 3. There Are Park Rules The park has restrictions in place for the safety of all visitors. The only body of water that allows boats is Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. Dogs are allowed in every area of the park except for the beach at Houghton Ponds, and they must remain on a leash at all times. 4. You Can Visit the Park Year-round The park is open year-round for visitors to enjoy cold-weather activities. These include sledding, downhill skiing, and cross country skiing. Ski season typically opens in the middle of December and runs through the middle of March. 5. Swimming Is Allowed Visitors can swim at Houghton Pond, located in the southwest corner of the park. Lifeguards are present at Houghton Pond from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week in July and August. 6. Everyone Can Hike From small children to the most experienced hiker, everyone can enjoy the trails at the park. Read about all of the trails ahead of time and choose which one you'd like to traverse on the reservation's website. 7. There Are Several Facilities Facilities present at the park include a museum, several historic sites, an observatory, picnic areas, restrooms, a science center, and a visitor center. 8. You Can Visit a Museum The Blue Hills Trailside Museum consists of a natural history museum as well as several different outdoor exhibits showcasing wildlife native to the area. The museum has some animals on display that have been rescued from dire situations, including a river otter and some snowy owls. 9. Your Baseball Team Can Play Here After you obtain a league permit or group use permit, your baseball team can host games at the park. 10. Watch for (and Watch Out for) Wildlife Plants include dogwoods and lady's slippers, along with many other rare species. Be on the lookout for coyotes, copperheads, and timber rattlesnakes. Even though the park is just outside of the city, you will need a vehicle to get you there safely and worry-free. Visit Jack Madden Ford and browse our vast inventory, ranging from new and preowned sedans, SUV's and crossovers, and choose a vehicle that will take you safely into nature and back again. Image via Pexels

Historical landmarks are important to preserve and remember our history. One of the oldest historical houses in America is the Fairbanks House. This historical house museum offers tours of the inside and outside, inviting everyone to learn more about the history of the United States. more 1. Unlike Other Historical Homes The house of the Fairbanks is unlike any other historical house museum. It is claimed to be the oldest home in New England. However, the fact that this home is so old and so well preserved is a testament to the master carpenter who was hired to build it. Much of the original features are extremely well-preserved and unaltered, an unusual occurrence for a house this old. The Fairbanks family also adds to the historical significance of the home. 2. Almost 400 Years Old A few years ago, Jonathan and Grace Fairbanks celebrated their 400th year anniversary. You can even see the wedding certificate in the historical museum. 20 years after they married, they built their home in America. Tree ring dating places the building of the house between 1637 and 1641, making this home almost 400 years old. A master mason and master carpenter were hired by Jonathan Fairbanks to build the home. 3. Never Had Modern Amenities While eight generations of Fairbanks went on to live in the home, the house was never updated to include modern amenities such as heat, electricity, or running water. While updates were added on until the early 1800's such as a workshop, two wings, and several small expansions, no significant changes were made after 1820, leaving this house a historical wonder. 4. It Can Be Visited Virtually With the advanced technology now available to us, you can visit the home of the Fairbanks virtually. The virtual tour is guided by expert historians that tell you all sorts of fantastic history about the home. You will also see up close the historical furniture and items they had in the house. The virtual tour takes between 50 and 60 minutes. 5. Hosts Many Events From the Fairbanks Reunion to the Fall Festival, the house of the Fairbanks is host to many fantastic events. The Fairbanks reunion reunites the many existing family lines for one fun party. The fall festival celebrates history with reenactments, crafts, hand-made goods, and historical actors. 6. Has Six Family Lines that Still Exist When the Fairbanks arrived in America from England, they brought with them six children. These children grew up to have their own families that produced more families. The six family lines traced back to the Fairbanks children still exist to this day. Every year they celebrate this family history with a fun reunion at the historical house. The Fairbanks Home is an incredible historical house museum that is almost 400 years old. With a long history from the famous family to incredible architecture, this home is a testament to the American Story. You can support the museum by donating or buying from the gift shop. Visit Jack Madden Ford, where we care about history, and especially your history! Image via Pexels

From the Mayflower to Harvard University to the Boston Cream Pie, Massachusetts is known for many popular things. Tucked away in the beautiful state and only 30 minutes from Boston, Norwood, MA has been growing since 1872. You'll find some fantastic take-out restaurants among the lush landscape and friendly community. more 1. The Take Away There is no better place to get take out than a place named The Take Away. This seafood restaurant sits on Chapel St in Norwood and welcomes everyone. A family-owned restaurant, they serve more than just fish and chips, with everything from homestyle dinners to sandwiches to delectable seafood entrees. 2. Gyro & Kebab House This family-owned restaurant is the only place to go for your Mediterranean and Turkish food cravings. Not only do they offer authentic favorites like halal meat, stuffed grape leaves, and falafel, but they have fantastic healthy options too. No matter how you are eating, you shouldn't leave without trying the baklava. 3. Shabu Lee In the mood for some Japanese and Chinese cuisine? Look no further than Shabu Lee, a take-out favorite. They also deliver right to your door. From sushi to noodles to fried octopus, you'll find old favorites and new ones in one menu. You can even order online. 4. Broadway Pizza and Grill Located on Cottage St East, this restaurant has a fantastic selection of pizza, calzones, salads, subs, pasta, burgers, and more. Not only will you find delicious food here, but Broadway Pizza and Grill is a part of the Slice, allowing you to put money into a small business while paying big chain prices. 5. Thai Thani Restaurant The only way to satisfy your Thai craving in Norwood is to order out from Thai Thani Restaurant on Washington St. This authentic Thai food restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. You can find delicious appetizers, a wide variety of soups, noodle dishes, fried rice, and lots of curries. 6. As Good As It Gets Cafe With a new location on Providence Highway in Norwood, this breakfast and lunch cafe are as good as it gets. With rave reviews and A+ ratings from top reviewers, this cafe offers delicious food and wonderful service. You can order take-out of all your favorite breakfast and lunch dishes. 7. Cafe Paprika Looking for something new? Try Cafe Paprika with their delectable Morrocan food. Located on Washington St, this delicious Morrocan restaurant can serve you Moorish meats, Tangines, Couscous, and more. They use special ingredients to make their food even more mouth-watering, including in-house preserved lemons, Safran, and Ras Al Hanout. You can also order online. No matter what kind of food you are craving, Norwood, Massachusetts has it all. You'll never want to dine in again with so many great take-out options. In Norwood, you can find a great community, fantastic food, and also fantastic car sales. Come down to Jack Madden Ford today to see how we go the extra mile to find you the right vehicle for your needs.

Our friendly team at Jack Madden Ford understands what families and individuals are looking for in a vehicle, and we are proud of everything our local community has to offer here in Norwood, MA. 1. Blue Hills Reservation This 6,000-acre park is an enormous and sprawling preserve with miles of trails for hikers of all experience levels. Visiting Blue Hills Reservation with the family is a fun way to spend a day in the great outdoors, enjoying the sights and sounds found along the many trails and paths. more In addition to the hiking trails and majestic views, there is also an observatory, a trailside museum, and a gift shop for visitors to explore during their visit to the Blue Hills Reservation. Whether they are spending a couple of hours or an entire day, families love the flexibility they have during a visit to the Blue Hills. 2. Francis William Bird Park With over 3 miles of biking and walking paths, this 89-acre park makes for a wonderful weekend retreat. The scenic paths wind through rolling hills, over granite bridges, and offer views of several gorgeous troves and relaxing ponds. The Francis William Bird Park also hosts some live events and features a playground, tennis courts, and much more. From biking to hiking to just playing around kids of all ages find a way to burn off their extra energy during a visit to this park. 3. Father McAleer Playground & Park McAleer Playground & Park is a popular choice for families of all ages and sizes. In addition to the tremendous playground, this park offers access to recreational fields, a baseball diamond, and a well-maintained pool complex. With so many different recreation options to choose from, this park is perfect for children of all ages and activity levels. Conveniently located near main roads with ample street parking and parking lots, visiting the playground and facility is a breeze. This park is a great place to visit to practice sports with the kids or to cool off poolside during the blazing summer months. McAleer Playground & Park is one of Norwood, MA best places to find family fun in the sun. We are committed to keeping our communities safe and active no matter where they want to go. Our vehicles are some of the safest and toughest on the road. Whether you are on the market for an easy crossover to load the family quickly on the go, or a reliable truck to help tow and carry extra cargo, we have the best fit for you. Visit us today at Jack Madden Ford to learn more about our available offers and drive away into a new family adventure: or just stop in to ask us more about the best things to do in Norwood!

New England is an area rich in history and much of that history stems right from the Boston, Massachusetts, area. Regardless of whether you're just visiting Boston or you've lived in the area for years, you can learn a lot by taking one of these top tours. Walk Into History The Walk Into History Tour is one of the Freedom Trail Foundation's most popular tours, and it begins at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center. This tour is offered daily at 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m., and you can expect it to take about 90 minutes to complete. On the tour, you'll learn about revolutionary history at stops such as the Massachusetts State House, the King's Chapel and Burying Ground, and the Old Corner Bookstore. There is a fee to take this tour, which varies based on age, but children under the age of 6 are free. more Harvard Yard in Ninety Minutes Learn more about the interesting history of Harvard by taking the Harvard Yard in Ninety Minutes Tour with a local guide. Guides tell stories of the religious battles that defined the founding of this well-known university, and you'll hear about some of its patriots, like Sam Adams and John Hancock, whose political and religious ideas were the basis for the American Revolution. Discover how Harvard played a role in the Civil War and see the residences of past presidents and movie stars who attended this school. The beautiful architecture of the Widener Library and Memorial Church can also be seen when you take this tour. Schedule this tour with a local guide. Salem Walking Tour Not far from Boston is the historically significant town of Salem. If you're interested in the history of this place, you should definitely take the two-hour Salem Walking Tour. On the tour, you'll learn more about the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 as well as visit other historic locations. See the Derby House — it was built in 1766 and was the home of America's first millionaire — and walk down Chestnut Street to view the stunning 19th-century mansions that line the way. Explore the historic waterfront and learn about its significance to the area, both past and present. Revolutionary Women Women played an important role in the American Revolutionary War, and on the Revolutionary Women Tour, you can find out more about these incredible ladies who changed history. This tour will last approximately 90 minutes and is available in March on select Saturdays and Sundays at 12:45 p.m. You'll hear stories about women such as Anne Hutchinson, Harriet Tubman, and Susan B. Anthony, among others. Stops at some of the locations where their voices were heard and works were published will provide insight into what it was like for these women who had no idea they were making history. Taking a guided tour in a historic city like Boston gives you a better understanding of the area. When you go on one of the tours listed here, you'll leave with new knowledge and fun memories that you won't soon forget.

Norwood, Massachusetts, has several beautiful nature sites that you can explore. Whether you want to take a nice stroll in the woods or go fruit picking with your family, Norwood has something for you. Check out these four sites that will fill your nature fix. Acton Arboretum This incredible place is one of the most undisturbed areas in Massachusetts, with plenty of trails, gardens, and tours available. Acton Arboretum contains a variety of natural areas, including swampland, woodlands, a glacial esker, grassy meadows, and an old apple orchard. Three major trails loop through the Acton Arboretum, including the 1,200-foot Orchard Loop, the 1,800-foot Wildflower Loop, and the 3,500-foot Highlands/Bog Loop. more The Orchard Loop is a perimeter loop that runs through the old orchard. It has very gentle grades, and it's accessible for people with disabilities. This trail also passes an herb garden, a butterfly garden, a plant nursery, and the Hosta Garden. The Wildflower Loop runs through swampy lowlands and upland forest. It passes through a wildflower garden and a fern garden, and it contains a brook crossing and many boardwalk paths. The Highlands/Bog Loop runs through the highest and lowest points in the arboretum. It covers some of this attraction's roughest terrain. Every section of the arboretum is teeming with wildlife, so you should keep your eyes open. Take a look at the website to learn more about the types of flowers and foliage you can find. It's open every day from an hour before sunrise to an hour after sunset. Auburndale Cove Auburndale Coveris one of the most peaceful parks in Massachusetts. The water is full of fish, and ducks, geese, and swans dot the area. Auburndale Cove contains a playground, swimming and fishing areas, a place for picnics, and public restrooms. There's plenty of shade, so it's a great choice if you want to stay comfortable while enjoying a fun summer day. In the winter, once the cove freezes over, you can go ice skating. Alpine Field Playground Alpine Field Playground is located just northwest of Norwood. This playground has equipment made just for toddlers, so parents can relax and keep an eye on their little ones without worrying about their safety. Sports fields surround the park, and the large sandbox in the center is a great place for kids of all ages to play. The playground is fenced and gated, and pets are not allowed. Alpine Field Playground has peaceful woods around it, so you can enjoy nature while your kids play. Belkin Family Lookout Farm Established in 1680, Belkin Family Lookout Farm is one of the oldest farms in the United States. Visitors can pick their own apples, pears, peaches, and berries. Kids can enjoy the Barnyard Play Area that includes pony rides, hayrides, and a hay pyramid. They can also get up close to a variety of farm animals or have fun on the playground. Norwood has some great nature sites that you can visit any time of the year. If you're in Norwood, plan for a fun trip to one of these spots.

Boston, Massachusetts, has some of the most significant landmarks in American history. You can explore the cradle of the American Revolution and marvel at many more modern wonders. Keep reading to learn about some of the must-see landmarks in Boston. The Freedom Trail The 2.5-mile Freedom Trail contains a broad selection of historical monuments and sites. It starts at Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States. From there, you can visit the Massachusetts State House, the site of many major events before and after the Revolutionary War. You can also see the Park Street Church, the first landmark of Old Boston, and the Granary Burying Ground, where many historical figures rest. more The King's Chapel Church and Burial Ground has many British casualties of the war. There's also a Benjamin Franklin statue, the oldest commercial building in Boston, and the planning place of the Boston Tea Party. You can see the Old State House near the site of the Boston Massacre as well. The USS Constitution The USS Constitution has been anchored in Boston Harbor for more than 200 years. It fought in some of the most well-known naval battles that the world has ever known, once taking on two British ships, the HMS Cyane and the HMS Levant, simultaneously. People often call it Old Ironsides, and the triple-masted heavy frigate was revolutionary for its time. It got its nickname when British shot bounced harmlessly off of its hull during a battle because of its unique composition and construction. This ship was far more heavily armed than most ships of the same class during this period, so it hit high above its weight class in battle. There's a lot to learn where this ship is concerned, so head over to it the next time you're near the harbor. You can also see the USS Constitution Museum next door. The Boston Skywalk Observatory The Boston Skywalk Observatory is in the Prudential Tower, and it's the highest observation deck available to the public in Boston. The views from this spot are stunning, and it's ideal for people who like taking picturesque photos. It's 50 stories tall, and you can see New Hampshire on a clear day. It's open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Educational materials on-site will help you and your kids learn about everything that's visible from the observation deck. There's also a penny press at the Skywalk Observatory that will turn a penny into a commemorative coin. You can visit Top of the Hub, the restaurant on the 52nd floor, as well. Boston's landmarks are some of the most interesting and historically relevant in the nation. Walk through the country's past and peer into its future at these interesting places.

Tempt your taste buds with dessert tonight. From its rich, creamy filling to its crumbly graham cracker crust, cheesecake is always worth the calories. When you've got a craving for this sweet confection, use our handy guide to find the best cheesecake in Boston, Massachusetts. Here are four places to spoil yourself. 7ate9 Bakery Where can you find a Food Network winning bakery in the Boston area? At 199C Highland Ave. in Somerville. Voted Boston's best cheesecake, head to 7ate9 Bakery and grab a slice and see for yourself what everyone is talking about. It's the perfect companion to your morning coffee. Choose from a single serving cheesecake or get a full-sized dessert to take home and share. Flavors on the menu at this local bakery far exceed the classics. Get Taza raspberry, cookies and cream, and the always scrumptious mocha variety. Why not mix and match a dozen minis for the office? Don't forget an almond ganache one for yourself. more Modern Pastry Sitting right on famous Hanover Street, this longtime destination for baked sweets is a must-stop shop. Modern Pastry is an iconic family-owned bakery with a loyal North End following. It features authentic American and Italian pastries from cheesecake, pies, cookies, and traditional pizzelles to biscotti at 257 Hanover St. Enjoy a taste of the sweet life made with only the best ingredients. This establishment touts a basement bar where you can sip something a little stronger than espresso with your cheesecake. Its a spacious and stylish pub that offers a charming mix of both rustic and modern elements, like the granite bar and big-screen TVs. The Cheesecake Factory Located at 115 Huntington Ave., Boston's Cheesecake Factory offers a vast menu, including signature cheesecake. This American chain restaurant touts more than 250 dishes made from scratch daily. After a delicious meal of steak, seafood, or pasta, indulge yourself with a little slice of heaven. The desserts on this menu are preferred by cheesecake connoisseurs everywhere, including the pineapple cheesecake featuring two layers of moist pineapple upside-down cake. The Cinnabon Cinnamon Cheesecake offers a confectionary masterpiece with vanilla crunch cake, cream cheese frosting, and a drizzle of caramel. Bova's Bakery When you need your sugar fix 24-hours a day, there's only one place to go: Bova's Bakery. This family-owned bakeshop at 134 Salem St. opened its doors in 1926 and offers cheesecake, holiday breads, and cookies any time. The pastry chefs at Bova's are committed to baking only authentic homemade pastries from the healthiest, wholesome ingredients. Get your cheesecake there or order it online and have it delivered right to your home. The pumpkin cheesecake makes a delightful fall gift or choose the chocolate chip cheesecake for yourself. With five unique dreamy, creamy options, the hardest part is deciding which one to try first. When you've just got to have a slice of cheesecake made from scratch using premium ingredients, head to one of these four best bakeries in Boston. Serve an unforgettable dessert tonight. It's so good you might skip dinner altogether.

Are you new to Boston or planning a trip to the area? Do you need a place to go where you can relax with a good book or pick up a copy of your favorite one? The city is full of fun sights and shops for even the most seasoned book lovers. If you're a fan of books, be sure to check out the following spots when you're in the city. Brattle Book Shop Brattle Book Shop is one of America's oldest and largest used book shops. At Brattle, you'll enjoy three floors filled with books. Two of the floors are full of your everyday used books, while the third floor features rare and antiquarian books, maps, postcards, and more. If you're looking to sell some books, Brattle has experienced buyers available throughout the day. For the extreme book-obsessed, Brattle also offers experienced staff that are ready to help decorate homes, movie sets, or whatever other projects might come up. more Trident Booksellers & Cafe Does it get any better than books, food, and drinks? Trident Booksellers & Cafe is located on Newbury Street and offers a full menu of delicious food and drinks, as well as good reads. You'll enjoy the contemporary book shop with many selections ranging from fiction to philosophy. The cafe takes up two levels and features specialty items such as their signature vegan cashew chili, vegetarian Tebetan momos, sandwiches, and all-day breakfast. There's nothing better than a good book and tasty food. Stop in, discover a new book, enjoy some good food, and sip on some fresh tea or cider from the tap. Boston Public Library The Boston Public Library is the world's first free municipal library, as well as America's only public Presidential Library and home to the papers of John Adams. At the Boston Public Library, you'll stumble upon current bestsellers like the 1623 First Folio, William Shakespeare's first collected edition of his works. The library's Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center includes an exhibition gallery for various exhibitions, a learning center filled with research books, a special reading room for rare map studies, a large world globe, and fun kids' nooks. Make sure you set aside an entire day so that you can adventure through this fun, historic library. Boston Athenaeum Another must visit location is the Boston Athenaeum. It is one of Boston's largest and oldest membership libraries, as well as the city's first museum of fine arts. A few well-loved collections include George Washington's personal library and art by John Singer Sargent. You'll get a chance to explore the many galleries, view fine art, and enjoy an art and architecture tour. The Boston Athenaeum also features scheduled exhibits for more fun and learning. If you'd like to check out a rare book, you can schedule an appointment with the library to get a look at some books from their permanent collection. Whether you live in Boston or you're planning a visit, book lovers will want to make sure they set aside many hours (or days) to check out all of the fantastic book sites the city has to offer.

If you're planning a date night, Boston, Massachusetts, has a wonderful choice of romantic restaurants to create just the right ambiance. Here are four of the best the city has to offer. Grotto Just walking down the steps into this cozy subterranean dining room makes you feel decadent. Grotto on Bowdoin Street features exposed brickwork, local artwork, classy music, and low lighting that gives the restaurant an intimate atmosphere. They specialize in contemporary Italian cuisine with a modern twist on traditional dishes. As well as a la carte, Grotto offers a three-course prix fixe menu. Choose from appetizers such as garlic soup with black truffle, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs, mussels, and crab ravioli. Pasta dishes include spaghetti and meatballs, gnocchi, and gnudi, while main courses feature veal saltimbocca, pettini, and Pesce. Ma Maison For a flavor of France and romance, Ma Maison on Cambridge Street offers wood paneling, leather banquettes, and crisp white table linen that provides a warm and elegant, yet relaxed ambiance. The brick walls feature stylish recessed racks for their world-class wines. Before your meal, sample one of the specialty Champagne cocktails. Ma Maison has a selection of hors d'oeuvres including escargot, foie gras, duck confit, and smoked salmon, or you could try the fresh Maine lobster bisque. Entrees include Frogs Legs Provençale, pan-seared scallops, calf's liver, lamb shank, Duck Magret, and vegan lentil cake. Look out for the special plats du jour. If you have room, try one of the decadent desserts such as passionfruit baked Alaska or souffle with Grand Marnier or chocolate. Meritage Restaurant & Wine Bar Occupying a prime location on Rowes Wharf overlooking Boston Harbor, Meritage Restaurant & Wine Bar offers a unique and sophisticated dining experience. The restaurant's Vineyard-to-Table concept specializes in the art of pairing food and wines. The six-course tasting menu features cuisine and wine from the world's finest winemaking regions. The a la carte menu has appetizers such as oysters, wild mushroom bisque, steak tartare, and octopus. Large plates include roasted pheasant, Atlantic halibut, sea bream, Forest Floor, and Persillade Crusted Colorado Lamb Chop. Try one of the irresistible desserts followed by an after-dinner flight of one-ounce pours of Tawny Port, Amari Italiano, Scotch whisky, or Chartreuse. Giulia Located on Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, Giulia is an Italian restaurant that features rustic brick walls and a delightful candlelit atmosphere. The restaurant offers gracious hospitality and a warm welcome without being intrusive. A custom-built pasta table is used during the day to roll out the handmade pasta that is offered on the menu. Antipasti dishes include Coppa di Testa, Burrata di Andria, and assorted salumi. Pasta for the table are dishes like tagliolini with matsutake, mafalde with brasato, paccheri alla Bolognese, and pappardelle with wild boar. Alternatively, you could have the whole grilled mackerel, lamb sausage, or monkfish alla piccata. Afterward, check out the pistachio gelato or chocolate terrine. These are just four of the amazing romantic dining experiences available in Boston that are sure to bring out the romance in you.