Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the
ultimate one-stop shopping Mecca of the world, is an experience
in and of itself. This particular area of Boston has been an important
part of this city's life pulse for more than 200 years. Today, the
marketplace, which covers more than 6 acres, is actually four places
in one- the South Market, North Market, Quincy Market, and
Faneuil Hall.
Faneuil Hall dates back to 1742 when
Peter Faneuil, the wealthiest merchant in all of Boston at the time,
built the hall as a gift to the city. Nicknamed "The Cradle
of Liberty," Faneuil Hall has hosted many a famous individual
including Samuel Adams, George Washington, Oliver Wendall Holmes,
and Bill Clinton.
Faneuil Hall served as an urban marketplace
as well. It became so popular that Quincy Hall, built in Greek Revival
style, was added in the 1820s. Over the years that followed, the
marketplace became weathered and worn until the 1970s when a renewed
interest led to its revitalization.
In an atmosphere that vibrates with
excitement and the unusual, this cobblestone walkway features magicians,
mimes, caricature artists, jugglers, puppeteers, acrobats, clowns,
and musicians in an ever-changing entourage. Every April an audition
is held to select the performers who will be permitted to schedule
performances during the months between March and October. Approximately
fifty are selected from the very talented group that tries out.
Six separate locations in the marketplace showcase the performers.
Three very interesting types of shopping
are available in Faneuil Hall Marketplace including pushcarts, specialty
shops, and national retailers. Considered the original models for
pushcart shopping, the pushcarts at Faneuil Hall offer a wide array
of goods from sheepskin items to handmade wool sweaters to oddities
and collectibles. The specialty shops have just as wide an
array of offerings including toys to imported goods from Ireland
to sports footwear and more. National retailers offer the same line
of goods no matter where they are. Such well-known stores as Victoria's
Secret, Coach, and Ann Taylor have set up shop in this super-sized
marketplace.
The marketplace is open seven days
a week all year long. On Mondays through Saturdays, the hours begin
at 10 am and continue until 9 pm. Sundays have shortened hours from
noon until 6 pm.
It features 49 shops, 44 pushcarts,
18 restaurants, and 35 food stalls. Additionally, one of the most
popular comedy clubs is located at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
Plenty of parking is available at
the 75th Street Garage. Plus, commuters can easily walk the distance
between the subway system and the marketplace.
Part of Boston's Freedom Trail, Faneuil
Hall Marketplace is only five minutes to other popular attractions
including the New England Aquarium, The Children's Museum, The Old
State House, and Paul Revere's House.- Susan M. Keenan
Check out the Freedom
Trail for some walking fun or the Boston
Common
