Can't get enough of trail tours? The BlackHeritage Trail begins at the Shaw-54th RegimentMemorial in Boston Common. This monument honorsthe first regiment of Black volunteers from thenorth to fight in the Civil War, as well as theircolonel, Harvard College graduate Robert GouldShaw (played by Matthew Broderick in Hollywood'sversion of the tale, Glory.)

The Harborwalk is a blue painted line that willtake you from the Old State House to museums andlandmarks along the Boston waterfront includingthe Children's Museum, the New England Aquarium(T: Aquarium) and the Boston Tea Party Ship.

If you're not into walking, don't despair; thetrusty T can take you to most spots on the varioustrails.

Or you can float around for a relaxing ride onBoston's famous Swan Boats which inhabit thelandscaped ponds of the public Garden next to theCommon.

Shopping

Shopping enthusiasts and window shoppers alikewill find paradise on Newbury Street (T: Boylston)and Copley (T: Copley).

Walk along Newbury street and watch theBeautiful People cruise past dress shops andgourmet restaurants in their BMW convertibles. Andremember to check out the funky dresses and shirtsat Betsey Johnson's.

At Copley, you'll find the grand departmentstores--Sakes, Lord and Taylor and Neiman Marcus.

While you're at Copley Square, take a minute tovisit the tall buildings. The John Hancock Towerreflects the older buildings around it. Thetallest building in Boston, the Hancock Tower hasa sightseeing deck and museum on its top floor.

It you're more into bargain basements and bluelight specials, take the Red Line to DowntownCrossing and visit Filene's Basement, the motherof all bargain basements. There, you will make youway through mile-long racks of designer clothes,all priced to please.

Art

For the artistically inclined, the Museum ofFine Arts (MFA) at the Museum T stop houses acomprehensive assortment of international art. Themuseum boasts an impressive collection ofimpressionist paintings, including 35 works byClaude Monet. To save money, be sure to stop byWednesdays from 4 to 9:30 p.m., when admission isfree.

On your way to the MFA, take an interestingdetour at the world headquarters of the FirstChurch of Christ, Scientist (T: Symphony). The19th century Mother Church is to ChristianScientists what St. Peter's in Rome is toCatholics.

And though not as massive as St. Peter's, thischurch seats a huge congregation, boasts athunderous organ and requires an elevator to reachits chapel.

Walk beside the church and catch abreath-taking glimpse of an immense reflectingpool. Also try to visit the "Mapparium," a hugeglass globe you can walk inside.