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Top Spots Near Boston To Say Goodbye To Summer

Summer brings with it many wonderful outdoor activities, great food and special opportunities to enjoy life to the fullest. Boston affords residents and visitors many wonderful and entertaining summer activities, some of which just should not be missed. When the calendar advances and the remaining days of summer are numbered, there are a few highlights that help everyone say goodbye to the season.

Sullivan's Castle Island
(Photo Credit: Sullivan's Castle Island)

Sullivan's Castle Island
2080 William J Day Blvd.
Boston, MA 02127
(617) 268-5685
www.sullivanscastleisland.com

Everyone loves Sullivan's. This simple but busy eatery is located at picturesque Castle Island in South Boston. From fried and broiled seafood specials to their classic and popular hot dog, the food is served fast and the view is magnificent. The whole Sullivan's experience is capped off with a walk, run or bike ride along the adjacent 3-mile Boston Harbor Harborwalk, which sports views of the city skyline, Boston Logan Airport and the Boston Harbor Islands. This is a must-do outing to say goodbye to summer.

Fenway-Park
A general view of Fenway Park. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)

Fenway Park
4 Yawkey Way
Boston, MA 02215
www.boston.redsox.mlb.com

The oldest ballpark in the MLB, Fenway Park, deserves a visit before summer ends. Whether a Red Sox fan or not, this ballpark is rich in history and charisma.The Green Monster, Pesky's Pole and the retired numbers of legends like Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski are on display. Take a tour of the park to experience the highlights or attend an exciting Red Sox game for the full experience. There is nothing like a day at Fenway Park to make some special summer memories.

Arnold Arboretum
(Photo Credit: Arnold Arboretum)

Arnold Arboretum
125 Arborway
Boston, MA 02130
(617) 524-1718
www.arboretum.harvard.edu

The oldest public arboretum in North America, Arnold Arboretum, is a peaceful sanctuary just outside the city. The flora and fauna, including 185 species of birds,  on the 265-acre property is breathtaking when the vast array of flowers are in bloom. This spectacular green space and private research center is jointly maintained by Harvard University and the City of Boston. It is a great place to walk, jog, bike, take a free tour or take a 90-minute class to explore the less-popular corners of the Arboretum. A walk around the Arboretum is a wonderful and very Bostonian way to say goodbye to summer in the city.

Related: Boston's Best Family Activities To Do Before The Summer Ends

Shakespeare On The Common
139 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 426-0863
www.commshakes.org

The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company hosts this summer stock event on Boston Common in conjunction with the city and Mayor of Boston. The free performances have become a popular event under the stars. The 2016 performance is Love's Labour's Lost, which runs about 2 1/2 hours. This is a great family activity performed in one of the most spectacular outdoor venues in the city. Shakespeare On The Common has become a popular Boston tradition and is a fitting way to close out the summer season.

Swan Boat
(Courtesy: swanboats.com)

Swan Boats
Boston Public Garden
4 Charles St.
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 522-1966
www.swanboats.com

The Swan Boats, which first came to the city in 1877, offer a 12 to 15-minute ride around the Boston Public Garden lagoon. The dual-pontoon boats, created to look like a majestic swan, are pedal-powered by the driver. This is one of the most tranquil, peaceful activities in the city. While riding around the lagoon, the view of the city skyline and the blooming flora around the beautifully manicured Public Garden is a sight to behold. Every Bostonian tries to hop on the Swan Boats before saying goodbye to summer. It is a special city tradition.

Related: Boston's Best Free Summer Activities For Kids

Nancy is a native Bostonian. She enjoys the sights, sounds and tastes of Boston while exploring the city by day or night. Nancy is also a school nurse at an independent middle/high school. Her work can be found on a variety of websites, including Examiner.com.
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