Don't order dessert. Instead head to one of the outstanding pastry shops on Hanover Street. Mike's Pastry is the hands-down favorite if the line out the door is any indication. However, just across and up the street is Modern Pastry with their fantastic sfogliatelli (pastry shells filled with vanilla cream and egg).

As far as non-touristy things to do: Check out the Boston Public Library's Sargent Gallery. Located here is a series of murals painted by the acclaimed turn-of-the-century artist John Singer Sargent. While at the library do enjoy the central courtyard.

One of the most pleasurable moments we had was walking down the landscaped median on Commonwealth Ave. at dusk. We were able to watch the locals from this residential street taking their dogs for their evening constitutional, admire the Back Bay architecture, take in the well-planned placing of these stately elms down this central artery. As you continue down this walk it leads you out into the Public Garden and then into The Boston Common. A really top rate design for urban greenspace.

Do get out on a ferry so that you can take in the skyline from the harbor. I think this one rings true for just about any city with a waterfront.

Boston is great city. Enjoy it to the utmost.

John Rule San Diego, CA