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 Attractions On your mark, get set... The richest and deepest history of our young nation and an abundance of natural beauty characterize the attractions of the Harbor Area. Boasting well over 300 years of history and heritage, the Harbor Area can offer visitors a rare and special glimpse into the beginnings of American life and culture. The spectacular scenery of New England is on display here, not only during the region's trademark autumn season, but year round - in fact, the area is an ideal summer vacation spot, with beaches, picnicking and fishing, but without the high temperatures and humidity much of the rest of the country experiences. And thereÕs plenty of excitement here, including thoroughbred and greyhound racing. Deane Winthrop House - Winthrop The original building was built about 1637 and was then rebuilt to its present size between 1675 and 1690. It belonged to Deane Winthrop, whose father, John Winthrop, was the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Currently it is owned by the Winthrop Improvement and Historical Association. This building is one of the oldest wood frame houses in the country and is the nation's oldest continuously lived-in home. Located at 40 Shirley Street, the Deane Winthrop House is a registered National Historic Site. Tours by appointment. 617-846-8606. Deer Island - Winthrop Deer Island helps welcome visitors to the restored richness and beauty of Boston Harbor and its islands. Sixty acres of park land surrounding the water treatment plant offer walking, jogging, sightseeing, picnicking and fishing. There is a 2.6-mile perimeter pathway and another 2 miles of trails on the hills of the park, with numerous look-out points offering breathtaking views of the Boston skyline. In its long history, the island has been used by Native Americans, quarantined immigrants, farmers, orphans, paupers, military personnel and tens of thousands of prisoners at the now-demolished house of corrections. It is now the centerpiece of the $4 billion program to protect Boston Harbor against pollution. The technological advances in treatment and the resulting environmental improvements are visible throughout the park. Deer Island is connected to Winthrop and can be reached by car following Route 145 to Shirley Street to Tafts Avenue. There is free visitor parking at the entrance. Group tours are available by advanced appointment. 617-539-4248 Madonna Queen National Shrine - East Boston Across from the Don Orione Home stands a 32-foot-high statue of the Madonna made of copper and bronze. It was erected in May 1954, the Marian Year, and was greeted by thousands of worshippers. Its story dates back to World War II, when the famous Jewish sculptor Arrigo Minerbi was welcomed to take refuge in the Don OrioneÕs Institution in Rome during the Nazi persecution of Jews. After the liberation, Minerbi created a statue of the Madonna as a gift to the Don Orione Fathers and as a personal thanksgiving for surviving the war. It was placed on the hill of Montemario, overlooking the city of Rome. Soon after, a replica of the 6-ton masterpiece was made and shipped in three pieces to the Don Orione Fathers in East Boston. It was reconstructed and dedicated as "The Madonna Queen of the Universe" by Archbishop Cushing. The shrine and serene statue greet visitors year-round. Mass is celebrated on Saturdays at 5 p.m., on Sundays at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., and on weekdays at 7:30 p.m. The gift shop is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Located at 150 Orient Avenue. Take Route 1-A, turn at the cross on the hill and follow the signs. 617-569-2100. Saugus Iron Works - Saugus This is the site of the first integrated ironworks in North America, circa 1646Ð1668. It includes the reconstructed blast furnace, forge, rolling mill and a restored 17th-century house. With the archeological site of the 17th-century iron-making plant, the museum collection, the 17th-century Iron Works House, and the reconstructed iron works complex, Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site illustrates the critical role of iron making to 17th-century settlement and its legacy in shaping the early history of the nation. The site's enclave setting on the Saugus River, featuring an open-air museum with working waterwheels, evokes a unique experience for park visitors. These resources demonstrate 17th-century engineering and design methods, iron-making technology and operations, local and overseas trade, and life and work in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The original manufacturing site served as a training ground for skilled iron workers for what would become America's iron and steel industry. Iron making provided the infrastructure for the rise of other colonial industries. Called "the forerunner of America's industrial giants," the site served as a center for technology, innovation and invention. The site interprets early industrial manufacturing, with its enduring social, political and environmental ramifications. Open AprilÐOctober, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and NovemberÐMarch, daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From Route 1 northbound, take Main Street Saugus exit. From Route 1 southbound, take the Walnut Street exit (east). Follow the National Park Service signs to the Iron Works at 244 Central Street. 781-233-0050. Suffolk Downs - East Boston New England's finest thoroughbred racing and entertainment facility is located on Route 1-A in East Boston, 1 mile past the airport. There is unlimited free parking, and Suffolk Downs is a stop on the MBTA Blue Line. The Clubhouse has been recently restored to its 1935 art deco facade and features elegant dining areas with a spectacular view overlooking the racecourse. Live racing is held MayÐNovember, with the marquee Massachusetts Handicap in June. Past winners range from Seabiscuit to Skip Away. Simulcasting takes place year-round. 617-567-3900. Swap & Shop Ð Revere One of the largest flea markets in New England is located at the Showcase Cinemas in Revere at Route 1 & 60. Open Saturdays and Sundays from AprilÐNovember, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Markets average 250 dealers with new and used merchandise, crafts, furniture, antiques, and collectibles. Admission is $1 per person. 781-289-7100. Wonderland Greyhound Park Ð Revere Wonderland Greyhound Park is New England's capital for greyhound racing and simulcasting. Opened in 1935, the park continues to offer quality live racing every day throughout the year. More all-American greyhounds have graced this track than any other in the country. Winnings have also made history here, with the park recording million-dollar handles on four different occasions. Amenities at the park include the Clubhouse dining room, with the best view of the racetrack in a formal atmosphere, as well as a pub and sports bar. The park is located at 190 VFW Parkway off Route 1-A and is the last stop on the MBTA Blue Line. 781-284-1300. Showcase Cinemas Ð Revere Showcase Cinemas is a state-of-the-art, 20-screen movie house with theatres boasting amenities such as deep-cushioned rocking recliner chairs, stadium-style seating, digital stereo sound, and higher and wider screens that take entertainment to a whole new level. Located at Route 1 & 60. 781-286-1660.
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