Nestled among the financial district, North End, and Boston Harbor, Faneuil Hall sits in cobblestone among some of the oldest and twistiest tangles of streets in Boston. An inevitable part of a visit to this city includes a stop at this tourist hub filled with restaurants, shops and souvenirs galore. Aside from the bustle of tourists, the area has a decidedly British feel. Not far from the waterfront, this is where you will find that lobster you've been waiting for as well as other traditional New England fare.

What makes a dive bar? A ‘dive' is usually is a term that is applied pejoratively, or ironically, meaning some kitsch value is attached the bar. In reality they are a place to act out a bit - let out a bit of tension lubricated by a bit of cheap beer and heavy cocktails. No one's going to look down their nose at you for yelling or laughing too loud, or using an obscenity, or for the most part anything that isn't illegal as long as you would allow the same freedom to your neighbor.

Most experienced travelers will tell you that the best way to see a big city is on a guided tour. It's especially helpful to get your bearings, see the entire city area and know what parts you want to revisit. In Seattle, that story is no different.

My editor called. "Research and compose a perfect, relaxing day in Boston," she said. I'm not that good at relaxing. It's not that I am a stress-ball or severely Type A or anything like that. It's just that, like most people I know, I have a lot more things to do on any given day than I can possibly complete and relaxing seems like a self-indulgence that just doesn't ever bubble up to the top of my to-do list. Relax for a whole day? Well, in the name of research, I'll try.

Midway between Seattle and Tacoma in Puget Sound is Vashon Island. This small island measuring 13 miles long by 8 miles wide is home to 11,000 residents and all are dependent on ferry service to get to and from their homes. Most wouldn't trade the commute for the rural beauty of the island and the laid back lifestyle that Vashon is known for.

After President Herbert Hoover announced the 18th amendment as, "a great social and economic experiment, noble in motive," thousands of underground bars and saloons were fashioned all across the country, known as speakeasies. The alcohol was arranged by bootleggers or practiced in the back of many of these institutions. Night after night, patrons sipped from teacups filled with this illegal juice as if it were their last night on earth. New York was no exception!