Boston: See another side to the States

Reading the travel sections of newspapers or watching any of the numerous holiday shows on television, it seems that anyone thinking of taking a break States-side has the option of either shopping 'til they drop in New York or else enduring thousands of screaming children and garish consumerism in Florida.

Indeed, this impression was further borne out as I flew across the Atlantic for a quick holiday to Boston.

Rather than being surrounded by British families or young professionals taking a break from the stresses of living in London, I seemed to be the only Englishman heading to this most-English of American cities.

While it may well be a shame that so many people are missing out on the delights of Boston, this simply meant that I was free to enjoy the pleasant avenues lined with trees and grand 19th century townhouses, as well as the museums documenting Boston's leading role in the American Revolution and the anti-slavery movement, free from the usual tourist hordes.

Indeed, unlike much of America where the car is very much the king, the best way to see downtown Boston is on foot, with the well-marked out Freedom Trail making for a rewarding afternoon by anyone's standards.

Marked by a red brick path meandering through the city's historic centre, the four-mile long trail stretches from the Boston Common – perfect for a picnic or people watching – to the Bunker Hill Monument, commemorating the site of the first major battle fought between the British and Patriot forces in the War of Independence.

Along the way, my camera was kept busy with the likes of the Park Street Church, the King's Chapel, the statue of Benjamin Franklin at the Boston Latin School and the Old State House as well as views across the harbour which was the scene of the world's most famous tea party – all proof that, despite lazy stereotypes, Americans can do history.

However, too much high-culture can be a bad thing, I feel, which is why, when faced with the choice of a night at one of Boston's numerous ornate theatres taking in a ballet or symphonic performance or an evening at the original Cheers bar, now known as the Bull and Finch Pub, I was always going to opt for the latter.

Though nobody knew my name, the interior looked nothing like it did on the television and the beer was grotesquely overpriced, sure enough it was quite friendly in there, while the city's legendary baseball team, the Red Sox, on a high after a recent World Series victory, were on the many screens.

Of course, it's just as easy to head to Boston and spend most of your time shopping, with the boutiques of Newbury Street offering plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the favourable interest rates.

However, given the setting, this would be a monumental shame and a waste of the perfect chance to see a different side to the great cities of the USA.