Rose Kennedy Greenway Boston

For years, the Big Dig-- Boston's project to bury the Central Artery that separated much of the city from its harborfront-- was a national joke because of cost and schedule overruns, to the point that when cab drivers in other cities heard where you were from, they'd say, "Big Dig, huh?," and roll their eyes.

Today, though, the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway, the long-planned park that now occupies the site of the old highway, is proving the doubters wrong. Meandering one mile from Chinatown up to the North End, the Greenway is dotted with plantings, sculptures, fountains, pathways, and food trucks. Officially open since 2008, it has gained more amenities with each passing year, making it a true destination; a new addition this year is the carousel, located near Faneuil Hall. Boston finally has its connection to the harbor back, and it's making the most of it.

My favorite portion of the Greenway lies between South Station and Dewey Square, through the Financial District. This area is unusually high-density by Boston standards, and since it's occupied by businesses all but empties out over the weekend. Walking down the pleasant, populated Greenway next to cliffs of empty skyscrapers is a true Boston experience.