1. Forget Virginia, Boston Is For Lovers
Looking for love? Look no further. The state of Massachusetts has the lowest divorce rate in the country, with only 2.2 divorces per 1,000 people. That’s something we can all celebrate!
2. Bostonians Embrace Their Wicked Accent Stereotype
Boston English is so legit, it even has its own Wiki page. Most commonly associated with the Boston accent is use of the broad “a,” and, of course, the dropping of “r” sounds, which is called non-rhoticity. But take note, not everyone in Boston speaks with this oft-imitated lilt. It’s most commonly heard in Southie. And don’t ever let anyone overhear you say “pahk the cah in Hahvahd Yahd.” Just… don’t.
3. And Speaking Of Language, It’s “Mr. Bostonian” To You
If you’re moving to Boston the first thing you should know is that you and your new neighbors and pub mates are Bostonians, not Bostonites. In the words of good Mr. T, I pity the fool who makes that mistake!
4. There’s Crack In The Coffee At Dunkies
There might not be a Dunkin’ Donuts on every corner in Boston but there’s one on almost every corner. Bostonians love this stuff and you will too.
5. Taking A Cream Pie To The Punim Has Never Seemed More Appealing
The Boston Cream Pie—that oh so yummy delectable dessert—was actually created at the Omni Parker House in Boston and enjoys the exalted status of being the state’s official dessert.
6. Put Your Peepers On Some Peeps At Quincy Market
Quincy Market may get a bad rap for being a tourist trap but it’s actually a decent place to grab snacks and watch the characters go by.
7. Paddies Proliferate On St. Paddy’s Day
There’s no better day in Beantown than St. Patricks Day! Picture colorful floats, the glorious sound of bagpipes, good food and green beer, coupled with Irish good cheer. It’s almost as exciting as Christmas—oh who am I kidding, St. Paddy’s is Boston Christmas!
8. In A Sea Of Irish Pubs, The Druid Pours The Best Pint
In a city where there’s an Irish pub on every corner, it’s hard to stand out. But the Druid maintains a steady hold on Bostonians, who love going there to catch a game on TV, sip on a pint of Guinness, and munch on some solidly tasty pub grub.
9. Things Fall From “Grape” Heights At The John Hancock Building
The city’s tallest building, the John Hancock Tower, is also the site of the world records for catching grapes…in your mouth…that are thrown from the top of the tower. Whoever thought of such a thing had way too much time on his or her hands but don’t tell that to Paul Tavilla. Known as the Grape Catcher, Tavilla is the self-proclaimed world record holder for catching grapes from a great height. I bet he’s fun at a hibachi restaurant.
10. Polar Soda Ginger Ale Is The Fizzy Stuff Of Legends
Polar Soda is the largest independent soft drink bottler in the U.S. and with good reason. Boston kids grew up drinking this stuff like water.
11. And The Lobster Roll At Neptune’s Is Ambrosia For The Gods
Picture succulent pieces of lobster brimming over in a warm buttery bun. Is your mouth watering? Because it should be.
12. Fenway Is So Cool It Has Its Own Pantone
Yep, it’s called “Fenway Green,” and the Red Sox have patented it. What’s next: “Red Sox Red”? Actually, that’s not a bad idea.
13. Speaking Of The Red Sox… Love Them Or G.T.F.O
This is Red Sox Nation, home of the “best fans in American sports,” according to “Forbes” magazine. Not that any Bostonian needs a silly magazine to tell them that. Not caring about the sport is not an option.
The fervent fandom here is, like anything else in Boston, tinged with a bit of cynicism. While being the best fans, Bostonians have also been called “the ultimate manic-depressive fanbase,” but that just makes them more lovable.
14. And The Yankees, Yeah They Suck
This one goes without saying, but just in case…Yankee fans should steer clear of Boston. They are not welcome.
15. Bostonians Have A Collective IQ Of About A Billionty
It’s not news that Boston is home to several higher education institutions, including Boston College, Harvard, Tufts, UMass, and Wellesley. Here, knowledge is valued more than status, money, or power. In fact, knowledge is power. As Mark Twain once said, “In Boston, they ask ‘how much does he know?’”
16. Harvard’s Old “New” Name
It is well known that Harvard University is the oldest higher learning institution in the U.S., but what isn’t so well known is that it didn’t always go by the name Harvard. When originally founded in 1636, it went by the name “New College.” Thankfully it was changed because New College just doesn't roll off the Boston tongue like Harvard does.
17. Raise A Glass In Memory Of Boston’s Happy Hour
There may be a pub on every corner but don’t expect to get your afternoon pint and appeteasers at a discount. The state implemented a ban some 30 years ago making happy hour illegal. That’s just sad.
18. There Is Nothing Fishy About The Seafood At Island Creek Oyster Bar
This is the place to go for mussels, fried clams and, of course, clam chowdah. The lobster roe noodles have also developed their very own cult following.
19. Bostonians Know The Ancient Secrets Of Turning Water Into Wine
Humans have been making wine all over this globe since the start of civilization, but it was Ephraim Wales Bull of Concord, Mass., who developed the Concord grape, used to make Kosher and sacramental wines.
20. The Harvard Yard Statue Is An Imposter!
If you think the famous statue in Harvard Yard is supposed to be a likeness of none other than John Harvard himself, think again. No one knows what Harvard actually looks like. The statue actually bears resemblance to one Sherman Hoar, a student who sat in for the sculpture. Scandalous.
21. Wicked Is Where It’s At
When something is really cool, it’s wicked cool, got it? Class adjourned.
22. You’ve Heard Of Defensive Driving—Get Ready For Offensive Driving
And by caution I mean drive like it’s your last day to live because if you show any hesitation or slowness, it’s a sign of weakness here and Bostonian drivers (aka Massholes) will pounce on you like a lion on a deer, or something epic like that. And red lights, yeah, those are merely a suggestion.
23. The Big Dig Was Almost A Big Dud
The big tunnel project that rerouted I-93 through a giant tunnel was the most expensive highway project in the nation and addled by schedule overruns, design flaws, leaks, and even a death. But now that all that has passed, and the project is complete (well, almost complete), most Bostonians will tell you it’s wicked awesome.
24. You Won’t Be The Only New Kid On The Block
The once baby-faced boy band New Kids On The Block hails from Boston. As does Aerosmith and the Pixies.
25. Hatch Your Summer Plans At… Well... The Hatch
The Hatch Shell is the place to be during the summer months, where free concerts draw thousands of fun-lovers to jam out.
26. Spice Up Your Daily Commute
The Longfellow Bridge is commonly called the “salt-and-pepper” bridge because it resembles—you guessed it—giant bottles of salt and pepper!
Feature Image Source: Flickr user Hamza Douli