One of the best things about blogging about family travel is following other family travel bloggers. I love reading traveling post from others who get just as excited as I do about checking out new places! Earlier today, I read a post about Boston from Albany Kid which reminded me of all the cool things my son and I experienced a few years ago on spring break.
One of the many great memories was at our first stop in Boston when we enjoyed dinner at the Union Oyster House. We were famished after making the road trip from New York and also excited to dine at the oldest restaurant in Boston. The Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the United States. The doors have always been open to diners since 1826.
While we enjoyed some New England Clam Chowder, we learned some interesting facts. For instance, the toothpick first was used in the United States at the Union Oyster House. Charles Forster of Maine first imported the picks from South America. Mr. Foster decided to promote his new business by hiring Harvard boys to dine at the Union Oyster House and ask for toothpicks.
The Union Oyster House also welcomed patrons like Daniel Webster who enjoyed brandy and water with his oysters to the Kennedy Clan. John F. Kennedy often ate in the upstairs dining room. Today you can sit in his favorite booth, dedicated to his memory with a plaque titled, “The Kennedy Booth.”
We apparently have eaten out a lot through our travels, but it is not often that I recall a particular restaurant. I am glad we had an opportunity to learn some cool historical tidbits while enjoying some great seafood minus the brandy and water. There is only one place that can claim to be the oldest restaurant in America, and now we can say part of that history along with the Kennedy family! Next time you’re in Boston, check out this National Historic Landmark, the Union Oyster House at 41 Union Street.
Have you been to any other restaurants with a tie to history? Let me know; we would love to check it out!
That is so cool! How neat to experience a meal in a place with such history.
Sandra it is a neat place and a great place to stop for lunch while exploring the Freedom Trail. Have a great time in Boston!
Heading there next month. Thanks Sherry!