FREEDOM TRAIL/QUINCY MARKET

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If you're entertaining folks for the Fourth, you cannot get much more "authentic" Boston (or more American, dare we say) than the Freedom Trail [617.357.8300. thefreedomtrail.org]. Follow the red-brick road (or red-painted line, depending on where you are) of Boston's cleverly marked, self-guided walking tour. The trail begins at the State House and winds its way over to the newly renovated Park Street Church [One Park St. 617.523.3383. parkstreet.org]. Next is the Old Granary Burying Ground [Park & Tremont streets], which holds such famous founders as the rowdy revolutionary and beer namesake Samuel Adams. There is more to the tour, but the best part may be watching the re-enactors mill about in those old-school costumes.

Sleep not at Faneuil Hall [faneuilhallmarketplace.com]. With more restaurants and chains than a mid-sized mall, there's plenty to get lost in, never mind the history that physically surrounds you. Quincy Market sits in the heart of the historic district. Once the center of wholesale trade for the city, it now holds people like the intentionally scowling staff at Durgin Park [340 Faneuil Hall Market Place, North Market Bldg. 617.227.2038. durgin-park.com]. Past the huge meat locker and upstairs is the large dining room, with portions to match. There's a reason they've been open over 100 years. Or go way, way back with the Union Oyster House [41 Union St. 617.227.2750. unionoysterhouse.com], America's oldest restaurant to be in continuous service. Or way, way, way back with the Green Dragon Tavern [11 Marshall St. 617.367.0055]. Although the original location was demolished ages ago, it has its roots in 1764, and the legends to prove it.