“Boston, Boston, Boston, Oh What a Town to Get Lost In” – lyrics that referred to the difficulty of navigating former cow paths now masquerading as thoroughfares. GPS and Siri have gone a long way towards remedying the situation and it’s a good thing because there are so many places to visit. Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to spend a little more than a day revisiting my former haunts.

The Institute of Contemporary Art  (ICA) Boston’s iconic building opened in 2006 — just before we moved to Boston — in the historic Seaport District.  Designed by Diller, Scofidio and Renfro, it is a work of art in itself and interacts with its surroundings via the glass walls and outdoor seating that works as an impromptu picnic spot, as well as seating for performances and concerts. The galleries showcase established artists as well as newly discovered talent.

Then a stop along the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, a 15-acre linear park that is currently home to Janet Echelman’s stunning work: As If It Were Already Here (on view until October 24, 2015).  For a terrific time-lapse video of the installation click here.

The Greenway’s Carousel is  a site (or city) – specific work which has local denizens on which to ride with designs inspired by the artwork of Boston school children. No time for a ride, but a quick video.

The walk across the Massachusetts Avenue bridge to Cambridge provides unparalleled opportunities to admire the city scape. Boston is sports crazy – whether participatory or spectator. When the weather is fine (and even if not), the Charles River and its banks provide a playground for Boston and Cambridge residents.

Sailing is extremely popular and crew teams are a familiar site, especially leading up to the Head of the Charles an annual regatta first held in 1965. This year’s competition takes places on October 17 and 18, with over 11,000 rowers and 400,000 spectators are expected.

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Then a slight detour to view Frank Gehry’s terrific Stata Building at MIT.

After a great day, it’s time for drinks and dinner but more on that and other eating in my next post!