Hello from Boston

I love Boston. One thing that really struck me while I was there was the effort made to highlight historic areas in and around the city.

Wouldn't it be great to have a West Coast version of the Freedom Trail? A series of historic markers throughout Downtown, highlighting places of significance... the first "skyscraper," the first building to generate its own power, the first theater to premiere an "all-talking" picture known as The Jazz Singer, etc.

Not only would this generate an enormous amount of civic pride, but it would cement Downtown's place as a must-see tourist attraction. That could generate increased tourism dollars, which in turn, could be funneled back into additional preservation and development.

That's a great idea, Jason. I was in Boston last month (during the huge snow storm) and we ended up staying in Beacon Hill. Without a map, we were able to wander around and find all these historic sites because of the signage.

It wouldn't hurt to build more green space. Like Boston's Pearl Necklace ring of parks.

Or is that Chicago ? Oh well, Go Redsox !

Jason, does Angels Walk count? They've got all those nifty signs/markers all over downtown. They even have some brochures. I always thought they were quite good.

David, I have to admit.. I have never even heard of Angels Walk until you mentioned it!

Just found the site: http://www.cityofla.org/ANGELSWALK/index.htm.

I think that's a great start for Los Angeles. Unfortunately, as much as I've been drawn Downtown over the past year, I've never heard of it, nor noticed any markers. Maybe this is a marketing issue?

Also, I noticed that only one Broadway theater is included in the walk, and it's not even the theater that premiere the first "all-taking" movie (that would be Tower).

Thanks for sharing that with me, though. I think i might walk that this weekend.

Yeah, Jason, there's a real lack of web presence for the Angels Walk program. The website is years out of date. There's actually a couple distinct walks. Essentially, they are self-guided walking tours. The markers are actually quite well done. Certainly better than the website.

I don't know if Angels Walk is actively maintained. It really should be incorporated into downtown's marketing programs.