BOSTON – I'm always amazed by how many people who consider themselves travelers have never visited Boston. True, having lived there for most of my formative years, I'm a bit prejudiced, but I've been to almost every city worth visiting and I can honestly say that none is more beautiful, especially now that the hideous Central Artery roadway has been placed underground.

Few cities juxtapose old and new like this city on the Charles River does, with modern skyscrapers soaring amid street after brick-sidewalked street of 18th- and 19th-century townhouses and historic sites.

Even if you've visited before, you'll find something new to discover. This city that locals modestly call The Hub (as in the Hub of the Universe, no less) is continually changing, and the last few years have seen some amazing new developments.