With the Fourth of July just a day away, we decided to take a short trip into Boston on July 3rd to enjoy some of the early holiday atmosphere and take care of a couple of errands along the way. It was one of those perfect summer afternoons—warm but not too hot, with a light breeze and the kind of energy in the air that only comes around this time of year.

We drove over to Wellington Station in Medford, one of the more convenient stops on the MBTA’s Orange Line. Parking there was easy, and within minutes we were riding the train into the heart of the city. The Orange Line, always a reliable and straightforward ride, rolled us smoothly through neighborhoods and under the Charles River, eventually bringing us right to Downtown Crossing.

Downtown Crossing was buzzing. The streets were filled with people—shoppers, families, and plenty of visitors clearly in town for the holiday. Street musicians played upbeat tunes on corners, food carts were doing brisk business, and everywhere you looked there were American flags waving from storefronts and balconies. Just a few blocks away, Boston Common was lively too. People lounged on the grass, kids chased bubbles and pigeons, and the general mood was one of celebration and anticipation.

While we were in town, we stopped by the MBTA Customer Service Center to pick up my senior transit card. It was a quick and easy process, and now I’ll be able to ride at a much-reduced fare—a nice perk that makes getting around the city more affordable for future trips.

After spending some time soaking in the festive city vibe, we boarded the Orange Line back to Wellington. The train was a little more crowded this time, filled with people carrying shopping bags, strollers, and even a few Boston souvenirs.

But the day wasn’t over yet. On our way home to Chelsea, we made a quick detour to Costco to stock up on a few essentials. From there, we headed to Texas Roadhouse for an early dinner. We arrived just in time for their early dine menu, which meant a delicious, filling meal at a discounted price—a perfect reward after our city adventure.

Back home before the evening rush, we felt like we’d managed to fit a lot into a short, casual outing: a bit of business, a taste of Boston’s pre-Fourth excitement, and a satisfying meal. All in all, a great way to kick off the holiday.