Founded in 1630, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Check out the historic North End, where Shannon lived for a year, home to Paul Revere and the city's Italian neighborhood. Follow the Freedom Trail for a walking tour of the city's most historic landmarks. Boston Common is a beautiful park located in downtown, near shopping on Newbury St (home to the original Newbury Comics). America's oldest continuous running tavern, Bell in Hand, is located near Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. There are lots of art museums to visit and a Burnett family favorite, the Museum of Science. Nearby Cambridge is home to MIT and Harvard, and plenty of great restaurants, and runs adjacent to the Charles River (but don't go swimming). If there's time, check out a game at Fenway Park, but please, leave your Yankees hats at home!
Salem, MA is famous for its 1692 witch trials, during which several locals were executed for allegedly practicing witchcraft. There are several museums including Peabody Essex Museum and the Salem Witch Museum. Fun fact - Mary Estes, one of the 'witches' hung during the trials, is a several great grandmother to Shannon.