Boston trip can mean good time for hill of beans

BOSTON --- This is the cradle of patriotism, the site of Paul Revere's historic ride and home to the USS Constitution.

It's also home to a new greenway, high fashion at low prices, discount theater tickets, great public transportation and cool places to eat well on a budget.

The combination of old and new, historic and trendy, gives Boston its personality and provides limitless opportunities for a visit that doesn't require help from one of the city's leaders in venture capital.

There's a lot to choose from, well beyond clam "chowdah," the patriots of 1776 and historic Faneuil Hall.

PAHK YOUR CAH: Here's the reason Bostonians "pahk their cah in Hahvid Yahd" -- because it's too expensive to park it in the city.

If you plan to stay in Boston, there's no need to rent a car. The city's public transit -- known locally as "the T" -- has an easy-to-follow color-coded system that is safe and inexpensive, just $2 per ride, with children free.

In good weather, the most affordable and efficient way to navigate Boston is on foot. The best way to see the most historic sites -- free -- is along the Freedom Trail. You can start anywhere along the red-brick pathway that winds and bends through historic Boston -- from Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument. There are 16 official sites and plenty of fun unofficial stops.

HISTORIC HAUNTS: Some of the most intriguing figures in the nation are spending their eternal rest in the Boston area. A free visit to the Old Granary Burying Ground provides a history lesson for the thousands who come each year to see the graves of John Hancock, John Adams and Robert Treat Paine -- who all signed the Declaration of Independence. Also buried here are Paul Revere and victims of the Boston Massacre. Established in 1660 in what used to be the southernmost portion of the city, the grounds are now in the heart of the downtown bustle, just steps from the Boston Common and the Park Street subway station. It's one of three cemeteries on the Freedom Trail, www.thefreedomtrail.org.

GO GREEN: One of the newest ways to enjoy Boston is with a stroll along the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway -- www.rose kennedygreenway.org -- which was officially dedicated in October. This string of parks and fountains replaces an elevated highway, which was taken down and buried beneath the city in the nation's largest public works project, known as the Big Dig.

FOR KIDS (of all ages): Grab ice cream, burger or fried foods at Sullivan's on Castle Island in South Boston. From there, watch the boats heading in and out of Boston Harbor, feel the rumble of planes flying low overhead and allow the kids to let off some steam running around the playground. Sullivan's closes for the winter at the end of November, but the parks and walking trails around Castle Island are open year-round, www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/castle.htm.

HIGH FASHION-LOW PRICES: Among the boutiques on the Back Bay's Newbury Street is The Closet, at 175 Newbury St., known for 30 years for its high-end designer consignments. The Second Time Around consignment chain has several stores in the area, including at 176 Newbury, 219 Newbury, and 82 Charles St. In the North End, Karma Designer Consignment at 26 Prince St. has designer consignments and vintage clothing.

Filene's Basement, founded in Boston a century ago to move excess goods from the now-defunct Filene's department store, is best known for its "Running of the Brides" wedding gown sales but has fashion markdowns year-round. The Boston location of the now-national chain is at 497 Boylston St. in the Back Bay.

HARBOR CRUISES: One of the quickest, easiest and most affordable ways to get to and from Boston's Logan International Airport is by boat. Water taxis offer service from several spots on Boston Harbor to a dock at the airport, where a free shuttle will pick up passengers and take them to their terminals. The ride across the water is $10 one-way -- far less than a cab -- and takes just seven minutes. It also affords one of the most spectacular views of the waterfront, www.massport.com/logan/getti_typeo_water.html

While you're along the waterfront, take a quick detour to the New England Aquarium, where you don't need to pay admission to get up close to one of the most enjoyable attractions: the frolicking harbor seals in the tank outside, www.neaq.org.

OVER THE RIVER: For another view of the city, take a T ride or walk a bridge over the Charles River to Cambridge, home to Harvard and MIT. Enjoy the spectacular Boston skyline or take in the street performers in Harvard Square.

When you're done, check out Grendel's Den, just off Harvard Square. By law there can be no official "happy hours" in Massachusetts, but all food is half-price with $3 drink purchases at dinnertime at this student haunt, www.grendelsden.com.

GOOD EATS: Breakfast at The Paramount on Charles Street requires a healthy appetite -- and some attention to protocol. Don't try to sit down before your food is ready at the counter. The unique seating policy -- waiting in line while food is prepared -- keeps customers from Massachusetts General Hospital doctors to bluebloods to tourists moving in and out of the door, www.paramount boston.com.

Taste the rich Italian history in Boston's North End at Regina Pizzeria for the best cheap pizza in town, www.reginapizzeria.com.

If you don't know what you want, head to Faneuil Hall Marketplace, where nearly every food craving can be satisfied, www. faneuilhallmarketplace.com.

FOR MORE , check out the Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau at: www.bostonusa.com">style="bold">www.bostonusa.com .