As many of us grow poorer with each stock market tick, it's time to look for free things to do around Boston.
The hand in the photo can be found on the Boston Women's Heritage Trail.
At their site, you can download a series of self-guided walks in all parts of the city. Each guide is filled with information about the important women in our city's history.
Pick a section or two of the trail, gather a few walkers to join you, and get out and enjoy a walk on a lovely autumn day.
I can't guarantee the pennies left by some passerby will still be there. But, the hand in the photo, belongs to the statue of Phillis Wheatley. She's one of three women depicted on the Boston Women's Memorial on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.
She and her companions, Abigail Adams and Lucy Stone, have developed quite an interactive fan base.
People love to pose with them for photographs. It's fun to see women mimicking the poses while their friends snap pictures.
You never know what gifts you will find left with these women. As the weather turned cooler a couple of weeks ago, someone gave Phillis a sweater. A few days later, a bouquet of flowers was added. They've had offerings of shawls, teddy bears and used scratch tickets.
The Back Bay West tour would take you by the memorial. There are seven tours in all so pick the one that will let you explore a part of the city you want to see. Click below to download a PDF of the tour or visit the Heritage trail site if you prefer.
Downtown
North End
Beacon Hill
South Cove, Chinatown
Back Bay East
Back Bay West
South End Walk
Details:Here's a link to the Boston Women's Heritage Trail.
Boston Women's Memorial
