I’ve been so inspired by our serendipitous find of the Architecture San Francisco Tour, that I wanted to list some of the best walking tours we’ve done in other cities.
The most unusual, but meaningful tour was a walking tour through one of several Hassidic Jewish 
neighborhoods in Brooklyn (photo courtesy of Brooklyn Record). The tour was led by a scholar from the community who thoroughly explained the sect’s background, traditions and graciously answered our group’s many questions. Tours for members of all faiths are offered only on Sunday from 10 am - 1 pm and include a delish lunch at a neighborhood kosher deli. Here's the link for more information and a video tour.
The Freedom Trail in Boston is my other favorite walking tour, both for its numerous historical sites and the many awesome Italian bakeries, restaurants, and pizza shops along the way. It's where I fell in love with cannoli, the North End’s signature treat consisting of a pastry shell filled with a sweet and creamy ricotta filling. Some bakeries allow you to choose your shells and fillings separately, so there are endless combinations, necessitating repeat visits. While noshing, you can enjoy views usually found in Europe and select your next treat. Don’t feel guilty though, there’s still a lot of walking ahead to the recently gentrified Charlestown neighborhood and the USS Constitution. There’s even more walking if you choose to walk the return trip rather than taking a cab. You can always reward yourself with a freshly-brewed beer at Rock Bottom upon your return. (-:
Among the various tour possibilities, artwalks are good when you're more in the mood for entertainment rather than learning. I enjoy the festive atmosphere that goes along with these walks as well as the chance to check out some new artists. Two favorites are the weekly Scottsdale Art Walk (Thurs 7-9) in Scottsdale, AZ and the First Friday Weekend Art Walk (first Friday and Saturday of each month from 5-9 pm) in St. Augustine, Florida. These are great self-guided art walks that provide good places for seeing several artists at once while finding unique gifts in fun and low key environments. Dinner at a nearby restaurant followed by the artwalk makes for a great evening. St. Augustine also offers wine tasting...there’s a free shuttle that leaves from the San Sebastian Winery starting at 6 pm when the winery closes. (photo courtesy of St. Augustine Artwalk).
What I like most about these tours is that they never fail to enhance my appreciation of a city or neighborhood -- even when I've already been living there for years.
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