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The original Old South Meeting House was built in 1729 by a Puritan congregation who hardly imagined the building's future prominence in American history. Within these walls Ben Franklin was baptized and Samuel Adams uttered the words that led to the Boston Tea Party. Today, the Old South Association honors the tradition of controversial debate by sponsoring public forums and discussions of current topics. Despite the ravages of both overzealous British troops and time itself, the building remains largely intact and true to its 18th-century form. Admission $5, students and seniors $4, children 6-18 $1, under 6 free. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

A theatrical audio program tells the story of compelling figures from Old South's past and recalls the actual Boston Tea Party Meeting on December 16, 1773. Most kids know the tea party story and will enjoy this vivid retelling. Children's scavenger hunt is included in admission price. One of the landmarks along the The Freedom Trail.

Don’t judge a book by its cover. Commonwealth Books is a bibliophile's dream come true. If you have the time to dig through the piles of dusty tomes, this used-book store (one of three independently owned Commonwealth Books in Boston with its sister store on Boylston Street) is a diamond in the rough. Each of the Commonwealth shops has its specialty—ranging from history to art to locally written gems. The store in the basement of the Old South Meeting House has an excellent selection of limited-edition tomes and New England-specific historical books. The owner purchases out-of-print and antiquarian collections from Boston’s elite including retired professors and local authors.

Cohen's is where to go for cheap eyewear. But beware, it may be too cheap. I bought two frames for the price of one, with some other incentive/deal piled on. I thought everything was peachy, but then I realized that the lenses distorted my view when I looked to the sides. I found out that Cohen's uses some really cheep-o lens material in their product and so when I went back to ask for a different lens, one of the manager's lackies told me that it would cost me an additional $50. Beware. You can get some good service here (the manager is nice), but the product is crap.

Kids Foot Locker is the market leader in specialized in athletic footwear and apparel for children. Located on Washington Street in Downtown Crossing, this store caters to the parents of kids aged 5-to-11 years old. This store earns high marks for customer service and helpful, knowledgeable employees.

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Bostonian Jewelers, where the art and technology of fine jewelry making has been perfected for more than three generations. Located in the heart of historic Boston, we specialize in restorations, custom design and the manufacturing of exceptional jewelry in gold and platinum using the highest quality diamonds and gemstones from around the world. Our creative custom designs and precise restorations has driven change and set new and higher standard for the jewelry industry. Enjoy our collections of unique bridal jewelry, one-of-a kind antique jewelry and the exclusive Apollo Cultured Diamond Collection.

Boston's premiere diamond jeweler since 1948. Located at Downtown Crossing's Jewelers Exchange Building, DePrisco specializes in diamonds, designer jewelry, and precious one-of-a-kind pieces.