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I heard that Boston's layout was the result of paving cow paths.

That's hogwash, they were goat paths!

That may be partially accurate, the large park in the center (Boston Common) was originally a public grazing area. But Boston was originally a small round island at the end of a long isthmus and many streets are spokes or perimeter arcs around the waterfront or older obstructions. Incredible amounts of landfill in the 1800s changed the borders of the city but by then core roads had been long established.

I thought Boston was the most European-like city I ever visited in the US. To be honest, it was the only one that really appealed to me, as a place.

Same here, although I was there only for a (long) week-end, I really liked the city.

I've also stayed several days in SF, but did not quite like it as much as Boston.

In contrast, I've stayed 6 months in DC, which I ... hum ... did not particularly like.

BTW, I agree. I lived in the Boston area (mostly across the river in Cambridge) for over a decade and still miss it somewhat.

OTOH, I do not miss winter in Boston. When they paved over the cowpaths, they didn't leave room for snow removal.

I agree. It would be pretty interesting.