Boston is known as the cradle of the revolution, so history buffs attending this year's Institute on Psychiatric Services will be spoiled for choice when it comes to colonial and Revolutionary War landmarks to see.

A great way to get the full flavor of Revolutionary Boston is the city's famed Freedom Trail, a mostly red-bricked trail covering two-and-a-half miles of the city.

Boston's official Freedom Trail Web site notes that red brick or—in some cases—a painted red line connects the sites for those who want to go it on their own.

"Since the past and the present live alongside the trail, its visitors have the opportunity to see the city as it truly is," according to the city's Web site. "Many visitors prefer to linger and study the many exhibits, thus a full day or more can be devoted to browsing along the trail.

"One can take a self-guided tour or one of the many tours available through the Boston Common Visitors Center at 148 Tremont Street or the Bostix Booth located at Faneuil Hall. If you prefer to ride, you can pay for one of the trolley tours, which are unofficial guided tours, but do take the rider to many of the sites along the trail and allow one to disembark at selected stops."

Following is a description of the trail and its major landmarks, keyed to the accompanying map.

Information on the Freedom Trail is posted at <http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/>.