As thousands of multifamily professionals descend on Boston for NAA this June, there is a lot of buzz about what to do, where to eat, and how to experience this amazing city during the busy conference week. We talked with locals and seasoned travelers alike to compile a short list of recommendations…. our own little ‘Best of Boston’.
Top Guided Tour: Duck Tours
There are many good options for guided tours, but the best and most entertaining way to see all the sights is the world famous Boston Duck Tours. You will see history by land and by sea…. without leaving your tour bus! The Duck tour buses are actually WWII-era DUKW Amphibious Vehicles that begin on a street tour of historical sites and end up on the water in the Charles River. Reserve tickets on their website.
Top Shopping Spot: Newbury Street
Located in the Back Bay area, Newbury Street is Boston’s answer to Fifth Avenue. It is an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants from upscale to affordable. Newbury Street begins by the Boston Common and Public Garden, so it is convenient if you are out sightseeing. See Their Directory of Shops and Restaurants.
Honorable mention: Faneuil Hall Marketplace/Quincy Market
Top Sport Destination: Fenway Park
Word on the street is that there will be a quite a large crowd of NAA conference-goers at the Wednesday afternoon Red Sox game as the Sox take on the Toronto Blue Jays to close out their home series. Did you know they also do stadium tours when games are not being played? See 100 years of baseball history on a Fenway Park walking tour, which run 9-5 daily (but end 3 hours before game time). Stadium Tour Ticket Info
Top Restaurant(s): Italian Neighborhood of the North End, or “Little Italy”
Our experts unanimously recommended Little Italy in the North End. There are more than 80 restaurants…too many options to name just one! Although eating well is a hallmark of the North End today, it is surrounded by hundreds of years of American history along the Freedom Trail. It is an easy walk from Hanover Street to several historical sites before or after your meal. Our locals did suggest a stop at Mike’s Pastry for dessert or a snack.
Honorable mentions: Barking Crab, Union Oyster House (America’s oldest restaurant), and Legal Seafood (Seaport Location near the convention area)…all somewhat touristy seafood options, but still highly recommended
Top Family Destination: Boston Children’s Museum
For those looking for the best options with the family, the Children’s Museum is just a short walk from the Convention Center and many conference hotels. Highly rated by museum goers, it is one of the first children’s museums in the country. The Boston Children’s Museum is located at 300 Congress St. along Fort Point Channel.
Honorable Mention: Museum of Science and the Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden
Top Tourist Spot: Freedom Trail
Since free time is at a so limited during NAA, those lucky enough to find time for sightseeing will enjoy the Freedom Trail. Although there are guided tours, it is easy to pick and choose from the many historic spots along the trail. See Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church in the North End, or cross the river to see the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument… it is easy to fit at least some of the walking tour into your schedule.
We hope these tips will be helpful in planning your trip! Enjoy Boston and the 2012 NAA Education Conference!