We Love Boston

Boston, the capital and largest city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is one of the country's oldest and most historic cities. Known for its rich cultural and intellectual heritage, it’s home to world-renowned universities and institutions of higher learning, such as Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Boston University. It is also a hub for the arts and entertainment, with numerous theaters, museums, galleries, and music venues.

And on October 17-19, 2023, it will host PSX 2023, Product Stewardship Society's annual conference. Even though the conference is a few months away, our team has already started the preparations, including spotting places and things to do while in town.

If you are looking to get a few steps, then check out:

Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile long trail through the city of Boston and connects 16 historic sites that played a significant role in the American Revolution. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, drawing millions of visitors each year. The trail begins at Boston Common, the city's oldest public park, and ends at the Bunker Hill Monument in the Charlestown neighborhood. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as the Massachusetts State House, the Old South Meeting House, the Old North Church, and the Paul Revere House. The Freedom Trail is marked by a red brick or painted line on the sidewalks and streets of Boston, making it easy for visitors to follow the route.

Charles River Esplanade, a park located on the banks of the Charles River that stretches for three miles from the Museum of Science to the Boston University Bridge, offering stunning views of the river, the Boston skyline, and historical landmarks. The park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a variety of recreational activities and attractions. Visitors can walk, jog, or bike along the paved paths that wind through the park, enjoying the views and fresh air. The Esplanade is also home to several notable landmarks, including the Hatch Shell, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts and other events throughout the year; the Arthur Fiedler Memorial, a statue of the late Boston Pops conductor; the Esplanade Playspace, a unique play area for children that includes a spray park; and the Community Boating Center, which offers rentals of sailboats, kayaks, and other watercraft.

North End, the city's oldest residential community and famous for its rich history, narrow streets, and vibrant Italian-American culture. Often referred to as "Little Italy," the neighborhood is home to many Italian restaurants, bakeries, and specialty food shops, serving everything from homemade pasta to cannoli. The North End is also home to several historic landmarks and cultural institutions, including the Paul Revere Museum, the Old North Church, a historic church that played a crucial role in the American Revolution, and the Copp's Hill Burying Ground, a cemetery dating back to the 17th century.

Beacon Hill, located just west of Boston Common and the Massachusetts State House, and home to some of the city's most beautiful and historic buildings. The neighborhood is known for its charming brick townhouses, narrow cobblestone streets, and gas streetlamps, which give it a distinctly old-world feel. Many of the homes in the neighborhood date back to the 19th century and are built in the Federal style, with elegant facades, intricate ironwork, and detailed cornices. One of the most charming aspects of Beacon Hill is its gas streetlamps, first installed in the neighborhood in the 19th century. Today, they are still maintained by the city, giving the streets a warm and inviting glow at night.

Boston Common, one of the oldest public parks in the United States, dating back to 1634, and an important cultural and historic landmark in the city. One of the most notable features of Boston Common is the Central Burying Ground, located on the southeastern edge of the park. This historic cemetery dates back to 1756 and is the final resting place of many notable Bostonians, including Paul Revere's parents.

If art and history are how you unwind, then check out:

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, a beloved cultural institution in Boston that attracts visitors from around the world who come to admire its exquisite art collection and experience its unique setting. A stunning Venetian-style, the building itself is a work of art with stunning architecture, lush gardens, and a tranquil courtyard. The museum is also famous for the 1990 heist, when 13 treasured artworks displayed in the lavishly decorated gallery were removed by cutting the canvases from their gilded frames.

The USS Constitution Museum, a maritime museum located dedicated to the history of the USS Constitution, a legendary ship that played an important role in American naval history. Founded in 1972, the museum focuses on the history and legacy of the USS Constitution, which was commissioned in 1797 and is the oldest commissioned warship in the world. Its collections include artifacts, documents, and interactive exhibits that bring the ship's history to life, including weapons, uniforms, equipment, and personal items of the sailors who served on board. One of the museum's main attractions is the opportunity to climb aboard the ship, where visitors can experience what life was like for the ship's crew during the 19th century.

The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, a living history museum located on the waterfront. The museum commemorates the historical event that took place in 1773 when American colonists staged a political protest against the British government by dumping tea from British ships into Boston Harbor. It recreates the experience of the Boston Tea Party and immerses visitors in the history and culture of 18th-century Boston. It consists of several exhibits and interactive experiences, including a replica of one of the British tea ships that was docked in Boston Harbor. Here you can participate in a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party by throwing crates of tea overboard and shouting protest slogans.

If you are a foodie, you would love Boston's food scene, with its wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars offering everything from traditional New England cuisine to international flavors. Seafood is a staple here, with many restaurants serving fresh seafood dishes, including lobster rolls, clam chowder, and oysters. Boston is also known for its Italian cuisine, particularly in the North End neighborhood, where visitors can find delicious pasta dishes, pizza, and cannolis. The farm-to-table movement thrives in Boston, with many restaurants sourcing ingredients locally and focusing on seasonal dishes. Suppose you are looking to explore international cuisines. In that case, Boston's Chinatown is a popular destination for authentic Chinese food, while the South End has many restaurants offering a variety of global flavors. Here are some dishes that we think you shouldn't miss in Boston:

• Boston Baked Beans
• Clam chowder
• T-Rex Bagel Sandwich
• Maple Bacon Doughnut
• A cold Sam Adams
• Boston Cream Pie
• Cannoli

You can't leave Boston without some souvenirs, so we suggest you visit the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a historic marketplace located in the heart of Boston. The marketplace consists of four buildings: Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market. Faneuil Hall was built in 1742 and has served as a meeting hall and marketplace for over 250 years. Quincy Market is a large indoor marketplace built in 1826. It features more than 50 food vendors and is a popular destination for locals and tourists looking to sample various cuisines. Several shops and restaurants are located in the adjacent North Market, built in 1824, and South Market, built in 1846.

Ready to explore Boston? Join us at PSX 2023, and take Beantown off your bucket list!