Boston, the capital and largest city of Massachusetts, is the site of the 2011 AANA Annual Meeting. From architecture to art to academia, you’ll find it all in this remarkable and historic New England city.
Tours
Start off by taking a guided walking tour to discover the town on a Boston by Foot excursion. Or go from land to sea on a World War II style amphibious landing vehicle on a Boston Duck Tour. You can also enjoy the spectacular view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines on a Boston Harbor Cruise.
Historical
While in town, be sure to check out the Boston National Historical Park to learn more about the events that led to the American Revolution. Walk along the 2.5-mile red-brick Freedom Trail, where you will encounter 16 nationally significant historic sites.
Academia
Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest university in the United States. Its library holds an impressive 16,200,000 volumes – second in the country only to the U.S. Library of Congress. The site with the third most volumes in the country is also local – the Boston Public Library holds more than 14,000,000.
Head over to Boston University to see the John R. Silber Symphonic Organ on the second floor of the George Sherman Union. Weighing 22.5 tons and reaching 30 feet in height and 100 feet in width, the organ is large enough to walk through.
Arts and Music
Make your way to Boston’s South End for an art exhibit or live performance at the Boston Center for the Arts, a not-for-profit arts complex in the country’s largest landmark district. A visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, would also be an exceptional way to spend your day. Located on Huntington Avenue, this venue holds close to 450,000 works of art.
In the mood for a stage performance? Be sure to check out a show at the Boston Lyric Opera, New England’s largest opera company, on Tremont Street in Boston’s historic theatre district. Or, consider taking in a Boston Chamber Ensemble performance.
Sports
The historic nature of the city even abounds in its athletics. Attend a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2012. Or if soccer is more your style, check out a Boston Breakers game. This women’s professional soccer team plays home games at Harvard Stadium, the country’s oldest stadium, which was built in 1903.
Shopping and Dining
One of the most well known shopping and dining scenes in the country is located right in downtown Boston at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Here, you’ll find Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market, and a cobblestone promenade where street performers entertain both visitors and residents.
Take a walk down Newbury Street for even more shopping and dining options. Peruse eight blocks of salons, boutiques and cafes on the “Rodeo Drive of the East.”