If you'll be attending the APHA Annual Meeting in Boston, there is a lot to see and do. Here's just a sampling:

1. The North End: This closely knit and very atmospheric Italian neighborhood is clustered around Hanover and Salem Streets. There are a large number of restaurants, many of which have become unfortunately a bit slicked over and lost some of their original character--but others remain. Italian is still spoken in much of the neighborhood.

2. Kennedy's Pub: This is a fabulous upstairs grill and bar in downtown Boston. I think it is one of the best eateries of any kind that Boston has to offer. It's on a quaint street that's also close to some good exploring. It's not far from the Boston Common, which should probably best be seen from the periphery and not within after darkness.

3. Beacon Hill: This is the heart of Brahmin old-time Boston, also very concentrated and worth exploring on foot. There are a few restaurants about, plus great architecture.

4. Harvard Yard/Square: For those who want to see fair old Hahvahd, take the subway to Harvard Square in Cambridge. There you'll find an area that's great for walking, browsing, and finding a good restaurant or two. Bookshops abound, but not as many as we used to have! The Charles River is nearby, where you'll probably see some crewmembers out rowing in their sculls. 

5. Union Oyster House and Faneuil Hall Area: The Oyster House, dating back to the early 1800s, is the oldest restaurant in the United States, and offers delicious food as well. It is near the restored Fanueil Hall area, which is a bunch of shops if you're interested in that sort of thing -- but the architecture is great anyway.