We all recall sitting at our desks in our history classes (my worse subject ever), learning from our textbooks about events such as the Boston massacre, the American Revolution, the Boston Tea Party, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. You can’t forget the notorious midnight ride by Paul Revere where he warned “The British are coming!” It’s not the British this time, but yes, ACEP21 is definitely coming!

A few politicians have hailed from Boston—John F. Kennedy and Benjamin Franklin come to mind. A few activists have walked the streets of Boston—people such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X lived just a few short miles from where we will gather in October.

Today, Boston is best known as a thriving research center with world-leading medical facilities. This city is also a global pioneer in innovation and entrepreneurship. Boston’s rich history is not the only thing we are known for around here. One thing that is least talked about is this city’s depth and breadth of diverse culture, with a wide variety of restaurants and neighborhoods that carry their own unique characteristics and style. In my opinion, as a Southerner turned Bostonian, it is quite arguably the best city to host ACEP’s Scientific Assembly.

Not only are our medical and innovation centers noteworthy, but so is our “wicked good” clam chowder and lobster rolls. With Boston being a world-class culinary destination, there is honestly something for everyone with an array of foods and restaurants to suit any palate. Just pick your flavor of the day.

This year’s conference is in the seaport district of South Boston along the harbor that represents a newer, bolder side of Boston. Here, you will find a spectacular dining and entertainment scene with world-class seafood, steakhouses, and artisanal fusion dishes served along waterfront rooftops with spectacular skyline views. You will also find some incredible breweries where you can catch up with old buddies while tasting original crafted brews or sip wine while enjoying a burger. In the Seaport neighborhood, you can easily find well manicured lawn spaces where you can swing under the night sky, roll out a blanket, remove your shoes to feel every blade of grass on open lawn spaces, or rise early to do yoga along the harbor.

Here are a few of my favorite spots to ensure that you experience four perfect conference days.

Monday

On our first day when we are finally all together again and running into old colleagues, friends, and bosses, you may be wrapped up in soaking in the conference. Consider attending some sessions from ACEP Now columnists and Editorial Board members. Early Monday morning, you can catch Richard Cantor, MD, FAAP, FACEP, presenting “Cruising the Literature: Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2021.”

As you come off your conference high after learning about the latest scientific advances to help manage the tiniest patients, I recommend unwinding by stepping outside for a bit of fresh air and taking off your mask as you walk over to a quick lunch at Café on D by Deli of Course. If you have a longer lunch break, mosey on over to Seaport Blvd. to check out some staples or a few pop-up shops. I’ll be heading to Row 34 for their famous a lobster roll and a nice glass of chardonnay.

Following the afternoon sessions, perhaps “What I Learned My First Year as a Director,” by Jenice Baker, MD, FACEP, “Rags to Riches” by James M. Dahle, MD, FACEP, or a review of pediatric ECGs by Annalise Sorrentino, MD, FACEP, you may want to unwind with a few cocktails, so check out the Lookout Rooftop at The Envoy Hotel for spectacular harbor and city views. It can get crowded, so you will want to have reservations. Within walking distance, you will find spectacular dinner options. For the carnivores, Mastro’s Ocean Club is a must, which boasts an amazing ambiance with harbor views and live music on weekends. The dress code is upscale; masks and reservations are a must!

If you’d rather get out of your conference attire before dinner and getting all fancy is not your thing, check out Del Frisco’s or Temazcal, both along the harbor, which always provide a friendly atmosphere to meet new friends or meet up with old ones.

Tuesday

Empty morning schedule? No problem! Start the day with a few minutes of relaxation and meditation or maybe grab your yoga mat and get fit. A few ideal spots I would recommend are the Lawn on D, Waterfront Park, or Fan Pier Park to take a morning stroll along the Harborwalk.

On your way to the Convention Center, here are a few bakeries for coffee, pastries, or bagels:

• Cardullo’s Gourmet Shoppe
• Seaport Café
• Tatte Bakery & Café

On arrival to the Convention Center, find Arun Nagdev, MD, teaching “Upper Body Regional Nerve Blocks” and Ken Milne, MD, discussing some of his “Clinical Pearls from the Recent Medical Literature.” If, on the other hand, you partied a little too hard on Monday night and need to get to a slower start, grab an early lunch with rooftop views at Deck 12 at Yotel Boston. But eventually make your way back to the Convention Center for some education from Catherine Marco, MD, FACEP, with a discussion of “Medical Errors: Prevention & Disclosure.”

Should you dare to venture out a little further today, maybe catch an Uber or grab your rental car keys and visit the North End. This is Boston’s oldest residential neighborhood and is best described as the “Little Italy” of Boston. With narrow streets and colonial-era sites, you will find Paul Revere’s house and the Old North Church, along with some of the most quant and flavor-rich Italian restaurants, bakeries, and dessert parlors.

• Pasta: La Famiglia Giorgio’s
• Pizza: Regina Pizzeria
• Desserts: Mike’s Pastry
• Lobster Roll alert! Neptune Oyster is by far my favorite lobster roll spot.

I also highly recommend checking out Committee for Greek inspired tapas and cocktails. It is deal for vegetarians and anyone taking a break from meat.

Wednesday

You are bound to be tired from the night before and the ride out to the North End, so check out some of the nearby coffee shops before starting your day. I am not the best judge of coffee, but I hear these two are quite popular: La Colombe Coffee Roasters and Sorrelle Bakery & Café. Don’t worry if you started out late, the rapid fire talk on “Diagnosing Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy” by Lauren Westafer, DO, MPH, doesn’t start until 12:30 p.m. You will be finished just in time to make it to Larry J’s BBQ Café for a filling lunch prior to the afternoon sessions. They close at 3 p.m., so don’t stop to talk to too many old friends on your way over or you might miss it.

If you opt to call it an early day, consider the Institute of Contemporary Arts, which has free admission for families. Here you can check out any new exhibits, and don’t forget to watch the calendar for live music events.

Haven’t enjoyed an amazing lobster roll yet? This is possibly your last chance! But since I had my fill last night, I’m down to get my hands (and clothes) dirty by checking out The Barking Crab. Here you will find a fun-filled and family-oriented eating experience that is truly authentic. You are bound to make a mess as you crack crab legs and lick your fingers while eating some of the freshest seafood.

After a long day of learning and getting Cajun spices under your fingernails, it’s time to clean up and get ready to party with old friends. I’ll be headed over to the The Grand Boston, a high-tech Vegas-style dance club featuring a lineup of top DJs and VIP areas with bottle service. If Vegas in Boston is not your style, Empire is just a few blocks over. Empire is old-world China meets sleek modernity in a trendy club-like complex with multiple dining rooms. It has an artisanal menu on which you will surely find great a bite. Later in the evening, the place becomes vibrant with a live DJ (on Wednesdays). For something a little more low-key, check out Scorpion Bar. If clubbing isn’t your style, try an evening of bowling at Kings Dining and Entertainment where you can bowl a few rounds, find good bites at their retro-modern restaurant, and play a few games at the arcade.

Thursday

For those of you not flying out immediately—and why would you want to—conclude your conference with Michael Granovsky, MD, FACEP, discussing “RVU Killers” to avoid missing out on maximizing your reimbursement. You’ll need a little extra pocket change if you want to spend Thursday afternoon soaking up some local culture. Boston is full of museums, but two of my all-time favorites are MIT Museum (at the time of writing, it’s temporarily closed but maybe it’ll be back up and running in time for brainiacs like us emergency docs) and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum where you can find not only art in her former home, but a glass cased café, a reading room, and a full line up of events for all age groups, day or night. Even more exciting, there is still an active investigation for the well-known Gardener Museum theft offering a $10 million reward for information leading to the recovery of the stolen works. There are still empty frames hanging where the stolen art once hung. You may want to spend more time here than just a quick break from the conference.

Want to unwind and grab a brew? Boston has quite a few breweries to check out. Near the conference you will find Harpoon Brewery, the brewer of New England’s original IPA: Harpoon IPA. Catch a tour and check out the beer hall that serves pretzels. Since the conference ends early on Thursday, no need to miss any educational sessions to attend the brewery tours, which stop at 5 p.m.

If you are looking for a relaxed, cozy atmosphere, venture to Dorchester to check out the Dorchester Brewing Company. Here you can enjoy a roof deck with views of the beautiful Boston skyline. And if you love BBQ, check out the notorious M&M BBQ within Dorchester Brewing Company. DBCo produces brews that will have your taste buds dancing.

If you plan to extend your trip and hang around after the conference, check out a few other neighborhoods and surrounding cities such as Roxbury and Jamaica Plain. They are guaranteed to add a little more spice and adventure to your trip.

Conclusion

Boston’s many neighborhoods fit into one large city filled with centuries of history while simultaneously emerging as a newer, bolder town. Boston brings a variety of different flavors (pun intended) and adventure on just about at every corner. As we prepare to gather in the city of Boston, one of the country’s most historic places, I am sure you will find a place or two that remind you of home. Hopefully you stumble across a few spots that will give you that much-needed break from hours of conferencing. Either way, make sure you soak it all in and take a piece of Boston back home with you.

Dr. Stinson is in the department of emergency medicine Cooley Dickinson Hospital and President of the New England Medical Association.