ITTN’s Shane Cullen is at Discover New England’s 27th Annual Tourism Summit & International Marketplace. The summit runs 7th-13th April. He attended the Pre-Summit Fam Welcome Reception and stayed at Pennyweight Hotel in Boston’s West End.
Pre-Summit Fam Welcome Reception
The Pre-Summit Fam Welcome Reception was held on Sunday in the China Pearl restaurant in Chinatown. The hosts were Meet Boston & Discover New England. Craft cocktails were on hand and I opted for A “Forbidden – Emperor’s Old Fashion” which was Knobb Creek Shojo Single Barrel Bourbon, Demara, Angostura & Orange Bitters – a delicious drink to put the day of travelling behind me. Guests were treated to a performance from Gund Kwok, an Asian Women’s Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe, which was energetic and delightful.
Boston’s Chinatown is one of the biggest in the USA and China Pearl has been an iconic part of its fabric for decades. Chinatown is renowned for its large selection of Asian restaurants and bakeries. Beyond the neighborhood’s elaborately decorated gate, visitors can stroll the alleys for herbal shops and Asian markets stocked with vegetables and spices. During the Chinese New Year and August Moon Festivals, the streets of Chinatown are filled with dancing dragons, traditional music, and martial arts demonstrations. For tours of Boston’s Chinatown, check out Meet Boston’s suggestions here.
Martha Sheridan (Meet Boston) spoke to the delegates. She emphasised, “All are welcome here. From our governor, to our lieutenant governor, to our mayor and down to Meet Boston, we will do everything we can to ensure that you and your guests feel at home here in the great city of Boston.”
Pennyweight Hotel in Boston’s West End
Shane Cullen is staying in the Pennyweight Hotel in Boston’s West End neighbourhood. This 4-star hotel is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. It is a lovely small hotel. It is very stylish and in a great location. Breakfast was a very reasonable $10-$16. I opted for a Breakfast BLT – a tasty and substantial sandwich with coffee on the side.
What stands out about Boston is that it is unapologetically changing all the time. The juxtaposition of old and new is beautiful. There is so much to see. and even a stroll around the streets of the city will be fascinating. There is a very evident Irish influence. The people are welcoming and friendly. This is the Boston I know and love, and the atmosphere hasn’t changed at all.
There are lots of attractions and activities that are within a half-mile radius of the hotel including:
The hotel is situated in downtown Boston and is near TD Garden which has just been nominated for “Arena of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music. It is New England’s largest sports and entertainment area and is home to NBA’s Boston Celtics and NHL’s Boston Bruins (ice hockey).
- Quincy Market, which opened in 1826, is a shopping paradise with hundreds of shops both inside and outside, spanning three buildings – Quincy Market, South Market and North Market. IT has big brands and Boston souvenirs, local produce and plenty of eateries.
- Haymarket: this is one of Boston’s oldest open air markets. Nestled in the heart of Boston’s historic downtown, it is a bustling hub for fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. It’s a place where you can connect with the history and culture of the city while experiencing the sights and sounds of Boston.
- Points of interest including Boston City Hall and the
- Old North Church – Established in 1723 as Christ Church in the City of Boston, it is the oldest church building in the city and a national historic landmark.
The hotel is also two blocks from transit stations, making it easy to navigate the city.
