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Fall in Boston is truly a sight to behold, with its vibrant foliage, crisp weather, sparkling views, and salty breezes all set against a historic atmosphere. It’s the perfect backdrop for the National Association of REALTORS® annual convention, NAR NXT!
Taking place from November 8-10, 2024 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and Seaport District hotels, the NAR NXT conference will host over 15,000 real estate industry leaders and professionals for three days of learning, networking, and inspiration.
If you’re headed to Boston for NXT, we hope you’ll take the opportunity to visit with your NAR REALTOR Benefits® partners at our world-class Expo, where you’ll get the chance to meet the partners, enter exclusive giveaways, and learn about new and exciting discounts.
Wondering what to do beyond the conference in this world-class city? Keep reading for insider tips and partner discounts on what to do, see, and how to get around the cobblestoned city that attracts culture and sports fans alike.
Navigating Boston
In addition to being a pedestrian paradise, Boston has a reliable public transportation system, making it easy to get around the city. But if you want to explore the city and surrounding area even further, you might also consider renting a car. Hertz is offering NAR members a special seasonal discount of up to 30% off for bookings made before November 1, 2024, with vehicle pick-up dates from November 1 through November 10, 2024. You can take advantage of this discount here.
Additionally, you can shop and compare rental prices from other exclusive NAR travel partners, including Budget, Avis, SIXT, and NAR Travel Club!
What to See and Do
As one of America’s oldest cities, Boston is a living history book. So, it’s no surprise that most first-time visitors often start with the iconic Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile, self-guided walking tour that winds through historic landmarks like the Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum and the Paul Revere House.
Nicknamed “The Walkable City,” Boston is easy to get around on foot. If the weather is pleasant enough, you can connect with nature at one of the city’s green spaces, such as the 50-acre Boston Common, America’s oldest public park and first botanical garden. Admire Boston’s beautiful fall foliage at Emerald Necklace by venerated landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Stroll the Public Garden or rent a bike and cycle along the Charles River.
In between NXT events, you can check out the world-famous Boston Fish Pier nearby on Seaport Boulevard and D Street. The Saturday market features local businesses like Rocky Neck Fish, Stillman’s Farm produce, McGuire’s Mushrooms, Copicut Farms meats and more local vendors. If you’re in a shopping mood, you can also make your way from Boston Common to Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Walk the historic cobblestone streets and gaze at the redbrick row houses while exploring the area’s boutique shops, delectable chocolate shops, and cozy cafes.
A vibrant arts and culture scene also awaits in Boston. The Museum of Fine Arts never disappoints with its rotation of exhibits. See great works from Claude Monet or Salvador Dali, or the Georgia O’Keefe and Henry Moore exhibit, which runs from October 13, 2024 to January 20, 2025. If you want a truly immersive experience, head to Downtown Crossing and the WNDR museum for its multi-sensory installations by cutting edge artists. The Harvard Art Museums are also worth a visit. If you’re a jazz fan, you may appreciate the special Duke Ellington Anniversary performance at the Boston Symphony Hall on Thursday, November 7 or Saturday, November 9.
What to Eat
Boston's ever-expanding culinary scene offers a diverse range of flavors and experiences. Seafood lovers will delight in the city’s daily catch, from dollar oysters to lobster rolls and clam chowder (or “chowda” depending on you pronounce it). For a taste of global flavors, there are also plenty of hidden gems in Chinatown, the North End (famous for its Italian cuisine), Dorchester (Vietnamese), Jamaica Plain (Dominican), and Watertown (Armenian). And no visit to Boston is complete without indulging in a classic Boston cream pie!
Seaport’s The Barking Crab is one of the city’s most beloved local institutions offering a quintessential Old Boston seafood experience. This lively seafood joint serves up everything from New England clambakes to lobster rolls, fish and chips, and of course, succulent crab claws with drawn butter. Yankee Lobster is another Boston institution. The no-frills 1950-founded seafood shack keeps it simple with classics like cold mayo-dressed lobster rolls, lobster bisque and clam chowder. For raw oysters, you’re not going to want to skip a visit to Boston’s oldest restaurant, Union Oyster House.
For the quintessential Boston cream pie experience, head straight to the original source: Parker’s Restaurant at the Omni Parker House Hotel. It was here, in 1856 that the city’s namesake dessert was first born. Incidentally, the iconic restaurant was also the birthplace of Parker House Rolls and Boston Scrod, making it another worthy stop on your culinary exploration of the city.
No trip to Boston would be complete without enjoying a pint at an Irish pub, would it? There are classics like the Burren in Somerville’s Davis Square, Mr. Dooley’s in downtown Boston, J.J. Foley’s in Boston’s South End, and the Behan in Jamaica Plain. L Street Tavern in South Boston is another watering hole made famous by the film, "Good Will Hunting." Don’t miss modern Irish restaurant and 2023 “Best of Boston” winner, The Dubliner, from acclaimed chef and partner Aidan McGee, who worked his way through Michelin-starred restaurants in Great Britain.
Additional Tips for a Memorable Trip
Boston is a popular tourist destination, especially in the fall. Since weather in Boston can be unpredictable, it’s also advised that you pack layers. Be prepared for cool mornings and evenings, but also sunny afternoons.
Hopefully these suggestions inspire you to make the most of your time in Boston during the NAR NXT conference. When you return home, you'll be refreshed, renewed and ready to amp up your game and take your business to the next level!
