Now with 100% more detail!
To hear some of this, check out the Anime Boston podcast on Otaku in Review – I’m one of the guests in that particular podcast.
As I said earlier, I enjoyed Anime Boston. But it is one of those conventions in which the city and the convention really work well together; everyone I talked to in the Prudential Center mall areas, stores, and restaurants seemed understanding of the convention, if not glad to see Anime Boston come in.
Thursday I stopped by some of the places near the Hynes Convention Center/ the Prudential Center. This included an Apple Store (easy to find), and wandering about eventually finding Trident bookstore. There was a cafe/restaurant in there also, with everything from hash browns to crepes to sandwiches. Aside from the Prudential mall area, there were plenty of shops and restaurants – some for those with a budget, some a bit more upscale, all seemed enjoyable. Saturday I stopped by Five Napkin Burger and had dinner; Saturday was a busy day and I wanted to bring back a proper meal to Charles Dunbar. The waiter – whoever you are – was amazing and understanding of the fact I needed to get food to someone who didn’t have time to leave the Hynes Convention Center and get food himself.
Saturday and Sunday I also stopped by the Fairy Shop, and talked with the owner; I highly recommend it! It’s a cozy little shop filled with fey, Alice books and memorabilia, and soft cuddle toys. It’s great for adults and children alike.
Monday I explored more of Boston, particularly around Harvard Square. It was a lovely day; many people were out shopping, at those stores that were open during Memorial Day, and some were relaxing from the Red Sox game the day before. My hotel also was hosting a wedding or two, and the mood shift was interesting. But that’s what you get in hotels in big cities in the summer; I was just glad that the T held up, and was simple to navigate.
I’d love to go back to Boston, whether or not it’s for Anime Boston. The city really makes the convention.