A recent trip

This past weekend, I took a business trip to Boston.

Three days, Two Nights and a whole lot of Jazz. Usually on business trips, I rarely have time for R&R.

I'm usually in meetings the entire time, smooth talking with clients and what now. On the go from one place to the next. And 99% of the time, this is in New York City.

However, there was something different about this trip. I could easily pin it on the environment.

I learned this weekend that Boston is one of the most underrated cities that aptly displays youth and culture in our country.

There I said it.

I could easily pin this on a variety of points:

1. College

Boston is the largest college town in the country. Featuring Harvard, MIT, Boston U, Northeastern, Emerson, Berklee, New England Conservatory, Boston College, Tufts, Brandeis among others- youth is everywhere. On subways, in bars, restaurants, stores, streets. You can feel the energy, hope and optimism when you set foot in the city.

2. Ice Cream

The best town for Ice Cream as I have ever seen one. I had the privilege of visiting a few of the hottest Ice Cream spots (pardon the pun). Toscannini ranks up there as arguably one of the best in the world. JP Licks is exceptional as well. All of these spots showcase homemade Ice Cream....out of this world.

3. Sports

Not quite on the same level as South Philadelphia. But up there in intensity. This city bleeds red (pardon the pun). Everywhere you turn, you can't escape Red Sox fever. Every bar, nook, cranny. Also Patriots fever. This city is serious.

4. Jazz

They say New York is the jazz capital of the world. True without a doubt. Philly has an international perception of being a strong jazz city (given it's rich history of producing some of the top jazz musicians in the world). However, Boston trumps Philly by miles in this department. With a strong base of jazz students (given the number of colleges), there is energy in Boston music audiences that I have yet to see in any audience in New York or Philly (or other cities for that matter). A true excitement about the music being present in said venue.

All in all, a trip and experience well done as far as I am concerned. I wouldn't mind living there...except for those brutally cold, winter days ;).

JF