08/13/2015 by Kim Garner |
Conferences
Conference Season Travel Teaser
In her years as Director of Conferences, Kim Garner has traveled the country and accumulated quite a list of the best sites and bites in each conference city we visit. Start getting excited for conference season with this list of travel tips.
Conference dates will be announced this fall.
As fall creeps upon us and the hiring season begins, you’ll start to debate whether or not you should attend one or more of CS&A’s hiring conferences. So many to choose from and so little time, sigh. If your placement team thinks it is in your best interest to attend one or more of our hiring fairs, go for it!
Not only will you have the opportunity to interview with great schools, you will be able to network with other independent school educators, meet with CS&A team members, and explore a cool city.
If you have the chance to attend a hiring conference, try to spend extra time in the conference city and make a long weekend out of the experience.
Below are a few can’t-miss places you should explore in each of our conference cities.
Atlanta
Places
Georgia Aquarium – The aquarium features a variety of marine life and interactive activities. Visitors can take advantage of a unique opportunity to dive or snorkel in the tank with sharks. B-A-N-A-N-A-S! The Georgia Aquarium is home to some of the largest marine life, including whale sharks. It’s a fun experience for all.
Fox Theatre – The Fox was built in the 1920s, and this much-loved landmark is listed on the National Register of Historic places. Performances at the theatre include a variety of entertainment options such as ballet, rock concerts, and operas. I suggest setting aside a couple of hours to take the tour.
Bicycle Tours of Atlanta – If being outdoors is more in your wheelhouse, explore the city through a bike tour. You can choose from a variety of tour options.
Eats
South City Kitchen – If you’re in the mood for southern cuisine, try SCK: an Atlanta area staple!.
The Vortex – Hankering for a burger? The Vortex is the place to be. It’s been voted “Best Burger” and “Top 50 Best Restaurants”. P.S. vegetarian options are available as well.
Flying Biscuit – If you like to eat breakfast foods all day, check out Flying Biscuit.
Boston
Places
Freedom Trail – A city walking tour of monuments and sites leads you through the history of the American Revolution. A great way to see this historic city by foot!
Museum of Fine Arts – The MFA is one of the leading museums in the world; the collection encompasses approximately 450,000 works of art. The art ranges from ancient Egyptian to contemporary and special exhibits. It’s not to be missed.
Fenway Park – The much-loved Fenway Park, aka The Cathedral of Boston, is a special place in this city. If you cannot catch a Red Sox game, a tour of the historic ballpark will suffice..
Eats
Neptune Oyster – Best seafood!
Jm Curley – Awesome food and drinks, plus a secret restaurant within the restaurant.
The North End – If you are craving Italian food, you cannot go wrong dining at any restaurant in the North End of Boston. High on my list are Giacomo’s, Nebo, and Bova’s.
DC
Places
Washington Walks – Walking tours include Memorials by Moonlight, Embassy Row, Georgetown, and Haunted Houses—just to name a few. These tours are a great and inexpensive way to receive a guided tour.
The National Mall – The best way to see Washington’s monuments and museums is to stroll down the mall. It’s best to start at the Smithsonian and meander your way through various museums while ending at the Lincoln Memorial. Not be missed: National Museum of American History and National Museum of Natural History.
National Zoo – The Smithsonian’s zoo if free! Tons of exciting animals to see, including giant pandas.
Eats
Old Ebbitt Grill – Old Ebbitt was established in 1856, which makes in the oldest bar in the DC area. Not too far from the White House, it is a great option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The Oyster happy hour is quite popular amongst politicos and tourists alike.
Le Diplomat – A bustling brasserie in an adorable neighborhood. This restaurant has been the talk of the town since it opened, and c’est magnifique!
Founding Farmers – Serving fresh and local farm-sourced ingredients, this is a certified green restaurant, the first of its kind in the DC area. Interestingly, Founder Farmers has partnered with George Washington University to establish a scholarship for students studying sustainability. The chicken and waffles are to die for!
LA
Places
Page Museum and La Brea Tar Pits – Located in the Hancock Park area of LA, these tar pits were formed 40,000 years ago when oil seeped through the rock. The tar preserved the fossils through the ages. The museum shows reconstructed fossils as well as the recovery process.
Hollywood – If you’re a fan of the land of dreams, I suggest you visit Hollywood. You never know which celeb you may see walking down the street or sitting next to you at a red light. A few can’t-miss tourist attractions are the Walk of Fame, Hollywood Bowl, and Universal Studios. Also of note is the infamous TMZ Celebrity Tour. Trust me on this one—just try it.
The Getty Museum – The museum, which is situated on 110 acres, was created by the late J Paul Getty. The beautiful and eclectic collections range from Greek and Roman to contemporary art, assuring an exhibit for every interest.
Eats
In-N-Out Burger – A staple in LA. You cannot get burgers and fries like this elsewhere.
Casa Vega – Terrific Mexican food! Check it out.
Yamashiro Hollywood – Located in the Hollywood Hills with a breathtaking view of the city, Yamashiro Hollywood serves up sushi and Cal-Asian cuisine. The grounds here are beautiful.
NYC
Places
The Metropolitan Museum of Art – Commonly known as “The Met,” this museum was founded in 1870. Housing over two million works of art ranging from Egyptian art, musical instruments, photographs, and much more. The Cloisters, located in northern Manhattan, is a branch of The Met that focuses on art and architecture of medieval Europe.
Broadway – See a Broadway show! This is the place to come to take in the latest shows as well as see long-running classics.
National September 11 Memorial – This memorial is a tribute to the nearly 3,000 people killed as of a result of the September 11th attacks. A powerful and moving place to visit.
Eats
Balthazar Restaurant – Located in SoHo, Balthazar serves traditional bistro fare. The design of the restaurant is unique, as it used to be an old leather warehouse. I cannot say enough good things about Balthazar’s.
Peter Lugers Steakhouse – Founded in 1887, Peter Lugers is labeled by some as “Best in the World.” You be the judge.
Jing Fong – In the mood for traditional dim sum? You MUST try Jing Fong. Get there early, as a line forms around the block!
Philadelphia
Places
Independence Hall – Our Founding Fathers came together here in 1776 to sign the Declaration of Independence. It was also the location where representatives from dozens met to lay the framework for the U.S. Constitution.
Franklin Institute – One of the oldest science museums in the country, the Franklin Institute is such a great place to bring kids or enjoy as an adult.
Rocky Statue & Steps – Running up the steps and taking a picture at the top is a rite of passage when you visit Philly. Need I say more?
Eats
Reading Terminal Market – This one-stop shop will satisfy all your food cravings. The indoor market is a foodie’s paradise. It’s incredible!
Sonny’s Famous Steaks – You need to experience an authentic cheesesteak when visiting Philly. I suggest heading to Sonny’s.
High Street on Market – Voted best breakfast and brunch in Philly. I recommend a bagel sammie.
San Francisco
Places
Dolores Park – It is one of San Francisco’s most popular parks. You’ll find everything from basketball to tennis courts, as well as a clubhouse for recreational activities. Spectacular views of the city.
Napa Valley – An incredibly beautiful drive from downtown San Francisco, Napa and Sonoma are best known for the production of wine. I highly recommend touring vineyards.
Fisherman’s Wharf – An area known for shops and restaurants alongside the waterfront. In this area, you can visit the Wax Museum and Ghirardelli Square. It’s fun to stroll around the wharf and get a flavor of this awesome city.
Eats
Off the Grid – a buzzing rolling food truck party. You cannot beat the live music or the people. Off the Grid is a unique and fun experience for all.
Absinthe – Great brunch, yummy cocktails, and overall terrific food. The cuisine is French/Cali fusion. It’s always on “best of “lists. It’s not to be missed.
Pier 23 Café – Delicious seafood and perfect outdoor seating. Their garlic roasted crab is something to write home about.
Hiring conferences and their associated interviews can be stressful, and a weekend in any of our vibrant, exciting conference cities is the perfect antidote. We hope to see you across the country this winter!
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