LibrePlanet: Conference/2013/Logistics
March 23rd-24th 2013 in Cambridge, MA
With some events on the evening of Friday the 22nd
About | Full Program (PDF) | Photos | Video | Speakers | Schedule | Session descriptions | Transportation and lodging | Anti-harassment policy
Venue
LibrePlanet 2013 will be held at the Harvard Science Center in Cambridge, MA.
Public Transportation
The Harvard Science Center is easily accessible from Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA. The red arrows will bring you in from either of the two northern exits from the Harvard Square T-stop.
Map from: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Parking
Parking suggestions and directions for getting to Harvard as a whole are available on Harvard's web site.
However, if you are driving to the Boston area, your best bet is probably to park at your hotel and use public transportation to get around while you are here.
You can get a Visitor Parking Permit at the SEAS at Harvard (21 Oxford Street) for $10 for the weekend. When registering for the parking permit system use select "Visitor to Campus" as the Department as "7700" as the Department Code. *Some browsers have trouble with the checkout system.
Lodging
Hotels
Here are some suggestions, but if you've found an even better deal -- please post it!
- Stay at a cute New England B'n'B like The Irving.
- Another B and B a short ride away on the red line, The John Jeffries House is at the Charles MGH stop.
- Harvard Square Hotel is very close and economical for a Harvard Square hotel. ($179 plus tax of 12.45% per night)
- The Charles Hotel is even a smidge closer and has valet parking.
- The Hyatt Regency is a short ride away on the number 1 bus and costs $90ish per night. Ask for a room with a view of Boston over the river.
- The Marriott located at the Kendall/MIT stop -- in the neighborhood of MIT, and only 2 subway stops from Harvard Square. Many restaurants located nearby.
- Just a mile over the river is the Doubletree. A 5 minute bus ride takes you into Central Square.
Staying with Locals
- BeWelcome.org is a free software alternative to CouchSurfing
- Couchsurfing.org is a great way to stay with friendly locals at no cost.
- Directory of local residents renting affordable rooms by the night.
Hostels
These are about 5km from the conference venue, but have prices of $50 or less.
Other hostels a little further out can be found at HostelWorld.com.
Food
Breakfast
- FSF will be providing breakfast both mornings.
Lunch/Dinner
Harvard Square (walking distance from LibrePlanet)
- For a quick and cheap Middle Eastern meal, try Falafel Corner located at 8 1/2 Eliot Street.
- For a cozy bar atmopshere,Grendels offers a varied half-price menu from 5 to 7:30 everyday, and from 9-11:30 from Sunday through Thursday. Vegan/Veggie Friendly
- Enjoy a margarita and Tex Mex at Border Cafe on Church Street. Vegan/Veggie Friendly
- Grab a slice of regular or Sicilian pizza at local staple Pinocchio's, right off of JFK street.
- Affordable yet delicious fast food joint Tasty Burger is open till 4am! On JFK street. Vegan/Veggie Friendly Gluten-free options
- Another fast food place is Clover Food Lab. They offer locally grown, fresh meals. Vegan/Veggie Gluten-free options
- Veggie Planet is an electic lil pizza shop connected to a folksy music club. They receive their organic pizza dough from a local non-profit. Vegan/Veggie
- For good sandwiches and coffee, check out Darwin's right down Mt. Auburn Street. Veggie friendly
- Harvard landmark Mr. Bartley's offers a variety of unique burgers, frappes, and rickeys.
Central Square
Central Square is one subway stop from Harvard Square.
- Veggie Galaxy is a vegan diner that serves breakfast all day. They also have lunch, dinner, and bakery options. It is located one stop away on the red line, in Central Square. Vegan/Veggie Gluten-free options
- Organic cafe Life Alive is also in Central Square. Vegan/Veggie Gluten-free options
Downtown
FSF offices are located near the Downtown Crossing and Park Street T stops.
- Food trucks in Dewey Square include Clover Food Lab and Bon Me. Veggie/Vegan Gluten-free options
- Chau Chow City can accommodate large groups. Their Chinese food proportions are substantial, and their cocktails are fun (some are literally on fire!)