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Category: Events

  • What’s Open in Boston New Year’s Eve and Day & MBTA Schedules 2014 – 2015 plus Parking, Trash & More

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on New Year's Day and the MBTA schedules for New Year's Eve December 31, 2014 and New Year's Day, January 1, 2015.

    This is an outdated post. Click the link below for the latest information:

    What's Open in Boston New Year's Eve and Day & MBTA Schedules 2015 – 2016 plus Parking, Trash & More

    What's closed? Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules? We have the answers for you, all organized in one post!

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    Some businesses close early on New Year's Eve but with the crowds expected for First Night, others, especially those in the hospitality business, stay open. Call before you leave if you plan to visit a business on the 31st.

    Here's what we've learned about January 1st, 2015 – New Year's Day

    Restaurants, bars: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Here's a link to our post on restaurants that are open for the celebration: 

    Where to Dine on New Year's Eve 2014 and New Years Day Brunch 2015 in Boston.

    Convenience stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Supermarkets: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Liquor stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

    More after the ad…

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    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open.

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

    Boston Trash Collection: Here's the announcement from Public Works from the Recycling & Trash Holiday Collection Schedule:

    "Monday, December 29, 2014 – Saturday, January 3, 2015

    Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday December 29th, 30th, and 31st: Regular trash and recycling for all sections of the City.

    Bay Village Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Lower Roxbury, Mission Hill, North End, South End, and Sections of Back Bay: regular schedule, no delays.

    Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, South Boston, West Roxbury: Delayed a day on Thursday, and Friday.

    *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

    MBTA Schedule Changes for New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day …

    The MBTA has full information on their events page. (If you are coming to this post after the holiday, that page will have changed.) 

     
    Here are the important points for New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31, 2014
    • The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines will run on a modified weekday schedule with additional trains operating at rush-hour levels of service throughout the evening from 3 p.m. until approximately 2 a.m. 
    • The Siver Line will run on a weekday schedule
    • The Commuter Rail will run on a modified weekday schedule with additional service provided – the last trains out are listed here. Also check that link for restrictions on bicycles on commuter rail on the 31st.
    • Buses, trackless trolleys, and Express buses will run on a regular weekday schedule 
    • Boats:  will operate a regular weekday schedule
    • The Ride will operate on a regular weekday schedule with extended hours until 2:30 a.m.
     
    Here are the important points for New Year's Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2014
    • The Silver, Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines will run on Sunday Schedule
    • Some Commuter Rail lines will run on a Sunday schedule except Needham which will not operate.
    • Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with a long list of buses not operating. Check those here.
    • Boats will not operate
    • The RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
    For more information, call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or visit the MBTA website."

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © iStockphoto 

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  • What’s Open in Boston on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 2014 Plus MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash, & More

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Christmas, December 25, 2014, plus information on: trash collection, parking, MBTA schedule changes, and whatever else we were able to gather to answer your Chrismas week questions.

    Remember, many businesses close early on Christmas Eve. Call before you leave, if you plan to visit a business on the 24th.

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    Welcome to all of you who have found BostonZest.com while looking for this information. We hope you'll look around at the other resources we provide, subscribe to our RSS feed, follow us on Twitter, and come back often.

    Restaurants, bars: Some will be open. Check for special hours and menus and take a look at our piece on Where to Dine on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day 2014 in Boston. 

    Convenience stores: Some will be open. Check for special hours.

    Supermarkets: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

    Retail stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

    Liquor stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

    City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. When we have official hours for the Tow Lot over the holiday, we'll update this section. Call before going on Christmas eve or Chistmas day.

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open.

    Boston Trash Collection: The city says the following about trash collection Christmas week:

    "Monday, December 22, 6am – Saturday, December 27, 2014, 5pm

    No trash or recycling collection will take place in all sections of the City on Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25)

    Christmas Week: Regular collection schedule on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday  in all sections of the City. Regular trash collection schedule in the North End, Beacon Hill, Bay Village, Chinatown, Fenway South End, Mission Hill. Section of Roxbury, who have trash collection on Tuesday and Friday, no delay

    Thursday and Friday recycling and trash collection delayed a day in Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, South Boston, Jamaica Plain*, West Roxbury, Roslindale, Mattapan, and Hyde Park.

    *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week [Monday, Thursday], Thursday collection day is cancelled.  Back Bay, Roxbury and your trash and recycling is picked up on Monday and Thursday, Thursday’s collection is  also cancelled, not delayed."

    MBTA Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Schedule Changes: 

    Again this year, the T has included New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, so you can do all your MBTA travel planning at this link! (Please note that the content on this page will change throughout the year.)

    Wednesday, December 24, 2014

    MBTA Christmas Eve Schedule is a regular weekday schedule except fo the Hingham boat. which is modified weekday

    Thursday, December 25, 2014 – MBTA Christmas Day Schedule (Quick Look)

    • Blue, Orange, Green, Red, and Silver Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule.

    • Buses will run on a Sunday schedule, however some routes will not operate on Christmas day. See those details here.

    • Commuter rail trains will operate on a Sunday schedule (which means some lines will not operate).

    • Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown boat service will not operate.

    • THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.

    For additional information on MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call MBTA Customer Support at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (TTY 617-222-5146)," or visit the MBTA website.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2009 Penny Cherubino  

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  • Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2014 in Boston: Here’s What’s Open

    Where can you dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Boston area? There are a few great choices! But, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays, make a reservation!

    UPDATE: Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 in Boston

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    Don't be surprised if a deposit is required to hold your reservation or if there are special menus and seatings for these special holiday meals. Unfortunately, restaurants have been forced to do this because of people who make multiple reservations so they can decide at the last minute where to go. This leaves other diners without choices and the restaurants with empty tables.

    Here is our resource page on opening and closings, other than dining, at Christmas.

    What's Open in Boston on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 2014 Plus MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash, & More

    What's Open on Christmas Eve?

    There are more choices on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. Some of our favorite, special places have wonderful holiday meals planned for those who reserve for the 24th.

    At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Chistmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun, holiday dining option. 

    • Coppa Enoteca is one of our favorites and they're offering their version of this tradition.
    • Dante in Cambridge will present Chef Dante de Magistris' version of the feast with other menu items available.
    • Grotto was one of the first to present this holiday tradition. Kitchen and Marliave, Grotto's siblings in the South End and Downtown, quickly joined in the festive fish feast. This year Kitchen will be open offering the regular menu for those who prefer an al la carte choice. At Grotto and Marliave will continue the feasting on fish.
    • Here is a great article from Edible Boston on this traditional meal.

    What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Christmas?

    Hotel restaurants, since they must serve the hotel's guests, are normally open on holidays.

    In Boston, hotel restaurants open both the 24th and 25th include some excellent choices:

    • Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Hotel is serving a three-course prix fixe menu from Noon-8 p.m.
    • The Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel
    • Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel gives you a choice of a Christmas Day Buffet Brunch in the Atlantic Room from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., or their 4-course prix-fixe dinner in Meritage Restaurant from 5-9 p.m.
    • Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel



    Other places open on holidays would include chain restaurants and some places in Chinatown. We once asked a longtime Boston cabbie where we could get something we needed on Christmas, and he said Chinatown was the place to go.

    Here are some conversations on Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year and we'll link to lists from other Boston food sites.

    Boston Restaurants Not Open on Christmas Day (2014) is a Trip Advisor conversation started by a visitor from London who was trying to find a top Boston restaurant to enjoy on Christmas Day and was surprised to find so many choices closed.

    Trip Advisor on Christmas Dinner (2013)

    Eater Boston's Christmas Map (Updated 12/16/2013)

    What Chinese Restaurants are Open On Christmas Day– (2012)

    Christmas Day Brunch (2012)

    Open on Cape Cod on Christmas Day (just in case you're going there) (2012)

    Xmas Lunch in Boston  (2012)

    Restaurant open Christmas Day in Newton or nearby (2012)

    Other resources:

    The reservation site Open Table has a feature list of its member restaurants with Christmas Eve Specials and Christmas Day Dining. 

    But, you can also input information on the reservation you want on Open Table and come up with a list of restaurants open at that hour. Change the hour and the list will change and some are not on the featured lists. It's a good place to start.

    The Boston Chefs site has posted a list of its participating member restaurants with special features for the holidays. Here's the Christmas Eve List & the Christmas Day list.

    From Last Year: Eater Boston has a list of What's Open in Boston Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We'll update with the new one when it's available.

    They have many good choices to add to your holiday options. We'd particularly like to recommend:

    Island Creek Oyster Bar for Christmas Eve. It's one of our favorite places, and I can just imagine what a happy scene it will be on that evening. 

    Eastern Standard: They will normally open Christmas Day for breakfast and then for a special 3-course prix fixe meal. 

    Follow us on Twitter for notice of updates to this post.

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    Details: 

    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Photo: from iStockphoto.com

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  • Happy Thanksgiving from the Team at BostonZest

    CHE_5393 - Version 22014-11-20Marlbough reflections© 2014 Penny Cherubino (1)

    We have had many reasons to be thankful this year. Among them are our wonderful readers, commentators, supporters, followers and retweeters on Twitter, facebook likers, shoppers who click over to Amazon from here and help to pay the bills, and everyone who spreads the word about our posts. 

    We hope all of you have reason to be thankful and that by next Thanksgiving your list of blessings doubles!

    You can thank us by starting all your Amazon shopping from BostonZest. Just click on any Amazon banner or a link like this one, shop as usual, and they'll put some change in our tip jar.

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: © 2014 Penny Cherubino (A window in Boston's Back Bay as it reflects the season and its neighbors.)

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  • Do You Have a Signature Dish that You Bring to Food Gatherings?

    Do you have a signature dish? Is there something that you are often asked to bring to a potluck or holiday meal? Or, are you trying to think about what you might take to an upcoming event?

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    I've been considering my tabouli with chickpeas. It is best made ahead. It will be a complete protein for vegetarians, a boon to those trying to eat fewer calories, and it's delicious. 

    Food Gathering Season

    We are about to step into the season of food gatherings. Thanksgiving dinners, potluck suppers, cookie swaps, open houses, Hanukkah celebrations, Feasts of the Seven Fishes, Christmas meals, and New Years rites all have food traditions that we follow. 

    Today, many of these events are cooperative efforts. While a few hosting families may insist on doing the whole thing, more often than not, an offer to bring something will be met with a sigh of relief. 

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    Our friend Bob Oppenheim is assigned the vegetable side dishes for his family’s holiday table. He jokes that this is because the vegetables are the most work. But, it may also be that dishes like his roasted root vegetables have become a favorite among the folks at these events with even fussy eaters finding something they love in the mix.

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    Here's our post: Roasted Root Vegetables: Treasure for the Busy Cook

    What's Your Talent?

    If you’ve mastered artisan bread baking, you could bring the bread and rolls for the meal. If you’ve preserved the foods from your garden, you might offer a relish tray of pickles and chutneys.

    In my family, Uncle Freddie brought the pies. He was a great baker and his raisin pie was legendary. Not every cook is a good baker, so pies and cakes are often delegated to those with a talent for sweets.  

    Contributions for Non-Cooks

    Dessert offerings are also a great choice for someone who doesn’t cook. Those who don’t cook at all often know the best places to shop for very good prepared foods. A pie, cake, or tray of cookies is relatively easy to transport, even on the MBTA, and is one less task for the hostess. 

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    Another option for the non-cook to offer is a cheese platter or a large wedge of a special cheese. One reason I often suggest a large wedge instead of an assortment is that it can make for a great presentation, even after a few people have feasted on it. And, it's easier to pack up and put away in good condition after the meal. I would suggest something like Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, Moliterno al Tartufo, or a wheel of a semi-soft cheese. 

    Let us know what you're asked to bring or love to bring to food gatherings.

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    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2009-2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino with the Cabot Clothbound Cheddar Cheese photo courtesy of Cabot Creamery.

  • What’s Open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2014, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More

    UPDATE: What's Open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More

    What's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, 2014? What's closed?

    Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules?

    We have the answers for you, all organized on one post that we'll update as new information comes our way.

    IMG_7735 - Version 22014-11-05-Thanksgiving-doorway-pumpkins-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, November 27, 2014.

    We post these rundowns early, when we notice our readers looking for the information on older posts. Because it's early, we will update as new information is announced. So, bookmark this page and check back. We'll send out notice of updates on Twitter.

    Restaurants, bars: Many will be open, check for special hours and menus. Here's our post on where to dine out on Thanksgiving. 

    Convenience stores: Many are open, check for special hours

    Supermarkets: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws" (scroll to the bottom of the page)

    Retail stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"  

    Liquor stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws" 

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. International markets are open.

    City, Town, State, and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

    Parking & Street Sweeping

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

    Street Sweeping: The city says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

    Trash Collection & Recycling

    Boston Trash Collection for Thanksgiving week – The city says:

    "Thursday, November 27, 6am – Saturday, November 29, 2014, 5pm

    No trash or recycling collection will take place in all sections of the City on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 27th)

    Thanksgiving week: Regular collection schedule on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday in all sections of the City.

    Regular trash collection schedule in the North End, Beacon Hill, Bay Village, Chinatown, Fenway South End, Mission Hill. Section of Roxbury, who have trash collection on Tuesday and Friday, no delay

    Thursday and Friday recycling and trash collection delayed a day in Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, South Boston, Jamaica Plain*, West Roxbury, Roslindale, Mattapan, and Hyde Park.

    *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week [Monday, Thursday], Thursday collection day is cancelled.  Back Bay, Roxbury and your trash and recycling is picked up on Monday and Thursday, Thursday’s collection is  also cancelled, not delayed

    MBTA information after the Ad from Amazon!

    More information after these camera deals from Amazon. Order today and you'll be ready to record memories this holiday season. When you shop Amazon from here, you keep information like this coming your way!

     

    MBTA Schedule Changes 

    Here is the link to the MBTA schedule changes. This link will change sometime after the holiday. We have created a PDF version of the page for the weekend that you can download if you wish. 

    Download MBTA Thanksgiving 2014

    Here's a quick summary, but check the site or the PDF for details.

    • Wednesday November 26th will have normal Wednesday subway, bus, and Commuter Rail schedules with extra Silver Line service to and from Logan Airports.
    • Thanksgiving November 27th will have subways including the Silver Line on a Sunday schedule. Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with some routes not operating. Commuter Rail will run on a Sunday Schedule so some routes will not operate.
    • Friday November 28th will have the Red, Orange, and Blue lines on a Friday Schedule and the Green Line on a Saturday Schedule. The Silver line will have extra service. Commuter Rail will run on a Friday schedule.

    Special Plymouth Service:

    The Commuter Rail will provide special seasonal weekend trains to Plymouth on the Old Colony Line during the weekends prior to Thanksgiving on Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16, as well as November 22 and 23. Details here.

    For further information, check with the MBTA Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

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    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

  • North Bennet Street School Open House in Their New Facility

    We've told you about the open houses held at North Bennet Street School in the past. This Boston treasure trove is a place that turns dreams into reality. We have November 14 & 15 marked on our calendars because we can't wait to see the new facility at 150 North Street.

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    They say:

    "Aspiring furniture makers, bookbinders, carpenters, jewelry makers – or those merely curious about the process of making beautiful things by hand – are invited to a special behind-the-scenes look at one of America's oldest schools of craftsmanship during a two-day open house at North Bennet Street School’s new facility at 150 North Street in Boston's historic North End."

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    We say:

    This is a great way to spend some time meeting people who have gone after their dreams. Who knows, a door may open for you and you'll become a student. Or, perhaps you'll decide to explore one of the fine crafts they teach at a workshop or short course.

    Or, you may decide to put someone's feet on the path to their dream with a North Bennet Street School gift certificate as a holiday gift.

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    Everything You Need to Know to Visit

    As always, when the school provides us with information for an upcoming event, they think of all the little details that make it easy for our readers to get there and enjoy their visit.

    Who: North Bennet Street School

    What: Annual Open House and Open Studios

    Where: 150 North Street, Boston, MA 02109 (North End, just off the Rose Kennedy Greenway) 

    When: Friday, November 14, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm; Saturday, November 15, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

    Cost: FREE

    Handicap Access: Yes

    Parking: Limited street parking (metered) and discounted parking at the Parcel 7 garage – http://www.nbss.edu/about/the-boston-area/visit/index.aspx#  

    Nearest T stop: Haymarket (Orange, Green lines)

    Directions: via Google maps – http://goo.gl/maps/97sY4

    More Open House details: www.nbss.edu/openhouse

    More about NBSS full-time programs and workshops: http://www.nbss.edu

    Contact: 617-227-0155 and admissions@nbss.edu

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    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: by Maureen Cotton, Courtesy of North Bennet Street School

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  • Veterans Day 2014 What’s Open or Closed in Boston Plus MBTA, Trash & Parking Info

    UPDATE: Veterans Day 2015 What's Open or Closed in Boston Plus MBTA, Trash & Parking Info

     

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Veterans Day, information on Boston trash collection, parking meters, and MBTA schedules for Tuesday, November 11, 2014.

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    (Civil war vets inspect huge German captured gun on Boston Common. Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection. Circa 1927)

    This year, November 11th falls on a Tuesday. If you are one of the people who has the day off, you might want to take an extra day and have a four day weekend.

    We publish these reminders before each holiday to help you make the most of your time off!

    Restaurants, bars: Open

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets: Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Liquor stores: Open

    City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes schools, libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with most Banks closed. But, we are noticing that some banks are keeping some branches open so check with your own institution.

    Stock market: Open, as are international markets.

    Boston Parking: The City says, "City of Boston parking meters are free on Sundays and legal holidays and no time limit is enforced. All other parking regulations, including rush hour restrictions at meters, remain in effect."

    Street Sweeping: City says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

    Boston Trash Collection: The City says:

    Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11, 6am – Sunday, November 16, 2014, 5pm

    "No Delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.

    Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day

    *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

    The MBTA has posted its Veterans Day Schedule and, as in the past, the system is operating on a weekday schedule: Complete Details Here.

    For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, "please call the MBTA Customer Service Center at 617-222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (hearing impaired TDD 617-222-5146)" or contact them at www.mbta.com.

    And, if you have to work: Holiday Pay Information For Retail Establishments from the Secretary of State.

    "Retail establishments which operate on New Year's Day, Columbus Day after 12 noon, or on November 11th after 1:00 p.m. are required to pay their employees time and one-half regardless of the number of employees on their payroll."

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    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: (Civil War vets inspect huge German captured gun on Boston Common. Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection. Circa 1927) used under creative commons license

  • Roslindale: Open Studios & More Is Our Friday Link

    On one of our many visits to the Boston Public Library in Copley Square, Penny picked up a flier for the 10th Annual Roslindale Open Studios to be held this weekend. (November 1st and 2nd from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

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    This is a great opportunity to explore Roslindale, one of Boston's "hidden treasure villages." We love this place – lots of great food and small businesses. 

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    If you go on Saturday, you can add the Roslindale Farmers' Market to the mix. We haven't posted about this market for a while, but it's still going strong with a great group of vendors. Here's our post from a few years ago.

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    A Food Lovers Destination

    We've also covered a few wonderful food spots that are still going strong:

    Fornax Bread Company is a must stop for all bread-a-holics like Ed.

    Romano's, where we recommend getting tacos from a pizzeria.

    Boston Cheese Cellar is another must stop to put on your walking map.

    While this may not be a typical tourist destination, it is a great outing for someone who wants to discover a new corner of the city.

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    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: Courtesy of Roslindale Open Studios & Roslindale Farmers Market, Other photos Penny Cherubino

  • What’s Happening Around Boston in November 2014

    For locals and visitors, it's time to start putting November happenings in this area on our calendars.

    DSC_0197 - Version 22013-11-18-hancock-tower-fall-foliage-boston-commonwelath-avenue-mall-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Fall foliage season continues with the color moving south, so daytrips to Rhode Island and Connecticut may still be photoworthy. The photo above was taken on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall in mid November, last year. Boston has beautiful foliage into November, most years.

    • Frog Pond Skating is open in mid-November, weather permitting. 
    • A few seasonal farmers' markets continue until Thanksgiving and other indoor markets begin to open.  Here's a link to days they open and closing dates for the summer seasonal markets.
    • December 3rd Holiday Pops opens, but you should buy your tickets now if you want great seats or need a block for a group of family or friends.
    • For those visiting from outside the U.S., November 11th is Veterans Day, a holiday. But since it is not a three day weekend holiday, there are fewer impacts on transportation and most stores, restaurants, and tourist attractions are open. 
    • Thanksgiving, November 27th is the other big holiday. For this one, almost everything is closed and the transit system is on a holiday schedule. For most lines, this means a Sunday Schedule. But, for some, it may mean no service. 
    • There is a large (19,000 visitor) convention the 16th to 19th. Other big convention dates are November 4th to 10th,  21st to 23rd, and 30th to December 3rd. Conventions have an impact on hotel prices and the availability of restaurant reservations.

    Links to Information Updates

    Here is our post on Dining Out on Thanksgiving.

    Over on Trip Advisor's Boston Forum, the destination experts are adding to the initial post I began on this topic. The group has been keeping a running list of fun things to do, each month.

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    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino