bostonzest

Category: Events

  • What’s Open and Closed on Memorial Day 2014 In Boston + MBTA Schedules

    UPDATE: Here's a link to our latest post on "What's Open and Closed on Memorial Day in Boston + MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash & More" 

     

    Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston and the MBTA schedules for Memorial Day – Monday, May 26, 2014. 

    We publish these reminders before a holiday to give our readers a nudge to finalize their holiday plans. This is the first big weekend of the summer. Get going on some fun plans! And, plan your shopping for adult beverages because this is one of those Blue Law holidays!

    6a00e54fc42bb888340168eb75f9c7970c-800wi

    Out on or along the Charles River is a great place to spend a holiday!

    Restaurants, bars: Open

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets: Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Liquor stores: Closed (See this page from the Secretary of State)

    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 both Banks and the stock markets in the U.S. closed. Some international markets are open.

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

    Street Sweeping: The city site 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."

    More information after this ad

    Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. Perfect for small city homes. We had many years of use from an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model. It was amazing at keeping things chilled. We not only used it for picnics, but also grabbed it to go grocery shopping. 

        

    Boston Trash Collection: The announcement from Public Works  states:

    "Monday, May 26, 6am – Saturday, May 31, 2014, 5pm

    DETAILS
    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 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 announced its Service Schedules for Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2014."

    For a few days before each holiday, the MBTA schedule changes will show up at this link.

    MBTA Memorial Day 2014 Service Schedules Quick Look –  

    • The Red, Orange, Blue, Silver, and Green Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule. 
    • Buses and trackless trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule. 
    • The Commuter Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule. 
    • THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.

    Complete Details Here

    For more information: 
    Go to www.MBTA.com. Contact the MBTA Customer Communications Department at (617) 222-3200, TTY: (617) 222-5146. 

     

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo:© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Related articles
    CapeFLYER Train Service to Start Memorial Day Weekend
    IQubed Design's MBTA Map of 2024 Looks Promising

  • Visit “Made by Hand: an Exhibit of Extraordinary Craftsmanship”

    For the rest of the month, "Made by Hand: an exhibit of extraordinary craftsmanship" will allow you to see the work of the students and alumni of Boston's remarkable North Bennet Street School.

    Wolcott Hall Table

    Sheraton Hall Table Artist: Bradly Wolcott, 2012 graduate of the school’s cabinet & furniture program
    Materials: mahogany, satinwood, holly, ebony

    The school describes this exhibit as:

    "Made by Hand: an exhibit of extraordinary craftsmanship" features dozens of one-of-a-kind objects created by North Bennet Street School students and alumni – including a classic Sheraton hall table, an exquisite diamond sapphire ring, several handsomely finished violins and intricately constructed hand-bound books."

    HaloPendantwSpessCab_crop

    Halo Pendant Artist: Geraldine Kish Perry, 2000 graduate of the school’s jewelry making program
    Materials: 18kg and spessartite garnet pendant

    So, if you happen to be on the Greenway during the week or are looking for a destination for a visit to that area, here's the scoop. (Note: this is not open on weekends.)

    WildFlowers2-ErinFletcher

    Field Book of Western Wild Flowers by Margaret Armstrong Artist: Erin Fletcher, 2013 graduate of the school’s bookbinding program Materials: leather, embroidery, acrylic, handmade paper, gouache, gold leaf

    QUICK FACTS:
    Event: Made by Hand: an exhibit of extraordinary craftsmanship
    Where: Main Lobby, Two International Place, Boston, MA
    When: Monday, May 12 through Friday, May 30, 2014
    Hours: weekdays, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
    Admission: Free
    Handicap Access: Yes
    Reservations: Not required.
    Nearest parking: Two International Place garage and limited street parking (metered).
    Nearest T stops: South Station (Red line), Aquarium (Blue Line)
    More Information: call 617-227-0155, ext. 170; visit http://www.nbss.edu/ae2014; or email cjankowski@nbss.edu.

    What's on your Artistic Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your arts & craft needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: courtesy of North Bennet Street School

  • Visit “Made by Hand: an Exhibit of Extraordinary Craftsmanship”

    For the rest of the month, "Made by Hand: an exhibit of extraordinary craftsmanship" will allow you to see the work of the students and alumni of Boston's remarkable North Bennet Street School.

    Wolcott Hall Table

    Sheraton Hall Table Artist: Bradly Wolcott, 2012 graduate of the school’s cabinet & furniture program
    Materials: mahogany, satinwood, holly, ebony

    The school describes this exhibit as:

    "Made by Hand: an exhibit of extraordinary craftsmanship" features dozens of one-of-a-kind objects created by North Bennet Street School students and alumni – including a classic Sheraton hall table, an exquisite diamond sapphire ring, several handsomely finished violins and intricately constructed hand-bound books."

    HaloPendantwSpessCab_crop

    Halo Pendant Artist: Geraldine Kish Perry, 2000 graduate of the school’s jewelry making program
    Materials: 18kg and spessartite garnet pendant

    So, if you happen to be on the Greenway during the week or are looking for a destination for a visit to that area, here's the scoop. (Note: this is not open on weekends.)

    WildFlowers2-ErinFletcher

    Field Book of Western Wild Flowers by Margaret Armstrong Artist: Erin Fletcher, 2013 graduate of the school’s bookbinding program Materials: leather, embroidery, acrylic, handmade paper, gouache, gold leaf

    QUICK FACTS:
    Event: Made by Hand: an exhibit of extraordinary craftsmanship
    Where: Main Lobby, Two International Place, Boston, MA
    When: Monday, May 12 through Friday, May 30, 2014
    Hours: weekdays, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
    Admission: Free
    Handicap Access: Yes
    Reservations: Not required.
    Nearest parking: Two International Place garage and limited street parking (metered).
    Nearest T stops: South Station (Red line), Aquarium (Blue Line)
    More Information: call 617-227-0155, ext. 170; visit http://www.nbss.edu/ae2014; or email cjankowski@nbss.edu.

    What's on your Artistic Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your arts & craft needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: courtesy of North Bennet Street School

  • Market Report: Summer Farmers’ Markets Opening Dates 2014

    Copley Market

    Pull out your calendars and mark the dates when you can go and see our Boston area farmers' market friends at their summer spots. 

    Here are the opening dates for some of our favorite markets. The links are to maps of the locations. 

    If you have confirmed dates for your favorite farmers' market, please tell us in a comment or send us an email and we'll add it as an update to this post.

    We'll be telling you more about some of these markets in the weeks ahead!

    Update: 05/14/14: Here is the great selection of food we bought at the opening day of the Copley Farmers' Market.

    DSC_2100 - Version 22014-05-13--copley-market-farmers-purchases-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Bread, cookies, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, baby arugula, scallions, and goat cheese.


    See our review of The Boston Homegrown Cookbook: Local Food, Local Restaurants, Local Recipes. It's full of chefs, farmers, and food producers you know, and we highly recommend it. Remember, always click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     


    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Market Report: Summer Farmers’ Markets Opening Dates 2014

    Copley Market

    Pull out your calendars and mark the dates when you can go and see our Boston area farmers' market friends at their summer spots. 

    Here are the opening dates for some of our favorite markets. The links are to maps of the locations. 

    If you have confirmed dates for your favorite farmers' market, please tell us in a comment or send us an email and we'll add it as an update to this post.

    We'll be telling you more about some of these markets in the weeks ahead!

    Update: 05/14/14: Here is the great selection of food we bought at the opening day of the Copley Farmers' Market.

    DSC_2100 - Version 22014-05-13--copley-market-farmers-purchases-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Bread, cookies, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, baby arugula, scallions, and goat cheese.


    See our review of The Boston Homegrown Cookbook: Local Food, Local Restaurants, Local Recipes. It's full of chefs, farmers, and food producers you know, and we highly recommend it. Remember, always click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     


    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Preservation Month in Boston, “Buildings & Grounds”

    Preservation Month Brochure

    Each May, Boston celebrates the historic preservaton efforts that bring thousands of visitors to our city and make it a beautiful place to live. This years's calendar of events has been titled, "Buildings & Grounds."

    The long list of events brings extra attention to some historic tours that run year round from groups like Boston By Foot and the Freedom Trail Foundation.

    In addition, you can tour neighborhoods with the preservation planners who know them best, go behind the scenes on preservation and archeology projects, and explore with guides who take on characters like Frederick Law Olmsted.

    You can download the complete calendar from the city's site here. 

    You may find yourself filling your May calendar with exciting things to do and places to see.

    Need the perfect Graduation, Wedding, Shower, or Birthday Gift?

    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

    Artwork: Courtesy of the City of Boston Preservation Week.

  • Preservation Month in Boston, “Buildings & Grounds”

    Preservation Month Brochure

    Each May, Boston celebrates the historic preservaton efforts that bring thousands of visitors to our city and make it a beautiful place to live. This years's calendar of events has been titled, "Buildings & Grounds."

    The long list of events brings extra attention to some historic tours that run year round from groups like Boston By Foot and the Freedom Trail Foundation.

    In addition, you can tour neighborhoods with the preservation planners who know them best, go behind the scenes on preservation and archeology projects, and explore with guides who take on characters like Frederick Law Olmsted.

    You can download the complete calendar from the city's site here. 

    You may find yourself filling your May calendar with exciting things to do and places to see.

    Need the perfect Graduation, Wedding, Shower, or Birthday Gift?

    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

    Artwork: Courtesy of the City of Boston Preservation Week.

  • Preservation Month in Boston, “Buildings & Grounds”

    Preservation Month Brochure

    Each May, Boston celebrates the historic preservaton efforts that bring thousands of visitors to our city and make it a beautiful place to live. This years's calendar of events has been titled, "Buildings & Grounds."

    The long list of events brings extra attention to some historic tours that run year round from groups like Boston By Foot and the Freedom Trail Foundation.

    In addition, you can tour neighborhoods with the preservation planners who know them best, go behind the scenes on preservation and archeology projects, and explore with guides who take on characters like Frederick Law Olmsted.

    You can download the complete calendar from the city's site here. 

    You may find yourself filling your May calendar with exciting things to do and places to see.

    Need the perfect Graduation, Wedding, Shower, or Birthday Gift?

    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

    Artwork: Courtesy of the City of Boston Preservation Week.

  • Mother’s Day Dining 2014, Reserve Now for May 11th!

    Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Mom to a meal out on Mother's Day, May 11, 2014.

    Keep in mind that this "treat Mom to a great meal day" falls at the beginning of graduation season in Boston with Simmons College, Emmanuel College, Fisher College, Emerson College, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, and Berklee College of Music holding commencements that weekend. (Here's the full list of Spring 2014 Commencement Dates for planning purposes.)

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401538e222059970b-800wi

    If your budget is tight, take Mom out for breakfast or treat her to breakfast in bed and some lovely flowers.

    For Mother's Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurants with special menus and hours for May 11, 2014.

    Don't be surprised if some places require a credit card to secure the reservation. This is the type of holiday when people may book multiple restaurants and decide where to go at the last moment. That can make the restaurant turn away other potential customers, so a guarantee may be needed to reserve.

    OpenTable always does a great job of guiding you to the right reservation. What's more, you can just click through and reserve from this list. 

    Boston Chefs has a list of specials for the day from their members. (That link is to the 2013 list and it will be updated closer to the date.)

    As more great Boston food sites publish their recommendations, we'll post updates here! Follow us on Twitter ( @BostonZest ) for notice of those additions! Right now, here are a few recommendations from last year.

    Update 05.07.13: from the North Shore Dish Team here are places to take Mom North of Boston.

    Update 05.10.13: From Grub Street Boston: Grub Guide: Where to Hang Out With Mom If You're Not Into Brunch Buffets

    Update 05.10.13: From Lisa DeCanio: Treat Mom to One of These 12 Mother's Day Brunches

    Our picks:

    For a gathering of family members with different food preferences, it's great to know about a place like Eastern Standard where they can please the cocktail lover, the meat-and-taters brother, and the family epicure.

    If you are meeting people from outside the city, you might consider La Morra in Brookline. They say, "Treat your mom for a 3-course brunch w/favorites such as fresh donuts with spiced sugar and cream, Tuscan toast and homemade frittatas."

    If Mom is a seafood lover, call now to secure a table at Island Creek Oyster Bar. This Kenmore Square restaurant has established itself as the best fine dining seafood restaurant in Boston. Your family will enjoy the best in seafood in a big, comfortable room with reservations and service that will make Mom feel spoiled. 

    And, this year, the Island Creek Team has added a new spot out in the Fort Point neighborhood, Row 34. Here's our first look at this great addition to the city's dining scene.  

    And, for the best gift, let her choose something from her Wish List. Get an Amazon Gift Card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card.

    Details:
    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo: istockphoto.com

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

    Related articles
    Things to Eat during LinkLove Boston 2012
    Zagat Releases "America's Most Iconic Restaurants" – Find Your City!
    Boston's next dining hot spot: The Financial District (really, here's why)
    Brunch on Hamersley's Patio: A Sunday Sojourn

  • Mother’s Day Dining 2014, Reserve Now for May 11th!

    Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Mom to a meal out on Mother's Day, May 11, 2014.

    Keep in mind that this "treat Mom to a great meal day" falls at the beginning of graduation season in Boston with Simmons College, Emmanuel College, Fisher College, Emerson College, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, and Berklee College of Music holding commencements that weekend. (Here's the full list of Spring 2014 Commencement Dates for planning purposes.)

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401538e222059970b-800wi

    If your budget is tight, take Mom out for breakfast or treat her to breakfast in bed and some lovely flowers.

    For Mother's Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurants with special menus and hours for May 11, 2014.

    Don't be surprised if some places require a credit card to secure the reservation. This is the type of holiday when people may book multiple restaurants and decide where to go at the last moment. That can make the restaurant turn away other potential customers, so a guarantee may be needed to reserve.

    OpenTable always does a great job of guiding you to the right reservation. What's more, you can just click through and reserve from this list. 

    Boston Chefs has a list of specials for the day from their members. (That link is to the 2013 list and it will be updated closer to the date.)

    As more great Boston food sites publish their recommendations, we'll post updates here! Follow us on Twitter ( @BostonZest ) for notice of those additions! Right now, here are a few recommendations from last year.

    Update 05.07.13: from the North Shore Dish Team here are places to take Mom North of Boston.

    Update 05.10.13: From Grub Street Boston: Grub Guide: Where to Hang Out With Mom If You're Not Into Brunch Buffets

    Update 05.10.13: From Lisa DeCanio: Treat Mom to One of These 12 Mother's Day Brunches

    Our picks:

    For a gathering of family members with different food preferences, it's great to know about a place like Eastern Standard where they can please the cocktail lover, the meat-and-taters brother, and the family epicure.

    If you are meeting people from outside the city, you might consider La Morra in Brookline. They say, "Treat your mom for a 3-course brunch w/favorites such as fresh donuts with spiced sugar and cream, Tuscan toast and homemade frittatas."

    If Mom is a seafood lover, call now to secure a table at Island Creek Oyster Bar. This Kenmore Square restaurant has established itself as the best fine dining seafood restaurant in Boston. Your family will enjoy the best in seafood in a big, comfortable room with reservations and service that will make Mom feel spoiled. 

    And, this year, the Island Creek Team has added a new spot out in the Fort Point neighborhood, Row 34. Here's our first look at this great addition to the city's dining scene.  

    And, for the best gift, let her choose something from her Wish List. Get an Amazon Gift Card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card.

    Details:
    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo: istockphoto.com

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

    Related articles
    Things to Eat during LinkLove Boston 2012
    Zagat Releases "America's Most Iconic Restaurants" – Find Your City!
    Boston's next dining hot spot: The Financial District (really, here's why)
    Brunch on Hamersley's Patio: A Sunday Sojourn