bostonzest

Category: Events

  • Flu Vaccination Information Update for 2013 – 2014 Season

    IStock_000010863371Small

    UPDATE: Latest Flu Vaccination Information … Boston Area Resources to Find a Flu Shot

    Here's the latest Flu Shot information. We've compiled a list of sources to help in your search for, and understanding of, this season's vaccination.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that, “There are several flu vaccine options for the 2013-2014 flu season.” Besides the usual trivalent vaccine designed to protect against three different flu viruses, there’s a quadrivalent vaccine meant to protect against four different flu viruses – plus, additional choices within each group. >>More Information Here

    In this post, you'll also find assistance from federal, state, and local authorities – including medical institutions and retail stores. There are sites to track flu activity, plus suggestions that could help save you time and money.

    As always, check with your doctor or other healthcare professionals for any flu-related advice.  

    Do federal, state, and city health officials have any updates on flu or flu vaccinations?

    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the Boston area?

    • Here's a search box made available to us by the U.S. Department of Health. Just enter your Zip Code, hit go, and you'll have a map of options.  


    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the surrounding area?

    More information below the ad.

    Whether you're waiting in line for a flu shot or taking an easy day with a headcold, an Amazon Kindle makes a great companion. Buy new books on the fly, dig into your archive to re-read old favorites. And, thank you to everyone who supports the compiling of information like this by beginning all their Amazon shopping from BostonZest. It doesn't cost you a penny more, but it does put a few pennies in our pockets.

    What's the level of flu activity in our area?

    More details below...

    • Some Pharmacies have flu vaccine, including CVS,  Walgreens, and  RiteAid.
    • If you haven't checked lately, this might be a good time to consult with your primary care physician for the latest flu shot information.
    • Whichever flu shot location you choose, we recommend that you call the site directly before going.

    Here's a link to information on caring for someone with the flu and preventing the spread of the disease.

     And, for a friend suffering from a bad cold or the flu, remember Chicken Soup for a Sick Friend!

    Follow us on Twitter for alerts when we update this article.

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo Credit: James Gathany, courtesy of  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

    Related articles
    Good Question: When Is The Best Time To Get The Flu Shot?
    Which New Flu Vaccines Are Right for You?
    Flu Season Is Here–Vaccinate to Protect You and Your Loved Ones from Flu

  • Flu Vaccination Information Update for 2013 – 2014 Season

    IStock_000010863371Small

    UPDATE: Latest Flu Vaccination Information … Boston Area Resources to Find a Flu Shot

    Here's the latest Flu Shot information. We've compiled a list of sources to help in your search for, and understanding of, this season's vaccination.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that, “There are several flu vaccine options for the 2013-2014 flu season.” Besides the usual trivalent vaccine designed to protect against three different flu viruses, there’s a quadrivalent vaccine meant to protect against four different flu viruses – plus, additional choices within each group. >>More Information Here

    In this post, you'll also find assistance from federal, state, and local authorities – including medical institutions and retail stores. There are sites to track flu activity, plus suggestions that could help save you time and money.

    As always, check with your doctor or other healthcare professionals for any flu-related advice.  

    Do federal, state, and city health officials have any updates on flu or flu vaccinations?

    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the Boston area?

    • Here's a search box made available to us by the U.S. Department of Health. Just enter your Zip Code, hit go, and you'll have a map of options.  


    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the surrounding area?

    More information below the ad.

    Whether you're waiting in line for a flu shot or taking an easy day with a headcold, an Amazon Kindle makes a great companion. Buy new books on the fly, dig into your archive to re-read old favorites. And, thank you to everyone who supports the compiling of information like this by beginning all their Amazon shopping from BostonZest. It doesn't cost you a penny more, but it does put a few pennies in our pockets.

    What's the level of flu activity in our area?

    More details below...

    • Some Pharmacies have flu vaccine, including CVS,  Walgreens, and  RiteAid.
    • If you haven't checked lately, this might be a good time to consult with your primary care physician for the latest flu shot information.
    • Whichever flu shot location you choose, we recommend that you call the site directly before going.

    Here's a link to information on caring for someone with the flu and preventing the spread of the disease.

     And, for a friend suffering from a bad cold or the flu, remember Chicken Soup for a Sick Friend!

    Follow us on Twitter for alerts when we update this article.

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo Credit: James Gathany, courtesy of  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

    Related articles
    Good Question: When Is The Best Time To Get The Flu Shot?
    Which New Flu Vaccines Are Right for You?
    Flu Season Is Here–Vaccinate to Protect You and Your Loved Ones from Flu

  • What’s Open on Columbus Day 2013 in Boston, MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More

    Here's a rundown of what's open and closed in Boston on Columbus Day and changes to MBTA schedules for October 14, 2013. As the information becomes available, we'll also update you on parking, street sweeping, traffic alerts, road closures, parades, and trash collection.

    Update: Here's the link to the 2015 version of this information.

    What's Open & Closed in Boston on Columbus Day  2015 Plus Trash, Parking, MBTA Schedules & More.

    We publish these reminders before each holiday to help our readers make their holiday plans.

    Open doors fenway 2014

    This is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open. But, if you have the day off, you might enjoy a visit to the Opening Our Doors 2014 in the Fenway Cultural District.

    What's open?

    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, each year more banks decide to keep a few branches open. Check with your own bank. 

    Stock market: Open as are international markets.

    Boston Parking, Trash, Etc.

    Boston Parking: City website says, "Free parking at all city meters. All other rules apply.

    Street Sweeping: City website says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect."

    Boston Trash Collection: From this page on the city site.

    "Monday October 14, 2013

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

    Delay trash and recycling collection a day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

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

    Traffic Alerts/Road closures: More will be added as we are made aware of them.

    • Columbus Day Parade – Sunday, October 13th in the North End.
    • BAA Half Marathon – Sunday, October 13th from White Stadium in Franklin Park. Here's the official site for that event.
    • DCR Memorial Drive Road Closure Western Ave to Mt Auburn Street – Sunday October 7th.
    • Tufts 10 K – Monday October 14th – Road closures in the Back Bay and Cambridge. Here's the site for details.

    MBTA Columbus Day Schedules 2013 (updated 10/03/13)

    The MBTA has announced schedules for Columbus Day, Monday, October 14, 2013. The service schedules varied from Saturday, to modified Saturday, and regular weekday, to modified weekday. For a few days before and after the holiday, schedule details will show up at this link.

    Remember the links for details will only work through the holiday then that page reverts to a generic form.

    For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Art from The Fenway Cultural District 

    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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • What’s Open on Columbus Day 2013 in Boston, MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More

    Here's a rundown of what's open and closed in Boston on Columbus Day and changes to MBTA schedules for October 14, 2013. As the information becomes available, we'll also update you on parking, street sweeping, traffic alerts, road closures, parades, and trash collection.

    Update: Here's the link to the 2015 version of this information.

    What's Open & Closed in Boston on Columbus Day  2015 Plus Trash, Parking, MBTA Schedules & More.

    We publish these reminders before each holiday to help our readers make their holiday plans.

    Open doors fenway 2014

    This is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open. But, if you have the day off, you might enjoy a visit to the Opening Our Doors 2014 in the Fenway Cultural District.

    What's open?

    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, each year more banks decide to keep a few branches open. Check with your own bank. 

    Stock market: Open as are international markets.

    Boston Parking, Trash, Etc.

    Boston Parking: City website says, "Free parking at all city meters. All other rules apply.

    Street Sweeping: City website says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect."

    Boston Trash Collection: From this page on the city site.

    "Monday October 14, 2013

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

    Delay trash and recycling collection a day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

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

    Traffic Alerts/Road closures: More will be added as we are made aware of them.

    • Columbus Day Parade – Sunday, October 13th in the North End.
    • BAA Half Marathon – Sunday, October 13th from White Stadium in Franklin Park. Here's the official site for that event.
    • DCR Memorial Drive Road Closure Western Ave to Mt Auburn Street – Sunday October 7th.
    • Tufts 10 K – Monday October 14th – Road closures in the Back Bay and Cambridge. Here's the site for details.

    MBTA Columbus Day Schedules 2013 (updated 10/03/13)

    The MBTA has announced schedules for Columbus Day, Monday, October 14, 2013. The service schedules varied from Saturday, to modified Saturday, and regular weekday, to modified weekday. For a few days before and after the holiday, schedule details will show up at this link.

    Remember the links for details will only work through the holiday then that page reverts to a generic form.

    For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Art from The Fenway Cultural District 

    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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • What’s Open on Columbus Day 2013 in Boston, MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More

    Here's a rundown of what's open and closed in Boston on Columbus Day and changes to MBTA schedules for October 14, 2013. As the information becomes available, we'll also update you on parking, street sweeping, traffic alerts, road closures, parades, and trash collection.

    Update: Here's the link to the 2015 version of this information.

    What's Open & Closed in Boston on Columbus Day  2015 Plus Trash, Parking, MBTA Schedules & More.

    We publish these reminders before each holiday to help our readers make their holiday plans.

    Open doors fenway 2014

    This is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open. But, if you have the day off, you might enjoy a visit to the Opening Our Doors 2014 in the Fenway Cultural District.

    What's open?

    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, each year more banks decide to keep a few branches open. Check with your own bank. 

    Stock market: Open as are international markets.

    Boston Parking, Trash, Etc.

    Boston Parking: City website says, "Free parking at all city meters. All other rules apply.

    Street Sweeping: City website says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect."

    Boston Trash Collection: From this page on the city site.

    "Monday October 14, 2013

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

    Delay trash and recycling collection a day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

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

    Traffic Alerts/Road closures: More will be added as we are made aware of them.

    • Columbus Day Parade – Sunday, October 13th in the North End.
    • BAA Half Marathon – Sunday, October 13th from White Stadium in Franklin Park. Here's the official site for that event.
    • DCR Memorial Drive Road Closure Western Ave to Mt Auburn Street – Sunday October 7th.
    • Tufts 10 K – Monday October 14th – Road closures in the Back Bay and Cambridge. Here's the site for details.

    MBTA Columbus Day Schedules 2013 (updated 10/03/13)

    The MBTA has announced schedules for Columbus Day, Monday, October 14, 2013. The service schedules varied from Saturday, to modified Saturday, and regular weekday, to modified weekday. For a few days before and after the holiday, schedule details will show up at this link.

    Remember the links for details will only work through the holiday then that page reverts to a generic form.

    For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Art from The Fenway Cultural District 

    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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • What’s Happening during October 2013 in the Boston Area

    Here's an edited version of a subject that Penny posted over on the Trip Advisor Boston Forum. Many visitors don't understand why hotel prices are sometimes higher one week than the next and why restaurant reservations may be hard to obtain. 

    6a00e54fc42bb888340153933c1d0b970b-800wi

    Foliage on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall

    As other locals and destination experts added to the list, we discovered the conversation was useful to us, too. So, we're sharing the highlights for us with our BostonZest readers. 

    -fall foliage- commonwealth ave-boston-back bay

    Foliage can be beautiful right here in Boston

     Fall Foliage is a big tourist draw throughout the month and is fun for all of us, too. 

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019aff7a2a29970c-800wi

    Screenshot courtesy of the Fenway Cultural District

    October 14th, Opening Our Doors 2013 with lot's of free admission and special happenings in the Fenway Cultural District. 

    6a00e54fc42bb888340154363c2e9a970c-800wi

    Racers at the Head of the Charles Regatta

    October 19th-20th – The Head of the Charles Regatta will jam hotels throughout the region and is a wonderful spectator event. An estimated 9,000 participants and 300,000 spectators are expected to attend.

    Lots of things that are of interest to other Bostonians and visitors will be added to the trip advisor conversation so be sure to click over there for more ideas.

    Add what you love to do in October to the comments section! Save this page and we'll update it as the month goes on.

    Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

    What's on your Fall Shopping List. Click here for Fall Season Savings over at Amazon.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2011-2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • What’s Happening during October 2013 in the Boston Area

    Here's an edited version of a subject that Penny posted over on the Trip Advisor Boston Forum. Many visitors don't understand why hotel prices are sometimes higher one week than the next and why restaurant reservations may be hard to obtain. 

    6a00e54fc42bb888340153933c1d0b970b-800wi

    Foliage on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall

    As other locals and destination experts added to the list, we discovered the conversation was useful to us, too. So, we're sharing the highlights for us with our BostonZest readers. 

    -fall foliage- commonwealth ave-boston-back bay

    Foliage can be beautiful right here in Boston

     Fall Foliage is a big tourist draw throughout the month and is fun for all of us, too. 

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019aff7a2a29970c-800wi

    Screenshot courtesy of the Fenway Cultural District

    October 14th, Opening Our Doors 2013 with lot's of free admission and special happenings in the Fenway Cultural District. 

    6a00e54fc42bb888340154363c2e9a970c-800wi

    Racers at the Head of the Charles Regatta

    October 19th-20th – The Head of the Charles Regatta will jam hotels throughout the region and is a wonderful spectator event. An estimated 9,000 participants and 300,000 spectators are expected to attend.

    Lots of things that are of interest to other Bostonians and visitors will be added to the trip advisor conversation so be sure to click over there for more ideas.

    Add what you love to do in October to the comments section! Save this page and we'll update it as the month goes on.

    Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

    What's on your Fall Shopping List. Click here for Fall Season Savings over at Amazon.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2011-2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • What’s Happening during October 2013 in the Boston Area

    Here's an edited version of a subject that Penny posted over on the Trip Advisor Boston Forum. Many visitors don't understand why hotel prices are sometimes higher one week than the next and why restaurant reservations may be hard to obtain. 

    6a00e54fc42bb888340153933c1d0b970b-800wi

    Foliage on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall

    As other locals and destination experts added to the list, we discovered the conversation was useful to us, too. So, we're sharing the highlights for us with our BostonZest readers. 

    -fall foliage- commonwealth ave-boston-back bay

    Foliage can be beautiful right here in Boston

     Fall Foliage is a big tourist draw throughout the month and is fun for all of us, too. 

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019aff7a2a29970c-800wi

    Screenshot courtesy of the Fenway Cultural District

    October 14th, Opening Our Doors 2013 with lot's of free admission and special happenings in the Fenway Cultural District. 

    6a00e54fc42bb888340154363c2e9a970c-800wi

    Racers at the Head of the Charles Regatta

    October 19th-20th – The Head of the Charles Regatta will jam hotels throughout the region and is a wonderful spectator event. An estimated 9,000 participants and 300,000 spectators are expected to attend.

    Lots of things that are of interest to other Bostonians and visitors will be added to the trip advisor conversation so be sure to click over there for more ideas.

    Add what you love to do in October to the comments section! Save this page and we'll update it as the month goes on.

    Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

    What's on your Fall Shopping List. Click here for Fall Season Savings over at Amazon.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2011-2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Where to Park and Dine Around Symphony Hall 2013 Edition

    Readers and friends who have tickets for the Pops or Boston Symphony Orchestra always ask us, "Where can we dine around Symphony Hall?" And, once the conversation is open, it's followed by, "Where can we park?"

    Please add your favorite spots for dining and parking around this area in the comments below. And, if you try one of our suggestions, let us know how it worked for you.

    4899518320_644e3f202e
    (Postcard image circa 1901-1907 from the Boston Public Library Collection.)

    Here's our primer for a great visit to the BSO or Boston Pops at Symphony Hall.

    We say, make dining and parking a joint decision. Our first suggestion is always to leave the car at home or at a park & ride and take the MBTA to the concert.

    But, if you must have a car at hand, the Prudential Center is our favorite parking place to recommend in the city. It has its own exit off the Mass Pike. It's connected to mass transit, has taxis available at the doors, and there's a great choice of dining options within the complex. And, best of all, Google estimates that Symphony Hall is a 6-minute walk down Huntington Avenue. (map)

     

    Update 04.09.14: When this topic was discussed over on the Trip Advisor Boston forum, regular contributor Ting clued us in on the special Prudential Center parking discount for those attending Symphony Hall, Berklee, Huntington Theater, Jordan Hall,and other events. Details here.

    Prudential Options

    If a splurge is on the menu, L'Espalier is the star of the show and has valet service. If a mini-splurge is more in line with your budget, reserve a seat in their Salon for a glass of wine and a bite before the concert, or dessert and a cheese course afterward. The restaurant is accessible from inside the Prudential Center via the Mandarin Hotel.

     

    Woody's Grill & Tap

    It's a six minute walk from Symphony to 58 Hemenway Street and Woody's Grill & Tap. It had been years since we'd been there but we wandered in recently with our friends Liz & Mick and enjoyed an excellent meal. The pizzas were as great as always but excellent appetizers and salads shined and will have us coming back often. Try the grilled asparagus!

     

    Newbury Street

    Park at the Pru and dine on Newbury Street. After dinner you can even walk to Symphony by reentering the Prudential Center and making part of your walk to the concert through their climate controlled corridors.

     

    Since we walk all over the city, we would consider a few of the restaurants on Newbury close to symphony. La Voile is a great choice for French Bistro food.

     

    And, we love to stop into Tapeo for a few tapas at the bar or a table full of choices to share with a group of friends.

    Another Great Choice is Brasserie JO

    We also recommend that concert goers consider a Boston gem that's often overlooked – Brasserie JO at The Colonnade Hotel. This place always comes through with French flair, great service, and a good meal. It's also a short walk on that same map, because it's across from the Prudential Center.

     

    We love their bar to have a glass of wine and a light meal. And, after the concert, this is a wonderful place for a memorable dessert. They have a way with chocolate sauce!

     

    5693576398_b23610e97f
    (Waiting for unreserved seats for the Friday afternoon concert circa 1950 from the BPL collection)

    Ethnic Options for less formal dining

    If you want an ethnic meal or a quick bite before the show, we have a few favorites to recommend.

    • Moby Dick – our friend Francine Crawford pointed us to this little gem. It's one of her favorite pre-concert spots.
    • Pho Basil on Massachusetts Avenue does Thai and Vietnamese food and pleases us with both cuisines. Here's a post on some of the dishes we really enjoy at Pho Basil.
    • Lucy Ethiopian Cafe is across the street from Symphony and is fun and delicious. But, give this choice a bit more time. The pace of this cafe's warm hospitality and made-to-order food is a bit slower than many places. They also have wonderful coffee and a selection of desserts for after the show.
    • India Samraat on Massachusetts Avenue between Commonwealth and Marlborough is a bit further away but still within walking distance, especially if you park near Newbury Street. This is a restaurant we enjoy sharing with friends. (Update 04/09/14: sadly this favorite of ours has closed. We miss the food and the family.)
    • Chili Duck, right across Boylston from the Pru, is a hidden gem and another great spot if you're meeting the gang.
    • Symphony Sushi , (Update 09/22/13) reader Rob Marais (a long time member of the BostonZest community) added this to the list down in the comments section. " I'd also suggest Symphony Sushi around the corner from Huntington on Gainesborough St, it's solid sushi and a nice option for those looking for a light dinner before a Symphony Hall concert." 

    Other resources and opinions

    "Where to dine for Symphony?" is a question routinely asked of the crew over on Chowhound's Boston board. Here are a couple of recent conversations with some options that we haven't tried yet.

     

    Here are maps to help you find more options:

    Other parking around Symphony Hall


    Other restaurants around Symphony Hall

     

    If this type of information is helpful to you, consider saying thank you by starting your next Amazon shopping trip from here. They have the things you want including Boston Pops and BSO music and a full line of MP3 Downloads.

     



    Details:
    Symphony Hall
    301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-4557 (map)
    (617) 266-2378

    www.bso.org‎

    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo: Courtesy of the Boston Public Library

  • Where to Park and Dine Around Symphony Hall 2013 Edition

    Readers and friends who have tickets for the Pops or Boston Symphony Orchestra always ask us, "Where can we dine around Symphony Hall?" And, once the conversation is open, it's followed by, "Where can we park?"

    Please add your favorite spots for dining and parking around this area in the comments below. And, if you try one of our suggestions, let us know how it worked for you.

    4899518320_644e3f202e
    (Postcard image circa 1901-1907 from the Boston Public Library Collection.)

    Here's our primer for a great visit to the BSO or Boston Pops at Symphony Hall.

    We say, make dining and parking a joint decision. Our first suggestion is always to leave the car at home or at a park & ride and take the MBTA to the concert.

    But, if you must have a car at hand, the Prudential Center is our favorite parking place to recommend in the city. It has its own exit off the Mass Pike. It's connected to mass transit, has taxis available at the doors, and there's a great choice of dining options within the complex. And, best of all, Google estimates that Symphony Hall is a 6-minute walk down Huntington Avenue. (map)

     

    Update 04.09.14: When this topic was discussed over on the Trip Advisor Boston forum, regular contributor Ting clued us in on the special Prudential Center parking discount for those attending Symphony Hall, Berklee, Huntington Theater, Jordan Hall,and other events. Details here.

    Prudential Options

    If a splurge is on the menu, L'Espalier is the star of the show and has valet service. If a mini-splurge is more in line with your budget, reserve a seat in their Salon for a glass of wine and a bite before the concert, or dessert and a cheese course afterward. The restaurant is accessible from inside the Prudential Center via the Mandarin Hotel.

     

    Woody's Grill & Tap

    It's a six minute walk from Symphony to 58 Hemenway Street and Woody's Grill & Tap. It had been years since we'd been there but we wandered in recently with our friends Liz & Mick and enjoyed an excellent meal. The pizzas were as great as always but excellent appetizers and salads shined and will have us coming back often. Try the grilled asparagus!

     

    Newbury Street

    Park at the Pru and dine on Newbury Street. After dinner you can even walk to Symphony by reentering the Prudential Center and making part of your walk to the concert through their climate controlled corridors.

     

    Since we walk all over the city, we would consider a few of the restaurants on Newbury close to symphony. La Voile is a great choice for French Bistro food.

     

    And, we love to stop into Tapeo for a few tapas at the bar or a table full of choices to share with a group of friends.

    Another Great Choice is Brasserie JO

    We also recommend that concert goers consider a Boston gem that's often overlooked – Brasserie JO at The Colonnade Hotel. This place always comes through with French flair, great service, and a good meal. It's also a short walk on that same map, because it's across from the Prudential Center.

     

    We love their bar to have a glass of wine and a light meal. And, after the concert, this is a wonderful place for a memorable dessert. They have a way with chocolate sauce!

     

    5693576398_b23610e97f
    (Waiting for unreserved seats for the Friday afternoon concert circa 1950 from the BPL collection)

    Ethnic Options for less formal dining

    If you want an ethnic meal or a quick bite before the show, we have a few favorites to recommend.

    • Moby Dick – our friend Francine Crawford pointed us to this little gem. It's one of her favorite pre-concert spots.
    • Pho Basil on Massachusetts Avenue does Thai and Vietnamese food and pleases us with both cuisines. Here's a post on some of the dishes we really enjoy at Pho Basil.
    • Lucy Ethiopian Cafe is across the street from Symphony and is fun and delicious. But, give this choice a bit more time. The pace of this cafe's warm hospitality and made-to-order food is a bit slower than many places. They also have wonderful coffee and a selection of desserts for after the show.
    • India Samraat on Massachusetts Avenue between Commonwealth and Marlborough is a bit further away but still within walking distance, especially if you park near Newbury Street. This is a restaurant we enjoy sharing with friends. (Update 04/09/14: sadly this favorite of ours has closed. We miss the food and the family.)
    • Chili Duck, right across Boylston from the Pru, is a hidden gem and another great spot if you're meeting the gang.
    • Symphony Sushi , (Update 09/22/13) reader Rob Marais (a long time member of the BostonZest community) added this to the list down in the comments section. " I'd also suggest Symphony Sushi around the corner from Huntington on Gainesborough St, it's solid sushi and a nice option for those looking for a light dinner before a Symphony Hall concert." 

    Other resources and opinions

    "Where to dine for Symphony?" is a question routinely asked of the crew over on Chowhound's Boston board. Here are a couple of recent conversations with some options that we haven't tried yet.

     

    Here are maps to help you find more options:

    Other parking around Symphony Hall


    Other restaurants around Symphony Hall

     

    If this type of information is helpful to you, consider saying thank you by starting your next Amazon shopping trip from here. They have the things you want including Boston Pops and BSO music and a full line of MP3 Downloads.

     



    Details:
    Symphony Hall
    301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-4557 (map)
    (617) 266-2378

    www.bso.org‎

    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo: Courtesy of the Boston Public Library