Category: Events

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

Now's the time to plan where you'll park for Marathon weekend, so your car doesn't end up on a flatbed! And, be warned, the city does tow every car left in the way of the racers. When you move your car, think ahead.

If you normally park on the streets along the route of the weekend races, you may want to begin looking for spaces off the route. If you can do without your car for a few days, consider stashing it in a safe spot before everyone else has the same idea. And, remember, the bike lanes on Massachusetts Avenue eliminated more than 70 spaces, so finding on-street parking will be more difficult than ever.

Here's a Google map that locates public parking facilities using the Boston Marathon Finish Line as the central point.

And, if you'll need your car on Monday, you should make sure it's on the side of the Marathon route where you can reach it and get to your planned destination.

Saturday, April 16, 2016 – The B.A.A. 5K, Invitational Mile, and Relay Challenge

Again, this year, there are weekend races prior to Monday's marathon.

Thousands of runners are expected to compete in the 5K (3.1 mile) race two days prior to the 120th Boston Marathon. The 5K race is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. by the Boston Common and cover a route through parts of the Back Bay ending back at the Common. Here's a link to the B.A.A. 5K course map.

Plus, there are the Invitational Mile races that will also be held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) For details, including streets impacted by this event, go to B.A.A. Invitational Mile.

And, the B.A.A. Relay Challenge is also scheduled on Saturday (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

For the full press release with more details, Click Here.

Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for Marathon Weekend 2016

The Boston Police have a very helpful page detailing all the things you need to know about street closures and parking restrictions for this weekend. Here's a link to all that information. Just in case, their site gets too busy or you want a copy of your own, we made a pdf of the page. Download City of Boston Traffic and Parking Advisory: Boston Marathon Weekend, Saturday, April 16 through Monday, April 18, 2016 — bpdnews.com

Related Posts & Helpful Links:

What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

Parking and No-Tow alerts

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2016

Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

Views from Hereford Street 2009

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

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: Ed Cherubino

Photo: © 2014 Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Lost Boston: Bicycle Club at 152 Newbury Street

Runners Already Preparing For Boston Marathon

Ryan Hall explains withdrawal from Boston Marathon

Team BMC for the Boston Marathon: Help Support Our Mission!

April 13, 2016
Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

Now's the time to plan where you'll park for Marathon weekend, so your car doesn't end up on a flatbed! And, be warned, the city does tow every car left in the way of the racers. When you move your car, think ahead.

If you normally park on the streets along the route of the weekend races, you may want to begin looking for spaces off the route. If you can do without your car for a few days, consider stashing it in a safe spot before everyone else has the same idea. And, remember, the bike lanes on Massachusetts Avenue eliminated more than 70 spaces, so finding on-street parking will be more difficult than ever.

Here's a Google map that locates public parking facilities using the Boston Marathon Finish Line as the central point.

And, if you'll need your car on Monday, you should make sure it's on the side of the Marathon route where you can reach it and get to your planned destination.

Saturday, April 16, 2016 – The B.A.A. 5K, Invitational Mile, and Relay Challenge

Again, this year, there are weekend races prior to Monday's marathon.

Thousands of runners are expected to compete in the 5K (3.1 mile) race two days prior to the 120th Boston Marathon. The 5K race is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. by the Boston Common and cover a route through parts of the Back Bay ending back at the Common. Here's a link to the B.A.A. 5K course map.

Plus, there are the Invitational Mile races that will also be held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) For details, including streets impacted by this event, go to B.A.A. Invitational Mile.

And, the B.A.A. Relay Challenge is also scheduled on Saturday (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

For the full press release with more details, Click Here.

Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for Marathon Weekend 2016

The Boston Police have a very helpful page detailing all the things you need to know about street closures and parking restrictions for this weekend. Here's a link to all that information. Just in case, their site gets too busy or you want a copy of your own, we made a pdf of the page. Download City of Boston Traffic and Parking Advisory: Boston Marathon Weekend, Saturday, April 16 through Monday, April 18, 2016 — bpdnews.com

Related Posts & Helpful Links:

What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

Parking and No-Tow alerts

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2016

Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

Views from Hereford Street 2009

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

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: Ed Cherubino

Photo: © 2014 Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Lost Boston: Bicycle Club at 152 Newbury Street

Runners Already Preparing For Boston Marathon

Ryan Hall explains withdrawal from Boston Marathon

Team BMC for the Boston Marathon: Help Support Our Mission!

April 13, 2016
What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes
Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for – Monday, April 18, 2016. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.

We will update this post as more of the 2016 information become available. Follow us on Twitter where we'll announce updates.

Until official information is published by the city and state, here are links to their pages from 2015.

Update 04.16.15: From the City a page on Marathon Monday with maps etc. (warning auto start video)

Update 04.13.15: From the Massachusetts State Police, here are:

Policies for 2015 Boston Marathon Spectators & Participants

In case this site is busy or the link doesn't work, you can: Download Policies for 2015 Boston Marathon Spectators & Participants | MSPnews.org

Patriot Samuel Adams statue was moved to Dock Square in the 1920s. Photo by Leslie Jones courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.

Patriots' Day is a Massachusetts State Holiday Only.

Open:
Restaurants, Bars, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets, Retail Stores, Liquor Stores

Financial Services: Banks may open if they wish. All markets are open.

Federal Offices and Facilities are open: This includes the Postal Service.

Closed:
Massachusetts City, Town, State Operations: This includes Schools, Libraries. Only emergency services are available.

Boston Parking

One of the most common questions we get is about street sweeping on Patriots' Day. Here's the page from the city website with the answer. It 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."

You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. Many more streets than in the past will be cleared of parked cars to accommodate the Boston Marathon and Patriots' Day activities.

Be sure to check your car in the days leading up to the marathon to be certain it is not in a tow-away zone for the event. Here's how you can sign up for parking alerts and tow alerts.

Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for Marathon Weekend 2016

The Boston Police have a very helpful page detailing all the things you need to know about street closures and parking restrictions for this weekend. Here's a link to all that information. Just in case, their site gets too busy or you want a copy of your own, we made a pdf of the page. Download City of Boston Traffic and Parking Advisory: Boston Marathon Weekend, Saturday, April 16 through Monday, April 18, 2016 — bpdnews.com

Boston Trash Collection

The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information.

MBTA Marathon Monday Schedule:

You can see full details on their events page through April 18th, 2016. If you would like to see a copy after that day, we have made a pdf of the information: Download MBTA Patriots' Day

Tips:
- Buy your fares in advance with a Charlie Card or Charlie Ticket to avoid waiting in line on Monday.
- The MBTA advises, "For the safety of our customers, Copley Station will be closed for the entire day on April 18, 2016."
- Due to crowds, they don't allow bikes "on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day."
- Check T-Alerts for the most up-to-date service information.
Marathon Monday 2016 MBTA Quick Look …

Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver Line service will run a "regular weekday schedule." (See the MBTA page for special service notes on the Silver and Green Lines.)

The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green line will have, "… rush-hour levels of service before and after the race."

Commuter Rail trains "… will operate a "regular weekday schedule."

"Buses and trackless trolleys will operate a weekday schedule …"

"Some bus routes will be detoured due to the Marathon and other Patriots' Day race events. The approximate time for most street closures is 8:00 a.m. through 6:30 p.m." (See the MBTA page for special service notes.)

Commuter Boats "… will operate a regular weekday schedule."

"THE RIDE will operate a regular weekday schedule."

Complete details on all changes are at: Official MBTA Information for Marathon Monday 2016

MBTA PARKING

"Customers should note that all MBTA parking garages will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on Patriots' Day, April 18, in order to ensure all customers exit in a timely manner. Due to heavy parking demand, some MBTA parking garages and lots may fill more quickly than normal. Customers planning to park in an MBTA garage or lot should plan accordingly."

Official 2016 Boston Marathon information:

www.bostonmarathon.org

Related Posts:

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2016

Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

Views from Hereford Street 2009

Do you have enough memory for all the photos you'll want to shoot of the spring blooms? Do you need a new camera for the season or as a gift? Begin your shopping by Click right here to check the prices at Amazon on great items like Sandisk memory cards.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo:Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.

Related articles

Boston's Number One Taxi

Get Ready for Amtrak's "All Aboard" for Dogs & Cats
April 8, 2016
What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes
Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for – Monday, April 18, 2016. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.

We will update this post as more of the 2016 information become available. Follow us on Twitter where we'll announce updates.

Until official information is published by the city and state, here are links to their pages from 2015.

Update 04.16.15: From the City a page on Marathon Monday with maps etc. (warning auto start video)

Update 04.13.15: From the Massachusetts State Police, here are:

Policies for 2015 Boston Marathon Spectators & Participants

In case this site is busy or the link doesn't work, you can: Download Policies for 2015 Boston Marathon Spectators & Participants | MSPnews.org

Patriot Samuel Adams statue was moved to Dock Square in the 1920s. Photo by Leslie Jones courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.

Patriots' Day is a Massachusetts State Holiday Only.

Open:
Restaurants, Bars, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets, Retail Stores, Liquor Stores

Financial Services: Banks may open if they wish. All markets are open.

Federal Offices and Facilities are open: This includes the Postal Service.

Closed:
Massachusetts City, Town, State Operations: This includes Schools, Libraries. Only emergency services are available.

Boston Parking

One of the most common questions we get is about street sweeping on Patriots' Day. Here's the page from the city website with the answer. It 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."

You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. Many more streets than in the past will be cleared of parked cars to accommodate the Boston Marathon and Patriots' Day activities.

Be sure to check your car in the days leading up to the marathon to be certain it is not in a tow-away zone for the event. Here's how you can sign up for parking alerts and tow alerts.

Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for Marathon Weekend 2016

The Boston Police have a very helpful page detailing all the things you need to know about street closures and parking restrictions for this weekend. Here's a link to all that information. Just in case, their site gets too busy or you want a copy of your own, we made a pdf of the page. Download City of Boston Traffic and Parking Advisory: Boston Marathon Weekend, Saturday, April 16 through Monday, April 18, 2016 — bpdnews.com

Boston Trash Collection

The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information.

MBTA Marathon Monday Schedule:

You can see full details on their events page through April 18th, 2016. If you would like to see a copy after that day, we have made a pdf of the information: Download MBTA Patriots' Day

Tips:
- Buy your fares in advance with a Charlie Card or Charlie Ticket to avoid waiting in line on Monday.
- The MBTA advises, "For the safety of our customers, Copley Station will be closed for the entire day on April 18, 2016."
- Due to crowds, they don't allow bikes "on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day."
- Check T-Alerts for the most up-to-date service information.
Marathon Monday 2016 MBTA Quick Look …

Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver Line service will run a "regular weekday schedule." (See the MBTA page for special service notes on the Silver and Green Lines.)

The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green line will have, "… rush-hour levels of service before and after the race."

Commuter Rail trains "… will operate a "regular weekday schedule."

"Buses and trackless trolleys will operate a weekday schedule …"

"Some bus routes will be detoured due to the Marathon and other Patriots' Day race events. The approximate time for most street closures is 8:00 a.m. through 6:30 p.m." (See the MBTA page for special service notes.)

Commuter Boats "… will operate a regular weekday schedule."

"THE RIDE will operate a regular weekday schedule."

Complete details on all changes are at: Official MBTA Information for Marathon Monday 2016

MBTA PARKING

"Customers should note that all MBTA parking garages will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on Patriots' Day, April 18, in order to ensure all customers exit in a timely manner. Due to heavy parking demand, some MBTA parking garages and lots may fill more quickly than normal. Customers planning to park in an MBTA garage or lot should plan accordingly."

Official 2016 Boston Marathon information:

www.bostonmarathon.org

Related Posts:

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2016

Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

Views from Hereford Street 2009

Do you have enough memory for all the photos you'll want to shoot of the spring blooms? Do you need a new camera for the season or as a gift? Begin your shopping by Click right here to check the prices at Amazon on great items like Sandisk memory cards.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo:Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.

Related articles

Boston's Number One Taxi

Get Ready for Amtrak's "All Aboard" for Dogs & Cats
April 8, 2016
Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend

Whether you're coming to run or watch the 2019 Boston Marathon or just want to log some miles, it's an exciting time to visit the city. And, we hope this piece will help all the runners who are new to the city, here for vacation, or a business trip.

Right onto Hereford Street – Less Than a Mile to Go!

I remember my first Boston Marathon as a spectator. Penny and I booked a hotel room for the weekend and left the car parked. We took in the runners' expo, pasta supper, and other pre-race activities, then watched a spectacular Boylston Street finish.

As an out-of-state runner staying near Faneuil Hall, I still wanted to get in a run or two, but wasn't sure where to head.

Now, as a Boston resident, I can recommend a couple of my favorite routes.

Charles River Run …

If you're a visiting runner staying anywhere near the finish line, you can't beat a daytime run along the Charles River. It offers great views and a more open course without having to constantly cross roadways. This multi-use path is shared by bikes, blades, skate boards, dogs, and walkers. It can get congested as the day wears on but, who knows, you may find yourself sharing the trail with some famous, elite runners. It's easy to make any number of loops between the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river by using the many bridges along the way.

From Back Bay, you can access the Charles River Esplanade from Massachusetts Avenue, Fairfield, Dartmouth, and Arlington Streets. If you head west from the Massachusetts Avenue ramp, you can also use the parcourse workout station that's located just up-river. Click here for photos and details including a map to find it.

Morning Run Along the Esplanade

Parks in the Heart of the City

For a tree-lined route, try the Commonwealth Avenue Mall – not a shopping center, but a park – that runs down the center of this residential street. At Commonwealth and Arlington, you can enter the pristine Public Garden for a slower pace. Moving through the center of the Garden will lead you across Charles Street to the Boston Common.

Inside tip: Local-isms

Mass Ave = Massachusetts Avenue
Comm Ave = Commonwealth Avenue
And, it's Boston Common (singular) not Boston Commons

Related Posts:

What's Open on Patriots Day in Boston, Plus MBTA, Trash & Other Changes

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

Photos from past Boston Marathons:

The View from Hereford Street

Marathon Kisses

Other Resources:

Here's a great site. You'll find dozens of local running routes, including along the Charles River.

For more places to run, Bostinno has a post on this topic – How to Train For the Boston Marathon: Where the Runners Run.

Details:
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photos: (Top) 2011 Boston Marathon, (Bottom) Esplanade Run ©2013 Penny Cherubino

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!

Related articles

Charles River Run on a Crisp Saturday Morning

Lost Boston: Bicycle Club at 152 Newbury Street

March 31, 2016
Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend

Whether you're coming to run or watch the 2019 Boston Marathon or just want to log some miles, it's an exciting time to visit the city. And, we hope this piece will help all the runners who are new to the city, here for vacation, or a business trip.

Right onto Hereford Street – Less Than a Mile to Go!

I remember my first Boston Marathon as a spectator. Penny and I booked a hotel room for the weekend and left the car parked. We took in the runners' expo, pasta supper, and other pre-race activities, then watched a spectacular Boylston Street finish.

As an out-of-state runner staying near Faneuil Hall, I still wanted to get in a run or two, but wasn't sure where to head.

Now, as a Boston resident, I can recommend a couple of my favorite routes.

Charles River Run …

If you're a visiting runner staying anywhere near the finish line, you can't beat a daytime run along the Charles River. It offers great views and a more open course without having to constantly cross roadways. This multi-use path is shared by bikes, blades, skate boards, dogs, and walkers. It can get congested as the day wears on but, who knows, you may find yourself sharing the trail with some famous, elite runners. It's easy to make any number of loops between the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river by using the many bridges along the way.

From Back Bay, you can access the Charles River Esplanade from Massachusetts Avenue, Fairfield, Dartmouth, and Arlington Streets. If you head west from the Massachusetts Avenue ramp, you can also use the parcourse workout station that's located just up-river. Click here for photos and details including a map to find it.

Morning Run Along the Esplanade

Parks in the Heart of the City

For a tree-lined route, try the Commonwealth Avenue Mall – not a shopping center, but a park – that runs down the center of this residential street. At Commonwealth and Arlington, you can enter the pristine Public Garden for a slower pace. Moving through the center of the Garden will lead you across Charles Street to the Boston Common.

Inside tip: Local-isms

Mass Ave = Massachusetts Avenue
Comm Ave = Commonwealth Avenue
And, it's Boston Common (singular) not Boston Commons

Related Posts:

What's Open on Patriots Day in Boston, Plus MBTA, Trash & Other Changes

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

Photos from past Boston Marathons:

The View from Hereford Street

Marathon Kisses

Other Resources:

Here's a great site. You'll find dozens of local running routes, including along the Charles River.

For more places to run, Bostinno has a post on this topic – How to Train For the Boston Marathon: Where the Runners Run.

Details:
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photos: (Top) 2011 Boston Marathon, (Bottom) Esplanade Run ©2013 Penny Cherubino

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!

Related articles

Charles River Run on a Crisp Saturday Morning

Lost Boston: Bicycle Club at 152 Newbury Street

March 31, 2016
Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2016

Here's how to track a friend or any runner competing in the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 18, 2016.

The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Website explains:

The B.A.A. will post split times to its website during the race. This feature, complete with search access directions, will not show up on their official site until race day.

To learn how to Track a Boston Marathon Runner, Click Here then select, “Q: How can family members at home track me in the Boston Marathon?”

Mobile Phone Alert System

The Boston Athletic Association has set up the AT&T Athlete Alert program. It allows you to receive updates on a runner’s progress. Here’s how to sign-up!

Where are the Leaders & Crowd Favorites?

For a rough idea of where the race leaders are in relation to your viewing position, you can always watch the sky for the helicopters that hover above them.

For favorites, you must rely on the roar of the crowd as they approach. Or you can track your favorite by using the mobile alert system.

Related Posts: A collection of tips for Marathon Weekend, some are from past years and we'll be updating them between now and Marathon Monday.

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day 2016

Work Out on a Public Parcourse along the Charles River

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

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:
Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Website
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Doin' the Pothole Dance!

Blue Tape for Marking Newly Sharpened Knives

March 25, 2016
Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2016

Here's how to track a friend or any runner competing in the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 18, 2016.

The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Website explains:

The B.A.A. will post split times to its website during the race. This feature, complete with search access directions, will not show up on their official site until race day.

To learn how to Track a Boston Marathon Runner, Click Here then select, “Q: How can family members at home track me in the Boston Marathon?”

Mobile Phone Alert System

The Boston Athletic Association has set up the AT&T Athlete Alert program. It allows you to receive updates on a runner’s progress. Here’s how to sign-up!

Where are the Leaders & Crowd Favorites?

For a rough idea of where the race leaders are in relation to your viewing position, you can always watch the sky for the helicopters that hover above them.

For favorites, you must rely on the roar of the crowd as they approach. Or you can track your favorite by using the mobile alert system.

Related Posts: A collection of tips for Marathon Weekend, some are from past years and we'll be updating them between now and Marathon Monday.

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day 2016

Work Out on a Public Parcourse along the Charles River

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

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:
Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Website
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Doin' the Pothole Dance!

Blue Tape for Marking Newly Sharpened Knives

March 25, 2016
Where to Dine in Boston on Easter, March 27, 2016

Those in the know already have reservations for Easter brunch and dinner. This is one of the big days for dining out, and popular restaurants will fill their tables for Sunday, March 27, 2016, quickly.

First up, the list of places that organize information about Easter reservations and special offerings:

Open Table seems to have the most complete information, and you can click right through to make reservations. They also give you some idea of prices and special menus. And you'll find a few places that are offering their regular menus as well.

Boston Chefs has a list of offerings from their member chefs and restaurants.

Gayot lists favorite Easter brunches at places like Henrietta's Table in Cambridge.

Next, places we picked from these lists (we'll add more as we learn about particular offerings):

Erbaluce invites you to join them for an Easter Feast.

Bistro du Midi says, "For brunch we are only serving a three course prix fixe menu with 5 options per course for $55 pp. For dinner, join us for our a la carte menu and early spring specials." We say, you can plan a walk through the Public Garden after your meal.

Craigie on Main is offering both an Easter Prix Fixe menu and special additions to their regular menu for Passover.

To meet up with family who don't want to come into the city, consider AKA Bistro in Lincoln. We're happy to see that they're offering their regular brunch menu in addition to some Easter specials. The nearby deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is the perfect place to walk off your brunch and take Easter photos.

Another good suburban/urban meeting place is La Morra in Brookline. They are serving a $38 prix fixe menu.

Don't be surprised if some places require a credit card to secure the reservation. This is the type of holiday when some people would try to book multiple restaurants and decide where to go at the last moment. That can cause the restaurant to turn away other potential customers and makes the venues require a deposit to hold a place.

One thing we would look for, if we were dining out on a holiday, is a place that is offering its regular menu for the day. That's always a plus for us. We're not fans of special menus.

If you know of places where the regular menu will be served, let us know. If it's a place we can recommend, we'll add it to our list. And we'll add updates and links to this post as we find them. Check back here or follow us on Twitter to learn about updates!

Opting Out of Easter

If this holiday stuff is really not part of your life, this is a great day to go ethnic. Chinatown will be wide open and filled with great menu options. Your neighborhood Indian, Korean, Chinese, or Persian restaurant will be happy to feed you. And most BBQ and Pizza places do not have Easter menus.

Sign-up for the comment feed or follow us on Twitter for a notice if we add updates to this page.

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
Photo: from iStockphoto.com

March 18, 2016
Enjoy a Zeppole This Weekend! March 19th Is Zeppole Day

We have been zeppole fans for years and love to keep trying all the different versions made by local bakeries.

This particular zeppole smiled up at Penny from the display case at Antoine's Pastry Shop in Newton.

Antoine's makes a lovely example of the pastry with a light, crisp shell, abundant filling …

… and a nice dollop of cherries on the top.

A big thank you to our friend Vinnie for introducing us to this shop!

Here are our "Zeppole Posts" from other year's pastry celebrations.

This post from 2015 tells you a bit about the history of zeppole and a different style that we enjoyed during our years in Rhode Island.

Zeppole from Modern Pastry

It's Zeppole Season!

March for Zeppole di San Giuseppe! features Maria's Pastry Shop in the North End.

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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

March 19th Is Zeppole Day!

A Weekend of Irish Whiskey and Zeppole!

March 16, 2016