Category: Events

  • Where to Dine on Mother’s Day, May 10th 2015 Around Boston

    Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Mom to a meal out on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10, 2015.

    Keep in mind that this "treat Mom to a great meal day" falls at the beginning of graduation season in Boston with Northeastern, Emmanuel College, Fisher College, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, and Berklee College of Music holding commencements that weekend. (Here's the full list of Spring 2015 Commencement Dates for planning purposes.)

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    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 10, 2015.

    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. 

    As more great Boston food sites publish their recommendations, we'll post updates here! Follow us on Twitter ( @BostonZest ) for notice of those additions! 

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    Our picks and, for us, al la carte Menus Get Our Nod

    Bistro Du Midi has a prix fixe menu in their formal dining room but there are also offering an al la carte menu in the Cafe. With the Swan Boats and Public Garden across the street, this can be a wonderful choice for lunch and a stroll and family photos in a beautiful setting. 

    Lineage in Brookline is also on the a la carte option plan. Boston Chefs says, "Lineage will be open early for brunch and dinner this Mother's Day, offering up a special a la carte brunch menu, as well as, their regular dinner menu."

    The Red Dory in Tiverton, RI: Like many Bostonians, we are long time fans of chef Steve Johnson and miss his food and smiling face at Rendezvous in Central Square. If a road trip to a waterfront destination would make your Mother's day perfect, head to his new place, the Red Dory. We asked about his Mother's Day plans and he wrote, "Open M'sDay/no special menu except many recent seasonal updates + including Sunday Tapas supplemental menu – Cheers!"

    For something different take Mom out on Saturday. Would she enjoy afternoon tea at the Courtyard restaurant inside the Boston Public Library? They say, "Join us for a special Saturday opening for Mother's Day! Enjoy our Afternoon Tea Menu complete with savory tea sandwiches and sweet confections from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm."

    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. 

    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. 

    We also love the Island Creek Team spot out in the Fort Point neighborhood, Row 34. Here's our post on this great addition to the city's dining scene.  

    And, for the best gift, let Mom 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

  • Fresh Paint Day 2015 Is Sunday, April 26th

    Today's Friday Link is to the Copley Society who will kick off their annual Fresh Paint fund raising event this Sunday by sprinkling the artist members of the group around the city to create fresh artwork.

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    Those creations will be auctioned off at their Gala event on May 9th. 

    We love using this event to enjoy a spring walk around Boston. We download a map from the Copley Society site or pick up one from the first artist we see. Then, we wander around visiting with the artists working on their contributions to the event. 

    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: ©2011 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Fresh Paint Day 2015 Is Sunday, April 26th

    Today's Friday Link is to the Copley Society who will kick off their annual Fresh Paint fund raising event this Sunday by sprinkling the artist members of the group around the city to create fresh artwork.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834011570566136970b-800wi

    Those creations will be auctioned off at their Gala event on May 9th. 

    We love using this event to enjoy a spring walk around Boston. We download a map from the Copley Society site or pick up one from the first artist we see. Then, we wander around visiting with the artists working on their contributions to the event. 

    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: ©2011 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2015

    CHE_3793 - Version 22013-04-01cars-towed-two-parking-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    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 18, 2015 – 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 119th Boston Marathon. This 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 18, 2015 (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) For details, including streets impacted by this event, go to B.A.A. Invitational Mile 2015.

    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 Monday, April 20, 2015

    Parking restrictions for the Marathon often begin on Boylston Street five or six-days before the event. From this point, until the last runners are safely across the finish line, you'll see more and more "No Parking/No Stopping" signs popping-up along the marathon route and some adjacent streets.

    Remember, many streets in the Copley Square area will be impacted by the marathon. The best advice is to park your vehicle and walk and/or take public transportation.

    PARKING ADVISORY AND STREET CLOSING SCHEDULE

    From the City site: Traffic Advisory for Boston Marathon 2015 is at this link. 

    In case that page disappears you can: Download City of Boston Traffic Advisory Boston Marathon (2015).

    Related Posts & Helpful Links:

    What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 20, 2015 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

    Parking and No-Tow alerts

     

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2015

     

    Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weeken 2015

     

    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

    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.

  • Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2015

    CHE_3793 - Version 22013-04-01cars-towed-two-parking-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    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 18, 2015 – 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 119th Boston Marathon. This 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 18, 2015 (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) For details, including streets impacted by this event, go to B.A.A. Invitational Mile 2015.

    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 Monday, April 20, 2015

    Parking restrictions for the Marathon often begin on Boylston Street five or six-days before the event. From this point, until the last runners are safely across the finish line, you'll see more and more "No Parking/No Stopping" signs popping-up along the marathon route and some adjacent streets.

    Remember, many streets in the Copley Square area will be impacted by the marathon. The best advice is to park your vehicle and walk and/or take public transportation.

    PARKING ADVISORY AND STREET CLOSING SCHEDULE

    From the City site: Traffic Advisory for Boston Marathon 2015 is at this link. 

    In case that page disappears you can: Download City of Boston Traffic Advisory Boston Marathon (2015).

    Related Posts & Helpful Links:

    What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 20, 2015 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

    Parking and No-Tow alerts

     

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2015

     

    Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weeken 2015

     

    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

    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.

  • Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend

    UPDATE: Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

    Whether you're coming to run or watch the 2015 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 a vacation or business trip.

    DSC_6214 - Version 22011-04-18-runners-boston-marathon-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

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

    I remember my first Boston Marathon as a spectator – I've yet to put in the training needed to actually compete. 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.

    CHE_0719 - Version 32013-01-09-runner-charles-river-misty-winter-morning-© 2011 Penny Cherubino2013-01-09-women-running-charles-Esplanade-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    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:   

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2015

    Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2015

    What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day 2015

    How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

    Here are some 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!

  • Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend

    UPDATE: Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

    Whether you're coming to run or watch the 2015 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 a vacation or business trip.

    DSC_6214 - Version 22011-04-18-runners-boston-marathon-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

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

    I remember my first Boston Marathon as a spectator – I've yet to put in the training needed to actually compete. 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.

    CHE_0719 - Version 32013-01-09-runner-charles-river-misty-winter-morning-© 2011 Penny Cherubino2013-01-09-women-running-charles-Esplanade-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    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:   

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2015

    Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2015

    What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day 2015

    How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

    Here are some 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!

  • What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day – Monday, April 20, 2015 + 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 20, 2015. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.

    UPDATE: This is an old post. Here's a link for: What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

    We will update this post as more of the 2015 information become available. Follow us on Twitter where we'll announce updates.

    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

    CHE_6519 - Version 22015-04-02-john-glover-patriot-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Patriot John Glover was known as a dapper dresser!

    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.

     

    PARKING ADVISORY AND STREET CLOSING SCHEDULE

     

    Update 04/09/15: Traffic Advisory for Marathon Weekend is at this link. 

     

    In case that page disappears you can: Download City of Boston Traffic Advisory Boston Marathon (2015).

     

    Parking and No-Tow alerts

     

    Here's last years post with tips for local parking on this holiday– We'll update this as soon as information is available from the city.

    Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend (2014)



    Boston Trash Collection (Click here for what the city says)

     

    Monday, April 20 – Saturday, April 25, 2015
     
    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."

     

    2015 MBTA Marathon Monday Schedule:

    You can see full details on their events page through April 20th. 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 20, 2015."
    • 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 2015 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 Green line will have, "… rush-hour levels of service before and after the race."

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

    "Buses, trackless trolleys, and express bus routes will operate a weekday schedule … Some bus routes will be detoured due to the Marathon and other race of Patriots' Day 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 2015

    MBTA PARKING

    "Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on [Patriots' Day], April 20, [2015], 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 2015 Boston Marathon information:

    www.bostonmarathon.org

     

    Related Posts:

     

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2015

     

    Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2015

     

    Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2015

     

    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: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

  • What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day – Monday, April 20, 2015 + 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 20, 2015. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.

    UPDATE: This is an old post. Here's a link for: What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

    We will update this post as more of the 2015 information become available. Follow us on Twitter where we'll announce updates.

    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

    CHE_6519 - Version 22015-04-02-john-glover-patriot-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Patriot John Glover was known as a dapper dresser!

    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.

     

    PARKING ADVISORY AND STREET CLOSING SCHEDULE

     

    Update 04/09/15: Traffic Advisory for Marathon Weekend is at this link. 

     

    In case that page disappears you can: Download City of Boston Traffic Advisory Boston Marathon (2015).

     

    Parking and No-Tow alerts

     

    Here's last years post with tips for local parking on this holiday– We'll update this as soon as information is available from the city.

    Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend (2014)



    Boston Trash Collection (Click here for what the city says)

     

    Monday, April 20 – Saturday, April 25, 2015
     
    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."

     

    2015 MBTA Marathon Monday Schedule:

    You can see full details on their events page through April 20th. 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 20, 2015."
    • 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 2015 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 Green line will have, "… rush-hour levels of service before and after the race."

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

    "Buses, trackless trolleys, and express bus routes will operate a weekday schedule … Some bus routes will be detoured due to the Marathon and other race of Patriots' Day 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 2015

    MBTA PARKING

    "Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on [Patriots' Day], April 20, [2015], 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 2015 Boston Marathon information:

    www.bostonmarathon.org

     

    Related Posts:

     

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2015

     

    Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2015

     

    Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2015

     

    Views from Hereford Street 2009

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

  • What’s Happening Around Boston in April 2015

    April is a busy month with the Boston Marathon and other events making hotel rooms expensive and restaurant reservations scarce.

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    Easter Sunday April 4th & Passover April 4th-11th 

    On Easter Sunday, you'll find special menus in many restaurants. If you have suggestions for places not doing this or alternative dining suggestions for Easter, please add them. And, Passover is a great time to enjoy some of the special kosher foods that are easier to find at this time. 

    Related BostonZest Post:  Where to Dine in Boston on Easter, April 5, 2015

    Do you have a favorite place to buy chocolate for Easter Baskets?

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    Patriots Day Weekend/Boston Marathon & other BAA races 18th to the 20th

    The Boston Athletic Association is expecting 30,000 runners and half a million spectators for the Marathon on April 20th. There are other races and marathon related events all weekend.

    There will be road closures and changes in MBTA routes surrounding the Marathon course. Here are some links to information on those aspects of the race. 

    If you need to get somewhere on Marathon Monday – before the roads close – try to place yourself on the side of the course that will allow you to get where you're going.

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

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    Other Events

    For a long list of events for people with varied tastes, check out The Boston Calendar for April 2015.

    For free and budget events, follow along with Kate from Boston On Budget.

    For a curated list of historic events, you can depend on historian Liz Covart.

    • April 1st – New Food Truck Schedules go into effect with a few new trucks and new spots for some of your old favorites.
    • April 3-5 is the Anime Boston event at the Hynes Convention Center. This is a fun time to walk the area and take photos of the people dressed as their favorite characters. Most of them love to pose. If you're in town for some other reason, this is just a short lived event, not how Bostonians dress.
    • April 18 – Greenway Spring Food Festival: Noon to 4:00 p.m. Some of our favorite food trucks will be on hand. 
    • April 18 – The Swan Boats will sail out from under the bridge onto the Boston Public Garden Lagoon
    • April 26 – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Fresh Paint, Sunday! "View Copley Society artist members at work creating their "fresh" canvases around the city."

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    Who Are all These Conventioneers?

    Here are the dates of conventions that will impact hotel pricing and availability:

    • April 9-10 – Boston National College Fair, estimated attendees – 15,000
    • April 16-18 – National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Meeting 2015, estimated attendees – 17,000
    • April 29-May 2 – American College of Physicians Internal Medicine 2015, estimated attendees - 7,000

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    Graduation Season kicks off on April 25th

    Every year, we publish a list of the spring graduation dates that make hotel and restaurant reservations harder to find in the weeks ahead. This year, we've added Wentworth Institute of Technology on April 25, 2015. If you need restaurant reservations or hotel rooms for friends and family from that date to June 5th, make them now. 

    You're up Next

    What are your favorite April events or things you look forward to doing in Boston in April? Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email and we'll add your suggestions to this post as an update.

    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!

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    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  (graduation caps are from istockphoto.com)
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