bostonzest

Category: Events

  • What’s Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

    Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on July 4th, 2015 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus: parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling, and other useful links.

    This year July 4th falls on a Saturday. According to the official holiday information on the Secretary of State's website this will not be a three day weekend because, "All holidays falling on Sunday must be observed on Monday, under state law. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday."

    The city of Boston is taking a different approach. The holiday page on the city website reads:

    Friday July 3rd Independence Day- City Holiday

    "City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect.  BCYF Community Centers are closed. The Mirabella and Clougherty Pools will be open regular hours. Please Note: All Boston Public Libraries will be open on July 3rd."

    Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates or save this page for future reference.

    Update 06/25/15:

    From the State Police- Security and Traffic Information for July 3 and 4 Esplanade Events

    Update 06/30/15: City of Boston Traffic Advisory.


    IStock_000006838249XSmall

    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: Closed. This includes: Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a "Bank Holiday" with both banks and the stock markets in the United States closed. Some international markets are open. Also, some banks may open certain branch offices – often those inside supermarkets. Check with your own financial institution for details.

    Boston Parking: Sunday Parking rules apply. You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. There will be some temporary parking restrictions and some street closures in the areas surrounding the Charles River Esplanade on July 4th. We'll add updates as they are published.

    Towed Cars: The City says, "If you believe your vehicle was towed in Boston, then call either the Boston Police Tow Line at 617-343-4629 or the Boston Tow Lot at 617-635-3900 to locate the vehicle, or search the online towing database by license plate" at the City's Towed Car page.  

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

    Boston Trash: from the City Site:

    "Independence Day Week Friday, Monday, June 29 – Saturday, July 4, 2015 NO DELAY of residential trash and recycling collections in all sections of the City."

    Update 06/30/15 : Eater Boston has prepared a list of the restaurants that are open on July 4th. Great job Rachel! This took a ton of work. What's #OpenInBOS on July 4?

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a3fd2b4e42970b-800wi

    Fireworks from a Back Bay roof deck.

    Here are some of our related posts about July 4th, the Charles River, and the Esplanade …

        How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

        Once Grand, Now Unnoticed

        Charles River Clean Up Boat Update

    MBTA Schedule Changes is updated as of 06/26/15:

    The MBTA website has July 4th schedule information posted on their events page through the holiday.  "Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m."

    Subways and the Silver line will "…operate a Sunday schedule with rush-hour levels of service beginning at 2 p.m. to accommodate holiday ridership and will operate extended late-night hours as Fourth of July is on a Saturday. 

    The Commuter Rail will run on a Saturday schedule. The last trains to leave Boston are on the MBTA Events Page and in the download below.

    Buses and trackless trolleys will run on a Sunday schedule. This means some buses will not operate.

    Boats will run on a Saturday schedule except the Charlestown service which will operate on a weekday schedule. 

    The Ride will run on a Saturday Schedule.

    You can download a pdf copy of the schedule details here: 

    Download MBTA July 4th

    MBTA tips for those attending the Esplande Concert and Fireworks:

    Customers are urged to take public transportation to and from Fourth of July events and advised to check T-Alerts for the most up-to-date service information during the holiday.

    As a reminder, bicycles are not allowed on any subway lines for the entire day on the Fourth of July. Bicycles are also prohibited on inbound Commuter Rail trains from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as well as on outbound trains after 4 p.m.

    Beginning at 2 p.m., subway service on all lines will operate at rush-hour levels to accommodate increased holiday ridership. Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m. 

    Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages and the Wellington Station lot will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on the Fourth of July 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.

    Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. We love Arctic Zone Coolers. They're perfect for small city homes. We have a version of the Arctic Zone Ultra 50 can model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled! We not only use it for picnics, but grab it to go grocery shopping. 

    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:

    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: Penny Cherubino and istockphoto.com

  • What’s Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

    Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on July 4th, 2015 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus: parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling, and other useful links.

    This year July 4th falls on a Saturday. According to the official holiday information on the Secretary of State's website this will not be a three day weekend because, "All holidays falling on Sunday must be observed on Monday, under state law. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday."

    The city of Boston is taking a different approach. The holiday page on the city website reads:

    Friday July 3rd Independence Day- City Holiday

    "City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect.  BCYF Community Centers are closed. The Mirabella and Clougherty Pools will be open regular hours. Please Note: All Boston Public Libraries will be open on July 3rd."

    Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates or save this page for future reference.

    Update 06/25/15:

    From the State Police- Security and Traffic Information for July 3 and 4 Esplanade Events

    Update 06/30/15: City of Boston Traffic Advisory.


    IStock_000006838249XSmall

    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: Closed. This includes: Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a "Bank Holiday" with both banks and the stock markets in the United States closed. Some international markets are open. Also, some banks may open certain branch offices – often those inside supermarkets. Check with your own financial institution for details.

    Boston Parking: Sunday Parking rules apply. You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. There will be some temporary parking restrictions and some street closures in the areas surrounding the Charles River Esplanade on July 4th. We'll add updates as they are published.

    Towed Cars: The City says, "If you believe your vehicle was towed in Boston, then call either the Boston Police Tow Line at 617-343-4629 or the Boston Tow Lot at 617-635-3900 to locate the vehicle, or search the online towing database by license plate" at the City's Towed Car page.  

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

    Boston Trash: from the City Site:

    "Independence Day Week Friday, Monday, June 29 – Saturday, July 4, 2015 NO DELAY of residential trash and recycling collections in all sections of the City."

    Update 06/30/15 : Eater Boston has prepared a list of the restaurants that are open on July 4th. Great job Rachel! This took a ton of work. What's #OpenInBOS on July 4?

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a3fd2b4e42970b-800wi

    Fireworks from a Back Bay roof deck.

    Here are some of our related posts about July 4th, the Charles River, and the Esplanade …

        How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

        Once Grand, Now Unnoticed

        Charles River Clean Up Boat Update

    MBTA Schedule Changes is updated as of 06/26/15:

    The MBTA website has July 4th schedule information posted on their events page through the holiday.  "Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m."

    Subways and the Silver line will "…operate a Sunday schedule with rush-hour levels of service beginning at 2 p.m. to accommodate holiday ridership and will operate extended late-night hours as Fourth of July is on a Saturday. 

    The Commuter Rail will run on a Saturday schedule. The last trains to leave Boston are on the MBTA Events Page and in the download below.

    Buses and trackless trolleys will run on a Sunday schedule. This means some buses will not operate.

    Boats will run on a Saturday schedule except the Charlestown service which will operate on a weekday schedule. 

    The Ride will run on a Saturday Schedule.

    You can download a pdf copy of the schedule details here: 

    Download MBTA July 4th

    MBTA tips for those attending the Esplande Concert and Fireworks:

    Customers are urged to take public transportation to and from Fourth of July events and advised to check T-Alerts for the most up-to-date service information during the holiday.

    As a reminder, bicycles are not allowed on any subway lines for the entire day on the Fourth of July. Bicycles are also prohibited on inbound Commuter Rail trains from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as well as on outbound trains after 4 p.m.

    Beginning at 2 p.m., subway service on all lines will operate at rush-hour levels to accommodate increased holiday ridership. Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m. 

    Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages and the Wellington Station lot will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on the Fourth of July 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.

    Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. We love Arctic Zone Coolers. They're perfect for small city homes. We have a version of the Arctic Zone Ultra 50 can model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled! We not only use it for picnics, but grab it to go grocery shopping. 

    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:

    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: Penny Cherubino and istockphoto.com

  • Father’s Day Dining 2015 In & Around Boston

    Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Dad to a meal out on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, 2015.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401538f001527970b-800wi

    For Father’s Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurant suggestions.

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

    Boston Chefs has a special list from their members. 

    Update 06/18/15: Eater Boston has prepared of list of places to consider. 

      6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c7753353970b-800wi

    Would your Dad love to get his hands on some great seafood offerings at Select Oyster Bar? (They do have a steak on the menu if that would make it a good choice.)

    Our Picks:

    Select Oyster Bar is a new option this Father’s Day. Here are a couple of links to some of the meals we’ve enjoyed there. 

    Blue Prawns on the Plancha at Select Oyster Bar

    SELECT Oyster Bar: Our First Taste

    Row 34 in the Fort Point Neighborhood. Wouldn’t Dad love to slurp a few Island Creeks or Row 34 oysters? And, match those beauties with the perfect brew from one of the taps or the current cask beer?

    Here’s more on what we’ve enjoyed at Row 34 …

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a73d849d99970d-800wi

    Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on anyone with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!) Check out our Sweet Cheeks posts:

    Sweet Cheeks BBQ: A First Look

    Sweet Cheeks Q- Great Northern Brisket

    Salt & Pepper Potatoes at Sweet Cheeks Q

    Bourbon Beer? at Sweet Cheeks

    How about simple Italian-American food in a very comfortable setting. We suggest Artu in the North End or on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Here’s one of our favorite menu items.

    If you’d like to treat Dad to something really special, consider the ultimate hamburger at the Bristol Lounge at the Four Season’s Hotel. Lunch there for just the two of you, some quiet afternoon, could be a great IOU if you can’t be together on the 21st. Here’s what we wrote about that burger.

    Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to Formaggio Kitchen South End across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:

    Friday Lunch at Coppa, an Italian Seduction

    Coppa Italian Grinder: A Best Bite

    Coppa- A First Look

    Evelyns

    Photo of Evelyn’s Drive-In, Tiverton, Rhode Island courtesy of that great resource for finding all the dining traditions Boston and beyond has to offer, Hidden Boston.

    Our final suggestion is a trip down memory lane. Take Dad someplace where he used to take you if you have an old favorite that survives to this day. For Penny, this might be Evelyn’s Drive-In. For Ed, The Bubbling Brook in Westwood. This day would be about remembering and laughing as much as about the food.

    And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon gift card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn’t shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon shopping trip.

    Details:
    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino and Evelyn’s courtesy of Hidden Boston.

    Related articles
    Patio & Picnic Season Means More Dining Out Options

  • Father’s Day Dining 2015 In & Around Boston

    Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Dad to a meal out on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, 2015.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401538f001527970b-800wi

    For Father’s Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurant suggestions.

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

    Boston Chefs has a special list from their members. 

    Update 06/18/15: Eater Boston has prepared of list of places to consider. 

      6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c7753353970b-800wi

    Would your Dad love to get his hands on some great seafood offerings at Select Oyster Bar? (They do have a steak on the menu if that would make it a good choice.)

    Our Picks:

    Select Oyster Bar is a new option this Father’s Day. Here are a couple of links to some of the meals we’ve enjoyed there. 

    Blue Prawns on the Plancha at Select Oyster Bar

    SELECT Oyster Bar: Our First Taste

    Row 34 in the Fort Point Neighborhood. Wouldn’t Dad love to slurp a few Island Creeks or Row 34 oysters? And, match those beauties with the perfect brew from one of the taps or the current cask beer?

    Here’s more on what we’ve enjoyed at Row 34 …

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a73d849d99970d-800wi

    Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on anyone with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!) Check out our Sweet Cheeks posts:

    Sweet Cheeks BBQ: A First Look

    Sweet Cheeks Q- Great Northern Brisket

    Salt & Pepper Potatoes at Sweet Cheeks Q

    Bourbon Beer? at Sweet Cheeks

    How about simple Italian-American food in a very comfortable setting. We suggest Artu in the North End or on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Here’s one of our favorite menu items.

    If you’d like to treat Dad to something really special, consider the ultimate hamburger at the Bristol Lounge at the Four Season’s Hotel. Lunch there for just the two of you, some quiet afternoon, could be a great IOU if you can’t be together on the 21st. Here’s what we wrote about that burger.

    Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to Formaggio Kitchen South End across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:

    Friday Lunch at Coppa, an Italian Seduction

    Coppa Italian Grinder: A Best Bite

    Coppa- A First Look

    Evelyns

    Photo of Evelyn’s Drive-In, Tiverton, Rhode Island courtesy of that great resource for finding all the dining traditions Boston and beyond has to offer, Hidden Boston.

    Our final suggestion is a trip down memory lane. Take Dad someplace where he used to take you if you have an old favorite that survives to this day. For Penny, this might be Evelyn’s Drive-In. For Ed, The Bubbling Brook in Westwood. This day would be about remembering and laughing as much as about the food.

    And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon gift card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn’t shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon shopping trip.

    Details:
    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino and Evelyn’s courtesy of Hidden Boston.

    Related articles
    Patio & Picnic Season Means More Dining Out Options

  • Boston Public Library’s 2015 Concerts in the Courtyard Series

    Some of our favorite summer "appointments" are with the talented musicians performing as part of the Boston Public Library’s 2015 Concerts in the Courtyard Series that opened on Wednesday afternoon.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834010534aa0a14970b-800wi

    As you can see from this 2008 photo, we've been enjoying this summer series for a long time.

    Here are the details for this year's series:

    Time and Place: Wednesdays and Fridays in June, July, and August, the courtyard at the Central Library in Copley Square, located at 700 Boylston Street, will feature music selections from a variety of influences, from jazz and folk to classical and contemporary music. Concerts are held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. through August 28. All concerts are free and last approximately one hour.

    Sponsors and Other Information: The Concerts in the Courtyard series is co-sponsored by Deloitte and the Boston Public Library Foundation. During the Wednesday evening concerts, light refreshments will be available for purchase. In the event of inclement weather, concerts will be moved inside to the Commonwealth Salon. 

    June Concerts

    • Aliya Cycon Project, Wednesday, June 3, 6 p.m. Cycon uses her reverence for the Arabic tradition to highlight her unique voice in compositions and performances.
    • Neha, Friday, June 5, 12:30 p.m. A singer, composer, and pianist, Neha’s style is a mix of musical personalities, including jazz, folk, blues, pop, and her mother’s classical Indian musical background.
    • Nicolás Castañeda Group, Wednesday, June 10, 6 p.m. Nicolás Castañeda Group is a project based on contemporary Colombian music.
    • Patrick Coman, Friday, June 12, at 12:30 p.m. Patrick Coman merges barroom shuffles with the sounds of his native Oklahoma.
    • ChoroBop, Wednesday, June 17, 6 p.m. ChoroBop’s repertoire is based on the roots of Brazilian choro, jazz, and contemporary music influences.
    • Akiko Kobayashi, Friday, June 19, 12:30 p.m. Akiko Kobayashi performs as both a soloist and a chamber musician at renowned national and international festivals.
    • Wambura Mitaru, Wednesday, June 24, 6 p.m. Wambura Mitaru is a passionate singer and songwriter from Nairobi who blends funk, soul, R&B, jazz, hip hop, and sounds from her African background.
    • Properly Unprepared, Friday, June 26, 12:30 p.m. Properly Unprepared is a five-piece jazz combo that plays classics by artist such as Miles Davis along with more contemporary jazz.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340192acc5503c970d-800wi

    July Concerts

    • Felipe Abad, Wednesday, July 1, 6 p.m.
    • Handel & Haydn Society, Friday, July 3, 12:30 p.m.
    • Honeysuckle, Wednesday, July 8, 6 p.m.
    • Cocek! Brass Band, Friday, July 10, 12:30 p.m
    • Charles Overton, Wednesday, July 15, 6 p.m.
    • Women in World Jazz, Friday, July 17, 12:30 p.m.
    • Damn Tall Buildings, Wednesday, July 22, 6 p.m.
    • Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble, Friday, July 24, 12:30 p.m.
    • 3 Sudacas, Wednesday, July 29, 6 p.m.
    • Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras' Intensive Community Program, Friday, July 31, 12:30 p.m.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019104fc4104970c-800wi

    August Concerts

    • The Wiles, Wednesday, August 5, 6 p.m.
    • Kevin Harris Project, Friday, August 7, 12:30 p.m.
    • MIXCLA, Wednesday, August 12, 6 p.m.
    • Hiroya Tsukamoto, Friday, August 14, 12:30 p.m.
    • The Ivy Age, Wednesday, August 19, 6 p.m.
    • Thompson-Lamb-Panitch Folk Trio, Friday, August 21, 12:30 p.m.
    • Ludovica Burtone, Wednesday, August 26, 6 p.m.
    • Handel and Haydn Society, Friday, August 28, 12:30 p.m.

    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: © 2008-2014 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Market Report: 2015 Summer Farmers Markets "One Every Day of the Week"
    Market Report: Summer Farmers Markets Opening Dates 2015
    Best Bite: Blue Prawns on the Plancha at Select Oyster Bar

  • Boston Public Library’s 2015 Concerts in the Courtyard Series

    Some of our favorite summer "appointments" are with the talented musicians performing as part of the Boston Public Library’s 2015 Concerts in the Courtyard Series that opened on Wednesday afternoon.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834010534aa0a14970b-800wi

    As you can see from this 2008 photo, we've been enjoying this summer series for a long time.

    Here are the details for this year's series:

    Time and Place: Wednesdays and Fridays in June, July, and August, the courtyard at the Central Library in Copley Square, located at 700 Boylston Street, will feature music selections from a variety of influences, from jazz and folk to classical and contemporary music. Concerts are held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. through August 28. All concerts are free and last approximately one hour.

    Sponsors and Other Information: The Concerts in the Courtyard series is co-sponsored by Deloitte and the Boston Public Library Foundation. During the Wednesday evening concerts, light refreshments will be available for purchase. In the event of inclement weather, concerts will be moved inside to the Commonwealth Salon. 

    June Concerts

    • Aliya Cycon Project, Wednesday, June 3, 6 p.m. Cycon uses her reverence for the Arabic tradition to highlight her unique voice in compositions and performances.
    • Neha, Friday, June 5, 12:30 p.m. A singer, composer, and pianist, Neha’s style is a mix of musical personalities, including jazz, folk, blues, pop, and her mother’s classical Indian musical background.
    • Nicolás Castañeda Group, Wednesday, June 10, 6 p.m. Nicolás Castañeda Group is a project based on contemporary Colombian music.
    • Patrick Coman, Friday, June 12, at 12:30 p.m. Patrick Coman merges barroom shuffles with the sounds of his native Oklahoma.
    • ChoroBop, Wednesday, June 17, 6 p.m. ChoroBop’s repertoire is based on the roots of Brazilian choro, jazz, and contemporary music influences.
    • Akiko Kobayashi, Friday, June 19, 12:30 p.m. Akiko Kobayashi performs as both a soloist and a chamber musician at renowned national and international festivals.
    • Wambura Mitaru, Wednesday, June 24, 6 p.m. Wambura Mitaru is a passionate singer and songwriter from Nairobi who blends funk, soul, R&B, jazz, hip hop, and sounds from her African background.
    • Properly Unprepared, Friday, June 26, 12:30 p.m. Properly Unprepared is a five-piece jazz combo that plays classics by artist such as Miles Davis along with more contemporary jazz.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340192acc5503c970d-800wi

    July Concerts

    • Felipe Abad, Wednesday, July 1, 6 p.m.
    • Handel & Haydn Society, Friday, July 3, 12:30 p.m.
    • Honeysuckle, Wednesday, July 8, 6 p.m.
    • Cocek! Brass Band, Friday, July 10, 12:30 p.m
    • Charles Overton, Wednesday, July 15, 6 p.m.
    • Women in World Jazz, Friday, July 17, 12:30 p.m.
    • Damn Tall Buildings, Wednesday, July 22, 6 p.m.
    • Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble, Friday, July 24, 12:30 p.m.
    • 3 Sudacas, Wednesday, July 29, 6 p.m.
    • Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras' Intensive Community Program, Friday, July 31, 12:30 p.m.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019104fc4104970c-800wi

    August Concerts

    • The Wiles, Wednesday, August 5, 6 p.m.
    • Kevin Harris Project, Friday, August 7, 12:30 p.m.
    • MIXCLA, Wednesday, August 12, 6 p.m.
    • Hiroya Tsukamoto, Friday, August 14, 12:30 p.m.
    • The Ivy Age, Wednesday, August 19, 6 p.m.
    • Thompson-Lamb-Panitch Folk Trio, Friday, August 21, 12:30 p.m.
    • Ludovica Burtone, Wednesday, August 26, 6 p.m.
    • Handel and Haydn Society, Friday, August 28, 12:30 p.m.

    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: © 2008-2014 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Market Report: 2015 Summer Farmers Markets "One Every Day of the Week"
    Market Report: Summer Farmers Markets Opening Dates 2015
    Best Bite: Blue Prawns on the Plancha at Select Oyster Bar

  • What’s Happening in June 2015 Around Boston

    We always call June the quiet month and our favorite month in Boston. Most of the students are gone, the big summer tourist season is a few weeks away, the city is filled with fresh blooms, the temperatures are usually moderate, and we can enjoy a staycation in our favorite city.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401774298295c970d-800wi

    (Giant allium in June in the Boston Public Garden.)

    Events and Holidays in June

    Dragon Boat Festival, June 13-14: The Dragon Boat Festival takes place along the Charles River and is a fun spectator event. You can pack a picnic and take a nice long walk along the river bank or set out a blanket and let the fun pass by your spot. 

    June 18th is International Picnic Day: We include International Picnic Day only because we think of June as picnic month, so pick your own day to celebrate al fresco dining in one of your favorite Boston Spots.

    Father’s Day is June 21st: Taking Dad out for Father's Day does not seem to be as popular at taking Mom out in May. But there will be a few places offering special menus and later this month we'll have a post with a few recommendations. 

    Summer Solstice is June 21st: While this may not be given its proper due as a holiday, we recognize it and there will be a few celebrations around the area. 

    6a00e54fc42bb888340167675167b3970b

    (Dragon Boat Festival: Our favorite team is Wellness Warriors.)

    Conventions

    Here are a couple of happenings that will impact hotel pricing and availability.

    Graduation Season ends with MIT’s Commencement on June 5th. That makes June a much better time to travel to Boston.

    • June 6-8 will see a convention with an estimated 15,000 on hand
    • June 13-17 will see three conventions with just under 10,000 estimated attendees

    6a00e54fc42bb88834016306b5f5a5970d-800wi

    What Are Your Favorite June Pastimes?

    Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email and we'll add your suggestions to our upcoming post with some of the things we are looking forward to doing.

    Some of our favorite summer "appointments" are with the talented musicians performing as a part of the Boston Public Library’s 2015 Concerts in the Courtyard Series that opened on Wednesday June 3rd. We'll have more about those in an upcoming post.

    And, for a wider list of event including those things we don't enjoy, recommend, or even think about, head over to this link on the Boston TripAdvisor forum where a group of volunteers with much wider tastes add to a conversation that Penny begins each month.

    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: © 2011-2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Petie Prances & Kicks Up His Heels with the Joy of Spring
    Patio & Picnic Season Means More Dining Out Options
    DCR's Universal Access Program + Accessible Recreation Fair, May 30, 2015

  • What’s Happening in June 2015 Around Boston

    We always call June the quiet month and our favorite month in Boston. Most of the students are gone, the big summer tourist season is a few weeks away, the city is filled with fresh blooms, the temperatures are usually moderate, and we can enjoy a staycation in our favorite city.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401774298295c970d-800wi

    (Giant allium in June in the Boston Public Garden.)

    Events and Holidays in June

    Dragon Boat Festival, June 13-14: The Dragon Boat Festival takes place along the Charles River and is a fun spectator event. You can pack a picnic and take a nice long walk along the river bank or set out a blanket and let the fun pass by your spot. 

    June 18th is International Picnic Day: We include International Picnic Day only because we think of June as picnic month, so pick your own day to celebrate al fresco dining in one of your favorite Boston Spots.

    Father’s Day is June 21st: Taking Dad out for Father's Day does not seem to be as popular at taking Mom out in May. But there will be a few places offering special menus and later this month we'll have a post with a few recommendations. 

    Summer Solstice is June 21st: While this may not be given its proper due as a holiday, we recognize it and there will be a few celebrations around the area. 

    6a00e54fc42bb888340167675167b3970b

    (Dragon Boat Festival: Our favorite team is Wellness Warriors.)

    Conventions

    Here are a couple of happenings that will impact hotel pricing and availability.

    Graduation Season ends with MIT’s Commencement on June 5th. That makes June a much better time to travel to Boston.

    • June 6-8 will see a convention with an estimated 15,000 on hand
    • June 13-17 will see three conventions with just under 10,000 estimated attendees

    6a00e54fc42bb88834016306b5f5a5970d-800wi

    What Are Your Favorite June Pastimes?

    Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email and we'll add your suggestions to our upcoming post with some of the things we are looking forward to doing.

    Some of our favorite summer "appointments" are with the talented musicians performing as a part of the Boston Public Library’s 2015 Concerts in the Courtyard Series that opened on Wednesday June 3rd. We'll have more about those in an upcoming post.

    And, for a wider list of event including those things we don't enjoy, recommend, or even think about, head over to this link on the Boston TripAdvisor forum where a group of volunteers with much wider tastes add to a conversation that Penny begins each month.

    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: © 2011-2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Petie Prances & Kicks Up His Heels with the Joy of Spring
    Patio & Picnic Season Means More Dining Out Options
    DCR's Universal Access Program + Accessible Recreation Fair, May 30, 2015

  • Waiting for Swan Boat Rides on Memorial Day Weekend

    The line of people waiting to start their summer season with a Memorial Day Weekend Swan Boat ride in the Boston Public Garden went off the dock, up the path, and out of sight.

    DSC_5883 - Version 22015-05-23-swan-boat-waiting-line-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    We hope this weekend has been a great start to summer for all our readers. Here's a link to our Memorial Day resource page:

    What's Open and Closed on Memorial Day 2015 In Boston + MBTA Schedules with Parking Trash & More.

    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: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

     

  • Waiting for Swan Boat Rides on Memorial Day Weekend

    The line of people waiting to start their summer season with a Memorial Day Weekend Swan Boat ride in the Boston Public Garden went off the dock, up the path, and out of sight.

    DSC_5883 - Version 22015-05-23-swan-boat-waiting-line-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    We hope this weekend has been a great start to summer for all our readers. Here's a link to our Memorial Day resource page:

    What's Open and Closed on Memorial Day 2015 In Boston + MBTA Schedules with Parking Trash & More.

    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: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino