bostonzest

Category: Boston:101

  • Messing About in Boats, 1939 Style

    “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” ― Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows

    Sm7509945394_5ac5294093_o copy

    In this image, photographer Leslie Jones captured sailors messing about in boats on Boston Harbor in 1939. 

    In the background, you see Pier 4 and the railroad buildings that lined the harborside. 

    Sm9678419667_af7de9f499_o copy

    Here is a map from the 1919 Bromley Atlas that shows Pier 4 at the bottom and the rail lines coming into the shipping docks.

    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:  Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection. Map courtesy of the State Library of Massachusetts.

  • Messing About in Boats, 1939 Style

    “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” ― Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows

    Sm7509945394_5ac5294093_o copy

    In this image, photographer Leslie Jones captured sailors messing about in boats on Boston Harbor in 1939. 

    In the background, you see Pier 4 and the railroad buildings that lined the harborside. 

    Sm9678419667_af7de9f499_o copy

    Here is a map from the 1919 Bromley Atlas that shows Pier 4 at the bottom and the rail lines coming into the shipping docks.

    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:  Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection. Map courtesy of the State Library of Massachusetts.

  • 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

  • Where to Recycle Eyeglasses in Boston – Updating a Reader Favorite

    Time to recycle all those prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, reading glasses that are tucked away in drawers and packed in old, "I-may-need-this-someday" or "Maybe-this-will-come-back-in-style" boxes.

    IMG_2509

    Here are a few that I had tucked away. Yes some of them may come back into style, but as I set them out for a photo, I remembered which pair kept popping a lens because the screw hole was worn and how heavy those over sized sunglasses are compared to today's lighter frames. 

    IMG_2524 copy

    With a bit of research, I found three places where you can drop off donations of eyeglasses:

    If you're one of our readers outside the Boston area, you can ship your donation to a Lions Club eyeglass recycling center. Here's the list.

    IMG_2517 copy

    The photo above is a Lions Club collection box. You may see one of these in other optical shops in addition to the three listed here. If you do, let us know by adding a comment to this post, tweeting the location to @BostonZest, or sending us an email.

    If you come across this information long after June 2015, I suggest you call the locations to confirm that they are still taking part in a program that will use the glasses. 

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017c352ca366970b-800wi

    One final tip – check over the glasses you are recycling the way you might if you were donating a box of old jewelry. We have a friend who collects antique eyeglasses and he spotted some collectables among ours.

    The ones in the photo above turned out to be 14K gold, quite old, and very collectable. But, even some older designer frames may have people willing to pay top dollar to add to their collection. A few minutes on Etsy or ebay could give you some indication of value. 

    Oh, we both love this inexpensive but protective eyeglass case we found on Amazon. We've had our for a couple of years now and consider these one of our better buys. They just work, Large Sunglasses/Eyeglass Case with Zipper.

    Related Posts:

    Send Your Eyeglasses & Medical Prescriptions to the Cloud

    And just for fun …

    There Are Eyeglasses and Then There Are … 

    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 Cherubino
    Photography: © 2008-2015 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles
    DCR's Universal Access Program + Accessible Recreation Fair, May 30, 2015
    Best Bite: Blue Prawns on the Plancha at Select Oyster Bar

    Boston Public Library's 2015 Concerts in the Courtyard Serie
    s

  • Where to Recycle Eyeglasses in Boston – Updating a Reader Favorite

    Time to recycle all those prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, reading glasses that are tucked away in drawers and packed in old, "I-may-need-this-someday" or "Maybe-this-will-come-back-in-style" boxes.

    IMG_2509

    Here are a few that I had tucked away. Yes some of them may come back into style, but as I set them out for a photo, I remembered which pair kept popping a lens because the screw hole was worn and how heavy those over sized sunglasses are compared to today's lighter frames. 

    IMG_2524 copy

    With a bit of research, I found three places where you can drop off donations of eyeglasses:

    If you're one of our readers outside the Boston area, you can ship your donation to a Lions Club eyeglass recycling center. Here's the list.

    IMG_2517 copy

    The photo above is a Lions Club collection box. You may see one of these in other optical shops in addition to the three listed here. If you do, let us know by adding a comment to this post, tweeting the location to @BostonZest, or sending us an email.

    If you come across this information long after June 2015, I suggest you call the locations to confirm that they are still taking part in a program that will use the glasses. 

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017c352ca366970b-800wi

    One final tip – check over the glasses you are recycling the way you might if you were donating a box of old jewelry. We have a friend who collects antique eyeglasses and he spotted some collectables among ours.

    The ones in the photo above turned out to be 14K gold, quite old, and very collectable. But, even some older designer frames may have people willing to pay top dollar to add to their collection. A few minutes on Etsy or ebay could give you some indication of value. 

    Oh, we both love this inexpensive but protective eyeglass case we found on Amazon. We've had our for a couple of years now and consider these one of our better buys. They just work, Large Sunglasses/Eyeglass Case with Zipper.

    Related Posts:

    Send Your Eyeglasses & Medical Prescriptions to the Cloud

    And just for fun …

    There Are Eyeglasses and Then There Are … 

    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 Cherubino
    Photography: © 2008-2015 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles
    DCR's Universal Access Program + Accessible Recreation Fair, May 30, 2015
    Best Bite: Blue Prawns on the Plancha at Select Oyster Bar

    Boston Public Library's 2015 Concerts in the Courtyard Serie
    s

  • 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