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Category: Boston:101

  • Time for a Picnic in the Public Garden or Any Other Park You Choose

    Last weekend, sitting on a chilly bench with some friends and dogs, we spotted this guitar man watching the squirrels at play in the Public Garden.

    IMG_9319 - Version 22016-03-06-public-garden-japanese-lantern-guitar-guy-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    But knowing warmer days were on the way, we all looked forward to our first Public Garden Picnic of the year. Whether you pack a lunch from home or pick up something from a nearby spot, we highly recommend you pull up a bench and enjoy an al fresco meal in one of Boston's parks. 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     

    Related Posts:

    Brunch Picnic by the River

    Rain, Rain Go Away, We Want a Picnic Day!

    Public Garden Picnic from Parish Cafe

    Picnic from Falafel King on the Boston Common

    Food Tips for Shakespeare on the Common

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Patio & Picnic Season Means More Dining Out Options
    The Witch Hazel Thinks It's Spring!
    Growing Fond of the Boston Public Garden Fence

  • Time for a Picnic in the Public Garden or Any Other Park You Choose

    Last weekend, sitting on a chilly bench with some friends and dogs, we spotted this guitar man watching the squirrels at play in the Public Garden.

    IMG_9319 - Version 22016-03-06-public-garden-japanese-lantern-guitar-guy-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    But knowing warmer days were on the way, we all looked forward to our first Public Garden Picnic of the year. Whether you pack a lunch from home or pick up something from a nearby spot, we highly recommend you pull up a bench and enjoy an al fresco meal in one of Boston's parks. 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     

    Related Posts:

    Brunch Picnic by the River

    Rain, Rain Go Away, We Want a Picnic Day!

    Public Garden Picnic from Parish Cafe

    Picnic from Falafel King on the Boston Common

    Food Tips for Shakespeare on the Common

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Patio & Picnic Season Means More Dining Out Options
    The Witch Hazel Thinks It's Spring!
    Growing Fond of the Boston Public Garden Fence

  • Subway Tips and Etiquette for Boston Visitors from Local Trip Advisors

    What tips would you give a visitor to Boston on MBTA subway (and bus) etiquette? Over on the Boston Trip Advisor Forum, there is a small but dedicated group of locals who help visitors plan their time in the city. They recently took up that question. Here's a link to that conversation.

    DSC_0425 - Version 22011-02-03MBTA Arlington station © 2011 Penny Cherubino© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    People who don't move into the train and backpacks and the annoyance they can be to other passengers began the topic. It was noted that some transit systems ask that backpacks be placed on the floor. Penny often wears a backpack that she will either take off or hold in front of her on the T. The only time we leave them on is if we have a seat and the backpack will only make us uncomfortable. 

    Adam Gaffin over on Universal Hub has been educating readers and collecting long lists of comments on this topic for years. Here's one survey on backpacks he did in 2007. The comments on this post range from stroller issues to people who cannot reach the high straps and need a lower place to hold. 

    Other topics touched upon by the Trip Advisors were:

    • Leaving litter behind
    • Keeping right on the escalators
    • Waiting until people get off before you try to get on a train or bus
    • Keeping music and conversations to yourself
    • Offering a seat to others when appropriate

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    Pole hogs or as we call them, "Pole dancers" were one of the topics Penny added to the Trip Advisor conversation. The photo above by Mark Kent was taken in New York where the public transit system is, at least, trying to teach etiquette.

    She also offered a tip to those who fear that if they move into a crowded train they may not be able to get off at their stop. She wrote, "Remember the name of the stop before yours and use that as your positioning stop. I do this all the time in rush hour. If I plan to get off a packed train at Hynes, I'll move into the train and move to a spot near a door at Copley. This way you flow with the crowd getting off at Copley and have a good choice of positions, sometimes even a seat by the door, when you reach your stop."

    Mta_etiquette_space

    If you follow Universal Hub or are active on Boston social media, you may know the term manspreading. This is another issue that the NYC system has addressed with the poster above. Even the New York Times did a report and video on the topic.

    The little puppet in the New York Times video had the best advice when he said, "If I'm lucky enough to get a seat on a subway, I employ a simple rule. I'm one person, I take one seat. I keep my legs in one seat. I keep my bag in one seat. I keep my arms in one seat."  

    Here's an additional video with all Johnny T's Subway tips. Perhaps Bostonians can learn something from a little guy from New York.

     

    Related Post: 

    Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

    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 Penny Cherubino, NYC subway sign by Mark Kent used under creative commons license.

    Related articles
    Boston's Number One Taxi
    Boston Ethnic Markets Is Our Friday Link
    Getting Us Outside: Another Way Dogs Are Good for Us

  • Subway Tips and Etiquette for Boston Visitors from Local Trip Advisors

    What tips would you give a visitor to Boston on MBTA subway (and bus) etiquette? Over on the Boston Trip Advisor Forum, there is a small but dedicated group of locals who help visitors plan their time in the city. They recently took up that question. Here's a link to that conversation.

    DSC_0425 - Version 22011-02-03MBTA Arlington station © 2011 Penny Cherubino© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    People who don't move into the train and backpacks and the annoyance they can be to other passengers began the topic. It was noted that some transit systems ask that backpacks be placed on the floor. Penny often wears a backpack that she will either take off or hold in front of her on the T. The only time we leave them on is if we have a seat and the backpack will only make us uncomfortable. 

    Adam Gaffin over on Universal Hub has been educating readers and collecting long lists of comments on this topic for years. Here's one survey on backpacks he did in 2007. The comments on this post range from stroller issues to people who cannot reach the high straps and need a lower place to hold. 

    Other topics touched upon by the Trip Advisors were:

    • Leaving litter behind
    • Keeping right on the escalators
    • Waiting until people get off before you try to get on a train or bus
    • Keeping music and conversations to yourself
    • Offering a seat to others when appropriate

    16871628368_029a178fd1_z

    Pole hogs or as we call them, "Pole dancers" were one of the topics Penny added to the Trip Advisor conversation. The photo above by Mark Kent was taken in New York where the public transit system is, at least, trying to teach etiquette.

    She also offered a tip to those who fear that if they move into a crowded train they may not be able to get off at their stop. She wrote, "Remember the name of the stop before yours and use that as your positioning stop. I do this all the time in rush hour. If I plan to get off a packed train at Hynes, I'll move into the train and move to a spot near a door at Copley. This way you flow with the crowd getting off at Copley and have a good choice of positions, sometimes even a seat by the door, when you reach your stop."

    Mta_etiquette_space

    If you follow Universal Hub or are active on Boston social media, you may know the term manspreading. This is another issue that the NYC system has addressed with the poster above. Even the New York Times did a report and video on the topic.

    The little puppet in the New York Times video had the best advice when he said, "If I'm lucky enough to get a seat on a subway, I employ a simple rule. I'm one person, I take one seat. I keep my legs in one seat. I keep my bag in one seat. I keep my arms in one seat."  

    Here's an additional video with all Johnny T's Subway tips. Perhaps Bostonians can learn something from a little guy from New York.

     

    Related Post: 

    Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

    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 Penny Cherubino, NYC subway sign by Mark Kent used under creative commons license.

    Related articles
    Boston's Number One Taxi
    Boston Ethnic Markets Is Our Friday Link
    Getting Us Outside: Another Way Dogs Are Good for Us

  • Stone and Reeds, Man and Nature…

    In the Fenway, along the Muddy River, the work of man and nature combine to create a golden-hued scene in winter. 

    IMG_9234 - Version 22016-02-15fenway-muddy-river-sone-bridge-reeds-© 2014 Penny Cherubino (1)

    "There are no lines in nature, only areas of colour, one against another." Edouard Manet

    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: © 2016 Penny Cherubino  

  • Stone and Reeds, Man and Nature…

    In the Fenway, along the Muddy River, the work of man and nature combine to create a golden-hued scene in winter. 

    IMG_9234 - Version 22016-02-15fenway-muddy-river-sone-bridge-reeds-© 2014 Penny Cherubino (1)

    "There are no lines in nature, only areas of colour, one against another." Edouard Manet

    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: © 2016 Penny Cherubino  

  • Boston Needs a Year-End Holiday, “Un-decorating Day”

    With Valentine's Day coming, it's time to take down those wilting, drooping, browning decorations that went up in November and December. Boston should have an official year-end holiday "Un-decorating Day" or weekend where everyone takes a look at their winter accessories and decides if they still look good and can stay or if some adjustment or removal is needed. 

    IMG_9190 - Version 22016-02-06Heats-on -doors-back-bay-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Walking around, we found different takes on decorating the front of buildings. These folks decided to go with the next holiday and added a splash of Valentine Glam to their doorway. 

    IMG_9149 - Version 22016-01-30planter-back-bay-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    In some cases, the decorating theme was "Winter" rather than "Christmas" and this planter was maintained so it still looks good and is still a very welcome sight on our daily strolls.

    IMG_9139 - Version 22016-01-27-undecorating day needed© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    On the other hand, this garland has stayed too long at the party. This photo was taken in late January and suggests that perhaps the date for "Un-decorating Day" should be the first weekend in February. 

    Traditionally, The Beacon Hill Civic Association has held their "Undecorating Weekend – Pancake Breakfast" in January. That's great for some fading decorations. But, many of the wreaths, planters, and window boxes with less traditional themes are in great shape and continue to add a splash of bright to the dull streetscape. Those should stay around a bit longer. 

    This year we've had Roses in December and snowdrops and green shoots popping up in January. This weekend would be our normal time to start looking for those first signs of spring. So in our minds this is also a weekend to take a look at your winter decor and decide if it is still a happy addition to your home or if it's time to take it away and think about the next season. In case you're wondering, the Spring Equinox is March 20, 2016.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Boston Needs a Year-End Holiday, “Un-decorating Day”

    With Valentine's Day coming, it's time to take down those wilting, drooping, browning decorations that went up in November and December. Boston should have an official year-end holiday "Un-decorating Day" or weekend where everyone takes a look at their winter accessories and decides if they still look good and can stay or if some adjustment or removal is needed. 

    IMG_9190 - Version 22016-02-06Heats-on -doors-back-bay-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Walking around, we found different takes on decorating the front of buildings. These folks decided to go with the next holiday and added a splash of Valentine Glam to their doorway. 

    IMG_9149 - Version 22016-01-30planter-back-bay-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    In some cases, the decorating theme was "Winter" rather than "Christmas" and this planter was maintained so it still looks good and is still a very welcome sight on our daily strolls.

    IMG_9139 - Version 22016-01-27-undecorating day needed© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    On the other hand, this garland has stayed too long at the party. This photo was taken in late January and suggests that perhaps the date for "Un-decorating Day" should be the first weekend in February. 

    Traditionally, The Beacon Hill Civic Association has held their "Undecorating Weekend – Pancake Breakfast" in January. That's great for some fading decorations. But, many of the wreaths, planters, and window boxes with less traditional themes are in great shape and continue to add a splash of bright to the dull streetscape. Those should stay around a bit longer. 

    This year we've had Roses in December and snowdrops and green shoots popping up in January. This weekend would be our normal time to start looking for those first signs of spring. So in our minds this is also a weekend to take a look at your winter decor and decide if it is still a happy addition to your home or if it's time to take it away and think about the next season. In case you're wondering, the Spring Equinox is March 20, 2016.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • What’s Open or Closed on Presidents’ Day in Boston 2016 & MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More

    Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Presidents' Day and the MBTA schedule changes, plus information on Boston trash pick-up and parking information for February 15, 2016. 

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    We publish these resource pages early to assist you in planning your holidays. We'll keep updates coming as new information is published. Follow us on Twitter to learn about updates.

    Restaurants, bars: Open

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets:     Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Liquor stores: Open if the owners choose

    City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United States closed. Some international markets are open. In recent years, we've noticed some banks keep some branches open at unexpected times so check with your own bank.

    Parking, Boston trash, and MBTA after the ad.

    This weekend is a great time to start your tax preparation. Step one, order your software by following this link to Amazon.You can even download some versions right from the Amazon Download Store. Shopping Amazon from here keeps information like this coming your way. 


    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

    Boston Trash and Recycling:

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

    MBTA Schedule for Presidents' Day, February 15, 2016

    For a short time before the holiday, a complete list of schedule changes with appear at this link.

    Briefly:

    • Blue, Orange, Red, Green and Mattapan Lines will operate a Saturday schedule.
    • Silver line will operate a weekday schedule.
    • Commuter Rail trains will operate a Saturday schedule. 
    • Buses and trackless trolleys will operate a Saturday schedule. Check this link for bus routes that will not operate. (Note: this link will only work up until the holiday.)
    • Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown Boat Service will operate a regular weekday schedule.
    • THE RIDE will operate a Saturday schedule, but contact your local RIDE contractor for details.

    For more information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at 617-222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or check the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com. 

     

    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: ©2010 Penny Cherubino

  • Ask @UniversalHub for the Best Crowdsourced Answers In Boston

    Funny how people find a way to get great answers to their questions. Lately, I notice more and more people who direct queries on so many topics to Adam Gaffin (@UniversalHub) and those who follow him on Twitter.

    What's happening

    Since Universal Hub (UH) is one of the most reliable sources of hyperlocal information in Boston, people do ask what's going on when they see police or fire action in their area. 

    Onion soup

    Sometimes the requests are a bit delicious like this one for onion soup.

    Donate luggage

    Or, kindhearted as in finding a place to donate something.

    Skillet jpg

    Or, an opinion from others about a product you might want to buy. 

    Sometimes when the replies flood in, you'll find them gathered as a collection on Universal Hub like this on the best Southern-style Biscuits and Gravy. When you come across one of these, be sure to click on and read the comments posted directly on the UH post.

    Ed and I both rely on Universal Hub for breaking news and fun information and we highly recommend you do the same. Follow @UniversalHub on Twitter and stop by the Universal Hub site a few times a day, especially when you see something that makes you wonder, "What's happening?"

    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

    Related articles
    Universal Hub for Local, Local, Local News
    Spread a Little Local Love for the Rest of Valentine's Month