Category: Boston:101

Where to Dine on New Year’s Eve 2014 & New Year’s Day Brunch 2015
Our readers are already searching our past posts to figure out where to dine on New Year's Eve in Boston. It's time for you to grab a reservation at a special place!

This is an outdated post. Click below for the link to:

Where to Dine on New Year's Eve 2015 & New Year's Day Brunch 2016

And, this year we're adding a few places we think might be great for starting off 2015 with friends and family around a brunch table.

We all have our ideas of the perfect New Year's Eve.
- Are you looking for a place to ring in 2015 with a happy crowd?
- Will you be out and about dropping in on events or house parties?
- Or will you make a reservation for a quiet dinner before popping a cork for a private celebration?
- Is a walk to view the ice sculptures and skating on the Frog Pond more your style?
We'll leave the New Year's Eve reservation for those of you who like to be part of a bigger celebration, while we spend the evening with some sparkling wine, good food, and great companions. However, we have gathered resources to help you find a place for any kind of New Year's Eve you'd like.

Everyone can begin at Open Table. They maintain a list of special New Year's celebrations at area restaurants.

You can put a time into the reservation box on the main page and see what's available. Remember, many places have special prix fixe menus for occasions like this and some may require a credit card to hold a reservation.

The site Boston Chefs always posts a listing of its member restaurants that have special plans for New Year's Eve. Here is their New Year's Eve list. And, here's the list for New Year's Day. We'll update this section as we spot new information from these sources.

We'll add updates with other lists, as they become available, from trusted sources around town. Please remember that when we provide a link to a list, we are just giving you a resource. It doesn't mean we are recommending the restaurants on that list. These summaries often include places we love, but since other publishers have different standards, their list may include restaurants we would never recommend.

We Do Recommend!

There are restaurants that have planned a special New Year's Eve menu but have built their reputation on high quality food. These are places where you can expect to have a wonderful meal any day of the year.
- Island Creek Oyster Bar is serving its regular menu and, for that kindness, we've put them at the top of this list.
- Eastern Standard, next door, is doing the same. Regular menu, great wine list, craft cocktails.
- Coppa Enoteca will close from 3-5 on the 31st to prepare for a three-course Chef's menu – $55 per person.
- Bistro du Midi is offering two seatings at two prices with two prix fixe menus.
- Grotto on Beacon Hill, Kitchen in the South End, and Marliave downtown all join that list of places sticking with the food you love.
- Brasserie JO has a special menu but alway provides great food in a relaxed atmosphere, and their desserts are a party in themselves.
Where are you spending the evening? What's your favorite way to celebrate? Come back on January 1st and tell us about your New Year's Eve.

New Year's Day Brunch

Here is a list of brunches from the members of Boston Chefs. Our pick from this list would be Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel.

Open Table did not have a New Year's Day Brunch list when we prepared this post. We put a request in for a table at 11:30 AM to come up with our recommendations.
- Craigie on Main decided to do away with their regular Sunday brunch, but they will have brunch on a few selected holidays like New Year's Day.
- Petit Robert Bistro would be a great place to enjoy the beginning of a new year with a gang.
- Island Creek Oyster Bar will be open with their great brunch menu.
To be notified of updates to this post, sign-on to the comment feed for this post or follow us on Twitter for updates.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: Photo: iStockphoto.com

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December 12, 2014
Then and Now: Primus Avenue on Beacon Hill, Early Urban Renewal #throwbackthursday

Today, the gateway to Primus Avenue off Phillips Street on Beacon Hill is locked with only residents and their guests allowed entry. In 1843, this path was called Wilberforce Place. Back then, the word "place" was used to identify a location as a square or short street.

The Primus Avenue Condominium Association tells the good and the bad in their history of their property.

Wilberforce Place is described in Boston Ways: High, By, and Folk by George Weston as “a dark, dirty, and dismal place it was then—truly a slum, with three cold-water tenements housing a horde of the city’s dregs.”

They also explain the name change, "We believe that sometime in the 1860's, Primus Avenue came into being, replacing the name of Wilberforce Place, in honor of Primus Hall who once lived on this alley." And, they give a nice history of the namesake the avenue honors.

Urban Renewal in the 1920s

This photo from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection shows how the alley looked in the mid 1930s. Phtogapher Jones noted that the photo was, "…taken for Jack Frost sketch."

Jones also took the view from the Revere Street side or Sentry Hill Place with the title, "False front at Sentry Hill Place leads to Primus Ave. on Beacon Hill." Here's a map of the addresses.

In his book Built in Boston: City & Suburb, 1800-2000, Author Douglass Shand-Tucci writes that Architect, Clarence H. Blackall, "… carved out of several Beacon Hill tenements in the 1920s the imaginative Primus Avenue apartments off Phillips Street …"

Penny used it as the subject of one of her Attention to Detail columns for the Beacon Hill Times, a few years ago. In the process, she discovered some interesting tidbits about this place. But, she always loves learning more about the historic streets, buildings, and people of Boston. If you have a Primus Avenue story or tidbit to share, please add it in the comments below.

Three books with information about Primus Avenue are:

Built in Boston: City & Suburb, 1800-2000

AIA Guide to Boston: Contemporary Landmarks, Urban Design, Parks, Historic Buildings and Neighborhoods (AIA Guides)

Beacon Hill: The Life and Times of a Neighborhood

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: The two historic photos are Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection. The new one and The Attention to Detail piece are © 2011-2012 Penny Cherubino

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What’s Open in Boston on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 2014 Plus MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash, & More

Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Christmas, December 25, 2014, plus information on: trash collection, parking, MBTA schedule changes, and whatever else we were able to gather to answer your Chrismas week questions.

Remember, many businesses close early on Christmas Eve. Call before you leave, if you plan to visit a business on the 24th.

Welcome to all of you who have found BostonZest.com while looking for this information. We hope you'll look around at the other resources we provide, subscribe to our RSS feed, follow us on Twitter, and come back often.

Restaurants, bars: Some will be open. Check for special hours and menus and take a look at our piece on Where to Dine on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day 2014 in Boston.

Convenience stores: Some will be open. Check for special hours.

Supermarkets: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

Retail stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

Liquor stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. When we have official hours for the Tow Lot over the holiday, we'll update this section. Call before going on Christmas eve or Chistmas day.

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open.

Boston Trash Collection: The city says the following about trash collection Christmas week:

"Monday, December 22, 6am – Saturday, December 27, 2014, 5pm

No trash or recycling collection will take place in all sections of the City on Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25)

Christmas Week: Regular collection schedule on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday in all sections of the City. Regular trash collection schedule in the North End, Beacon Hill, Bay Village, Chinatown, Fenway South End, Mission Hill. Section of Roxbury, who have trash collection on Tuesday and Friday, no delay

Thursday and Friday recycling and trash collection delayed a day in Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, South Boston, Jamaica Plain*, West Roxbury, Roslindale, Mattapan, and Hyde Park.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week [Monday, Thursday], Thursday collection day is cancelled. Back Bay, Roxbury and your trash and recycling is picked up on Monday and Thursday, Thursday’s collection is also cancelled, not delayed."

MBTA Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Schedule Changes:

Again this year, the T has included New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, so you can do all your MBTA travel planning at this link! (Please note that the content on this page will change throughout the year.)

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

MBTA Christmas Eve Schedule is a regular weekday schedule except fo the Hingham boat. which is modified weekday

Thursday, December 25, 2014 – MBTA Christmas Day Schedule (Quick Look)

• Blue, Orange, Green, Red, and Silver Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule.

• Buses will run on a Sunday schedule, however some routes will not operate on Christmas day. See those details here.

• Commuter rail trains will operate on a Sunday schedule (which means some lines will not operate).

• Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown boat service will not operate.

• THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.

For additional information on MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call MBTA Customer Support at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (TTY 617-222-5146)," or visit the MBTA website.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2009 Penny Cherubino

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2014-2015 Winter Farmers’ Market Schedule Around Boston

The open air farmers' market season is over, and it's time for us to start our list of the 2014-2015 Winter Farmers' Markets in the Boston area. We'll add to this list as we discover more markets opening.

Somerville Winter Farmers' Market

Winter Indoor Farmers’ Markets Around Boston

Boston/Egleston Winter Farmers Market, has a new location at the Urbano Project, 29 Germania St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (map) Saturdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, (Through February 2015, except Dec. 27th.)

Brookline Winter Farmers Market, Arcade Building, 318 Harvard Street, (map) Sundays
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm (11/02 to 06/01/15)

Cambridge Winter/Alexandria Technology Square Farmers Market
700 Technology Square Atrium, (map) Wednesdays, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm (11/12/14 to 04/29/15)

Newton Winter Farmers' Market, 90 Lincoln Street-Hyde Community Center, Newton, MA 02461(map) Tuesday, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm (November 18, 2014 to June 16, 2015)

Somerville Winter Farmers Market, 191 Highland Avenue, (map) Saturdays, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm (December through March)

Cambridge Winter Farmers Market, 5 Callender Street, (map) Saturdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
(01/03/14 to 04/25/15)

Dorchester/Codman Square Winter Farmers Market has moved to Fridays: 6 Norfolk Street, (map) Fridays, 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm (01/09 to TBA. Last year they stayed open through March)

Chelmsford Agway Winter Farmers Market, 24 Maple Road, Chelmsford, MA (map) Saturdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (11/1 -2/28) Thanks to the reader who sent this one our way last year.

Update 12.8.14: (Thanks to Ben Sommer!)

Roslindale Winter Farmers Market, 30 Birch Street, Roslindale, MA (map) Saturdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (1/3 – 3/28 2015).

Destination Markets Worth the Trip

Wayland/Russell's Garden Center Winter Farmers Market 397 Boston Post Road Rte 20 (map) Saturdays, 10:00am to 2:00pm, 01/10 to 03/14/2015

Newburyport Winter Farmers Market, Tannery Marketplace, 50 Water Street (map)
Sundays 9:00am to 1:00pm, Dec. 7 & 14, 2014, Jan. 4 & 18, Feb. 1 & 15, March 1, 15, & 29, April 12, 2015

Do you have a favorite place to shop for local foods in winter? Let us know!

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

December 5, 2014
Then & Now: 176 Marlborough Street by Developer Eben Dyer Jordan #throwbackthursday

Here is what 176 Marlborough Street looked like circa 1922. This residence was built in 1876 and was one of six contiguous houses along that block of Marlborough that were built by Eben Dyer Jordan, the founder of Jordan Marsh. He built 166 Marlborough for his daughter and her husband and the other five were quickly sold.

The photo is part of the City of Boston Archives Street Lighting Collection. The city was creating a record of the street lighting fixtures and the note on this photo says:

"Electric street lamp on converted gas post with electric light fixture with white dome & clear glass globe. Installed in 1909."

Here's the same scene in 2011 with a new gaslight replacing the old gaslight that had been so proudly electrified in 1909.

Today, a street tree stands in the place of the former electric lamp and you see fences and gardens in front of the townhouses but not in early photos. Many homes in the Back Bay were winter residences where families lived for the "winter season." In the summer months, they would have been closed up while the family moved to their summer estates.

You'll see many references to "winter season" in the genealogy of this residence on the award winning site, Back Bay Houses: Genealogies of Back Bay Houses.

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: 1922 photo is used under this creative commons license. Second photo © 2011 Penny Cherubino

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December 4, 2014
Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2014 in Boston: Here’s What’s Open
Where can you dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Boston area? There are a few great choices! But, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays, make a reservation!

UPDATE: Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 in Boston

Don't be surprised if a deposit is required to hold your reservation or if there are special menus and seatings for these special holiday meals. Unfortunately, restaurants have been forced to do this because of people who make multiple reservations so they can decide at the last minute where to go. This leaves other diners without choices and the restaurants with empty tables.

Here is our resource page on opening and closings, other than dining, at Christmas.

What's Open in Boston on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 2014 Plus MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash, & More

What's Open on Christmas Eve?

There are more choices on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. Some of our favorite, special places have wonderful holiday meals planned for those who reserve for the 24th.
- The legendary team from L'Espalier normally offers a prix fixe Christmas Eve menu.
- La Morra in Brookline is an ideal spot to meet friends or family from that side of the Boston area. They are offering family style dining, "sharing traditional dishes of Piedmonte."
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel has a four course prixe fixe menu set for the 24th.
- Petit Robert Bistro locations will be open with regular meals and specials. We like the one on Columbus Ave in the South End.
- Here is the Christmas Eve list from Boston Chefs. Be sure to check back, because this list may grow.
- Here is the Christmas Eve List from Open Table. Be sure to check back, because this list may grow.
At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Chistmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun, holiday dining option.
- Coppa Enoteca is one of our favorites and they're offering their version of this tradition.
- Dante in Cambridge will present Chef Dante de Magistris' version of the feast with other menu items available.
- Grotto was one of the first to present this holiday tradition. Kitchen and Marliave, Grotto's siblings in the South End and Downtown, quickly joined in the festive fish feast. This year Kitchen will be open offering the regular menu for those who prefer an al la carte choice. At Grotto and Marliave will continue the feasting on fish.
- Here is a great article from Edible Boston on this traditional meal.
What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Christmas?

Hotel restaurants, since they must serve the hotel's guests, are normally open on holidays.

In Boston, hotel restaurants open both the 24th and 25th include some excellent choices:
- Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Hotel is serving a three-course prix fixe menu from Noon-8 p.m.
- The Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel gives you a choice of a Christmas Day Buffet Brunch in the Atlantic Room from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., or their 4-course prix-fixe dinner in Meritage Restaurant from 5-9 p.m.
- Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
Other places open on holidays would include chain restaurants and some places in Chinatown. We once asked a longtime Boston cabbie where we could get something we needed on Christmas, and he said Chinatown was the place to go.

Here are some conversations on Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year and we'll link to lists from other Boston food sites.

Boston Restaurants Not Open on Christmas Day (2014) is a Trip Advisor conversation started by a visitor from London who was trying to find a top Boston restaurant to enjoy on Christmas Day and was surprised to find so many choices closed.

Trip Advisor on Christmas Dinner (2013)

Eater Boston's Christmas Map (Updated 12/16/2013)

What Chinese Restaurants are Open On Christmas Day– (2012)

Christmas Day Brunch (2012)

Open on Cape Cod on Christmas Day (just in case you're going there) (2012)

Xmas Lunch in Boston (2012)

Restaurant open Christmas Day in Newton or nearby (2012)

Other resources:

The reservation site Open Table has a feature list of its member restaurants with Christmas Eve Specials and Christmas Day Dining.

But, you can also input information on the reservation you want on Open Table and come up with a list of restaurants open at that hour. Change the hour and the list will change and some are not on the featured lists. It's a good place to start.

The Boston Chefs site has posted a list of its participating member restaurants with special features for the holidays. Here's the Christmas Eve List & the Christmas Day list.

From Last Year: Eater Boston has a list of What's Open in Boston Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We'll update with the new one when it's available.

They have many good choices to add to your holiday options. We'd particularly like to recommend:

Island Creek Oyster Bar for Christmas Eve. It's one of our favorite places, and I can just imagine what a happy scene it will be on that evening.

Eastern Standard: They will normally open Christmas Day for breakfast and then for a special 3-course prix fixe meal.

Follow us on Twitter for notice of updates to this post.

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Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photo: from iStockphoto.com

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Confused Plants and More November Foliage

This geranium ground cover is confused about the season and was putting out blooms earlier this week. When I mentioned this to a garden expert, she said she's seen a lot of strange plant behavior this fall.

What have you spotted?

While elsewhere around the city the fall foliage is still putting on a show.

Yes, I do love to take photos of the big picture like this statue of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall with his backdrop of yellow and organge.

But, my favorite shots are of leaves as they gather in natural groups on surfaces like this granite. I enjoy the shapes and shades of individual leaves and their ever changing colors.

Or, when the family of leaves from one tree fall in profusion onto a surface like this evergreen hedge.

Are you a big picture or close up leaf lover?

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

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What’s Open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2014, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More
UPDATE: What's Open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More

What's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, 2014? What's closed?

Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules?

We have the answers for you, all organized on one post that we'll update as new information comes our way.

Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, November 27, 2014.

We post these rundowns early, when we notice our readers looking for the information on older posts. Because it's early, we will update as new information is announced. So, bookmark this page and check back. We'll send out notice of updates on Twitter.

Restaurants, bars: Many will be open, check for special hours and menus. Here's our post on where to dine out on Thanksgiving.

Convenience stores: Many are open, check for special hours

Supermarkets: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws" (scroll to the bottom of the page)

Retail stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

Liquor stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. International markets are open.

City, Town, State, and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

Parking & Street Sweeping

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

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."

Trash Collection & Recycling

Boston Trash Collection for Thanksgiving week – The city says:

"Thursday, November 27, 6am – Saturday, November 29, 2014, 5pm

No trash or recycling collection will take place in all sections of the City on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 27th)

Thanksgiving week: Regular collection schedule on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday in all sections of the City.

Regular trash collection schedule in the North End, Beacon Hill, Bay Village, Chinatown, Fenway South End, Mission Hill. Section of Roxbury, who have trash collection on Tuesday and Friday, no delay

Thursday and Friday recycling and trash collection delayed a day in Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, South Boston, Jamaica Plain*, West Roxbury, Roslindale, Mattapan, and Hyde Park.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week [Monday, Thursday], Thursday collection day is cancelled. Back Bay, Roxbury and your trash and recycling is picked up on Monday and Thursday, Thursday’s collection is also cancelled, not delayed

MBTA information after the Ad from Amazon!

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MBTA Schedule Changes

Here is the link to the MBTA schedule changes. This link will change sometime after the holiday. We have created a PDF version of the page for the weekend that you can download if you wish.

Download MBTA Thanksgiving 2014

Here's a quick summary, but check the site or the PDF for details.
- Wednesday November 26th will have normal Wednesday subway, bus, and Commuter Rail schedules with extra Silver Line service to and from Logan Airports.
- Thanksgiving November 27th will have subways including the Silver Line on a Sunday schedule. Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with some routes not operating. Commuter Rail will run on a Sunday Schedule so some routes will not operate.
- Friday November 28th will have the Red, Orange, and Blue lines on a Friday Schedule and the Green Line on a Saturday Schedule. The Silver line will have extra service. Commuter Rail will run on a Friday schedule.
Special Plymouth Service:

The Commuter Rail will provide special seasonal weekend trains to Plymouth on the Old Colony Line during the weekends prior to Thanksgiving on Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16, as well as November 22 and 23. Details here.

For further information, check with the MBTA Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino
November 17, 2014
North Bennet Street School Open House in Their New Facility

We've told you about the open houses held at North Bennet Street School in the past. This Boston treasure trove is a place that turns dreams into reality. We have November 14 & 15 marked on our calendars because we can't wait to see the new facility at 150 North Street.

They say:

"Aspiring furniture makers, bookbinders, carpenters, jewelry makers – or those merely curious about the process of making beautiful things by hand – are invited to a special behind-the-scenes look at one of America's oldest schools of craftsmanship during a two-day open house at North Bennet Street School’s new facility at 150 North Street in Boston's historic North End."

We say:

This is a great way to spend some time meeting people who have gone after their dreams. Who knows, a door may open for you and you'll become a student. Or, perhaps you'll decide to explore one of the fine crafts they teach at a workshop or short course.

Or, you may decide to put someone's feet on the path to their dream with a North Bennet Street School gift certificate as a holiday gift.

Everything You Need to Know to Visit

As always, when the school provides us with information for an upcoming event, they think of all the little details that make it easy for our readers to get there and enjoy their visit.

Who: North Bennet Street School

What: Annual Open House and Open Studios

Where: 150 North Street, Boston, MA 02109 (North End, just off the Rose Kennedy Greenway)

When: Friday, November 14, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm; Saturday, November 15, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Cost: FREE

Handicap Access: Yes

Parking: Limited street parking (metered) and discounted parking at the Parcel 7 garage – http://www.nbss.edu/about/the-boston-area/visit/index.aspx#

Nearest T stop: Haymarket (Orange, Green lines)

Directions: via Google maps – http://goo.gl/maps/97sY4

More Open House details: www.nbss.edu/openhouse

More about NBSS full-time programs and workshops: http://www.nbss.edu

Contact: 617-227-0155 and admissions@nbss.edu

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: by Maureen Cotton, Courtesy of North Bennet Street School

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November Foliage in the Heart of Boston

This weekend, we took a few fall foliage shots to mark the progress of the leaf peeping season in Boston.

Here's the scene along the Muddy River at Charlesgate East. The former Charlesgate Hotel (designed by artchitect J. Pickering Putnam and built in 1901) provides an exuberant background for the foliage and adds to the refections in the river.

Along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, the statues pop against a palette of green and muted color.

When the sun peeks through, it makes a pretty place to walk and notice the changing scene. This one was taken on November 10th.

The canopy of trees still offers a tunnel of shade for walkers. This time of year, shades of color add to the effect.

It has been a less than spectacular foliage season in this area with some trees going from green, to brown, to bare without putting on their annual show of color.

But visitors, who thought they'd miss all color by coming to Boston in mid-November, still have a bit of a treat in store.

Last year was far more colorful as we showed you in the photos used in this earlier post:

What's Happening Around Boston in November 2014

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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