Category: Boston:101

Fenway Victory Gardens Spring Scenes

Many a walk takes us through this main path of the Fenway Victory Gardens that runs parallel to Boylston Street. But, once in a while, we like to spend time exploring the rest of this historic complex of gardens and gardening support areas.

Update: We read on thier Facebook Page that they are having: "OPEN GARDENS is Saturday June 1st (11am to 3pm)" What's more they have posted their 2013 Calendar of events.

They have a great history page on their site explaining that, "The Fenway Victory Gardens are the nation’s only remaining, continuously operating WWII Victory Gardens." This garden was founded in 1942.

(Click on any image for a larger view.)

This is a community and we've always found the "resident gardeners" friendly and open to answering questions for visitors. If you visit their Facebook group, you'll find the same sharing attitude among the members.

The gardens can feel like a world apart. You can easily forget that they are so close to the heart of Boston.

With a well-established group like this one, you see evidence of shared equipment and resources, including well-organized composting locations.

They even have their own bee hives, a teaching garden, and an accessible garden designed to be enjoyed by persons with disabilities.

Each garden plot has its own personality and it's the details that make this a great location for a photowalk.

Each week the scene changes, new plants come into bloom, and the path you walked a week ago is renewed. It's a place to visit often, walk through slowly, and enjoy with your favorite people. We also highly recommend that any gardener visiting Boston add this place to their trip agenda.

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

May 28, 2013
What’s Open in Boston on Memorial Day 2013
UPDATE: Here's a link to our latest post on "What's Open and Closed on Memorial Day in Boston + MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash & More"

Here's a run-down of what's open and what's closed in Boston and the MBTA schedules for Memorial Day – Monday, May 27, 2013. We have the information you need on parking, street cleaning, trash, and other happenings this weekend.

Include a visit to the swans at the Boston Public Garden over the weekend!

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Liquor stores: Closed (See this page from the Secretary of State)

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 State closed. Some international markets are open.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. The Tow Lot is CLOSED Saturday 5/25 1PM – Tuesday 5/28 7AM.

Street Sweeping: The city site 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."

Update from the Boston Transportation Department 05.24.13 : There are two traffic advisories in effect for this weekend
- The Boston Strong One Run will take place on Saturday, May 25th.
- The Run to Remember Road Race will take place on Sunday, May 26th.
- Click here for details on the street closings and routes for these events.
More information after this ad

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. Perfect for small city homes. We have an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled. We not only use it for picnics, but also grab it to go grocery shopping.

Boston Trash Collection: The announcement from Public Works states:

"Monday May 27, 2013

No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End

Delay trash and recycling collection a day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury."

MBTA Schedule Changes

While it is live, here's a link to the MBTA's Memorial Day Schedule. And, you can download the same information here: Download MBTA Memorial Day
- Subways will operate on a Sunday schedule
- Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with some exceptions shown on the link or download above
- Hingham & Qunicy Ferries will operate on a weekday schedule
- Charlestown Ferry will run on a weekend schedule
- Commuter Rail will run on a Sunday Schedule with no service for Fairmount, Greenbush, Kingston/Plymouth, and Needham lines
- Those who use THE RIDE should call the service directly about Memorial Day.
* For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200 (TTY: 617-222-5146) or log onto the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com.

Bonus: Free Memorial Day Community Weekend at the Museum of Fine Arts

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo:© 2013 Ed Cherubino

MFA screenshot from their site.
May 24, 2013
What’s Open in Boston on Memorial Day 2013
UPDATE: Here's a link to our latest post on "What's Open and Closed on Memorial Day in Boston + MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash & More"

Here's a run-down of what's open and what's closed in Boston and the MBTA schedules for Memorial Day – Monday, May 27, 2013. We have the information you need on parking, street cleaning, trash, and other happenings this weekend.

Include a visit to the swans at the Boston Public Garden over the weekend!

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Liquor stores: Closed (See this page from the Secretary of State)

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 State closed. Some international markets are open.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. The Tow Lot is CLOSED Saturday 5/25 1PM – Tuesday 5/28 7AM.

Street Sweeping: The city site 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."

Update from the Boston Transportation Department 05.24.13 : There are two traffic advisories in effect for this weekend
- The Boston Strong One Run will take place on Saturday, May 25th.
- The Run to Remember Road Race will take place on Sunday, May 26th.
- Click here for details on the street closings and routes for these events.
More information after this ad

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. Perfect for small city homes. We have an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled. We not only use it for picnics, but also grab it to go grocery shopping.

Boston Trash Collection: The announcement from Public Works states:

"Monday May 27, 2013

No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End

Delay trash and recycling collection a day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury."

MBTA Schedule Changes

While it is live, here's a link to the MBTA's Memorial Day Schedule. And, you can download the same information here: Download MBTA Memorial Day
- Subways will operate on a Sunday schedule
- Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with some exceptions shown on the link or download above
- Hingham & Qunicy Ferries will operate on a weekday schedule
- Charlestown Ferry will run on a weekend schedule
- Commuter Rail will run on a Sunday Schedule with no service for Fairmount, Greenbush, Kingston/Plymouth, and Needham lines
- Those who use THE RIDE should call the service directly about Memorial Day.
* For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200 (TTY: 617-222-5146) or log onto the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com.

Bonus: Free Memorial Day Community Weekend at the Museum of Fine Arts

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo:© 2013 Ed Cherubino

MFA screenshot from their site.
May 24, 2013
What’s Open in Boston on Memorial Day 2013
UPDATE: Here's a link to our latest post on "What's Open and Closed on Memorial Day in Boston + MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash & More"

Here's a run-down of what's open and what's closed in Boston and the MBTA schedules for Memorial Day – Monday, May 27, 2013. We have the information you need on parking, street cleaning, trash, and other happenings this weekend.

Include a visit to the swans at the Boston Public Garden over the weekend!

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Liquor stores: Closed (See this page from the Secretary of State)

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 State closed. Some international markets are open.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. The Tow Lot is CLOSED Saturday 5/25 1PM – Tuesday 5/28 7AM.

Street Sweeping: The city site 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."

Update from the Boston Transportation Department 05.24.13 : There are two traffic advisories in effect for this weekend
- The Boston Strong One Run will take place on Saturday, May 25th.
- The Run to Remember Road Race will take place on Sunday, May 26th.
- Click here for details on the street closings and routes for these events.
More information after this ad

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. Perfect for small city homes. We have an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled. We not only use it for picnics, but also grab it to go grocery shopping.

Boston Trash Collection: The announcement from Public Works states:

"Monday May 27, 2013

No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End

Delay trash and recycling collection a day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury."

MBTA Schedule Changes

While it is live, here's a link to the MBTA's Memorial Day Schedule. And, you can download the same information here: Download MBTA Memorial Day
- Subways will operate on a Sunday schedule
- Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with some exceptions shown on the link or download above
- Hingham & Qunicy Ferries will operate on a weekday schedule
- Charlestown Ferry will run on a weekend schedule
- Commuter Rail will run on a Sunday Schedule with no service for Fairmount, Greenbush, Kingston/Plymouth, and Needham lines
- Those who use THE RIDE should call the service directly about Memorial Day.
* For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200 (TTY: 617-222-5146) or log onto the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com.

Bonus: Free Memorial Day Community Weekend at the Museum of Fine Arts

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo:© 2013 Ed Cherubino

MFA screenshot from their site.
May 24, 2013
At the Market: New Location for City Hall Market

The big news this week is the relocation of the City Hall Farmers' Market to the Congress Street side of City Hall Plaza. This move is due to the MBTA's renovation of the Government Center Station over the next three years.

It's also close to the site of the planned permanent public market. Both the City Hall and the Dewey Square farmers' markets are operated by the Boston Public Market Association. While this market may be closer to the Haymarket MBTA station, the vendors here sell local, farm fresh, high quality products and are not associated with that other market known for clearance goods that shows up on weekends.

One new addition to both the Monday and Wednesday roster at City Hall is Red's Best seafood. Penny had already purchased asparagus from Silverbrook Farm and asked what would be a good match. Not only did she get a recommendation of scallops, but the chef at their stand even gave her a tip for cooking them.

Penny prepped the aspargus for oven roasting with a sprinkle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a chopped shallot, and popped them into a hot oven. While they cooked, she seared the scallops in a very hot pan with just a coating of grapeseed oil. Just before these beauties were done, she added a piece of butter and squeeze of lemon.

With some good bread and dessert from Pain D'Avignon, we had the perfect farmers' market supper.

Monday's stop at City Hall was followed by a Tuesday visit to the market at Copley Square. Penny was on the hunt for strawberries from Atlas Farm and didn't want to find them sold out so we arrived just before opening and camped out on a bench near their stand.

We weren't the only ones impatient for the 11 a.m. opening call.

It's interesting to watch the vendors set up their stands. Ann from Crystal Brook Farm wheeled her sign and supplies to her spot where she would soon be selling her amazing goat cheese and clever brown bag lunches.

In Season Right Now!

All the items we mentioned above plus:

Radishes from Atlas Farms

Cucumbers from Foppema's Farm / Keown Orchards – they also had herb plants, rhubarb, greens, and popcorn on the cob.

We also saw mushrooms, green garlic, salad mix, lettuce, arugula, lots of annuals, herbs, and vegetable plants.

Coming Soon!

We heard talk about some early hothouse tomatoes. Curtis Stillman said Stillman's Farm would soon have kale and their first peas.

What's on your Food Lover's shopping list? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

May 23, 2013
At the Market: New Location for City Hall Market

The big news this week is the relocation of the City Hall Farmers' Market to the Congress Street side of City Hall Plaza. This move is due to the MBTA's renovation of the Government Center Station over the next three years.

It's also close to the site of the planned permanent public market. Both the City Hall and the Dewey Square farmers' markets are operated by the Boston Public Market Association. While this market may be closer to the Haymarket MBTA station, the vendors here sell local, farm fresh, high quality products and are not associated with that other market known for clearance goods that shows up on weekends.

One new addition to both the Monday and Wednesday roster at City Hall is Red's Best seafood. Penny had already purchased asparagus from Silverbrook Farm and asked what would be a good match. Not only did she get a recommendation of scallops, but the chef at their stand even gave her a tip for cooking them.

Penny prepped the aspargus for oven roasting with a sprinkle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a chopped shallot, and popped them into a hot oven. While they cooked, she seared the scallops in a very hot pan with just a coating of grapeseed oil. Just before these beauties were done, she added a piece of butter and squeeze of lemon.

With some good bread and dessert from Pain D'Avignon, we had the perfect farmers' market supper.

Monday's stop at City Hall was followed by a Tuesday visit to the market at Copley Square. Penny was on the hunt for strawberries from Atlas Farm and didn't want to find them sold out so we arrived just before opening and camped out on a bench near their stand.

We weren't the only ones impatient for the 11 a.m. opening call.

It's interesting to watch the vendors set up their stands. Ann from Crystal Brook Farm wheeled her sign and supplies to her spot where she would soon be selling her amazing goat cheese and clever brown bag lunches.

In Season Right Now!

All the items we mentioned above plus:

Radishes from Atlas Farms

Cucumbers from Foppema's Farm / Keown Orchards – they also had herb plants, rhubarb, greens, and popcorn on the cob.

We also saw mushrooms, green garlic, salad mix, lettuce, arugula, lots of annuals, herbs, and vegetable plants.

Coming Soon!

We heard talk about some early hothouse tomatoes. Curtis Stillman said Stillman's Farm would soon have kale and their first peas.

What's on your Food Lover's shopping list? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

May 23, 2013
At the Market: New Location for City Hall Market

The big news this week is the relocation of the City Hall Farmers' Market to the Congress Street side of City Hall Plaza. This move is due to the MBTA's renovation of the Government Center Station over the next three years.

It's also close to the site of the planned permanent public market. Both the City Hall and the Dewey Square farmers' markets are operated by the Boston Public Market Association. While this market may be closer to the Haymarket MBTA station, the vendors here sell local, farm fresh, high quality products and are not associated with that other market known for clearance goods that shows up on weekends.

One new addition to both the Monday and Wednesday roster at City Hall is Red's Best seafood. Penny had already purchased asparagus from Silverbrook Farm and asked what would be a good match. Not only did she get a recommendation of scallops, but the chef at their stand even gave her a tip for cooking them.

Penny prepped the aspargus for oven roasting with a sprinkle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a chopped shallot, and popped them into a hot oven. While they cooked, she seared the scallops in a very hot pan with just a coating of grapeseed oil. Just before these beauties were done, she added a piece of butter and squeeze of lemon.

With some good bread and dessert from Pain D'Avignon, we had the perfect farmers' market supper.

Monday's stop at City Hall was followed by a Tuesday visit to the market at Copley Square. Penny was on the hunt for strawberries from Atlas Farm and didn't want to find them sold out so we arrived just before opening and camped out on a bench near their stand.

We weren't the only ones impatient for the 11 a.m. opening call.

It's interesting to watch the vendors set up their stands. Ann from Crystal Brook Farm wheeled her sign and supplies to her spot where she would soon be selling her amazing goat cheese and clever brown bag lunches.

In Season Right Now!

All the items we mentioned above plus:

Radishes from Atlas Farms

Cucumbers from Foppema's Farm / Keown Orchards – they also had herb plants, rhubarb, greens, and popcorn on the cob.

We also saw mushrooms, green garlic, salad mix, lettuce, arugula, lots of annuals, herbs, and vegetable plants.

Coming Soon!

We heard talk about some early hothouse tomatoes. Curtis Stillman said Stillman's Farm would soon have kale and their first peas.

What's on your Food Lover's shopping list? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

May 23, 2013
Warren & Clarendon Community Garden

Here are some spring photos of the Warren & Clarendon Community Garden. A newcomer to Boston asked about community gardens and we decided that if she needed the information, other readers would too.

This is one of more than 150 Community Gardens in Boston. The best resource for finding a Community Garden near you is the Boston Natural Areas Network (BNAN).

Watch for more profiles of Boston area community gardens. If you are a member of a gardening community, please tell us about it in the comments below or send us an email
and we may just come out and see your green space.

Next time, we'll tell you about Fenway Victory Gardens, America's Oldest Victory Garden.

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

May 21, 2013
Warren & Clarendon Community Garden

Here are some spring photos of the Warren & Clarendon Community Garden. A newcomer to Boston asked about community gardens and we decided that if she needed the information, other readers would too.

This is one of more than 150 Community Gardens in Boston. The best resource for finding a Community Garden near you is the Boston Natural Areas Network (BNAN).

Watch for more profiles of Boston area community gardens. If you are a member of a gardening community, please tell us about it in the comments below or send us an email
and we may just come out and see your green space.

Next time, we'll tell you about Fenway Victory Gardens, America's Oldest Victory Garden.

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

May 21, 2013
Warren & Clarendon Community Garden

Here are some spring photos of the Warren & Clarendon Community Garden. A newcomer to Boston asked about community gardens and we decided that if she needed the information, other readers would too.

This is one of more than 150 Community Gardens in Boston. The best resource for finding a Community Garden near you is the Boston Natural Areas Network (BNAN).

Watch for more profiles of Boston area community gardens. If you are a member of a gardening community, please tell us about it in the comments below or send us an email
and we may just come out and see your green space.

Next time, we'll tell you about Fenway Victory Gardens, America's Oldest Victory Garden.

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

May 21, 2013