bostonzest

Category: Transportation

  • What’s Open in Boston New Year’s Eve 2017 and New Year’s Day 2018 & MBTA links plus Parking, Trash & More

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on New Year's Day and the MBTA schedules for New Year's Eve, December 31, 2017 and New Year's Day, January 1, 2018.

    This page will be our permanent resource of New Year's information and we will update it in future years.

    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 in one post!

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    Some businesses close early on New Year's Eve but others, especially those in the hospitality business, remain open. Call before you leave if you plan to visit a business on the 31st.

    Here's what we've learned about January 1st, 2018 – New Year's Day

    Restaurants, bars: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Convenience stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Supermarkets: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Liquor stores: Are allowed to 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.

    More after the ad…

    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!

    Make your own holiday wish come true. Find the gift you really want on Amazon! And, by starting from here, you'll be supporting BostonZest and keeping the information flowing your way.


    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.

    Boston Trash Collection:

    Boston Trash Collection for Christmas

    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.  

    The MBTA no longer publishes schedule information before each holiday

    For information, call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or visit the MBTA website."

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © iStockphoto 

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  • What’s Open in Boston on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 2017, Plus Parking, Trash, & More

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Christmas, December 25, 2017, 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.

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    Welcome to all of you who have found BostonZest.com while searching 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 and Christmas Day 2017 Around Boston. 

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

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

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

    Liquor stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Christmas 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 Christmas 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.

    Trash Collection & Recycling

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

    The MBTA no longer publishes schedule information before each holiday

    For information, call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or visit the MBTA website."

    For 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.

    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: © 2013 Penny Cherubino  

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  • What’s Open in Boston on Thanksgiving, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More! Our Updated Resource Page

    What's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23, 2017? 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 in one post that we'll update each year as new information comes our way.

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    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2017

    We feature 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"

    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, "On City holidays, we suspend street sweeping during the day, but we still sweep streets at night."

    Trash Collection & Recycling

    Boston Trash Collection for Thanksgiving week – 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. 

    (Note that trash pick-ups scheduled for Thanksgiving day in our neighborhood have been cancelled with pickup resuming on the next normally scheduled day.)

    MBTA Information After the Ad from Amazon!

    More information after these deals from Amazon. When you shop Amazon from here, you keep information like this coming your way!

     

    MBTA Thanksgiving 2017 Schedule has not been published:

    It seems with the new improved website this information is no longer available.

    For further information call an MBTA Customer Support Representative at 617-222-3200 or 800-392-6100, TTY 617-222-5146, Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Sat/Sun from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM."

    We can guess few things about the schedule. From the printed schedules we were able to access on the new site, it looks like the Subways will run on a Sunday schedule. 

    We checked a number of Bus schedules and those that included holiday information were running on a Sunday Schedule. Check your specific line by going to this link, clicking on the line, and then on the paper schedule pdf, if there is one.

    Commuter Rail schedules – go to this link, click on your line, and check if there is an updated pdf link to a paper schedule that included holiday information.

    Ferry schedules do not mention Thanksgiving Day.

    The Ride information no longer mentions holidays.

    The MBTA has published their Thanksgiving schedule. Here is the link to the MBTA schedule changes for holidays. This link will change sometime before and after the holiday. We have created a PDF version of the page for the 2016 weekend that you can download, if you wish. 

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: iStockphoto

  • What’s Open in Boston on Thanksgiving, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More! Our Updated Resource Page

    What's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23, 2017? 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 in one post that we'll update each year as new information comes our way.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019b00b45df2970d-500wi

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2017

    We feature 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"

    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, "On City holidays, we suspend street sweeping during the day, but we still sweep streets at night."

    Trash Collection & Recycling

    Boston Trash Collection for Thanksgiving week – 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. 

    (Note that trash pick-ups scheduled for Thanksgiving day in our neighborhood have been cancelled with pickup resuming on the next normally scheduled day.)

    MBTA Information After the Ad from Amazon!

    More information after these deals from Amazon. When you shop Amazon from here, you keep information like this coming your way!

     

    MBTA Thanksgiving 2017 Schedule has not been published:

    It seems with the new improved website this information is no longer available.

    For further information call an MBTA Customer Support Representative at 617-222-3200 or 800-392-6100, TTY 617-222-5146, Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Sat/Sun from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM."

    We can guess few things about the schedule. From the printed schedules we were able to access on the new site, it looks like the Subways will run on a Sunday schedule. 

    We checked a number of Bus schedules and those that included holiday information were running on a Sunday Schedule. Check your specific line by going to this link, clicking on the line, and then on the paper schedule pdf, if there is one.

    Commuter Rail schedules – go to this link, click on your line, and check if there is an updated pdf link to a paper schedule that included holiday information.

    Ferry schedules do not mention Thanksgiving Day.

    The Ride information no longer mentions holidays.

    The MBTA has published their Thanksgiving schedule. Here is the link to the MBTA schedule changes for holidays. This link will change sometime before and after the holiday. We have created a PDF version of the page for the 2016 weekend that you can download, if you wish. 

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: iStockphoto

  • Veterans Day: What’s Open or Closed in Boston Plus MBTA, Trash & Parking Info for 2017

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Veterans Day, information on Boston trash collection, parking meters, and MBTA schedules. This resource page has been updated for this year, Saturday, November 11, 2017. 

    * PLEASE NOTE the City Says: "Friday, November 10 - Veterans Day
    City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect. BCYF Community Centers are closed. Boston Public Libraries are open, but will close on Saturday, November 11."

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    (Photo courtesy of Boston Public Library) Photo created: 1877 – 1900 (approximate)

    We publish these reminders before each holiday to help you make the most of your time off!

    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 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 most Banks closed. But we are noticing that some banks are keeping some branches open, so check with your own institution.

    Stock market: Open, as are international markets.

    Boston Parking: The City says, "On Sundays, City holidays, and observed holiday dates, you can park for free, but all other parking regulations are still enforced."

    Street Sweeping: The City says, "On City holidays, we suspend street sweeping during the day, but we still sweep streets at night."

    Boston Trash Collection:

    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 Veterans Day 2017 Schedule has not been published: It may be that, with the new improved website, the holiday summary updates the MBTA has made available in the past will no longer be done. 

    This year November 11th falls on a Saturday. We can guess few things about the schedule. From the printed schedules we were able to access on the new site, it looks like the Subways will run on a Saturday schedule. 

    We checked a number of Bus schedules and those that included holiday information were running on a Saturday Schedule.

    Commuter Rail schedules do not include any mention of Veterans Day and refer you to the website which does not have any Veterans Day information.

    Ferry schedules do not mention Veterans Day.

    The Ride information no longer mentions holidays.

    For additional information on routes, schedules, fares, and more, the MBTA says, "Please call (617) 222-3200 for support, or for our Deaf or Hard of Hearing: customers TTY (617) 222-5146 …" or contact them at www.mbta.com.

    And if you have to work: Holiday Pay Information for Retail Establishments from the Secretary of State.

    "Retail establishments which operate on New Year's Day, Columbus Day after 12:00 p.m., or on November 11th after 1:00 p.m. are required to pay their employees time and one-half regardless of the number of employees on their payroll."

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Birthday or Wedding 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. Used under creative commons license

  • Veterans Day: What’s Open or Closed in Boston Plus MBTA, Trash & Parking Info for 2017

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Veterans Day, information on Boston trash collection, parking meters, and MBTA schedules. This resource page has been updated for this year, Saturday, November 11, 2017. 

    * PLEASE NOTE the City Says: "Friday, November 10 - Veterans Day
    City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect. BCYF Community Centers are closed. Boston Public Libraries are open, but will close on Saturday, November 11."

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019b005fae72970d-500wi

    (Photo courtesy of Boston Public Library) Photo created: 1877 – 1900 (approximate)

    We publish these reminders before each holiday to help you make the most of your time off!

    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 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 most Banks closed. But we are noticing that some banks are keeping some branches open, so check with your own institution.

    Stock market: Open, as are international markets.

    Boston Parking: The City says, "On Sundays, City holidays, and observed holiday dates, you can park for free, but all other parking regulations are still enforced."

    Street Sweeping: The City says, "On City holidays, we suspend street sweeping during the day, but we still sweep streets at night."

    Boston Trash Collection:

    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 Veterans Day 2017 Schedule has not been published: It may be that, with the new improved website, the holiday summary updates the MBTA has made available in the past will no longer be done. 

    This year November 11th falls on a Saturday. We can guess few things about the schedule. From the printed schedules we were able to access on the new site, it looks like the Subways will run on a Saturday schedule. 

    We checked a number of Bus schedules and those that included holiday information were running on a Saturday Schedule.

    Commuter Rail schedules do not include any mention of Veterans Day and refer you to the website which does not have any Veterans Day information.

    Ferry schedules do not mention Veterans Day.

    The Ride information no longer mentions holidays.

    For additional information on routes, schedules, fares, and more, the MBTA says, "Please call (617) 222-3200 for support, or for our Deaf or Hard of Hearing: customers TTY (617) 222-5146 …" or contact them at www.mbta.com.

    And if you have to work: Holiday Pay Information for Retail Establishments from the Secretary of State.

    "Retail establishments which operate on New Year's Day, Columbus Day after 12:00 p.m., or on November 11th after 1:00 p.m. are required to pay their employees time and one-half regardless of the number of employees on their payroll."

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Birthday or Wedding 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. Used under creative commons license

  • Go Pet Friendly’s Complete Guide to Planning the Perfect Pet Friendly Road Trip

    We have traveled with dogs for years and know a few things about that topic that we have passed along to you in past posts. But here's a link to a guide by someone who knows way more about dogs on the road than we do. Amy Burkert lives on the road with her husband and two large dogs.

    Pet friendly road trip

    She also writes about it on her Go Pet Friendly site. So click over and pick up some hard earned knowledge before you set off on that road trip to Grandma's house for the holidays.

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    Our Related Posts:

    Traveling With Your Dog, Some Favorite Items

    Tips for Zipping Around in Rental Cars with Your Dog

    Sunday Dog Assignment: Make Holiday Reservations Now!
     

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

    Details:

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

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  • Go Pet Friendly’s Complete Guide to Planning the Perfect Pet Friendly Road Trip

    We have traveled with dogs for years and know a few things about that topic that we have passed along to you in past posts. But here's a link to a guide by someone who knows way more about dogs on the road than we do. Amy Burkert lives on the road with her husband and two large dogs.

    Pet friendly road trip

    She also writes about it on her Go Pet Friendly site. So click over and pick up some hard earned knowledge before you set off on that road trip to Grandma's house for the holidays.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b8d2260b7e970c-800wi

    Our Related Posts:

    Traveling With Your Dog, Some Favorite Items

    Tips for Zipping Around in Rental Cars with Your Dog

    Sunday Dog Assignment: Make Holiday Reservations Now!
     

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

    Details:

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

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    The Dogs of the Boston Public Library Collections
    Sunday Dog Assignment: Make Holiday Reservations Now!
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  • Boston Area Commencement Dates for Spring 2020 Impact Hotel Prices, Availability, Restaurant Reservations and More

    Due to the pandemic we have not updated this post. We hope we will be able to do that for the class of 2022!

    With or without a spring 2020 Boston area college graduation in your family, you'll likely need to coordinate your dining and travel plans around the commencement ceremonies. We have set up this page as a permanent resource and update it as we find new information.

    Our list also helps visitors to Boston understand why hotel rooms are so expensive and restaurant reservations so scarce on some dates in May. The local destination experts on travel websites are busy answering questions about the cost of visits to our city.  

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    Reservations at area restaurants will be harder to find May 9th, 10th and 11th with Mother's Day and 5 commencements, and scarce May 15th through 18th when 17 schools – including Boston University, Tufts University, and Boston College – will hold ceremonies. Harvard commencement is May 28th and MIT May 29th – each of these schools is large enough to have an impact on its own. Harvard can also interfere with traffic as they move busloads of people from one place to another around event time.

    To help you plan your dining options in May and early June, here are the dates of the major commencement ceremonies for your 2020 calendar. 

    If you know of a Boston area college or university graduation date that we've missed, send us a comment.

    April 25, 2020

    May 1, 2020 – May 3, 2020

    May 8, 2020 – May 11, 2020

    May 15, 2020 – May 18, 2020

    May 21, 2020 – May 24, 2020

    May 28, 2020 – May 31, 2020

    June 12, 2020 – June 14, 2020

     

    Thanks to everyone who supports us by beginning their Amazon shopping from here. It doesn't cost you any more, but when you click on an Amazon link like this one, they put a few coins in our tip cup.

    The perfect gift for a graduate is an Amazon Gift Card 

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Photo: iStockphoto.com

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  • Boston Area Commencement Dates for Spring 2020 Impact Hotel Prices, Availability, Restaurant Reservations and More

    Due to the pandemic we have not updated this post. We hope we will be able to do that for the class of 2022!

    With or without a spring 2020 Boston area college graduation in your family, you'll likely need to coordinate your dining and travel plans around the commencement ceremonies. We have set up this page as a permanent resource and update it as we find new information.

    Our list also helps visitors to Boston understand why hotel rooms are so expensive and restaurant reservations so scarce on some dates in May. The local destination experts on travel websites are busy answering questions about the cost of visits to our city.  

    IStock_000047529030_small copy 2

    Reservations at area restaurants will be harder to find May 9th, 10th and 11th with Mother's Day and 5 commencements, and scarce May 15th through 18th when 17 schools – including Boston University, Tufts University, and Boston College – will hold ceremonies. Harvard commencement is May 28th and MIT May 29th – each of these schools is large enough to have an impact on its own. Harvard can also interfere with traffic as they move busloads of people from one place to another around event time.

    To help you plan your dining options in May and early June, here are the dates of the major commencement ceremonies for your 2020 calendar. 

    If you know of a Boston area college or university graduation date that we've missed, send us a comment.

    April 25, 2020

    May 1, 2020 – May 3, 2020

    May 8, 2020 – May 11, 2020

    May 15, 2020 – May 18, 2020

    May 21, 2020 – May 24, 2020

    May 28, 2020 – May 31, 2020

    June 12, 2020 – June 14, 2020

     

    Thanks to everyone who supports us by beginning their Amazon shopping from here. It doesn't cost you any more, but when you click on an Amazon link like this one, they put a few coins in our tip cup.

    The perfect gift for a graduate is an Amazon Gift Card 

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Photo: iStockphoto.com

    Related articles
    Welcome Luke's Lobster to Boston
    Champagne Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée, Love at First Sip!
    Get Ready for Your First Visit to the Boston Public Market