Category: Transportation

Boston Area Commencement Dates Spring 2013
This is an old post here is an updated page with the current information!

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

With or without a Boston area college graduation in your family, you'll likely need to coordinate your dining and travel plans around the spring 2013 commencement ceremonies. We're running this very early because so many readers have been making their way to last year's post.

And, it helps vistors to Boston understand why hotel rooms are so expensive and restaurant reservations so scarce on some dates in May. The experts who guide Boston visitors over on Trip Advisor are already answering questions about spring visits to the city.

Reservations at area restaurants will be harder to find May 10th through 12th with Mother's Day and five commencements, and scarce May 18th through 20th when eleven schools, including BU and BC, will hold ceremonies. Harvard commencement is May 30th and MIT June 6th– 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 2013 calendar.

If you know of a college or university graduation date that we missed, send us a comment.
Thanks to everyone who supports us by beginning their Amazon shopping from here. It doesn't cost you anymore 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!

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photo: iStockphoto.com

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.
August 10, 2012
No Passengers Allowed…

Or possible, for that matter!

There was room for a driver and almost room to see out too!

And, you thought your car was messy.

One more great thing about driving Zipcars. You never have to declutter them.

(Click on the Zipcar box over on the left to get some free driving credit when you join! You'll put some credits to use a nice, clean car in our account too!)

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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.

July 12, 2012
The Walking Bostonian, Our Friday Link

A very well presented report on MassDOT's meeting about the Bowker Overpass brought The Walking Bostonian blog to our attention. We instantly subscribed and are catching up on back posts.

On the about page, this description made us see a bit of a kindred soul in Matthew, the blogger.

"This blog is a place for me to write down some of my thoughts. I live in the city of Boston, MA and I work in the field of Computer Science. I use my two feet, augmented by mass transit, to get around. Although I am not an urban planner, I try to pay attention to the city around me, many parts of which we take for granted. I am attempting to figure out why some cities decline, why some succeed, and how we can help."

We live in the city, don't own a car, use our feet (goal of 10,000 steps a day), and the MBTA for most of our transport. We're also people who notice things, and we're walking advocates.

We don't understand why walkers are not given top priority in city planning. Hey, we are way less expensive and even more environmentally friendly than bikes!

There is a lot to think about and learn on the pages of the Walking Bostonian. Questions are raised, background information is supplied, throughtful options considered, and some interesting walks are mapped on Google Earth.

Related Posts: For our Friday Link collection click here.

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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.

June 22, 2012
What’s Open on July 4th, 2012 in Boston & MBTA Schedules

Here's a run-down of what's Open & Closed in Boston on Monday, July 4th, 2012 and changes to MBTA schedules.

This is an old post. Here's a link is the 2015 resource page for July 4th:

What's Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

We publish these reminders before a holiday to help you make your plans, and we update the information as more official word is released. Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates. Or, scroll down to the bottom of this post and subscribe to the comment feed to receive email notice of updates.

Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream!

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose.

Liquor stores: Open

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

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a "Bank Holiday" with both banks and the stock markets in the United States closed. Some international markets are open. Also, some banks may open certain branch offices– often those inside supermarkets. Check with your own financial institution for details.

Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. There will be some temporary parking restrictions and some street closures in the areas surrounding the Charles River Esplanade on July 4th.

Street Sweeping: The city says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

Boston Trash: from the city's site, "Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4 | 7am – Saturday, July 7, 2012 | 5pm. Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in South Boston, Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury AND your trash and recycling is normally collected on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

Here are some of our related posts about July 4th, the Charles RIver, and the Esplanade

    How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

    Once Grand, Now Unnoticed

    Charles River Clean Up Boat Update

MBTA Schedule Changes

Here's a link to the information released by the MBTA. With all the special schedules for the tall ships in addition to the July 4th schedule changes, we feel you need to look at the original material.

Remember! Fare increases and some changes to MBTA services including The Ride are "effective July 1, 2012." Check www.MBTA.com in advance to be certain the bus, or train, and the stop that you intend to use is still available.

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 grab it to go grocery shopping.

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: By John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream!

June 12, 2012
UBER: On-Call Car Service in Boston

This year, we added one more option to our car-free lifestyle. UBER offered a discounted $40 introductory package on Gilt City Boston and we bought it. Since then, we've treated ourselves to a few UBER rides and are ready to recommend it to you at today's Friday Link.

Test Drives!

Our first trip was to the preview opening of the Gardner Museum. It seemed like a festive event and our schedule for the day was heavy, so to enjoy more time exploring the museum, we decided to take a ride there and then on to our next destination.

We used the UBER iPhone app to request a car. We watched the app as the photo of the driver who had accepted our request popped up, then followed his movement on a map as he approached from about seven minutes away. Unlike a taxi, we knew where he was and that he was really on his way to our location. When he arrived out front, he called to let us know.

We enjoyed a couple of hours exploring the new and old spaces at the Gardner, had a meal at Cafe G, and then pulled up the UBER app and requested a ride to our next destination. This time, our driver hit some traffic and called to say he'd be a few minutes longer. He arrived, quicker than expected, and called to tell us he was in front of the door.

Another evening, we tested the service on a rain-soaked trip through rush hour and baseball traffic to an event in the Fenway area. Each time, we've been happy that we were in the care of a completely professional, attentive driver whose only concern was making our day a bit better and getting us calmly and safely to our destination.

Last week we found a perfect use of UBER– a pick up from a medical procedure. For Penny, it was an appointment at Mass Eye and Ear that left her dilated eyes half-blind in the blazing sun. Rather than fumble around trying to find a cab, she called UBER. Her driver, Sal arrived in minutes, handed her into his clean, comfortable car, found a way out of the traffic jam surrounding the hospital area, and even offered to assist her into our building.

For Us, It's Worth the Price!

Yes, UBER costs a bit more than a taxi. But, it costs less than a scheduled car service for trips like these. The cars are clean, the drivers professional, and we enjoy the difference.

Since we don't own a car and usually walk, take the MBTA, use Zipcars, or rentals, UBER fits nicely into our transportation scheme. We look forward to using UBER in the other cities, like New York, where it's also available.

DISCOUNTS!!

This UBER link will give you a $10 credit to get you started and they will also send a reward our way.

And, if you click on the Zipcar box over to the left, you can get a driving credit to start you off when you join and we'll also have some Zip added to our account.

What's on your fun-in-Boston shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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 25, 2012
What’s Open on Memorial Day 2012 in Boston & MBTA Schedule Changes
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 28, 2012.

We publish these reminders a couple of weeks before a holiday to give our readers a nudge to finalize their holiday plans. This is the first big weekend of the summer. Get going on some fun plans! And, plan your shopping for adult beverages because this is one of those Blue Law holidays!

Out on or along the Charles River is a great place to spend a holiday!

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 U.S. closed. Some international markets are open.

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

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."

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 covering May 28, 2012 states:

"Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

MBTA Schedule Changes: Here is their press release as of 05/16/12. Note the Special Commuter Rail trains operating for a special event at Gillette Stadium.

"The MBTA announced its service schedule for Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2012.
- The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- Buses and trackless trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- Express bus service will not operate.
- The Silver Line will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- The Commuter Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- Special event Commuter Rail trains will be operating to Gillette Stadium for the 2012 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship. For more information, click here.
- Inner Harbor Ferry service from Charlestown to Long Wharf will operate on a weekend schedule.
- Commuter boat service between Hingham/Hull and Boston will not operate.
- Quincy commuter boat to Long Wharf and Logan Airport will operate on a Sunday schedule. Due to the Sunday schedule, there will not be a 10:15 P.M. trip made on Monday, May 28, 2012.
- THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule."
For more information:
Go to www.MBTA.com Contact the MBTA Customer Communications Department at (617) 222-3200, TTY: (617) 222-5146.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo:© 2010 Penny Cherubino
May 16, 2012
What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day 2012

UPDATE: This is an old post. Here's a link for: What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for – Monday, April 16, 2012.

On three occasions, General John Glover and his “amphibious” regiment of Marblehead fishermen saved the American Revolution.

Patriot's Day is a Massachusetts State Holiday Only.

Open:
Restaurants, Bars, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets, Retail Stores, Liquor Stores

Financial Services: Banks may open if they wish. All markets are open.

Federal Offices and Facilities are open: This includes the Postal Service.

Closed:
Massachusetts City, Town, State Operations: This includes Schools, Libraries. Only emergency services are available.

Boston Parking

One of the most common questions we get is about street sweeping on Patriots' Day.

Here's the page from the city website with the answer. It 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."

Reminder:

City of Boston via ‏ @NotifyBoston says "STREET CLEANING: Overnight sweeping Sunday-Monday morning still in effect. NO MONDAY regular posted sweeping."

You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. Many streets will be cleared of parked cars to accommodate the Boston Marathon and Patriots' Day activities.

Be sure to check your car in the days leading up to the marathon to be sure it is not in a tow-away zone for the event. Here's how you can sign up for parking alerts and tow alerts.

Changes to Boston Street Sweeping Schedules 2012

Parking and No-Tow alerts

Here's our latest post with tips for local parking on this holiday–

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend (2012)

Boston Trash Collection (the city says)

"Patriots Day

Monday, April 16 | 7am – Saturday, April 21, 2012 | 5pm

Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

http://www.cityofboston.gov/publicworks/RecyclingandSanitation/holiday.asp

MBTA information after the BostonZest Amazon Selection of the Day.

If this information helps you, reward us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from BostonZest. Here are the latest versions of the cameras we'll use to photograph the Boston Marathon plus our favorite camera bag. Click over to the video on the Tamrac Velocity series of camera bags, and you'll see why we love it.

2012 MBTA Marathon Monday Schedule – Updated 4/6/2012

Tips:

Buy your fares in advance with a Charlie Card or Charlie Ticket to avoid waiting in line on Monday.

"Copley Station will be closed all day … access to the Green Line at Hynes Convention Center or Arlington Station."

Due to crowds, they don't allow bikes on the subway on Patriots Day.

Marathon Monday

Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Mattapan Line service will run on "regular weekday schedule with extra service before and after the marathon."

Commuter rail trains will operate on their "regular weekday schedule."

"Buses and trackless trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule."

Commuter Boats will operate on "regular weekday service."

"THE RIDE will operate on a modified weekday schedule."

Bus routes that impact the marathon course will be rerouted at times.

Complete details on all changes are here: Official MBTA Information for Marathon Monday 2012

Official Boston Marathon information.
www.bostonmarathon.org

Related Posts:

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2012

Routes for Visiting Runners 2012

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

Views from Hereford Street 2009

Do you have enough memory for all the photos you'll want to shoot of the spring blooms? Do you need a new camera for the season or a gift? Begin your shopping by Click right here to check the prices at Amazon on great items like Transcend SDHC Flash Memory Cards and the our favorite cameras the Canon G12 Digital Camera and the Nikon D300s & NIKKOR 18-200mm Lens.

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Writer: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo: © 2012 Penny 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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

April 3, 2012
Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2012

UPDATE: Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2015

Now's the time to plan where you'll park for Marathon weekend, so you don't end up on the hook. And, be warned, the city does tow every car left in the way of the racers.

If you normally park on the streets along the route of the weekend's races, you may want to begin looking for spaces off-the-route. If you can do without your car for a few days, consider stashing it in a safe spot before everyone else has the same idea. And, remember the bike lanes on Massachusetts Avenue have eliminated more than 70 spaces so finding on-street parking will be harder than ever.

Here's a Google map that locates public parking facilities using the Boston Marathon Finish Line as the central point.

And, if you'll need your car on Monday, you should make sure it's on the side of the Marathon route where you can reach it and get to your planned destination.

Here are some transportation restrictions & parking tips for Boston Marathon volunteers from the B.A.A. Site.

Sunday, April 15, 2012 – The B.A.A. 5K

Again this year, there's a major race on Sunday in addition to Monday's marathon.

Thousands of runners are expected to compete in a 5K (3.1 mile) race one day prior to 116th Boston Marathon. This race will start at 8 AM and cover a route through parts of the Back Bay and Beacon Hill, ending at the traditional Boston Marathon finish line.

Here's a link to the 5K course map on the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) site.

Plus, there are the Invitational Mile races that will also be held on Sunday, April 15, 2012. For details, including streets affected by this event, go to Invitational Mile 2012.

Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for Marathon Monday, April 16, 2012

Parking restrictions for the Marathon often begin on Boylston Street five or six-days before the event. From this point, until the last runners are safely across the finish line, you'll see more and more "No Parking/No Stopping" signs pop-up along the marathon route and some adjacent streets.

Remember, many streets in the Copley Square area will be impacted by the marathon. The best advice is to park your vehicle and walk and/or take public transportation.

For more information on road closures, here's the City of Boston's:

2012 Boston Marathon and Patriot’s Day Traffic Advisory

The City says: "Patriot’s Day Holiday – Monday April 16, 2012 … Street Cleaning: No MONDAY cleaning (resumes 12:01AM Tuesday on posted arterials)"

Related Posts & Helpful Links:

What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day 2012 (Marathon Monday)

Parking and No-Tow alerts

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2012

Routes for Visiting Runners 2012

Views from Hereford Street 2009

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

Details:

Words: Ed Cherubino

Photos: © 2008 Penny Cherubino

March 29, 2012
MBTA Apps Our Friday Link

We love knowing when the bus or train is coming and have used those iPhone apps for awhile. Recently, we noticed that the MBTA has added a page for Apps to its Rider Tools section.

And, don't forget that Google Maps also give you live transit updates.

We've used Catch the Bus for a long time but would like to hear what you are using and how well it works.

What's on your green living shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

March 16, 2012
When Saint Patrick’s Day (March 17, 2012) Falls on a Saturday…

For the latest information, go to:

When Saint Patrick's Day (March 17, 2013) Falls on a Sunday

This year, Saint Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday so I was curious, would city and state workers in Suffolk County get Friday off or Monday? And will parking, trash, and liquor sales change for the day. You'll find those answers below.

I do know that a lot of people will be taking advantage of the weekend date to come to Boston. Questions about where to stay, which Irish Pub to visit, and how to get around the city have popped up over on the Boston Trip Advisor forum. It looks like visitors are coming here from all over the country and especially from Ireland.

Do you celebrate Saint Patrick's Day?

What are your traditions for his yearly festival of all things Irish?

Who makes your favorite brown bread or Irish soda bread? Scones?

Are you going to the parade on Sunday?

(Here's how to get there via the MBTA.)

Will you be wearin' the green?

(Here's a post on where to buy or rent all sorts of wearables!)

Here are a bunch of Friday Links for Saint Patrick's Day

Boston Chowhounds had two recent conversations about where to find the best, full Irish breakfast.

Full Irish Breakfast

Boston area breakfast recap (for this one, start from the bottom since Irish breakfast discussion is there)

And, they're talking about Corned Beef & Cabbage.

About your holiday questions…

According to the Secretary of State's website,

"All holidays falling on Sunday must be observed on Monday, under state law. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday." That means this year, no deal. Next year, they get Monday off!

The day is not listed on Boston's list of holidays that change parking regulations or trash pick up, so feed those meters and stick to your trash schedule.

Basically, everything is open. But, in the past the city has asked South Boston liquor stores and bars to cut off sales early. Here's a Boston.com story on that from last year.

Related Posts:

Irish Breakfast at the Squealing Pig

Matt Murphy's Pub Saves the Day

What's on your Amazon shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2008-2011 Penny 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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

March 9, 2012