bostonzest

Category: Places

  • Daytrip to the Lobster Pool in Rockport, MA

    June was a great month for us. We took a lot of time off to play tourist in our own area. One of the things we did was take a daytrip for lobster rolls at the Lobster Pool in Rockport, MA. (map)

    PC2_3681 - Version 22014-06-18- lobster-pool-gloucester-ma-lobster-roll-beans-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Yes, those are baked beans in the cup on the side. The folks at the Lobster Pool believe in giving you choices. They were happy to make our lobster rolls with just lobster and melted butter, but they do offer a lobster salad version if you're a mayo fan. And, you can have a side of fries, onion rings, baked beans, and other choices with your sandwich.

    PC2_3671 - Version 22014-06-18- lobster-pool-gloucester-ma-lobster-roll-fries-butter-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We did get some fries but the onion rings at the next picnic table where getting rave reviews, so we'll opt for those next time. 

    PC2_3678 - Version 22014-06-18- lobster-pool-gloucester-ma-clam-chowder-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We added a cup of clam chowder to our lunch – they do a very nice version with an abundance of clams and not too thick broth.

    PC2_3665 - Version 22014-06-18- lobster-pool-gloucester-ma-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Often, when a dining spot offers spectacular views like the one above, you don't get the high quality food that the folks at the Lobster Pool are proud to serve. Everything is freshly caught, freshly prepared, and plentiful.

    PC2_3661 - Version 22014-06-18- lobster-pool-gloucester-ma-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    What's more, they even announce on their website that they are dog friendly at their outdoor picnic tables. We brought Poppy along and she enjoyed meeting the nice people at the next table and had a picnic of her own when we finished our lunch.

    PC2_3657 - Version 22014-06-18- lobster-pool-gloucester-ma-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The next time you're looking for a destination out of the city, point your GPS to the Lobster Pool and relax with a great meal by the rocky shore. 

    And, if you want to make a full day of this adventure, explore Halibut Point State Park. It's just a half mile away and offers its own spectacular views!

    Want more daytrip ideas? We have a collection here.

    And, there's a book for that! Day Trips® New England: Getaway Ideas for the Local Traveler (Day Trips Series) 

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

     

    Details:

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

    Related articles
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    The Canteen in Provincetown Is Added to Our Favorites List
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  • Kermit Rides in Style in Provincetown

    Only in Provincetown could Kermit the Frog flaunt his fluorescent colors and ride proudly through the town on the handlebars of a bike, on the way to work at an art gallery.

    IMG_7380 - Version 22014-04-26kermit, provincetown, being green, okay here, best use of bike,© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Provincetown is a place where it is actually easy, "Bein' Green." If you haven't seen this video in a while, please watch it. You are okay just as you are. Kermit says so!

    Be Green as often as you can.

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

    Related articles
    Poppy's Provincetown Report
    Describing Provincetown, MA
    The Lobster Pot in Provincetown… For Take Out Too!

  • Kermit Rides in Style in Provincetown

    Only in Provincetown could Kermit the Frog flaunt his fluorescent colors and ride proudly through the town on the handlebars of a bike, on the way to work at an art gallery.

    IMG_7380 - Version 22014-04-26kermit, provincetown, being green, okay here, best use of bike,© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Provincetown is a place where it is actually easy, "Bein' Green." If you haven't seen this video in a while, please watch it. You are okay just as you are. Kermit says so!

    Be Green as often as you can.

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

    Related articles
    Poppy's Provincetown Report
    Describing Provincetown, MA
    The Lobster Pot in Provincetown… For Take Out Too!

  • How Much Money Have You Saved with Your Boston Public Library Card?

    My Boston Public Library (BPL) card is old and grey! In the years since I moved to Boston, the cards have become brightly colored. But, I'm proud of my old, grey card. Because of it, I have saved thousands of dollars and hours of time. We are making the BPL library card our Friday Link. 

    Photo

    I have a shelf in our living room reserved for the library materials I have out-on-loan. The only time you'll find that shelf empty is when we're going away and I have returned all my library goodies.

    Right now, I'm auditioning Nigel Slater's Kitchen Diaries. This is the seventh cookbook I've borrowed this year. With each book, I have an opportunity to sit and really decide how this would fit into an overcrowded food reference library.

    Does it offer enough new material that I don't already have in other books?

    Are the recipes ones that I will use and recommend to my friends and readers?

    Does the writing and photography offer inspiration?

    Should I sell or donate another book and buy this one to take its place on the shelf?

    Of course, reference books on the topics I write about are only part of the savings.

    I use the electronic resources, download audiobooks, get help from librarians in specialized subjects, and use the digital books, photos, and maps the BPL offers to learners from Boston and beyond. I also attend educational programs, exhibits, and public meetings at the BPL.

    How much money have I saved? I don't really know but I would estimate that the figure is substantial. What's more, using a shared resource is good for the environment. Using digital resouces is even better.

    The BPL is a money-saving, green resource and should be promoted and protected by all who use and love this system of free lifetime learning.  

    Don't have a BPL card? Look what you're missing! Here's how to get one!

    What's on your Artistic Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your Arts & Craft needs and support this site!

    Details:

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

  • How Much Money Have You Saved with Your Boston Public Library Card?

    My Boston Public Library (BPL) card is old and grey! In the years since I moved to Boston, the cards have become brightly colored. But, I'm proud of my old, grey card. Because of it, I have saved thousands of dollars and hours of time. We are making the BPL library card our Friday Link. 

    Photo

    I have a shelf in our living room reserved for the library materials I have out-on-loan. The only time you'll find that shelf empty is when we're going away and I have returned all my library goodies.

    Right now, I'm auditioning Nigel Slater's Kitchen Diaries. This is the seventh cookbook I've borrowed this year. With each book, I have an opportunity to sit and really decide how this would fit into an overcrowded food reference library.

    Does it offer enough new material that I don't already have in other books?

    Are the recipes ones that I will use and recommend to my friends and readers?

    Does the writing and photography offer inspiration?

    Should I sell or donate another book and buy this one to take its place on the shelf?

    Of course, reference books on the topics I write about are only part of the savings.

    I use the electronic resources, download audiobooks, get help from librarians in specialized subjects, and use the digital books, photos, and maps the BPL offers to learners from Boston and beyond. I also attend educational programs, exhibits, and public meetings at the BPL.

    How much money have I saved? I don't really know but I would estimate that the figure is substantial. What's more, using a shared resource is good for the environment. Using digital resouces is even better.

    The BPL is a money-saving, green resource and should be promoted and protected by all who use and love this system of free lifetime learning.  

    Don't have a BPL card? Look what you're missing! Here's how to get one!

    What's on your Artistic Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your Arts & Craft needs and support this site!

    Details:

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

  • Skipping Stones at Sunset

    Provincetown is a place of beautiful moments. Moments that you enjoy yourself and moments that you observe as others enjoy them. 

    PC2_3217 - Version 42014-04-27-skipping-stones-at-sunset-provincetown-harbor-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This man walked the beach collecting the perfect stones for his purpose. He chose his spot as the sun set and the tide gave him a quiet surface for his game. 

    He practiced a skill he probably learned as a boy. He skipped stones as I watched from high above and some distance away. I hope he enjoyed the peace and beauty of his moment as much as I did.

    These and other photos from our site and published work are available in our Photo Galleries over on SmugMug. You can purchase prints or put your favorite photo on a gift.

    Update 02.10.16: Just found this article from Mother Nature Network: 

    The science of skipping stones on water

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

        

     Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles
    The Canteen in Provincetown Is Added to Our Favorites List
    Provincetown "Frenchie" with a Stand-in!
    Market Scene: Provincetown Farmers' Market, Massachusetts
    Poppy's Provincetown Report
    Provincetown in Early Spring

  • Skipping Stones at Sunset

    Provincetown is a place of beautiful moments. Moments that you enjoy yourself and moments that you observe as others enjoy them. 

    PC2_3217 - Version 42014-04-27-skipping-stones-at-sunset-provincetown-harbor-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This man walked the beach collecting the perfect stones for his purpose. He chose his spot as the sun set and the tide gave him a quiet surface for his game. 

    He practiced a skill he probably learned as a boy. He skipped stones as I watched from high above and some distance away. I hope he enjoyed the peace and beauty of his moment as much as I did.

    These and other photos from our site and published work are available in our Photo Galleries over on SmugMug. You can purchase prints or put your favorite photo on a gift.

    Update 02.10.16: Just found this article from Mother Nature Network: 

    The science of skipping stones on water

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

        

     Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles
    The Canteen in Provincetown Is Added to Our Favorites List
    Provincetown "Frenchie" with a Stand-in!
    Market Scene: Provincetown Farmers' Market, Massachusetts
    Poppy's Provincetown Report
    Provincetown in Early Spring

  • Summer Events with Your Own Sunday Dog

    Outdoor summer events can be fun to share with your pup as long as you make sure the event is safe and comfortable for your dog and that he will be a great ambassador for canines while in attendance. 

    IMG_2861_1

    Our little Maggie Mae (photo above) loved going to concerts and had a taste for opera. Poppy will share a blanket with us this summer and we'll see what kind of music she likes best. 

    There are a few, free, outdoor events, like the Esplanade concert and fireworks on July 4th, that prohibit dogs, but many of the spaces where events like this are held are dog friendly. That includes most other free concerts and movie nights at the Hatch Shell. 

    These are perfect opportunities to gather friends, a blanket, a picnic, and your dog for a relaxed evening outside.  

    Landmarks orchestra

    Concerts

    Speaking of the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra is playing on Wednesday nights 7-9 pm from July 16th to August 27th. They also have concerts scheduled in other spots around the city. 

    You might enjoy seeing this orchestra at 6 pm on July 9th in City Square, Charlestown; July 13th at Pinebank Promontory, Jamaica Plain; or July 27th in Copley Square.

    Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City series offers live bands playing blues, soul, or the songs of the Rat Pack era Tuesday to Thursday through August. Naturally, dogs are not allowed on the restaurant patios. But, the sound carries and you can find a place to sit on the harbor side of the hotel and enjoy. 

    BostInno has published their "The Complete List of All the Summer Series Happening in Boston That You Need in Your Life."  Not all of these are dog friendly. Some are inside or in places where your dog is not welcome but there are a few more good ideas for music here.

    BHH_Signature_Exterior

    Movie Nights

    Boston Harbor Hotel offers Friday night movies, while the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park hold a Sunday Night series.  Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade's schedule can be found here.

    208157632_10c9cd88aa_z

    Photo by Katherine Hala  used under this creative commons license.

    Shakespeare on the Common

    Twelfth Night is the play of the year for the Shakespeare on the Common Theatre Company. This year, you can pick your night to see this offering between July 23 and August 10th. 

    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
    Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino,

    Hatch Shell concert artwork courtesy of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra

    Boston Harbor Hotel photo courtesy of the hotel

    Shakesspeare on the Common photo by Katherine Hala

  • Summer Events with Your Own Sunday Dog

    Outdoor summer events can be fun to share with your pup as long as you make sure the event is safe and comfortable for your dog and that he will be a great ambassador for canines while in attendance. 

    IMG_2861_1

    Our little Maggie Mae (photo above) loved going to concerts and had a taste for opera. Poppy will share a blanket with us this summer and we'll see what kind of music she likes best. 

    There are a few, free, outdoor events, like the Esplanade concert and fireworks on July 4th, that prohibit dogs, but many of the spaces where events like this are held are dog friendly. That includes most other free concerts and movie nights at the Hatch Shell. 

    These are perfect opportunities to gather friends, a blanket, a picnic, and your dog for a relaxed evening outside.  

    Landmarks orchestra

    Concerts

    Speaking of the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra is playing on Wednesday nights 7-9 pm from July 16th to August 27th. They also have concerts scheduled in other spots around the city. 

    You might enjoy seeing this orchestra at 6 pm on July 9th in City Square, Charlestown; July 13th at Pinebank Promontory, Jamaica Plain; or July 27th in Copley Square.

    Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City series offers live bands playing blues, soul, or the songs of the Rat Pack era Tuesday to Thursday through August. Naturally, dogs are not allowed on the restaurant patios. But, the sound carries and you can find a place to sit on the harbor side of the hotel and enjoy. 

    BostInno has published their "The Complete List of All the Summer Series Happening in Boston That You Need in Your Life."  Not all of these are dog friendly. Some are inside or in places where your dog is not welcome but there are a few more good ideas for music here.

    BHH_Signature_Exterior

    Movie Nights

    Boston Harbor Hotel offers Friday night movies, while the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park hold a Sunday Night series.  Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade's schedule can be found here.

    208157632_10c9cd88aa_z

    Photo by Katherine Hala  used under this creative commons license.

    Shakespeare on the Common

    Twelfth Night is the play of the year for the Shakespeare on the Common Theatre Company. This year, you can pick your night to see this offering between July 23 and August 10th. 

    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
    Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino,

    Hatch Shell concert artwork courtesy of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra

    Boston Harbor Hotel photo courtesy of the hotel

    Shakesspeare on the Common photo by Katherine Hala

  • That Mystery Sign on Richmond Street in the North End.

    Admit it! You've stood on Richmond Street in the North End and tried to figure out what the neon tubes used to spell out on this sign.

    DSC_2162 - Version 22014-05-17frenchie, puppy, maudie© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Seeing the other side and the address of the building helped us figure it out.

    DSC_2168 - Version 22014-05-17frenchie, puppy, maudie© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Yes, it does say "One O Eight Richmond."

    We were curious about what it looked like back in the day and went searching and found a beautiful photo on Nicola108's photostream. We did try to contact the copyright owner to ask if we could use the photo here but did not get a response. So, we are honoring the copyright and providing a Friday Link to the photo.

    108 Restaurant & Lounge

    We found a few clippings in the Boston Globe in the 1970s for the 108 Restaurant and Lounge. From employment ads for staff to a full review in Anthony Spinazzola's "Let's Eat Out" column. 

    In 1994, the Boston Board of Appeal granted permission to change the occupancy from "Restaurant and storage to eight apartments." They included the proviso: "Any exterior changes subject to desing [sic] review by BRA." Maybe that's why the sign is still there, no one knew how to do a desing review!

    Perhaps a few longtime residents can tell us more about 108 Richmond. We love these tales of our city.

    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: © 2014 Ed Cherubino