Category: Resources

The Summer 2014 Issue of Edible Boston Is a Keeper!

Regular readers know we are big fans of the Edible Boston magazine, website, and team of talented writers, editors, and photographers. The summer issue is a real keeper. It has lists of all the area farmers' markets and a list of food trucks. Along with a feature on Essex and Ipswich as an Edible Destination, this issue makes a great summer bucket list.

List of Good Businesses, too! (they call them advertisers!)

Here is a link to the places where you can look for a free copy of the magazine. Or, you can read the summer 2014 issue or the back issues online.

May I suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement.

Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on Facebook, and in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.

And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!

You can also buy the Edible cookbook! Edible: A Celebration of Local Foods or find more local food in the The Boston Homegrown Cookbook

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Artwork: Courtesy of Edible Boston

July 11, 2014
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.

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

June 27, 2014
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.

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

June 27, 2014
What’s Open on July 4th, 2014 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on July 4th, 2014 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus … parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling and other useful links. This year, July 4th is on a Friday making this a long holiday weekend.

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

Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates or save this page for future reference.

Photo: Last night's fireworks from the roofdeck.

Restaurants, bars: Open- Here's a great list from Eater Boston of the restaurant who are 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.

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. We'll add updates as they are published.

Towed Cars: The City says, "If you believe your vehicle was towed in Boston, then call either the Boston Police Tow Line at 617-343-4629 or the Boston Tow Lot at 617-635-3900 to locate the vehicle, or search the online towing database by license plate" at the City's Towed Car page.

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 Site:

"Independence Day Week Friday, July 4 | 6am – Saturday, July 5, 2014 | 5pm

Delay trash and recycling pick up a day ONLY if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury, South Boston AND your trash and recycling is normally collected on Friday.

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

*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 Have been updated for today.

Update: 07/04/14 8:00 am: Subways are running on a Sunday schedule "and will run until approximately 2:30 a.m. due to extended late-night service, as Fourth of July is on a Friday." Commuter rail is running on a Saturday schedule, and most buses are running on a Sunday schedule with a few not running at all.

The MBTA website has a new July 4rd schedule posted on their events page for a period of time before and through the holiday. Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates.

You can download a pdf of this information: Download MBTA July 4th update

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. They're 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: Penny Cherubino

June 23, 2014
What’s Open on July 4th, 2014 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on July 4th, 2014 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus … parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling and other useful links. This year, July 4th is on a Friday making this a long holiday weekend.

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

Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates or save this page for future reference.

Photo: Last night's fireworks from the roofdeck.

Restaurants, bars: Open- Here's a great list from Eater Boston of the restaurant who are 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.

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. We'll add updates as they are published.

Towed Cars: The City says, "If you believe your vehicle was towed in Boston, then call either the Boston Police Tow Line at 617-343-4629 or the Boston Tow Lot at 617-635-3900 to locate the vehicle, or search the online towing database by license plate" at the City's Towed Car page.

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 Site:

"Independence Day Week Friday, July 4 | 6am – Saturday, July 5, 2014 | 5pm

Delay trash and recycling pick up a day ONLY if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury, South Boston AND your trash and recycling is normally collected on Friday.

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

*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 Have been updated for today.

Update: 07/04/14 8:00 am: Subways are running on a Sunday schedule "and will run until approximately 2:30 a.m. due to extended late-night service, as Fourth of July is on a Friday." Commuter rail is running on a Saturday schedule, and most buses are running on a Sunday schedule with a few not running at all.

The MBTA website has a new July 4rd schedule posted on their events page for a period of time before and through the holiday. Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates.

You can download a pdf of this information: Download MBTA July 4th update

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. They're 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: Penny Cherubino

June 23, 2014
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.

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.

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.

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.

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

June 22, 2014
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.

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.

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.

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.

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

June 22, 2014
Provincetown Harbor Beach Public Access Points

Last month, on the Trip Advisor Provincetown Forum, someone asked about access to the Harbor Beach.

I thought it would be a quick research project and that the town would have a map or a listing. But, after spending a few minutes searching and agreeing with the replies from fellow Provincetown lovers, I forgot about it.

When Ed, Poppy, and I visited this spring, we noticed new signs that had popped up on some access points. That made me curious and I did some deeper research.

There on a post about Earth Day, I found that TheYearRounder's Guide to Provincetown had listed 18 access points along Commerical Street.

Scan down on this post and you'll find a bullet point list.

TheYearRounder is one of my must-read sources of Provincetown information and I highly recommend you add it to your reading list if you plan to spend time at lands end.

Sometimes the right of way will look like this with a sign and obvious path.

Other times the tip off will be signage and trash barrels close to the beach like this spot next to one of our favorite places – Devon's restaurant.

Related Posts:

Cornmeal Blueberry Pancakes At Devon's in Provincetown

Dinner at Devon's in Provincetown

Here's a link to all of our Provincetown posts

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 & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Dinner at Devon's in Provincetown

Describing Provincetown, MA

Provincetown in Early Spring

June 6, 2014
Provincetown Harbor Beach Public Access Points

Last month, on the Trip Advisor Provincetown Forum, someone asked about access to the Harbor Beach.

I thought it would be a quick research project and that the town would have a map or a listing. But, after spending a few minutes searching and agreeing with the replies from fellow Provincetown lovers, I forgot about it.

When Ed, Poppy, and I visited this spring, we noticed new signs that had popped up on some access points. That made me curious and I did some deeper research.

There on a post about Earth Day, I found that TheYearRounder's Guide to Provincetown had listed 18 access points along Commerical Street.

Scan down on this post and you'll find a bullet point list.

TheYearRounder is one of my must-read sources of Provincetown information and I highly recommend you add it to your reading list if you plan to spend time at lands end.

Sometimes the right of way will look like this with a sign and obvious path.

Other times the tip off will be signage and trash barrels close to the beach like this spot next to one of our favorite places – Devon's restaurant.

Related Posts:

Cornmeal Blueberry Pancakes At Devon's in Provincetown

Dinner at Devon's in Provincetown

Here's a link to all of our Provincetown posts

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 & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Dinner at Devon's in Provincetown

Describing Provincetown, MA

Provincetown in Early Spring

June 6, 2014
Clarendon Street Food Truck Move

The food truck parking spot that was located on Clarendon Street (between Newbury and Boylston) has shifted across Boylston Street next to Trinity Church.

This is probably a good move since it's closer to Copley Square's benches, lawns, and fountain for dining spots. We highly recommend this general area for visitors who would like to try a few trucks. There are three parking spaces surrounding Copley Square with up to five trucks at busy times.

Here is the city's food truck link.

In addition to this spot, you'll also find as many as three trucks right behind the Copley Fairmont Hotel on Trinity Place and one truck on the Boylston Street side of the Boston Public Library near the MBTA station.

We highly recommend a visit to Steve Leibowitz's Hub Food Truck site for the most complete and up-to-date coverage of the area food truck scene.

Here's a link to our Food Truck/Street Food coverage.

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 Penny Cherubino

May 22, 2014