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Category: Resources

  • What’s Open on July 4th, 2017 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

    Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on Tuesday, July 4th, 2017 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus: parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling, and other useful links.

    Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates or save this page for future reference. This page will remain our ongoing resource for this holiday with updates added as needed in future years.

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    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.

    Boston Parking: Sunday Parking rules apply. 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 311 for exact details."

    Boston Trash: You now have to type in your specific address into this page on the city site to see what is happening with holidays in your neighborhood.

    Boston Transportation Department July 4, 2017 road closures and parking restrictions for events citywide.

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    Fireworks from a Back Bay roof deck

    Here is the link to information about the July 4th concerts and fireworks on the Charles River Esplanade.

    Update 06/29/17 from the Massachusetts State Police

    "Security and Traffic Information for July 3 and 4 Esplanade Events

    The following documents contain important information regarding this year’s July 3rdand 4th  Fireworks Show and Concert on the Esplanade in Boston. Open the documents to view information about prohibited items, road closures and traffic restrictions, pedestrian access points into the Esplanade, boating restrictions and guidelines, Text-A-Tip line for reporting suspicious activity, and UAV (Drone) Prohibition.

    For more information on these and other guidelines, please view the accompanying documents.

    Related Posts

    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 Service Schedule for Monday, July 4th, 2017:

    The MBTA website has July 4th schedule information posted on their events page through the holiday. "Fares will not be collected after 9:30 p.m.

    "Beginning at 2 p.m., subway service on all lines will operate at rush-hour levels to accommodate increased holiday ridership. Fares will not be collected on the Subway, Bus, Commuter Rail, Ferry, and the RIDE, after 9:30 p.m."

    The Commuter Rail will run on a Saturday schedule except the Fairmount line which will run on this holiday/special event schedule.

    The last trains to leave Boston are on the MBTA Events Page and in the download below. Before using the Commuter Rail, check the most recent schedules.

    Buses and trackless trolleys will run on a Sunday schedule. This means some buses will not operate and

    Some bus routes may operate on detour due to Fourth of July events and parades. Please check T-Alerts for details.

    Boats will run on a Saturday schedule except the Charlestown service which will operate on a Weekend schedule. 

    The Ride will run on a regular Saturday Schedule.

    You can download a pdf copy of the schedule details here: 

    Download MBTA July 4th 2017 schedule

    MBTA tips for those attending the Esplanade Concert and Fireworks:

    "Customers are urged to take public transportation to and from Fourth of July events and advised to check T-Alerts for the most up-to-date service information during the holiday.

    As a reminder, bicycles are not allowed on any subway lines for the entire day on the Fourth of July. Bicycles are also prohibited on inbound Commuter Rail trains from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as well as on outbound trains after 4 p.m.

    Beginning at 2 p.m., subway service on all lines will operate at rush-hour levels to accommodate increased holiday ridership. Fares will not be collected after 9:30 p.m."

    "Alewife Garage will operate as pay-on-entry on the 4th of July. All other parking facilities will operate as usual with parking ambassadors available to assist customers with payment and other event related questions.

    "Customers parking in MBTA Parking garages should prepay garage tickets before returning to vehicles in order to expedite exit by using the parking payment kiosks located in the station lobby."

    Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. We love Arctic Zone Coolers. They're perfect for small city homes. We have a version of the Arctic Zone Ultra 50 can model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled! We not only use it for picnics, but grab it to go grocery shopping. 

    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:

    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: Penny Cherubino and istockphoto.com

  • North End Waterfront Has Published the Summer 2016 Italian Feasts & Processions Schedule

    For those who love the North End Italian summer feasts and processions or for those who would rather schedule their visits to the neighborhood to avoid the crowds, having a link to this post from one of our favorite hyperlocal news resources is a must.

    Feast and procession 2016

    Once you click over to North End Waterfront to gather the event information, stick around to learn what else is happening in an important neighborhood to both Bostonians and visitors alike.

    North End Waterfront is one of our must-read news sources every day. Matt Conti's writing and photography are of a high journalistic standard. You'll find balanced coverage of news stories and some fabulous feature article on the history of this area.

    Save a link to the Summer Feasts and Processions but also follow along the rest of the year with the link to the news that works best for you.

    Twitter: @NorthEndBoston

    Facebook: NorthEndWaterfront.com

    Or add it to your RSS feeds:

     

    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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Related articles
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  • North End Waterfront Has Published the Summer 2016 Italian Feasts & Processions Schedule

    For those who love the North End Italian summer feasts and processions or for those who would rather schedule their visits to the neighborhood to avoid the crowds, having a link to this post from one of our favorite hyperlocal news resources is a must.

    Feast and procession 2016

    Once you click over to North End Waterfront to gather the event information, stick around to learn what else is happening in an important neighborhood to both Bostonians and visitors alike.

    North End Waterfront is one of our must-read news sources every day. Matt Conti's writing and photography are of a high journalistic standard. You'll find balanced coverage of news stories and some fabulous feature article on the history of this area.

    Save a link to the Summer Feasts and Processions but also follow along the rest of the year with the link to the news that works best for you.

    Twitter: @NorthEndBoston

    Facebook: NorthEndWaterfront.com

    Or add it to your RSS feeds:

     

    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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries: Our Friday Link

  • What’s Open and Closed on Memorial Day 2016 in Boston + MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash & More

    Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston and the MBTA schedules for Memorial Day – Monday, May 30, 2016. 

    We publish these reminders 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!

    Sm Beach House and Gusto IMG_9714

    Will you stay in the city or enjoy a holiday weekend at a great beach house like these on the harbor in Provincetown? Or will you put the boat in the water and get out on your favorite bay?

    Restaurants, bars: Open

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets: Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

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    Plan ahead if you need wine, beer, or spirits for your holiday event.

    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 311 for exact details."

    More information after this ad

    Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. Perfect for small city homes. We had many years of use from an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model. It was amazing at keeping things chilled. We not only used it for picnics but also grabbed it to go grocery shopping.   

    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. 

    DSC_0410 - Version 22011-02-03MBTA Arlington station © 2011 Penny Cherubino© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    MBTA Memorial Day Schedule Changes:

    (05.20.16) Update:

    For a few days before each holiday, the MBTA schedule changes will show up at this link. 

    MBTA Memorial Day 2016 Service Schedules Quick Look - 

    • The Red, Orange, Blue, Silver, and Green Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule. 
    • Buses and trackless trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule. 
    • The Commuter Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule. 
    • The RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.

    Complete MBTA Details Here

    For more information: 
    Go to www.MBTA.com. Contact the MBTA Customer Communications Department at (617) 222-3200, TTY: (617) 222-5146. 

    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: © 2011-2016 Penny Cherubino  

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  • Don’t Die of Embrassment Alone in a Restroom: Avoid Steakhouse Syndrome

    Today's "Friday Link" is to an article on Next Avenue, "A Dangerous Health Problem No One Talks About," that really made us think and that we've been talking about with friends.

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    Few of us want to make a spectacle of ourselves in public, but there are times when taking your problem out of sight could cost your life. If you have food caught in your throat, are feeling unwell, light-headed, or experiencing sudden pain, don't go off alone. While this post may be specifically about choking, that's not the only medical emergency that might result in sudden death if you are by yourself.

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    You don't want to be found dead in a restaurant restroom. If you are tempted to leave a public space, take someone with you who might be able to call 9-1-1 and perform abdominal thrusts (aka, the Heimlich maneuver). (Directions for that are here.)

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    Yes it is possible to do a Heimlich maneuver on yourself. Here are complete directions from the National Institutes of Health.

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    So, if you are in trouble, use the universal signal for choking and ask for the help that could save your life. 

     

    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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Don’t Die of Embrassment Alone in a Restroom: Avoid Steakhouse Syndrome

    Today's "Friday Link" is to an article on Next Avenue, "A Dangerous Health Problem No One Talks About," that really made us think and that we've been talking about with friends.

    Screen Shot 2016-05-07 at Saturday, May 7, 20163.37.45 PM

    Few of us want to make a spectacle of ourselves in public, but there are times when taking your problem out of sight could cost your life. If you have food caught in your throat, are feeling unwell, light-headed, or experiencing sudden pain, don't go off alone. While this post may be specifically about choking, that's not the only medical emergency that might result in sudden death if you are by yourself.

    IStock_000089133693_small

    You don't want to be found dead in a restaurant restroom. If you are tempted to leave a public space, take someone with you who might be able to call 9-1-1 and perform abdominal thrusts (aka, the Heimlich maneuver). (Directions for that are here.)

    23222

    Yes it is possible to do a Heimlich maneuver on yourself. Here are complete directions from the National Institutes of Health.

    17107

    So, if you are in trouble, use the universal signal for choking and ask for the help that could save your life. 

     

    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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Market Report: Boston Area Spring to Fall Farmers Market Opening Dates 2016

    Pull out your calendars and mark the dates when you can go and see our Boston area farmers market friends at their outdoor spots. Our Friday Links today will take you to your favorite markets for the 2016 spring to fall season.

    Stillman's stand CHE_0151 copy

    On the day I took this photo, I learned that the Stillman stand at the Boston Public Market would be expanding around the corner!

    First, The News!

    This year there will be a second day for the South End/SoWa Farmers Market on Harrison Avenue. You can shop for local food at this popular venue on both Saturdays and Sundays this season.

    The Boston Public Market now serves Bostonians as their primary year-round farmers market. Beginning on July 18th, this local food marketplace will be open 7 days a week – an increase from the current 5 days.

    Here are the opening dates for some of our favorite markets. The links are to maps of the locations:

    May Markets

    June Markets

    July Markets

    September Market

    If you have confirmed dates for your favorite farmers market, please tell us in a comment or send us an email and we'll add it as an update to this post.

    We use and highly recommend a Rolser Shopping Trolley for your farmers market visits. It stands on its own and can haul your purchases over city sidewalks without a problem.

    See our review of The Boston Homegrown Cookbook: Local Food, Local Restaurants, Local Recipes. It's full of chefs, farmers, and food producers you know, and we highly recommend it. Remember, always click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     

        

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2011 Penny Cherubino  

  • Where to Dine in Boston on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8, 2016

    Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Mom to a meal out on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8, 2016.

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    Keep in mind that this "treat Mom to a great meal day" falls at the beginning of graduation season in Boston with Northeastern, Emmanuel College, Fisher College, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, and Berklee College of Music holding commencements that weekend. (Here's the full list of Spring 2016 Commencement Dates for planning purposes.)

    For Mother's Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurants with special menus and hours for May 8, 2016

    Don't be surprised if some places require a credit card to secure your reservation. This is the type of holiday when people may book multiple restaurants and decide where to go at the last moment. That can make the restaurant turn away other potential customers, so a guarantee may be needed to reserve.

    OpenTable always does a great job of guiding you to the right reservation. What's more, you can just click through and reserve from this list. 

    Boston Chefs has a list of specials for the day from their members. 

    As more great Boston food sites publish their recommendations, we'll post updates here! Follow us on Twitter ( @BostonZest ) for notice of those additions! 

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    Our picks and, for us, al la carte Menus Get Our Nod

    Bistro du Midi has a prix fixe menu in their formal dining room but they're also offering an al la carte menu in the Cafe. With the Swan Boats and Public Garden across the street, this can be a wonderful choice for lunch and a stroll and family photos in a beautiful setting. 

    Lineage in Brookline is also on the a la carte option plan. Boston Chefs says, "Lineage will be open early for brunch and dinner this Mother's Day, offering up a special a la carte brunch menu, as well as, their regular dinner menu."

    The Red Dory in Tiverton, RI: Like many Bostonians, we are long-time fans of chef Steve Johnson and miss his food and smiling face at Rendezvous in Central Square. If a road trip to a waterfront destination would make your Mother's day perfect, head to his new place, The Red Dory. We asked about his Mother's Day plans and he wrote, "Open M'sDay/no special menu except many recent seasonal updates + including Sunday Tapas supplemental menu – Cheers!"

    For a gathering of family members with different food preferences, it's great to know about a place like Eastern Standard where they can please the cocktail lover, the meat-and-taters brother, and the family epicure.

    If you are meeting people from outside the city, you might consider La Morra in Brookline. 

    If Mom is a seafood lover, call now to secure a table at Island Creek Oyster Bar. This Kenmore Square restaurant has established itself as the best fine dining seafood restaurant in Boston. Your family will enjoy the best in seafood in a big, comfortable room with reservations and service that will make Mom feel spoiled. 

    We also love the Island Creek Team spot in the Fort Point neighborhood, Row 34. Here's our post on this great addition to the city's dining scene.  

    And, for the best gift, let Mom choose something from her Wish List. Get an Amazon Gift Card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card.

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino  
    Photo: istockphoto.com

  • Grease Can Covers – Free, Money Saving Offer from Boston Water and Sewer

    You can save money for your home, building, and the city by not pouring grease and oil down the drain and properly disposing of them in the trash. Boston Water and Sewer is offering a free, reusable lid that will fit a variety of cans to help you with safe disposal.

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    All the reasons that the city has for not wanting grease and oils in the city sewer system also apply to your home and your building. Here's a page full of reasons for jumping on the no grease or oil down the drain bandwagon. Anyone who has suffered a sewer back up into their home can tell you that they never want it to happen again. 

    If you are someone who prefers watching a video to reading, the FOG Prevention team has also prepared this video.

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    Penny heard about the program, went to this link on the Boston Water and Sewer website, and soon found the items above in our mailbox.

    These covers are perfect for grease that will solidify. In the case of oils that will remain liquid, we save a jam or pickle glass jar and use that to hold liquids. And, while we avoid using paper towels for most purposes, Penny will wipe out a greasy pan with one and toss that in the trash before cleaning it in the sink. 

    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: © 2016 Penny Cherubino and artwork courtesy of Boston Water and Sewer Commission.

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  • Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend

    Whether you're coming to run or watch the 2019 Boston Marathon or just want to log some miles, it's an exciting time to visit the city. And, we hope this piece will help all the runners who are new to the city, here for vacation, or a business trip.

    DSC_6214 - Version 22011-04-18-runners-boston-marathon-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Right onto Hereford Street – Less Than a Mile to Go!

    I remember my first Boston Marathon as a spectator. Penny and I booked a hotel room for the weekend and left the car parked. We took in the runners' expo, pasta supper, and other pre-race activities, then watched a spectacular Boylston Street finish.

    As an out-of-state runner staying near Faneuil Hall, I still wanted to get in a run or two, but wasn't sure where to head. 

    Now, as a Boston resident, I can recommend a couple of my favorite routes.

    Charles River Run …

    If you're a visiting runner staying anywhere near the finish line, you can't beat a daytime run along the Charles River. It offers great views and a more open course without having to constantly cross roadways. This multi-use path is shared by bikes, blades, skate boards, dogs, and walkers. It can get congested as the day wears on but, who knows, you may find yourself sharing the trail with some famous, elite runners. It's easy to make any number of loops between the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river by using the many bridges along the way. 

    From Back Bay, you can access the Charles River Esplanade from Massachusetts Avenue, Fairfield, Dartmouth, and Arlington Streets. If you head west from the Massachusetts Avenue ramp, you can also use the parcourse workout station that's located just up-river. Click here for photos and details including a map to find it.

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    Morning Run Along the Esplanade

    Parks in the Heart of the City

    For a tree-lined route, try the Commonwealth Avenue Mall – not a shopping center, but a park – that runs down the center of this residential street. At Commonwealth and Arlington, you can enter the pristine Public Garden for a slower pace. Moving through the center of the Garden will lead you across Charles Street to the Boston Common.

    Inside tip: Local-isms

    Mass Ave = Massachusetts Avenue
    Comm Ave = Commonwealth Avenue
    And, it's Boston Common (singular) not Boston Commons

     

    Related Posts:  

    What's Open on Patriots Day in Boston, Plus MBTA, Trash & Other Changes

    Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner

    How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

     

    Photos from past Boston Marathons:

    The View from Hereford Street 

    Marathon Kisses

     

    Other Resources:

    Here's a great site. You'll find dozens of local running routes, including along the Charles River.

    For more places to run, Bostinno has a post on this topic – How to Train For the Boston Marathon: Where the Runners Run.

    Details:
    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photos: (Top) 2011 Boston Marathon, (Bottom) Esplanade Run ©2013 Penny Cherubino

    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!

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