Category: City Life

  • Yes, The Boston Sun Newspaper Is Available Online!

    Back in February, The Back Bay Sun expanded to cover more neighborhoods and became The Boston Sun. Readers who follow our work in this paper have asked us how they can find it online when they are traveling.

    The boston sun

    Bookmark this link The Boston Sun. If you are searching for it, be sure to enter all three words – "The Boston Sun." If you use just two, you'll get a different website.

    Attention to detail

    You'll find our weekly Attention to Detail columns. With the expanded neighborhoods, these rotate with the South End, Fenway, and Back Bay neighbors featured in turn.

    City Paws

    Some weeks you'll also find one of the two newspaper columns, City Paws or Fresh & Local that we send to a number of newspapers each week.

    Fresh & local on v acation

    If all this is new to you, click over to the The Boston Sun's homepage.

    Screen Shot 2016-06-30 at Thursday, June 30, 201612.48.10 PM
    Once a week the "Full Print Edition" should be updated with a new paper. You can click on that thumbnail and download a PDF copy of the paper to read at your leisure. (Or to keep if you, your home, your dog, or cat happen to be featured.)

    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  

  • Duchess Poppy Speaks Up About July 4th Fireworks Noise

    Hello there Boston Dogs, Duchess Poppy here!

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    I can tell you from experience that Boston's July 4th Celebration is going to be noisy. And I do not like noise! I like things cool, calm, and quiet. 

    Did you know that there are silent fireworks? Penny found this article about a town that made things better for us noise averse critters by choosing those.

    Update: Here's another article from the Boston Globe.

    But here there will be lots of flashing lights in the sky and big booms going off along the river. I'm planning on staying home, but even if I hide in the bathroom, I know it will make my building shake.

    I found a bunch of tips Over on PetFinder about preparing for big parties like this. 

    Screen shot 2013-06-28 at 10.07.38 AM

    Tap your paw or click on the poster for easier reading.

    And, just in case you were wondering, dogs and cats are not allowed at the Boston Pops Concert on the Esplanade. Only official, working, or service animals may attend. (But I don't know why any of us would want to go to this noisy, crowded place. Besides, we would only distract the police dogs who have important work that day.) 

    Have a safe and Happy July 4th! 

    Duchess Poppy Whitehead

    P.S. Here's a link to all our Sunday Dogs. I'm in charge of recruiting the talent for these features, so let me know if you want to star some week.

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

     Details:

    Words: Duchess Poppy Whitehead (Edited by Ed)
    Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino   

  • Duchess Poppy Speaks Up About July 4th Fireworks Noise

    Hello there Boston Dogs, Duchess Poppy here!

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401bb088c33dd970d-800wi

    I can tell you from experience that Boston's July 4th Celebration is going to be noisy. And I do not like noise! I like things cool, calm, and quiet. 

    Did you know that there are silent fireworks? Penny found this article about a town that made things better for us noise averse critters by choosing those.

    Update: Here's another article from the Boston Globe.

    But here there will be lots of flashing lights in the sky and big booms going off along the river. I'm planning on staying home, but even if I hide in the bathroom, I know it will make my building shake.

    I found a bunch of tips Over on PetFinder about preparing for big parties like this. 

    Screen shot 2013-06-28 at 10.07.38 AM

    Tap your paw or click on the poster for easier reading.

    And, just in case you were wondering, dogs and cats are not allowed at the Boston Pops Concert on the Esplanade. Only official, working, or service animals may attend. (But I don't know why any of us would want to go to this noisy, crowded place. Besides, we would only distract the police dogs who have important work that day.) 

    Have a safe and Happy July 4th! 

    Duchess Poppy Whitehead

    P.S. Here's a link to all our Sunday Dogs. I'm in charge of recruiting the talent for these features, so let me know if you want to star some week.

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

     Details:

    Words: Duchess Poppy Whitehead (Edited by Ed)
    Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino   

  • 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.

    IStock_000006838249XSmall

    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

  • 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.

    IStock_000006838249XSmall

    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.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a3fd2b4e42970b-800wi

    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

  • Windy Day Swan Boat Assist

    Sometimes on a windy day, the hard-working crew members peddling Boston's Swan Boats need a bit of an assist.

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    That's when you'll see a first mate standing beside the captain with an oar in hand. That oar will be used to pole the boat around a turn when the wind is pushing it in the wrong direction.

    As Henry Ford said, "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." Good job by the Swan Boat Crew!

    Have you taken a Swan Boat ride lately?

    I know that we are long overdue. Here's a page with all the information you need about the when, where, how, and how much for an inside tour of the Public Garden Lagoon.

    While they say, "The Swan Boats are open every day, weather permitting. We cannot operate in rain, high winds or extreme heat," we can see that on windy days they do make an effort to keep their guests gliding along smoothly.

    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 Ed Cherubino  

  • Windy Day Swan Boat Assist

    Sometimes on a windy day, the hard-working crew members peddling Boston's Swan Boats need a bit of an assist.

    IMG_2498-1

    That's when you'll see a first mate standing beside the captain with an oar in hand. That oar will be used to pole the boat around a turn when the wind is pushing it in the wrong direction.

    As Henry Ford said, "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." Good job by the Swan Boat Crew!

    Have you taken a Swan Boat ride lately?

    I know that we are long overdue. Here's a page with all the information you need about the when, where, how, and how much for an inside tour of the Public Garden Lagoon.

    While they say, "The Swan Boats are open every day, weather permitting. We cannot operate in rain, high winds or extreme heat," we can see that on windy days they do make an effort to keep their guests gliding along smoothly.

    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 Ed Cherubino  

  • 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  

  • 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  

  • The Long Lost, South Boston, City Point Head House

    The photo below is the best one I could find of the long lost, South Boston, City Point Head House. Yes it is possible to grieve for something you have never seen or known. How I would have loved to have seen and photographed this building.

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    Photo titled "South Boston, Mass. Head house, Marine Park, E. M. Wheelwright, architect" from the Boston Public Library's photo collection. 

    When Reddit Boston put up a photo of this architectural gem, I was immediately in search mode to find it and learn more about its history.

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    This 1925 Fairchild Aerial Survey photo, from the Boston Public Library's collection, shows where is was located. You see Castle Island directly across Pleasure Bay from the building that was called the City Point Head House. 

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    "Head house, City Point, South Boston, Mass." Library of Congress photo.

    The Head House was designed by Architect Edmond Marsh Wheelwright and built circa 1897. Wheelwright is one of the most important names in Boston's architectural history. While this gingerbread gem is gone, his work survives in landmarks throughout the area. (Some of his papers are in the BPL Fine Arts Department Haven and Hoyt Collection.)

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    "Bathing at City Point, South Boston, Mass." Library of Congress photo.

    Very Popular in Its Day

    Histories of South Boston refer to the popularity of this beach and this building. In addition to restrooms, changing rooms, and offices, the building contained restaurants.

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    This 1928 photo, "Crowds at Pleasure Bay, City Point, South Boston" is from the BPL Collection.

    A partly covered pier extended out into the bay. I've been trying to determine if ferries served this pier. 

    What Happened to the Head House?

    Both the pier and the building were damaged in the Hurricane of 1938. In the early morning of December 5, 1942, a 2-alarm fire at the building damaged it further, and what remained was torn down.

    For more information on other elements missing from this bit of shoreline, see this post from the great site, And This Is Good Old Boston.

    Do you have bits of lost Boston you wish you could have seen? 

    Related articles:

    Tidbits About William Lloyd Garrison & His Statue on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall
    Growing Fond of the Boston Public Garden Fence

    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