It was one of those times when my camera captured the same thing I thought I was seeing with my eyes – colored baubles floating down amid the snowflakes.
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Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, parking, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 19, 2015. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.
Retail Stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose
Liquor Stores: Open
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 United States closed. International markets are open.
Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.
Free Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
If you're looking for something to do on this holiday, the MFA has a full schedule of special events and invites the community to visit for free that day.
Martin Luther King Week 2015: Monday, January 19 – Saturday, January 24, 2015
"No delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End
Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
Street Cleaning: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."
MBTA Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19, 2015:
For a few days before and after the holiday, the MBTA Schedule is posted at this link. At this time the MBTA has not posted the 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Schedule. To help you plan:
Here is what they did last year:
Subway: Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver lines will operate on a Saturday schedule.
Buses and Trackless Trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule with a list of routes posted here that will not operate.
Commuter rail trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
Boat service – Hingham, Charlestown – will operate on regular weekday schedules.
The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule.
For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or log on to the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com
Yes, January is a cold and wintry month in Boston but there is still a lot going on and many activities, both outdoor and indoor, to recommend.
New Year's Day
Weather permitting, Ed, Poppy, and I usually take a long walk on the first day of the year. We'll visit the Common and the Public Garden, and Copley Square. As a photographer, the Frog Pond skaters are always fun to watch and provide so many stories to capture in each photograph. If you have a new camera to play with, this is a great spot to add to your route for the day.
Here are some past posts from fun times photographing the Frog Pond skaters:
Something you eat for good luck or an activity you enjoy with famiy or friends? Share with us and perhaps you'll inspire others to adopt your tradition. We'll enjoy a glass of sparkling wine either at home or in a restaurant.
Since 2007, we've resolved to start each month of the year with a toast over a glass of something bubbly. You're welcome to join our sparkling resolution and check out our monthly list of wines to try.
Dressed in Holiday Style
Homes around the city will have beautiful wreaths on the doors and lovely decorations for the holidays early in the month. Above and below are two of the many lush and creative wreaths designed and sold by volunteers from The Garden Club of the Back Bay to raise funds needed to care for trees along the streets and in the parks. Here is a link to more of their work that you might be able to spot around the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and in other parts of the city.
Conventions Bring Visitors
Big meetings impact hotel prices and restaurant reservations around the city. The ones in the Back Bay have more impact on locals and visitors to the city than the seaport. Here's the January list of meetings with more than 5,000 in attendance.
1/2/15/-1/5/15 – 12,000 social scientists will be meeting at the Hynes Convention Center in Back Bay.
And just in case anyone local or visiting has an interest in these two events, we've included them:
1/15/15-1/19/15 – New England Auto Show in the Seaport
1/17/15-1/19/15 – Boston RV and Camping Expo in the Seaport
More tips from locals and frequent visitors to Boston can be found over on the Boston Trip Advisor Forum. Penny started a conversation over there with some of this same information and others have chimed in to add their tips and favorites.
Share your own traditions and January information in the comments below or send them our way on our Twitter feed. Just include @BostonZest in your message.
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Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on New Year's Day and the MBTA schedules for New Year's Eve December 31, 2014 and New Year's Day, January 1, 2015.
This is an outdated post. Click the link below for the latest information:
What's closed? Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules? We have the answers for you, all organized in one post!
Some businesses close early on New Year's Eve but with the crowds expected for First Night, others, especially those in the hospitality business, stay open. Call before you leave if you plan to visit a business on the 31st.
Here's what we've learned about January 1st, 2015 – New Year's Day
Restaurants, bars: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Here's a link to our post on restaurants that are open for the celebration:
Convenience stores:Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Supermarkets: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Liquor stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
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.
More after the ad…
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Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open.
Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.
"Monday, December 29, 2014 – Saturday, January 3, 2015
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday December 29th, 30th, and 31st: Regular trash and recycling for all sections of the City.
Bay Village Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Lower Roxbury, Mission Hill, North End, South End, and Sections of Back Bay: regular schedule, no delays.
Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, South Boston, West Roxbury: Delayed a day on Thursday, and Friday.
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
MBTA Schedule Changes for New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day …
The MBTA has full information on their events page. (If you are coming to this post after the holiday, that page will have changed.)
Here are the important points for New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31, 2014
The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines will run on a modified weekday schedule with additional trains operating at rush-hour levels of service throughout the evening from 3 p.m. until approximately 2 a.m.
The Siver Line will run on a weekday schedule
The Commuter Rail will run on a modified weekday schedule with additional service provided – the last trains out are listed here. Also check that link for restrictions on bicycles on commuter rail on the 31st.
Buses, trackless trolleys, and Express buses will run on a regular weekday schedule
Boats: will operate a regular weekday schedule
The Ride will operate on a regular weekday schedule with extended hours until 2:30 a.m.
Here are the important points for New Year's Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2014
The Silver, Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines will run on Sunday Schedule
Some Commuter Rail lines will run on a Sunday schedule except Needham which will not operate.
Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with a long list of buses not operating. Check those here.
Boats will not operate
The RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
For more information, call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or visit the MBTA website."
Our readers are already searching our past posts to figure out where to dine on New Year's Eve in Boston. It's time for you to grab a reservation at a special place!
This is an outdated post. Click below for the link to:
And, this year we're adding a few places we think might be great for starting off 2015 with friends and family around a brunch table.
We all have our ideas of the perfect New Year's Eve.
Are you looking for a place to ring in 2015 with a happy crowd?
Will you be out and about dropping in on events or house parties?
Or will you make a reservation for a quiet dinner before popping a cork for a private celebration?
Is a walk to view the ice sculptures and skating on the Frog Pond more your style?
We'll leave the New Year's Eve reservation for those of you who like to be part of a bigger celebration, while we spend the evening with some sparkling wine, good food, and great companions. However, we have gathered resources to help you find a place for any kind of New Year's Eve you'd like.
You can put a time into the reservation box on the main page and see what's available. Remember, many places have special prix fixe menus for occasions like this and some may require a credit card to hold a reservation.
The site Boston Chefs always posts a listing of its member restaurants that have special plans for New Year's Eve. Here is their New Year's Eve list. And, here's the list for New Year's Day. We'll update this section as we spot new information from these sources.
We'll add updates with other lists, as they become available, from trusted sources around town. Please remember that when we provide a link to a list, we are just giving you a resource. It doesn't mean we are recommending the restaurants on that list. These summaries often include places we love, but since other publishers have different standards, their list may include restaurants we would never recommend.
We Do Recommend!
There are restaurants that have planned a special New Year's Eve menu but have built their reputation on high quality food. These are places where you can expect to have a wonderful meal any day of the year.
Island Creek Oyster Bar is serving its regular menu and, for that kindness, we've put them at the top of this list.
Eastern Standard, next door, is doing the same. Regular menu, great wine list, craft cocktails.
Coppa Enoteca will close from 3-5 on the 31st to prepare for a three-course Chef's menu – $55 per person.
Bistro du Midi is offering two seatings at two prices with two prix fixe menus.
Grotto on Beacon Hill, Kitchen in the South End, and Marliave downtown all join that list of places sticking with the food you love.
Brasserie JO has a special menu but alway provides great food in a relaxed atmosphere, and their desserts are a party in themselves.
Where are you spending the evening? What's your favorite way to celebrate? Come back on January 1st and tell us about your New Year's Eve.
Open Table did not have a New Year's Day Brunch list when we prepared this post. We put a request in for a table at 11:30 AM to come up with our recommendations.
Craigie on Main decided to do away with their regular Sunday brunch, but they will have brunch on a few selected holidays like New Year's Day.
Petit Robert Bistro would be a great place to enjoy the beginning of a new year with a gang.
Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Christmas, December 25, 2014, plus information on: trash collection, parking, MBTA schedule changes, and whatever else we were able to gather to answer your Chrismas week questions.
Remember, many businesses close early on Christmas Eve. Call before you leave, if you plan to visit a business on the 24th.
Welcome to all of you who have found BostonZest.com while looking for this information. We hope you'll look around at the other resources we provide, subscribe to our RSS feed, follow us on Twitter, and come back often.
City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed:This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.
Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. When we have official hours for the Tow Lot over the holiday, we'll update this section. Call before going on Christmas eve or Chistmas day.
Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open.
Boston Trash Collection: The city says the following about trash collection Christmas week:
"Monday, December 22, 6am – Saturday, December 27, 2014, 5pm
No trash or recycling collection will take place in all sections of the City on Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25)
Christmas Week: Regular collection schedule on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday in all sections of the City. Regular trash collection schedule in the North End, Beacon Hill, Bay Village, Chinatown, Fenway South End, Mission Hill. Section of Roxbury, who have trash collection on Tuesday and Friday, no delay
Thursday and Friday recycling and trash collection delayed a day in Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, South Boston, Jamaica Plain*, West Roxbury, Roslindale, Mattapan, and Hyde Park.
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week [Monday, Thursday], Thursday collection day is cancelled. Back Bay, Roxbury and your trash and recycling is picked up on Monday and Thursday, Thursday’s collection is also cancelled, not delayed."
MBTA Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Schedule Changes:
MBTA Christmas Eve Schedule is a regular weekday schedule except fo the Hingham boat. which is modified weekday
Thursday, December 25, 2014 – MBTA Christmas Day Schedule (Quick Look)
• Blue, Orange, Green, Red, and Silver Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule.
• Buses will run on a Sunday schedule, however some routes will not operate on Christmas day. See those details here.
• Commuter rail trains will operate on a Sunday schedule (which means some lines will not operate).
• Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown boat service will not operate.
• THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
For additional information on MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call MBTA Customer Support at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (TTY 617-222-5146)," or visit the MBTA website.
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The open air farmers' market season is over, and it's time for us to start our list of the 2014-2015 Winter Farmers' Markets in the Boston area. We'll add to this list as we discover more markets opening.
Somerville Winter Farmers' Market
Winter Indoor Farmers’ Markets Around Boston
Boston/Egleston Winter Farmers Market, has a new location at the Urbano Project, 29 Germania St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (map) Saturdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, (Through February 2015, except Dec. 27th.)
Cambridge Winter/Alexandria Technology Square Farmers Market 700 Technology Square Atrium, (map) Wednesdays, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm (11/12/14 to 04/29/15)
Newton Winter Farmers' Market, 90 Lincoln Street-Hyde Community Center, Newton, MA 02461(map) Tuesday, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm (November 18, 2014 to June 16, 2015)
Chelmsford Agway Winter Farmers Market, 24 Maple Road, Chelmsford, MA (map) Saturdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (11/1 -2/28) Thanks to the reader who sent this one our way last year.
Do you have a favorite place to shop for local foods in winter? Let us know!
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Where can you dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Boston area? There are a few great choices! But, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays, make a reservation!
Don't be surprised if a deposit is required to hold your reservation or if there are special menus and seatings for these special holiday meals. Unfortunately, restaurants have been forced to do this because of people who make multiple reservations so they can decide at the last minute where to go. This leaves other diners without choices and the restaurants with empty tables.
Here is our resource page on opening and closings, other than dining, at Christmas.
There are more choices on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. Some of our favorite, special places have wonderful holiday meals planned for those who reserve for the 24th.
The legendary team from L'Espalier normally offers a prix fixe Christmas Eve menu.
La Morra in Brookline is an ideal spot to meet friends or family from that side of the Boston area. They are offering family style dining, "sharing traditional dishes of Piedmonte."
Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel has a four course prixe fixe menu set for the 24th.
Petit Robert Bistro locations will be open with regular meals and specials. We like the one on Columbus Ave in the South End.
At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Chistmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun, holiday dining option.
Coppa Enoteca is one of our favorites and they're offering their version of this tradition.
Dante in Cambridge will present Chef Dante de Magistris' version of the feast with other menu items available.
Grotto was one of the first to present this holiday tradition. Kitchen and Marliave,Grotto's siblings in the South End and Downtown, quickly joined in the festive fish feast. This year Kitchen will be open offering the regular menu for those who prefer an al la carte choice. At Grotto and Marliave will continue the feasting on fish.
Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel gives you a choice of a Christmas Day Buffet Brunch in the Atlantic Room from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., or their 4-course prix-fixe dinner in Meritage Restaurant from 5-9 p.m.
Other places open on holidays would include chain restaurants and some places in Chinatown. We once asked a longtime Boston cabbie where we could get something we needed on Christmas, and he said Chinatown was the place to go.
Here are some conversations on Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year and we'll link to lists from other Boston food sites.
Boston Restaurants Not Open on Christmas Day (2014) is a Trip Advisor conversation started by a visitor from London who was trying to find a top Boston restaurant to enjoy on Christmas Day and was surprised to find so many choices closed.
But, you can also input information on the reservation you want on Open Table and come up with a list of restaurants open at that hour. Change the hour and the list will change and some are not on the featured lists. It's a good place to start.
In 2010, a century old elm in Boston’s Back Back gained notoriety after a group of residents worked to save the towering giant.
As one of the neighborhood’s original street trees planted more than 125 years ago, this aging beauty had stretched its toes up and through the brick sidewalk. To smooth passage over the roots, an experimental macadam was installed but didn’t work out. It was time to try another alternative.
After extensive talks with the city of Boston and the Back Bay Architectural Commission, the previous material has been replaced with a more durable and aesthetically pleasing product called KBI FlexiPave – a rubber and aggregate surface that is ADA certified, the color of brick, and extremely water permeable.
(Once the main walkway was in place, the FlexiPave surface was extended over the tree's protruding roots to widen the path)
The Garden Club of the Back Bay generously fronted the $1,400 to install the new surface before winter set in. Now they are asking for donations to refill their coffers for the next project.
The tree is on Marlborough Street near the corner of Fairfield. Take a test stroll or roll over the new surface. It’s smooth and has a bit of cushion to it. If you like this treatment, don’t be shy, consider making a tax deductible contribution. It’ll be greatly appreciated.
Checks should be made out to The Garden Club of the Back Bay and mailed to: Margaret Pokorny, 384 Marlborough St., Boston, MA 02115.
Watch our 1-minute video to see how FlexiPave changes from a loose aggregate to a solid surface, plus a demonstration of how extremely water permeable it is.
