Category: City Life

  • Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2013

    IMG_1980 - Version 2

    UPDATE: PARKING YOUR CAR FOR BOSTON MARATHON WEEKEND 2015

    Now's the time to plan where you'll park for Marathon weekend, so your car doesn't end up on a flatbed! And, be warned, the city does tow every car left in the way of the racers. So, this weekend, when you move your car for street sweeping, think ahead.
     
    If you normally park on the streets along the route of the weekend races, you may want to begin looking for spaces off-the-route. If you can do without your car for a few days, consider stashing it in a safe spot before everyone else has the same idea. And, remember, the bike lanes on Massachusetts Avenue have eliminated more than 70 spaces so finding on-street parking will be more difficult than ever.

    Here's a Google map that locates public parking facilities using the Boston Marathon Finish Line as the central point. 

    And, if you'll need your car on Monday, you should make sure it's on the side of the Marathon route where you can reach it and get to your planned destination.

    Here are some transportation restrictions & parking tips for Boston Marathon volunteers from the B.A.A. Site.

    Sunday, April 14, 2013 – The B.A.A. 5K 

    Again this year, there's a major race on Sunday in addition to Monday's marathon.

    Thousands of runners are expected to compete in a 5K (3.1 mile) race one day prior to 117th Boston Marathon. This race will start at 8 AM and cover a route through parts of the Back Bay and Beacon Hill, ending at the traditional Boston Marathon finish line.

    Here's a link to the 5K course map on the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) site.

    Plus, there are the Invitational Mile races that will also be held on Sunday, April 14, 2013. For details, including streets impacted by this event, go to Invitational Mile 2013.

    Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for Marathon Monday, April 15, 2013

    Parking restrictions for the Marathon often begin on Boylston Street five or six-days before the event. From this point, until the last runners are safely across the finish line, you'll see more and more "No Parking/No Stopping" signs popping-up along the marathon route and some adjacent streets.

    Remember, many streets in the Copley Square area will be impacted by the marathon. The best advice is to park your vehicle and walk and/or take public transportation.

    For more information on road closures, here's the City of Boston:

    2013 Boston Marathon Weekend – Traffic & Parking Advisory

    The City says:  "Patriot’s Day Holiday – Monday April 15, 2013 … Street Cleaning: Overnight sweeping Sunday-Monday morning (weather permitting) still in effect. No Monday daytime posted sweeping. Resumes 12:01AM Tuesday as listed on posted arterials."

    Related Posts & Helpful Links:

    What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day 2013 (Marathon Monday)

     

    Parking and No-Tow alerts

     

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2013

     

    Routes for Visiting Runners 2013

     

    Views from Hereford Street 2009

     

    How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston 

     

    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: Ed Cherubino

    Photo: © 2008 Penny Cherubino

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2013

    IMG_1980 - Version 2

    UPDATE: PARKING YOUR CAR FOR BOSTON MARATHON WEEKEND 2015

    Now's the time to plan where you'll park for Marathon weekend, so your car doesn't end up on a flatbed! And, be warned, the city does tow every car left in the way of the racers. So, this weekend, when you move your car for street sweeping, think ahead.
     
    If you normally park on the streets along the route of the weekend races, you may want to begin looking for spaces off-the-route. If you can do without your car for a few days, consider stashing it in a safe spot before everyone else has the same idea. And, remember, the bike lanes on Massachusetts Avenue have eliminated more than 70 spaces so finding on-street parking will be more difficult than ever.

    Here's a Google map that locates public parking facilities using the Boston Marathon Finish Line as the central point. 

    And, if you'll need your car on Monday, you should make sure it's on the side of the Marathon route where you can reach it and get to your planned destination.

    Here are some transportation restrictions & parking tips for Boston Marathon volunteers from the B.A.A. Site.

    Sunday, April 14, 2013 – The B.A.A. 5K 

    Again this year, there's a major race on Sunday in addition to Monday's marathon.

    Thousands of runners are expected to compete in a 5K (3.1 mile) race one day prior to 117th Boston Marathon. This race will start at 8 AM and cover a route through parts of the Back Bay and Beacon Hill, ending at the traditional Boston Marathon finish line.

    Here's a link to the 5K course map on the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) site.

    Plus, there are the Invitational Mile races that will also be held on Sunday, April 14, 2013. For details, including streets impacted by this event, go to Invitational Mile 2013.

    Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for Marathon Monday, April 15, 2013

    Parking restrictions for the Marathon often begin on Boylston Street five or six-days before the event. From this point, until the last runners are safely across the finish line, you'll see more and more "No Parking/No Stopping" signs popping-up along the marathon route and some adjacent streets.

    Remember, many streets in the Copley Square area will be impacted by the marathon. The best advice is to park your vehicle and walk and/or take public transportation.

    For more information on road closures, here's the City of Boston:

    2013 Boston Marathon Weekend – Traffic & Parking Advisory

    The City says:  "Patriot’s Day Holiday – Monday April 15, 2013 … Street Cleaning: Overnight sweeping Sunday-Monday morning (weather permitting) still in effect. No Monday daytime posted sweeping. Resumes 12:01AM Tuesday as listed on posted arterials."

    Related Posts & Helpful Links:

    What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day 2013 (Marathon Monday)

     

    Parking and No-Tow alerts

     

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2013

     

    Routes for Visiting Runners 2013

     

    Views from Hereford Street 2009

     

    How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston 

     

    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: Ed Cherubino

    Photo: © 2008 Penny Cherubino

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2013

    IMG_1980 - Version 2

    UPDATE: PARKING YOUR CAR FOR BOSTON MARATHON WEEKEND 2015

    Now's the time to plan where you'll park for Marathon weekend, so your car doesn't end up on a flatbed! And, be warned, the city does tow every car left in the way of the racers. So, this weekend, when you move your car for street sweeping, think ahead.
     
    If you normally park on the streets along the route of the weekend races, you may want to begin looking for spaces off-the-route. If you can do without your car for a few days, consider stashing it in a safe spot before everyone else has the same idea. And, remember, the bike lanes on Massachusetts Avenue have eliminated more than 70 spaces so finding on-street parking will be more difficult than ever.

    Here's a Google map that locates public parking facilities using the Boston Marathon Finish Line as the central point. 

    And, if you'll need your car on Monday, you should make sure it's on the side of the Marathon route where you can reach it and get to your planned destination.

    Here are some transportation restrictions & parking tips for Boston Marathon volunteers from the B.A.A. Site.

    Sunday, April 14, 2013 – The B.A.A. 5K 

    Again this year, there's a major race on Sunday in addition to Monday's marathon.

    Thousands of runners are expected to compete in a 5K (3.1 mile) race one day prior to 117th Boston Marathon. This race will start at 8 AM and cover a route through parts of the Back Bay and Beacon Hill, ending at the traditional Boston Marathon finish line.

    Here's a link to the 5K course map on the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) site.

    Plus, there are the Invitational Mile races that will also be held on Sunday, April 14, 2013. For details, including streets impacted by this event, go to Invitational Mile 2013.

    Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for Marathon Monday, April 15, 2013

    Parking restrictions for the Marathon often begin on Boylston Street five or six-days before the event. From this point, until the last runners are safely across the finish line, you'll see more and more "No Parking/No Stopping" signs popping-up along the marathon route and some adjacent streets.

    Remember, many streets in the Copley Square area will be impacted by the marathon. The best advice is to park your vehicle and walk and/or take public transportation.

    For more information on road closures, here's the City of Boston:

    2013 Boston Marathon Weekend – Traffic & Parking Advisory

    The City says:  "Patriot’s Day Holiday – Monday April 15, 2013 … Street Cleaning: Overnight sweeping Sunday-Monday morning (weather permitting) still in effect. No Monday daytime posted sweeping. Resumes 12:01AM Tuesday as listed on posted arterials."

    Related Posts & Helpful Links:

    What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day 2013 (Marathon Monday)

     

    Parking and No-Tow alerts

     

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2013

     

    Routes for Visiting Runners 2013

     

    Views from Hereford Street 2009

     

    How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston 

     

    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: Ed Cherubino

    Photo: © 2008 Penny Cherubino

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Built In Crane??? Now That’s an Amenity!

    DSC_2992 - Version 22013-04-06-crane-tree-lift-st- james ave-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    From this angle, it looks like this building on St. James Avenue has a built in crane. Ed captured this photo of new trees being planted along the sidewalk. He was equally attracted by the wonderful layers of architecture from this spot outside Bacco's Wine & Cheese and the new Bacco's Fine Foods.

    2896926688_c91f297cfc_z

    Photo by Chris Devers used under this creative commons license.

    In reality, the crane or cherry picker was tucked into an alley alongside the building. Some buildings, like the Hancock Tower, do have built in trollies to lower window washers. 

    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: © 2013 Ed Cherubino & Chris Devers

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Built In Crane??? Now That’s an Amenity!

    DSC_2992 - Version 22013-04-06-crane-tree-lift-st- james ave-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    From this angle, it looks like this building on St. James Avenue has a built in crane. Ed captured this photo of new trees being planted along the sidewalk. He was equally attracted by the wonderful layers of architecture from this spot outside Bacco's Wine & Cheese and the new Bacco's Fine Foods.

    2896926688_c91f297cfc_z

    Photo by Chris Devers used under this creative commons license.

    In reality, the crane or cherry picker was tucked into an alley alongside the building. Some buildings, like the Hancock Tower, do have built in trollies to lower window washers. 

    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: © 2013 Ed Cherubino & Chris Devers

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Built In Crane??? Now That’s an Amenity!

    DSC_2992 - Version 22013-04-06-crane-tree-lift-st- james ave-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    From this angle, it looks like this building on St. James Avenue has a built in crane. Ed captured this photo of new trees being planted along the sidewalk. He was equally attracted by the wonderful layers of architecture from this spot outside Bacco's Wine & Cheese and the new Bacco's Fine Foods.

    2896926688_c91f297cfc_z

    Photo by Chris Devers used under this creative commons license.

    In reality, the crane or cherry picker was tucked into an alley alongside the building. Some buildings, like the Hancock Tower, do have built in trollies to lower window washers. 

    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: © 2013 Ed Cherubino & Chris Devers

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Haystacking: Public Garden Style

    CHE_3286 - Version 22013-03-30-boston-public-garden-lagoon-haysteck-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Before refilling the Public Garden lagoon to prepare for the return of the Swan Boats on April 13th, a giant haystack was gathered as fallen branches, litter, and leaves were swept from the bottom of the pond.

    We can only imagine what parks workers may have found as they gathered this pile. Last year, someone found a camera that had been there since 2010. So, if you ever lose something in the lagoon, check back in spring to see if it can be located.

    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: © 2013 Penny Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Haystacking: Public Garden Style

    CHE_3286 - Version 22013-03-30-boston-public-garden-lagoon-haysteck-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Before refilling the Public Garden lagoon to prepare for the return of the Swan Boats on April 13th, a giant haystack was gathered as fallen branches, litter, and leaves were swept from the bottom of the pond.

    We can only imagine what parks workers may have found as they gathered this pile. Last year, someone found a camera that had been there since 2010. So, if you ever lose something in the lagoon, check back in spring to see if it can be located.

    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: © 2013 Penny Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Haystacking: Public Garden Style

    CHE_3286 - Version 22013-03-30-boston-public-garden-lagoon-haysteck-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Before refilling the Public Garden lagoon to prepare for the return of the Swan Boats on April 13th, a giant haystack was gathered as fallen branches, litter, and leaves were swept from the bottom of the pond.

    We can only imagine what parks workers may have found as they gathered this pile. Last year, someone found a camera that had been there since 2010. So, if you ever lose something in the lagoon, check back in spring to see if it can be located.

    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: © 2013 Penny Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day – Monday April 15, 2013

    Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for – Monday, April 15, 2013. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.

    UPDATE: This is an old post. Here's a link for: What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

     CHE_3259 - Version 22013-03-29-abigail-adams-boston-woemen's memorial-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Not all the patriots were men. Abigail Adams did her part in the American Revolution.

    Patriot's Day is a Massachusetts State Holiday Only.

    Open:
    Restaurants, Bars, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets, Retail Stores, Liquor Stores

    Financial Services: Banks may open if they wish. All markets are open. 

    Federal Offices and Facilities are open: This includes the Postal Service.

     

    Closed:
    Massachusetts City, Town, State Operations: This includes Schools, Libraries. Only emergency services are available. 

     

    Boston Parking

     

    One of the most common questions we get is about street sweeping on Patriots' Day. Here's the page from the city website with the answer. It 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."

     

    Reminder that was issued last year via twitter:

    City of Boston via ‏@NotifyBoston says "STREET CLEANING: Overnight sweeping Sunday-Monday morning still in effect. NO MONDAY regular posted sweeping."

     

    You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. Many streets will be cleared of parked cars to accommodate the Boston Marathon and Patriots' Day activities.

     

    Be sure to check your car in the days leading up to the marathon to be sure it is not in a tow-away zone for the event. Here's how you can sign up for parking alerts and tow alerts.

     

    Parking and No-Tow alerts

     

    Here's our latest post with tips for local parking on this holiday–

    Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend (2013)



    Boston Trash Collection (Click here for what the city says)

    "Patriots Day- Monday April 15, 2013

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

    Delay trash and recycling collection a day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.
    *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

    MBTA information after the BostonZest Amazon Selection of the Day. 

     

    If this information helps you, reward us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from BostonZest. Here are the latest versions of the cameras we'll use to photograph the Boston Marathon plus our favorite camera bag. Click over to the video on the Tamrac Velocity series of camera bags, and you'll see why we love it.

         

    2013 MBTA Marathon Monday Schedule:

    You can see full details on their events page through April 15th. If you would like to see a copy after that day we have made a pdf of the information:  Download MBTA > Riding the T> Patriot's Day 4.15.2013.

     Tips:

    • Buy your fares in advance with a Charlie Card or Charlie Ticket to avoid waiting in line on Monday.  
    • "Copley Station will be CLOSED. The Berkley Street entrance/exit of Arlington Station will remain closed. The "B" section of Hynes Convention Center located on Boylston Street will be available for exit only."
    • Due to crowds, they don't allow bikes on the subway on Patriots' Day.

    Marathon Monday

    Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver Line service will run on "regular weekday schedule."

    Commuter rail trains will operate on their "regular weekday schedule."

    "Buses and trackless trolleys will operate a Saturday schedule."

    Commuter Boats will operate on a "regular weekday schedule."

    "THE RIDE will operate on a modified weekday schedule."

    Bus routes that impact the marathon course will be rerouted at times.

    Complete details on all changes are here: Official MBTA Information for Marathon Monday 2013

    Update 04.12.13: from @mbtaGM 12:09pm – "#MBTA Patriots' Day Parking: On 4/15, MBTA garages will be pay-on-entry, cash-only. Pls plan for garages/lots to fill quickly due to demand."

    Official Boston Marathon information:

    www.bostonmarathon.org

     

    Related Posts:

     

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2013

     

    Routes for Visiting Runners 2013

     

    Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2013

     

    Views from Hereford Street 2009

    Do you have enough memory for all the photos you'll want to shoot of the spring blooms? Do you need a new camera for the season or as a gift? Begin your shopping by Click right here to check the prices at Amazon on great items like Sandisk memory cards .

    Details:
    Writer: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo: © 2013 Penny Cherubino

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.