Category: City Life

Free Fridays from the Highland Street Foundation

Fridays are special around Greater Boston because of the Free Fun Fridays admissions to museums and other cultural attractions made possible by the Highland Street Foundation.

They say, "Free Fun Fridays invites Massachusetts residents and tourists to visit designated cultural attractions every Friday this summer with free admission. No registration or tickets required. Visit and enjoy!"

We Say, "Thanks, that sounds like a Free Fun Friday Link to us!

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed 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.

Related articles

Food Tips for Shakespeare on the Common

Friday Links to Free Music!

Messing About in Boats…

August 3, 2012
Look Down, History Below Your Feet

The sidewalks of Boston are not only a pathway to history but also contain historic coal vault covers with prism lights that were part of another time.

Click on any small image to pop up a larger view.

A few are in great condition and may still let light into spaces below the sidewalk. Others are dangerous, with holes that could catch heels or puppy paws and ugly concrete, covering what was once a thing of craftsmanlike beauty.

In the days before the electric light, these were important features. The sidewalk access meant that dirty coal deliveries did not have to come through the house. And, the beams admitted and intensified by prism lights allowed you to see in dark basement spaces.

We are just beginning our research on these and photographing as many as we can. If you'd like to share your photos of coal vault covers you can upload them to the BostonZest Photo Pool on Flickr.

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed 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.

July 31, 2012
Look Down, History Below Your Feet

The sidewalks of Boston are not only a pathway to history but also contain historic coal vault covers with prism lights that were part of another time.

Click on any small image to pop up a larger view.

A few are in great condition and may still let light into spaces below the sidewalk. Others are dangerous, with holes that could catch heels or puppy paws and ugly concrete, covering what was once a thing of craftsmanlike beauty.

In the days before the electric light, these were important features. The sidewalk access meant that dirty coal deliveries did not have to come through the house. And, the beams admitted and intensified by prism lights allowed you to see in dark basement spaces.

We are just beginning our research on these and photographing as many as we can. If you'd like to share your photos of coal vault covers you can upload them to the BostonZest Photo Pool on Flickr.

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed 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.

July 31, 2012
Parasols Are Poppin’ up All Over…

Parasols, or sun umbrellas, are popping up all over Boston. This woman carries hers with grace and style on Newbury Street . They may not be trending as a fashion accessory quite yet, but they are a very smart way to protect your skin from harmful rays.

This woman was using hers to shield her book and computer screen.

Here's someone skipping home with a parasol in one hand and a bouquet in the other.

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? If you're looking for Sun Umbrellas, Amazon has them. And, shopping there from here will help support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed 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.

July 28, 2012
Parasols Are Poppin’ up All Over…

Parasols, or sun umbrellas, are popping up all over Boston. This woman carries hers with grace and style on Newbury Street . They may not be trending as a fashion accessory quite yet, but they are a very smart way to protect your skin from harmful rays.

This woman was using hers to shield her book and computer screen.

Here's someone skipping home with a parasol in one hand and a bouquet in the other.

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? If you're looking for Sun Umbrellas, Amazon has them. And, shopping there from here will help support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed 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.

July 28, 2012
Special Saturday Concerts July 28th in the Library Courtyard

The Boston Public Library Courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy some fine music. Tomorrow, there will be three, one hour-long concerts for you. We're making this series our Friday Link and turning over the keyboard to the concert organizers for details.

"Saturday, July 28, 11:00 am. – Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble
Since its inception in 2000, the Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble has presented diverse programs from the chamber music repertoire for wind and string instruments. Each member of the Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble brings a high level of musical artistry to the group, and they are quickly becoming known throughout the Boston area as outstanding musicians.

Saturday, July 28, 12:30 p.m. – The Brant Grieshaber Trio
A consummate band leader, soloist, and sideman, Brant Grieshaber performs all over New England, from the Maine Music Society to the Beantown Swing Orchestra, and from the Beehive to Johnny D's. He's shared the stage with jazz giants such as Grammy nominee Bill Frisell, James Carter, and Charlie Hunter.

Saturday, July 28, 2:00 p.m. – Annie Sharkey
Annie Sharkey began her career in musical theater in New York City. She has been a vocalist in the Boston area for over 25 years in various venues, including Broadway, cabaret, top forty, original rock, an oldies show band, and as a vocalist for the Winiker Orchestras.

The Boston Public Library’s regular Friday afternoon concert series features music that ranges from jazz to classical and from folk to funk at 12:30 p.m., each week, through August 31. For more information, visit www.bpl.org/concerts."

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

Details:

Boston Public Library, Copley Square (map)

700 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02116

(617) 536-5400

bpl.org‎

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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.

July 27, 2012
Special Saturday Concerts July 28th in the Library Courtyard

The Boston Public Library Courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy some fine music. Tomorrow, there will be three, one hour-long concerts for you. We're making this series our Friday Link and turning over the keyboard to the concert organizers for details.

"Saturday, July 28, 11:00 am. – Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble
Since its inception in 2000, the Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble has presented diverse programs from the chamber music repertoire for wind and string instruments. Each member of the Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble brings a high level of musical artistry to the group, and they are quickly becoming known throughout the Boston area as outstanding musicians.

Saturday, July 28, 12:30 p.m. – The Brant Grieshaber Trio
A consummate band leader, soloist, and sideman, Brant Grieshaber performs all over New England, from the Maine Music Society to the Beantown Swing Orchestra, and from the Beehive to Johnny D's. He's shared the stage with jazz giants such as Grammy nominee Bill Frisell, James Carter, and Charlie Hunter.

Saturday, July 28, 2:00 p.m. – Annie Sharkey
Annie Sharkey began her career in musical theater in New York City. She has been a vocalist in the Boston area for over 25 years in various venues, including Broadway, cabaret, top forty, original rock, an oldies show band, and as a vocalist for the Winiker Orchestras.

The Boston Public Library’s regular Friday afternoon concert series features music that ranges from jazz to classical and from folk to funk at 12:30 p.m., each week, through August 31. For more information, visit www.bpl.org/concerts."

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

Details:

Boston Public Library, Copley Square (map)

700 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02116

(617) 536-5400

bpl.org‎

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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.

July 27, 2012
Food Tips for Shakespeare on the Common

This season’s run of Shakesphere on the Common opens tonight and continues through August 12th. The food selection around the Boston Common has improved over the past couple of years.

This lovely photo from a past performance is by Katherine Hala, here is her photostream.

Here are a few places where you can pick up a delicious supper to enjoy while you watch Coriolanus.

Clover Food Truck

A Clover Food Lab truck is now stationed at the restored Brewer Plaza. Ed loves their Chick Pea Fritter Sandwich and those rosemary fries are a must! See who else likes Clover here!

Clover’s Chick Pea Fritter Sandwich (Photo by Penny Cherubino)

Bacco’s Wine and Cheese

On St. James Avenue near Arlington is Bacco’s Wine and Cheese– a great stop for a picnic supper. They have prepared sandwiches; their famous bento boxes containing an enticing selection of cheese, salumi, bread, and olives; or you can always choose what catches your eye on the counter.

A recent picnic from Bacco’s. Photo: Penny Cherubino

Falafel King

In Downtown Crossing, right across from the Park Street MBTA station, you’ll find the small, ethnic food court where Falafel King reigns supreme. We usually order the combo plate, but all the items we’ve tried have been great.

The Thinking Cup

The Thinking Cup coffee shop across from the Common on Tremont Street is known for their great coffee but they also have a fine selection of sandwiches and pastries.

Another shot by Katherine Hala.

Savenor’s

If you are coming from Beacon Hill, consider a stop at Savenor’s on Charles Street. Manager Diana Tovar says they have added a “Grab and Go” sandwich selection to their shop. It’s also the perfect place to walk around and gather all the elements for a delicious picnic– fruit, cheese, desserts, and a few special treats.

Elsewhere on Charles Street, you could order take-out from Café Vanille, the Paramount, or Panificio. All three have great sandwiches and salads.

What’s on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photography: Katherine Hala, here is her photostream. Used under this creative commons license.

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.

July 25, 2012
Food Tips for Shakespeare on the Common

This season’s run of Shakesphere on the Common opens tonight and continues through August 12th. The food selection around the Boston Common has improved over the past couple of years.

This lovely photo from a past performance is by Katherine Hala, here is her photostream.

Here are a few places where you can pick up a delicious supper to enjoy while you watch Coriolanus.

Clover Food Truck

A Clover Food Lab truck is now stationed at the restored Brewer Plaza. Ed loves their Chick Pea Fritter Sandwich and those rosemary fries are a must! See who else likes Clover here!

Clover’s Chick Pea Fritter Sandwich (Photo by Penny Cherubino)

Bacco’s Wine and Cheese

On St. James Avenue near Arlington is Bacco’s Wine and Cheese– a great stop for a picnic supper. They have prepared sandwiches; their famous bento boxes containing an enticing selection of cheese, salumi, bread, and olives; or you can always choose what catches your eye on the counter.

A recent picnic from Bacco’s. Photo: Penny Cherubino

Falafel King

In Downtown Crossing, right across from the Park Street MBTA station, you’ll find the small, ethnic food court where Falafel King reigns supreme. We usually order the combo plate, but all the items we’ve tried have been great.

The Thinking Cup

The Thinking Cup coffee shop across from the Common on Tremont Street is known for their great coffee but they also have a fine selection of sandwiches and pastries.

Another shot by Katherine Hala.

Savenor’s

If you are coming from Beacon Hill, consider a stop at Savenor’s on Charles Street. Manager Diana Tovar says they have added a “Grab and Go” sandwich selection to their shop. It’s also the perfect place to walk around and gather all the elements for a delicious picnic– fruit, cheese, desserts, and a few special treats.

Elsewhere on Charles Street, you could order take-out from Café Vanille, the Paramount, or Panificio. All three have great sandwiches and salads.

What’s on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photography: Katherine Hala, here is her photostream. Used under this creative commons license.

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.

July 25, 2012
Bass Fishing on the Charles River

All summer long, we've seen rods and reels along the Esplanade as anglers choose favorite spots for a major bass fishing tournament to be held on the Charles and Mystic Rivers in September. The B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, Eastern Division Championship will take place on the Charles and Mystic Rivers from September 12th to the 14th, 2012.

This bass, caught along the Esplanade canoeway, was too small to keep. After posing for a quick photo, it was returned to the river.

Perhaps the currents under the Mass Ave Bridge are a sweet spot for this angler.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed 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 on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

July 23, 2012