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What’s Open on July 4th, 2014 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on July 4th, 2014 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus … parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling and other useful links. This year, July 4th is on a Friday making this a long holiday weekend.

This is an old post. Here's a link is the 2015 resource page for July 4th:

What's Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates or save this page for future reference.

Photo: Last night's fireworks from the roofdeck.

Restaurants, bars: Open- Here's a great list from Eater Boston of the restaurant who are 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: 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 617-635-4500 for exact details."

Boston Trash: from the City Site:

"Independence Day Week Friday, July 4 | 6am – Saturday, July 5, 2014 | 5pm

Delay trash and recycling pick up a day ONLY if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury, South Boston AND your trash and recycling is normally collected on Friday.

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

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

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 Schedule Changes Have been updated for today.

Update: 07/04/14 8:00 am: Subways are running on a Sunday schedule "and will run until approximately 2:30 a.m. due to extended late-night service, as Fourth of July is on a Friday." Commuter rail is running on a Saturday schedule, and most buses are running on a Sunday schedule with a few not running at all.

The MBTA website has a new July 4rd schedule posted on their events page for a period of time before and through the holiday. Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates.

You can download a pdf of this information: Download MBTA July 4th update

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. They're perfect for small city homes. We have an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled! We not only use it for picnics but grab it to go grocery shopping.

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: Penny Cherubino

June 23, 2014
Summer Events with Your Own Sunday Dog

Outdoor summer events can be fun to share with your pup as long as you make sure the event is safe and comfortable for your dog and that he will be a great ambassador for canines while in attendance.

Our little Maggie Mae (photo above) loved going to concerts and had a taste for opera. Poppy will share a blanket with us this summer and we'll see what kind of music she likes best.

There are a few, free, outdoor events, like the Esplanade concert and fireworks on July 4th, that prohibit dogs, but many of the spaces where events like this are held are dog friendly. That includes most other free concerts and movie nights at the Hatch Shell.

These are perfect opportunities to gather friends, a blanket, a picnic, and your dog for a relaxed evening outside.

Concerts

Speaking of the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra is playing on Wednesday nights 7-9 pm from July 16th to August 27th. They also have concerts scheduled in other spots around the city.

You might enjoy seeing this orchestra at 6 pm on July 9th in City Square, Charlestown; July 13th at Pinebank Promontory, Jamaica Plain; or July 27th in Copley Square.

Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City series offers live bands playing blues, soul, or the songs of the Rat Pack era Tuesday to Thursday through August. Naturally, dogs are not allowed on the restaurant patios. But, the sound carries and you can find a place to sit on the harbor side of the hotel and enjoy.

BostInno has published their "The Complete List of All the Summer Series Happening in Boston That You Need in Your Life." Not all of these are dog friendly. Some are inside or in places where your dog is not welcome but there are a few more good ideas for music here.

Movie Nights

Boston Harbor Hotel offers Friday night movies, while the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park hold a Sunday Night series. Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade's schedule can be found here.

Photo by Katherine Hala used under this creative commons license.

Shakespeare on the Common

Twelfth Night is the play of the year for the Shakespeare on the Common Theatre Company. This year, you can pick your night to see this offering between July 23 and August 10th.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino,

Hatch Shell concert artwork courtesy of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra

Boston Harbor Hotel photo courtesy of the hotel

Shakesspeare on the Common photo by Katherine Hala

June 22, 2014
Summer Events with Your Own Sunday Dog

Outdoor summer events can be fun to share with your pup as long as you make sure the event is safe and comfortable for your dog and that he will be a great ambassador for canines while in attendance.

Our little Maggie Mae (photo above) loved going to concerts and had a taste for opera. Poppy will share a blanket with us this summer and we'll see what kind of music she likes best.

There are a few, free, outdoor events, like the Esplanade concert and fireworks on July 4th, that prohibit dogs, but many of the spaces where events like this are held are dog friendly. That includes most other free concerts and movie nights at the Hatch Shell.

These are perfect opportunities to gather friends, a blanket, a picnic, and your dog for a relaxed evening outside.

Concerts

Speaking of the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra is playing on Wednesday nights 7-9 pm from July 16th to August 27th. They also have concerts scheduled in other spots around the city.

You might enjoy seeing this orchestra at 6 pm on July 9th in City Square, Charlestown; July 13th at Pinebank Promontory, Jamaica Plain; or July 27th in Copley Square.

Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City series offers live bands playing blues, soul, or the songs of the Rat Pack era Tuesday to Thursday through August. Naturally, dogs are not allowed on the restaurant patios. But, the sound carries and you can find a place to sit on the harbor side of the hotel and enjoy.

BostInno has published their "The Complete List of All the Summer Series Happening in Boston That You Need in Your Life." Not all of these are dog friendly. Some are inside or in places where your dog is not welcome but there are a few more good ideas for music here.

Movie Nights

Boston Harbor Hotel offers Friday night movies, while the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park hold a Sunday Night series. Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade's schedule can be found here.

Photo by Katherine Hala used under this creative commons license.

Shakespeare on the Common

Twelfth Night is the play of the year for the Shakespeare on the Common Theatre Company. This year, you can pick your night to see this offering between July 23 and August 10th.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino,

Hatch Shell concert artwork courtesy of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra

Boston Harbor Hotel photo courtesy of the hotel

Shakesspeare on the Common photo by Katherine Hala

June 22, 2014
That Mystery Sign on Richmond Street in the North End.

Admit it! You've stood on Richmond Street in the North End and tried to figure out what the neon tubes used to spell out on this sign.

Seeing the other side and the address of the building helped us figure it out.

Yes, it does say "One O Eight Richmond."

We were curious about what it looked like back in the day and went searching and found a beautiful photo on Nicola108's photostream. We did try to contact the copyright owner to ask if we could use the photo here but did not get a response. So, we are honoring the copyright and providing a Friday Link to the photo.

108 Restaurant & Lounge

We found a few clippings in the Boston Globe in the 1970s for the 108 Restaurant and Lounge. From employment ads for staff to a full review in Anthony Spinazzola's "Let's Eat Out" column.

In 1994, the Boston Board of Appeal granted permission to change the occupancy from "Restaurant and storage to eight apartments." They included the proviso: "Any exterior changes subject to desing [sic] review by BRA." Maybe that's why the sign is still there, no one knew how to do a desing review!

Perhaps a few longtime residents can tell us more about 108 Richmond. We love these tales of our city.

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: © 2014 Ed Cherubino

June 20, 2014
That Mystery Sign on Richmond Street in the North End.

Admit it! You've stood on Richmond Street in the North End and tried to figure out what the neon tubes used to spell out on this sign.

Seeing the other side and the address of the building helped us figure it out.

Yes, it does say "One O Eight Richmond."

We were curious about what it looked like back in the day and went searching and found a beautiful photo on Nicola108's photostream. We did try to contact the copyright owner to ask if we could use the photo here but did not get a response. So, we are honoring the copyright and providing a Friday Link to the photo.

108 Restaurant & Lounge

We found a few clippings in the Boston Globe in the 1970s for the 108 Restaurant and Lounge. From employment ads for staff to a full review in Anthony Spinazzola's "Let's Eat Out" column.

In 1994, the Boston Board of Appeal granted permission to change the occupancy from "Restaurant and storage to eight apartments." They included the proviso: "Any exterior changes subject to desing [sic] review by BRA." Maybe that's why the sign is still there, no one knew how to do a desing review!

Perhaps a few longtime residents can tell us more about 108 Richmond. We love these tales of our city.

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: © 2014 Ed Cherubino

June 20, 2014
Adirondack Chairs Seem to Say, “Relax, It’s Summer!”

Why does the sight of an Adirondack chair say summer to me?

I remember building a few of these with my father and grandfather using the instructions in a issue of Popular Mechanics. The chairs were in my back yard throughout my childhood. I loved sitting on the arm of the chair my dad, grandpa, or a favorite aunt or uncle occupied.

Aluminum folding chairs took the place of these on patios and decks for many years. Today, more people seem to understand the importance of a sturdy design with a place for a glass when you settle in to watch the ocean, read a book, or enjoy a sunset.

Does this photo say "Summer" to you? Summer starts this weekend, so find some time to sit and enjoy the season.

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: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Brunch on Hamersley's Patio: A Sunday Sojourn

Our Collection of 7 Cooling Tips for Hot Days!

June 19, 2014
Adirondack Chairs Seem to Say, “Relax, It’s Summer!”

Why does the sight of an Adirondack chair say summer to me?

I remember building a few of these with my father and grandfather using the instructions in a issue of Popular Mechanics. The chairs were in my back yard throughout my childhood. I loved sitting on the arm of the chair my dad, grandpa, or a favorite aunt or uncle occupied.

Aluminum folding chairs took the place of these on patios and decks for many years. Today, more people seem to understand the importance of a sturdy design with a place for a glass when you settle in to watch the ocean, read a book, or enjoy a sunset.

Does this photo say "Summer" to you? Summer starts this weekend, so find some time to sit and enjoy the season.

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: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Brunch on Hamersley's Patio: A Sunday Sojourn

Our Collection of 7 Cooling Tips for Hot Days!

June 19, 2014
Travel Tip: Pack an Apron, Old Shirt, or Chef’s Jacket

One way I pack lighter is to add some protection to my travel clothes. I just seem to attract spots and stains. At home, I use a chef's jacket both when I'm cooking and when I'm eating with family and close friends.

When we travel, I have an old, black Chefwear® jacket that I tuck into our ready-to-go suitcase. You can see it drying (in the photo above) after it was given a spot cleaning on a recent trip.

If you don't have a chef's jacket, you might pack an old, flannel shirt or at least an apron. If you're making coffee in your room or dining on room service at a hotel or cooking in a rental kitchen, you can keep your travel clothes cleaner with a sacrificial spot-catcher.

Related Posts:

Cooking in Vacation Rentals: The Tool Roll

Cooking in Vacation Rentals: The Spice Box

Cooking in Vacation Rentals: Hotel Rooms Too!

AeroPress, Our Travel CoffeeMaker

Use Your Lid: Keep it Simple in the Kitchen

And, here's a link to all our Tips & How To posts

What's on your Kitchen Shopping List? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Chef Works Basic Chef Coat

Chef Works Striped Bib Apron

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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

June 17, 2014
Travel Tip: Pack an Apron, Old Shirt, or Chef’s Jacket

One way I pack lighter is to add some protection to my travel clothes. I just seem to attract spots and stains. At home, I use a chef's jacket both when I'm cooking and when I'm eating with family and close friends.

When we travel, I have an old, black Chefwear® jacket that I tuck into our ready-to-go suitcase. You can see it drying (in the photo above) after it was given a spot cleaning on a recent trip.

If you don't have a chef's jacket, you might pack an old, flannel shirt or at least an apron. If you're making coffee in your room or dining on room service at a hotel or cooking in a rental kitchen, you can keep your travel clothes cleaner with a sacrificial spot-catcher.

Related Posts:

Cooking in Vacation Rentals: The Tool Roll

Cooking in Vacation Rentals: The Spice Box

Cooking in Vacation Rentals: Hotel Rooms Too!

AeroPress, Our Travel CoffeeMaker

Use Your Lid: Keep it Simple in the Kitchen

And, here's a link to all our Tips & How To posts

What's on your Kitchen Shopping List? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Chef Works Basic Chef Coat

Chef Works Striped Bib Apron

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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

June 17, 2014
Get Your Galleria Umberto Visit in Before Their July Vacation

What could be better than a table by the Mill Creek Fountain in the North End Greenway Park and a box full of pizza and arancini from Galleria Umberto Rosticceria?

Fans of this Boston treasure know that their official hours are short (Mon-Sat: 11:30am-2:30pm) and get even shorter as things begin to run out. When the dough is gone, they shut down. And, they take the month of July off. This year's posted dates for the Galleria Umberto vacation are 6/29-7/28. That means you need to get there in the next couple of weeks or wait until August.

We used one of our recent picture perfect spring days to walk to the North End and enjoy the simple but delicious food from this longtime Boston favorite. The pizza is Sicilian style with thick crust and an abundance of sauce and cheese. It's filling but suprisingly lighter than it would seem.

The arancini are filled with a mixture of meat, cheese, and peas and are about the size of a softball. They are fried but with a skillful hand that assures they are not greasy.

There are other items on the menu. We'll get around to covering those on another day. This visit was about the two items that most of the people in those lines-out-the-door are ordering.

Calzones in the warming case never stay there long. Everything is in a constant flow as food moves from the cooks in the back room into boxes for takeout or trays for dining-in that are handed to customers.

There is a really great piece of writing over on Serious Eats about Galleria Umberto's pizza. Carey Jones wrote, "Pizza flies out from the kitchen, enormous pans appearing every three or four minutes, smacked down on the counter, slices scooped up so quickly the cheese hardly has time to ooze over the side."

Simple, old world, fresh, ready, hearty, warm describes the food and the people. If you're a regular, you may get a hug or a conversation in Italian with your order. Regulars also have cash in hand because this is a "cash only" establishment.

Many locals also know that you can phone ahead with your order and go to the left of the main line, pull out your cash, and pick up your order. You'll see lots of locals picking up boxes of 10, 15, or 20 slices of pizza and a stash of other goodies.

You can dine in, if you choose, and have beer or wine in a paper cup with your food. But our crowd often has dogs in tow so we do this on really nice days and we eat in the park. Part of the clan finds a table on the Greenway or at least they stand ready to pounce on a table the moment one is free.

We keep a photo of the menu on our phones to put together our order. With decisions made and cash gathered, we make the call and tell them yes we do need napkins, forks, knives, and plates. They generously add those to your order. (And, they do supply ample napkins – they know their food.)

Then, one or two of you can walk down Hanover Street, pick up your feast, and return to the park for an outstanding picnic by the fountains.

Galleria Umberto

289 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113 (map)
617-227-5709

Cash Only!

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: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Otto Pizza, Coolidge Corner: Our First Look (At This Location)

Sicilian Slices at Boston's Galleria Umberto

Sicilian Slice Crawl in Boston

June 16, 2014