Tag: MBTA Schedules

What’s Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2018 in Boston Plus Trash, Parking & MBTA Links & More
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 15, 2018. We are updating these resource pages rather than creating a new one each year.

Updated January 3, 2018

Free at Last sculpture, by Sergio Castillo is located on Marsh Plaza, Boston University (Photo by Peter H. Dreyer from the Boston City Archives )
- 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 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.
- Boston Public Libraries closed.
- BCYF Community Centers are closed.
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.

Boston Trash and Recycling:

The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information.

Street Cleaning:

The city says, "On City holidays, we suspend street sweeping during the day, but we still sweep streets at night. On the weekends, we sweep some streets at night. Please always check posted street sweeping signs for information. If you still have questions, please contact 311."

Parking:

"Monday, January 15 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect."

You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

MBTA Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 15, 2018:

The MBTA no longer publishes holiday schedule in an easy to use format. You must now go to their website and click around to find the information.

For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, (TTY 617-222-5146) or go to www.mbta.com

Keeping warm is on the top of everyone's agenda. Amazon has excellent underlayers to keep you toasty.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: (Photo by Peter H. Dreyer from the Boston City Archives )used under creative commons license Some rights reserved

Related articles

A Few of Our Favorite Kitchen Gifts
January 6, 2017
What’s Open in Boston New Year’s Eve 2017 and New Year’s Day 2018 & MBTA links plus Parking, Trash & More

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, 2017 and New Year's Day, January 1, 2018.

This page will be our permanent resource of New Year's information and we will update it in future years.

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 others, especially those in the hospitality business, remain open. Call before you leave if you plan to visit a business on the 31st.

Here's what we've learned about January 1st, 2018 – New Year's Day

Restaurants, bars: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

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…

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!

Make your own holiday wish come true. Find the gift you really want on Amazon! And, by starting from here, you'll be supporting BostonZest and keeping the information flowing your way.

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.

Boston Trash Collection:

Boston Trash Collection for Christmas

The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information.

The MBTA no longer publishes schedule information before each holiday

For information, call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or visit the MBTA website."

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © iStockphoto

Related articles

Do You Have a Signature Dish that You Bring to Food Gatherings?

December 26, 2016
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.

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.

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 3^rdand 4^th 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
June 24, 2016
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.

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.

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 3^rdand 4^th 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
June 24, 2016
What’s Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2016 in Boston Plus Trash, Parking & MBTA Schedule Changes
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 18, 2016. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.

Free at Last sculpture, by Sergio Castillo is located on Marsh Plaza, Boston University (Photo by Peter H. Dreyer from the Boston City Archives )
- 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 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.

Boston Trash and Recycling:

The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information.

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 311 for exact details."

MBTA Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 18, 2016:

For a few days before and after the holiday, the MBTA Schedule is posted at this link.

Here's a quick overview of what is planned for 2016:
- Subway: Blue, Orange, Red, Green lines and Mattapan Trolley will operate on a Saturday schedule and there will not be late-night service.
- The Silver line will operate on a weekday 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, Hull, and 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 Communications Department at 617-222-3200, (TTY 617-222-5146), or go to www.mbta.com

Keeping warm is on the top of everyone's agenda. Amazon has excellent underlayers to keep you toasty.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography:(Photo by Peter H. Dreyer from the Boston City Archives )used under creative commons license Some rights reserved

Related articles

A Few of Our Favorite Kitchen Gifts
January 8, 2016
What’s Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2016 in Boston Plus Trash, Parking & MBTA Schedule Changes
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 18, 2016. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.

Free at Last sculpture, by Sergio Castillo is located on Marsh Plaza, Boston University (Photo by Peter H. Dreyer from the Boston City Archives )
- 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 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.

Boston Trash and Recycling:

The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information.

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 311 for exact details."

MBTA Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 18, 2016:

For a few days before and after the holiday, the MBTA Schedule is posted at this link.

Here's a quick overview of what is planned for 2016:
- Subway: Blue, Orange, Red, Green lines and Mattapan Trolley will operate on a Saturday schedule and there will not be late-night service.
- The Silver line will operate on a weekday 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, Hull, and 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 Communications Department at 617-222-3200, (TTY 617-222-5146), or go to www.mbta.com

Keeping warm is on the top of everyone's agenda. Amazon has excellent underlayers to keep you toasty.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography:(Photo by Peter H. Dreyer from the Boston City Archives )used under creative commons license Some rights reserved

Related articles

A Few of Our Favorite Kitchen Gifts
January 8, 2016
What’s Open in Boston New Year’s Eve and Day & MBTA Schedules 2015 – 2016 plus Parking, Trash & More
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, 2015 and New Year's Day, January 1, 2016.

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 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, 2016 – New Year's Day

Restaurants, bars: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

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…

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!

Make your own holiday wish come true. Find the gift you really want on Amazon! And, by starting from here, you'll be supporting BostonZest and keeping the information flowing your way.

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.

Boston Trash Collection:

Boston Trash Collection for Christmas

The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information.
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.)

We created a PDF of the MBTA Holiday Schedule: Download MBTA Holiday Schedule 2015

Here are the important points for New Year's Eve, Thursday, December 31, 2015
The Red, Orange, Blue, Green lines and Mattapan Trolley 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 and trackless trolleys 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, Friday, January 1, 2016

The Red, Orange, Blue, Green, and Silver lines, and Mattapan Trolley will run on a Sunday Schedule.

Some Commuter Rail lines will run on a Sunday schedule which means the Needham line 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."
Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © iStockphoto

Related articles

Do You Have a Signature Dish that You Bring to Food Gatherings?
December 23, 2015
What’s Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on July 4th, 2015 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus: parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling, and other useful links.

This year July 4th falls on a Saturday. According to the official holiday information on the Secretary of State's website this will not be a three day weekend because, "All holidays falling on Sunday must be observed on Monday, under state law. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday."

The city of Boston is taking a different approach. The holiday page on the city website reads:

Friday July 3rd Independence Day- City Holiday

"City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect. BCYF Community Centers are closed. The Mirabella and Clougherty Pools will be open regular hours. Please Note: All Boston Public Libraries will be open on July 3rd."

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

Update 06/25/15:

From the State Police- Security and Traffic Information for July 3 and 4 Esplanade Events

Update 06/30/15: City of Boston Traffic Advisory.

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 617-635-4500 for exact details."

Boston Trash: from the City Site:

"Independence Day Week Friday, Monday, June 29 – Saturday, July 4, 2015 NO DELAY of residential trash and recycling collections in all sections of the City."

Update 06/30/15 : Eater Boston has prepared a list of the restaurants that are open on July 4th. Great job Rachel! This took a ton of work. What's #OpenInBOS on July 4?

Fireworks from a Back Bay roof deck.

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 is updated as of 06/26/15:

The MBTA website has July 4th schedule information posted on their events page through the holiday. "Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m."

Subways and the Silver line will "…operate a Sunday schedule with rush-hour levels of service beginning at 2 p.m. to accommodate holiday ridership and will operate extended late-night hours as Fourth of July is on a Saturday.

The Commuter Rail will run on a Saturday schedule. The last trains to leave Boston are on the MBTA Events Page and in the download below.

Buses and trackless trolleys will run on a Sunday schedule. This means some buses will not operate.

Boats will run on a Saturday schedule except the Charlestown service which will operate on a weekday schedule.

The Ride will run on a Saturday Schedule.

You can download a pdf copy of the schedule details here:

Download MBTA July 4th

MBTA tips for those attending the Esplande 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 be free after 9:30 p.m.

Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages and the Wellington Station lot will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on the Fourth of July in order to ensure all customers exit in a timely manner. Due to heavy parking demand, some MBTA parking garages and lots may fill more quickly than normal. Customers planning to park in an MBTA garage or lot should plan accordingly.

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

June 19, 2015
What’s Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on July 4th, 2015 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus: parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling, and other useful links.

This year July 4th falls on a Saturday. According to the official holiday information on the Secretary of State's website this will not be a three day weekend because, "All holidays falling on Sunday must be observed on Monday, under state law. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday."

The city of Boston is taking a different approach. The holiday page on the city website reads:

Friday July 3rd Independence Day- City Holiday

"City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect. BCYF Community Centers are closed. The Mirabella and Clougherty Pools will be open regular hours. Please Note: All Boston Public Libraries will be open on July 3rd."

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

Update 06/25/15:

From the State Police- Security and Traffic Information for July 3 and 4 Esplanade Events

Update 06/30/15: City of Boston Traffic Advisory.

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 617-635-4500 for exact details."

Boston Trash: from the City Site:

"Independence Day Week Friday, Monday, June 29 – Saturday, July 4, 2015 NO DELAY of residential trash and recycling collections in all sections of the City."

Update 06/30/15 : Eater Boston has prepared a list of the restaurants that are open on July 4th. Great job Rachel! This took a ton of work. What's #OpenInBOS on July 4?

Fireworks from a Back Bay roof deck.

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 is updated as of 06/26/15:

The MBTA website has July 4th schedule information posted on their events page through the holiday. "Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m."

Subways and the Silver line will "…operate a Sunday schedule with rush-hour levels of service beginning at 2 p.m. to accommodate holiday ridership and will operate extended late-night hours as Fourth of July is on a Saturday.

The Commuter Rail will run on a Saturday schedule. The last trains to leave Boston are on the MBTA Events Page and in the download below.

Buses and trackless trolleys will run on a Sunday schedule. This means some buses will not operate.

Boats will run on a Saturday schedule except the Charlestown service which will operate on a weekday schedule.

The Ride will run on a Saturday Schedule.

You can download a pdf copy of the schedule details here:

Download MBTA July 4th

MBTA tips for those attending the Esplande 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 be free after 9:30 p.m.

Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages and the Wellington Station lot will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on the Fourth of July in order to ensure all customers exit in a timely manner. Due to heavy parking demand, some MBTA parking garages and lots may fill more quickly than normal. Customers planning to park in an MBTA garage or lot should plan accordingly.

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!

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Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: Penny Cherubino and istockphoto.com

June 19, 2015
What’s Happening Around Boston in April 2015
April is a busy month with the Boston Marathon and other events making hotel rooms expensive and restaurant reservations scarce.

Easter Sunday April 4th & Passover April 4th-11th

On Easter Sunday, you'll find special menus in many restaurants. If you have suggestions for places not doing this or alternative dining suggestions for Easter, please add them. And, Passover is a great time to enjoy some of the special kosher foods that are easier to find at this time.

Related BostonZest Post: Where to Dine in Boston on Easter, April 5, 2015

Do you have a favorite place to buy chocolate for Easter Baskets?

Patriots Day Weekend/Boston Marathon & other BAA races 18th to the 20th

The Boston Athletic Association is expecting 30,000 runners and half a million spectators for the Marathon on April 20th. There are other races and marathon related events all weekend.

There will be road closures and changes in MBTA routes surrounding the Marathon course. Here are some links to information on those aspects of the race.

If you need to get somewhere on Marathon Monday – before the roads close – try to place yourself on the side of the course that will allow you to get where you're going.

Related Posts: A collection of tips for Marathon Weekend, some from past years, that we'll be updating between now and Marathon Monday.
Other Events

For a long list of events for people with varied tastes, check out The Boston Calendar for April 2015.

For free and budget events, follow along with Kate from Boston On Budget.

For a curated list of historic events, you can depend on historian Liz Covart.
- April 1st – New Food Truck Schedules go into effect with a few new trucks and new spots for some of your old favorites.
- April 3-5 is the Anime Boston event at the Hynes Convention Center. This is a fun time to walk the area and take photos of the people dressed as their favorite characters. Most of them love to pose. If you're in town for some other reason, this is just a short lived event, not how Bostonians dress.
- April 18 – Greenway Spring Food Festival: Noon to 4:00 p.m. Some of our favorite food trucks will be on hand.
- April 18 – The Swan Boats will sail out from under the bridge onto the Boston Public Garden Lagoon
- April 26 – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Fresh Paint, Sunday! "View Copley Society artist members at work creating their "fresh" canvases around the city."
Who Are all These Conventioneers?

Here are the dates of conventions that will impact hotel pricing and availability:
- April 9-10 – Boston National College Fair, estimated attendees – 15,000
- April 16-18 – National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Meeting 2015, estimated attendees – 17,000
- April 29-May 2 – American College of Physicians Internal Medicine 2015, estimated attendees - 7,000
Graduation Season kicks off on April 25th

Every year, we publish a list of the spring graduation dates that make hotel and restaurant reservations harder to find in the weeks ahead. This year, we've added Wentworth Institute of Technology on April 25, 2015. If you need restaurant reservations or hotel rooms for friends and family from that date to June 5th, make them now.

You're up Next

What are your favorite April events or things you look forward to doing in Boston in April? Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email and we'll add your suggestions to this post as an update.

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!

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino (graduation caps are from istockphoto.com)
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