Tag: parking

  • Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend

    CHE_3793 - Version 22013-04-01cars-towed-two-parking-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    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. When you move your car, 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 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.

    Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for Marathon Weekend 2019

    The City of Boston has a very helpful page detailing all the things you need to know about Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for this weekend. Here's a link to all that information.

     

    Related Posts & Helpful Links:

    What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner

     

    Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend

     

    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: © 2014 Ed Cherubino

  • What’s Open in Boston on Thanksgiving, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More! Our Updated Resource Page

    What's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23, 2017? 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 that we'll update each year as new information comes our way.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019b00b45df2970d-500wi

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2017

    We feature these rundowns early, when we notice our readers looking for the information on older posts. Because it's early, we will update as new information is announced. So bookmark this page and check back. We'll send out notice of updates on Twitter.

    Restaurants, bars: Many will be open, check for special hours and menus. Here's our post on Where to Dine Out on Thanksgiving.

    Convenience stores: Many are open, check for special hours

    Supermarkets: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Retail stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Liquor stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws" 

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. International markets are open.

    City, Town, State, and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes schools, libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

    Parking & Street Sweeping

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

    Street Sweeping: The City says, "On City holidays, we suspend street sweeping during the day, but we still sweep streets at night."

    Trash Collection & Recycling

    Boston Trash Collection for Thanksgiving week – 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

    (Note that trash pick-ups scheduled for Thanksgiving day in our neighborhood have been cancelled with pickup resuming on the next normally scheduled day.)

    MBTA Information After the Ad from Amazon!

    More information after these deals from Amazon. When you shop Amazon from here, you keep information like this coming your way!

     

    MBTA Thanksgiving 2017 Schedule has not been published:

    It seems with the new improved website this information is no longer available.

    For further information call an MBTA Customer Support Representative at 617-222-3200 or 800-392-6100, TTY 617-222-5146, Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Sat/Sun from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM."

    We can guess few things about the schedule. From the printed schedules we were able to access on the new site, it looks like the Subways will run on a Sunday schedule. 

    We checked a number of Bus schedules and those that included holiday information were running on a Sunday Schedule. Check your specific line by going to this link, clicking on the line, and then on the paper schedule pdf, if there is one.

    Commuter Rail schedules – go to this link, click on your line, and check if there is an updated pdf link to a paper schedule that included holiday information.

    Ferry schedules do not mention Thanksgiving Day.

    The Ride information no longer mentions holidays.

    The MBTA has published their Thanksgiving schedule. Here is the link to the MBTA schedule changes for holidays. This link will change sometime before and after the holiday. We have created a PDF version of the page for the 2016 weekend that you can download, if you wish. 

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: iStockphoto

  • What’s Open in Boston on Thanksgiving, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More! Our Updated Resource Page

    What's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23, 2017? 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 that we'll update each year as new information comes our way.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019b00b45df2970d-500wi

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2017

    We feature these rundowns early, when we notice our readers looking for the information on older posts. Because it's early, we will update as new information is announced. So bookmark this page and check back. We'll send out notice of updates on Twitter.

    Restaurants, bars: Many will be open, check for special hours and menus. Here's our post on Where to Dine Out on Thanksgiving.

    Convenience stores: Many are open, check for special hours

    Supermarkets: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Retail stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Liquor stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws" 

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. International markets are open.

    City, Town, State, and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes schools, libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

    Parking & Street Sweeping

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

    Street Sweeping: The City says, "On City holidays, we suspend street sweeping during the day, but we still sweep streets at night."

    Trash Collection & Recycling

    Boston Trash Collection for Thanksgiving week – 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

    (Note that trash pick-ups scheduled for Thanksgiving day in our neighborhood have been cancelled with pickup resuming on the next normally scheduled day.)

    MBTA Information After the Ad from Amazon!

    More information after these deals from Amazon. When you shop Amazon from here, you keep information like this coming your way!

     

    MBTA Thanksgiving 2017 Schedule has not been published:

    It seems with the new improved website this information is no longer available.

    For further information call an MBTA Customer Support Representative at 617-222-3200 or 800-392-6100, TTY 617-222-5146, Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Sat/Sun from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM."

    We can guess few things about the schedule. From the printed schedules we were able to access on the new site, it looks like the Subways will run on a Sunday schedule. 

    We checked a number of Bus schedules and those that included holiday information were running on a Sunday Schedule. Check your specific line by going to this link, clicking on the line, and then on the paper schedule pdf, if there is one.

    Commuter Rail schedules – go to this link, click on your line, and check if there is an updated pdf link to a paper schedule that included holiday information.

    Ferry schedules do not mention Thanksgiving Day.

    The Ride information no longer mentions holidays.

    The MBTA has published their Thanksgiving schedule. Here is the link to the MBTA schedule changes for holidays. This link will change sometime before and after the holiday. We have created a PDF version of the page for the 2016 weekend that you can download, if you wish. 

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: iStockphoto

  • What’s Open on Labor Day in Boston, Plus Parking, Trash & MBTA Information

    Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Labor Day, Monday, September 4, 2017. We'll also keep up with parking information, trash schedules, and changes to MBTA schedules. This is now a permanent page that we'll update from year-to-year.

     All information is updated as of 08/30/17

    IMG_3491

    Rather than an end to summer, we call Labor Day the beginning of the golden days of summer that last well beyond the Autumnal Equinox (September 22nd is this year's date.)

    We feature these reminders well before a holiday (especially big ones like this) to give you a nudge to finalize your holiday plans. Follow along on Twitter (@bostonzest) or bookmark this page to check back. We'll update as information comes to us.

    Restaurants, Bars: Open

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets: Open

    Liquor stores: Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners wish to 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: In general, 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. And, check with your bank, they might have some offices open.

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. (Be sure to check these parking restrictions for the big college move-in areas on the city's site.)

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401bb0865827d970d-800wi

    Yes, it's the big Move-In Weekend!

    Traffic Advisory for College Move-Ins 2017

    The city press release advises, "The student move-in process at Boston’s colleges and universities will significantly impact local streets and parking."

    "Students and their families are asked to plan accordingly to ensure a smooth transition. Drivers are asked to allow for extra time and to pay extra attention to all posted signs."

    Street Sweeping: The City says, "On City holidays, we suspend street sweeping during the day, but we still sweep streets at night."

    Boston Trash Collection:

    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 2017 Labor Day Schedule Changes

    MBTA Service Schedule for Labor Day 2016 can be found at this link through the holiday.  The headline on the MBTA site was concise. 

    Screen Shot 2017-08-30 at Wednesday  August 30  20176.22.49 AM

    Download MBTA Labor Day Schedule

    MBTA 2017 Labor Day Service Quick Look:

    Subway, Commuter Rail, Buses, and The Ride will operate on a Sunday schedule.

    The Hingham and Hull boats will operate on a Sunday schedule.

    The Charlestown boat will operate on a Weekend schedule.

    For additional, specific information on routes, schedules, and fares, please contact the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit www.mbta.com.

    If information like this from BostonZest is helpful to you, support us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from one of the Amazon ads on our site or by Clicking here to go to the Amazon home page.  

    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: © 2015 Penny &  Ed Cherubino  

  • What’s Open on Labor Day in Boston, Plus Parking, Trash & MBTA Information

    Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Labor Day, Monday, September 4, 2017. We'll also keep up with parking information, trash schedules, and changes to MBTA schedules. This is now a permanent page that we'll update from year-to-year.

     All information is updated as of 08/30/17

    IMG_3491

    Rather than an end to summer, we call Labor Day the beginning of the golden days of summer that last well beyond the Autumnal Equinox (September 22nd is this year's date.)

    We feature these reminders well before a holiday (especially big ones like this) to give you a nudge to finalize your holiday plans. Follow along on Twitter (@bostonzest) or bookmark this page to check back. We'll update as information comes to us.

    Restaurants, Bars: Open

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets: Open

    Liquor stores: Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners wish to 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: In general, 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. And, check with your bank, they might have some offices open.

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. (Be sure to check these parking restrictions for the big college move-in areas on the city's site.)

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401bb0865827d970d-800wi

    Yes, it's the big Move-In Weekend!

    Traffic Advisory for College Move-Ins 2017

    The city press release advises, "The student move-in process at Boston’s colleges and universities will significantly impact local streets and parking."

    "Students and their families are asked to plan accordingly to ensure a smooth transition. Drivers are asked to allow for extra time and to pay extra attention to all posted signs."

    Street Sweeping: The City says, "On City holidays, we suspend street sweeping during the day, but we still sweep streets at night."

    Boston Trash Collection:

    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 2017 Labor Day Schedule Changes

    MBTA Service Schedule for Labor Day 2016 can be found at this link through the holiday.  The headline on the MBTA site was concise. 

    Screen Shot 2017-08-30 at Wednesday  August 30  20176.22.49 AM

    Download MBTA Labor Day Schedule

    MBTA 2017 Labor Day Service Quick Look:

    Subway, Commuter Rail, Buses, and The Ride will operate on a Sunday schedule.

    The Hingham and Hull boats will operate on a Sunday schedule.

    The Charlestown boat will operate on a Weekend schedule.

    For additional, specific information on routes, schedules, and fares, please contact the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit www.mbta.com.

    If information like this from BostonZest is helpful to you, support us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from one of the Amazon ads on our site or by Clicking here to go to the Amazon home page.  

    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: © 2015 Penny &  Ed Cherubino  

  • 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.

    IStock_000006838249XSmall

    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.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a3fd2b4e42970b-800wi

    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 3rdand 4th  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

  • 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.

    IStock_000006838249XSmall

    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.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a3fd2b4e42970b-800wi

    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 3rdand 4th  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

  • Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

    CHE_3793 - Version 22013-04-01cars-towed-two-parking-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    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. When you move your car, 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 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.

    Saturday, April 16, 2016 – The B.A.A. 5K, Invitational Mile, and Relay Challenge

    Again, this year, there are weekend races prior to Monday's marathon.

    Thousands of runners are expected to compete in the 5K (3.1 mile) race two days prior to the 120th Boston Marathon. The 5K race is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. by the Boston Common and cover a route through parts of the Back Bay ending back at the Common. Here's a link to the B.A.A. 5K course map.

    Plus, there are the Invitational Mile races that will also be held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) For details, including streets impacted by this event, go to B.A.A. Invitational Mile.

    And, the B.A.A. Relay Challenge is also scheduled on Saturday (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.) 

    For the full press release with more details, Click Here.

    Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for Marathon Weekend 2016 

    The Boston Police have a very helpful page detailing all the things you need to know about street closures and parking restrictions for this weekend. Here's a link to all that information. Just in case, their site gets too busy or you want a copy of your own, we made a pdf of the page.  Download City of Boston Traffic and Parking Advisory: Boston Marathon Weekend, Saturday, April 16 through Monday, April 18, 2016 — bpdnews.com

    Related Posts & Helpful Links:

    What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

    Parking and No-Tow alerts

     

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2016

     

    Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

     

    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: © 2014 Ed Cherubino

  • Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

    CHE_3793 - Version 22013-04-01cars-towed-two-parking-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    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. When you move your car, 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 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.

    Saturday, April 16, 2016 – The B.A.A. 5K, Invitational Mile, and Relay Challenge

    Again, this year, there are weekend races prior to Monday's marathon.

    Thousands of runners are expected to compete in the 5K (3.1 mile) race two days prior to the 120th Boston Marathon. The 5K race is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. by the Boston Common and cover a route through parts of the Back Bay ending back at the Common. Here's a link to the B.A.A. 5K course map.

    Plus, there are the Invitational Mile races that will also be held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) For details, including streets impacted by this event, go to B.A.A. Invitational Mile.

    And, the B.A.A. Relay Challenge is also scheduled on Saturday (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.) 

    For the full press release with more details, Click Here.

    Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for Marathon Weekend 2016 

    The Boston Police have a very helpful page detailing all the things you need to know about street closures and parking restrictions for this weekend. Here's a link to all that information. Just in case, their site gets too busy or you want a copy of your own, we made a pdf of the page.  Download City of Boston Traffic and Parking Advisory: Boston Marathon Weekend, Saturday, April 16 through Monday, April 18, 2016 — bpdnews.com

    Related Posts & Helpful Links:

    What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

    Parking and No-Tow alerts

     

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2016

     

    Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

     

    Views from Hereford Street 2009

     

    How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

     

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    Photo: © 2014 Ed Cherubino

  • What’s Open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More

    What's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, Thursday November 26, 2015? 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 that we'll update as new information comes our way.

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    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015.

    We post these rundowns early, when we notice our readers looking for the information on older posts. Because it's early, we will update as new information is announced. So, bookmark this page and check back. We'll send out notice of updates on Twitter.

    Restaurants, bars: Many will be open, check for special hours and menus. Here's our post on Where to Dine Out on Thanksgiving.

    Convenience stores: Many are open, check for special hours

    Supermarkets: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Retail stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Liquor stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws" 

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. International markets are open.

    City, Town, State, and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes schools, libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

    Parking & Street Sweeping

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

    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."

    Trash Collection & Recycling

    Boston Trash Collection for Thanksgiving week – 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

    Screen Shot 2015-11-20 at Friday, November 20, 201510.23.30 AM

    UPDATE 11/20/15: Check your trash pick up schedule. There are changes. For example, the city sent out a neighborhood notice that there will be no pick up in the Back Bay on Thanksgiving. This is a new reduction in service.

    MBTA information after the Ad from Amazon!

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    MBTA Schedule Changes Updated 11/20/15

    The MBTA has published their Thanksgiving schedule. Here is the link to the MBTA schedule changes for holidays. This link will change sometime before and after the holiday. We have created a PDF version of the page for the weekend that you can download if you wish. 

    Download MBTA Thanksgiving Update 2015

    Here's a quick summary, of the highlights.

    • Wednesday November 25th will have normal Wednesday subway, bus, and Commuter Rail schedules with extra Silver Line service to and from Logan Airport.
    • Thanksgiving November 26th will have subways including the Silver Line on a Sunday schedule. Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with some routes not operating. Commuter Rail will run on a Sunday Schedule so some routes will not operate.
    • Friday November 27th will have the Red, Orange, and Blue lines on a Friday Schedule and the Green Line on a Saturday Schedule. The Silver line will have extra service. Commuter Rail will run on a Friday schedule.

    For further information, check with the MBTA Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

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    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: iStockphoto