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  • 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.

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    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.

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    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

  • Windy Day Swan Boat Assist

    Sometimes on a windy day, the hard-working crew members peddling Boston's Swan Boats need a bit of an assist.

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    That's when you'll see a first mate standing beside the captain with an oar in hand. That oar will be used to pole the boat around a turn when the wind is pushing it in the wrong direction.

    As Henry Ford said, "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." Good job by the Swan Boat Crew!

    Have you taken a Swan Boat ride lately?

    I know that we are long overdue. Here's a page with all the information you need about the when, where, how, and how much for an inside tour of the Public Garden Lagoon.

    While they say, "The Swan Boats are open every day, weather permitting. We cannot operate in rain, high winds or extreme heat," we can see that on windy days they do make an effort to keep their guests gliding along smoothly.

    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: © 2016 Ed Cherubino  

  • Windy Day Swan Boat Assist

    Sometimes on a windy day, the hard-working crew members peddling Boston's Swan Boats need a bit of an assist.

    IMG_2498-1

    That's when you'll see a first mate standing beside the captain with an oar in hand. That oar will be used to pole the boat around a turn when the wind is pushing it in the wrong direction.

    As Henry Ford said, "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." Good job by the Swan Boat Crew!

    Have you taken a Swan Boat ride lately?

    I know that we are long overdue. Here's a page with all the information you need about the when, where, how, and how much for an inside tour of the Public Garden Lagoon.

    While they say, "The Swan Boats are open every day, weather permitting. We cannot operate in rain, high winds or extreme heat," we can see that on windy days they do make an effort to keep their guests gliding along smoothly.

    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: © 2016 Ed Cherubino  

  • Clean Out That Honey Jar by Making Honey Simple Syrup

    When you use fresh, local, minimally processed honey, you learn to live with crystallization.

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    As you come to the end of a honey jar, you don't want to waste a single dab of that natural goodness. My solution is to make a honey simple syrup right in that jar with honey crystals clinging to the sides.

    Clearly the larger jar in the rear (above) is not ready for cleaning out. But the smaller jar in the front had lots of honey clinging to its interior before I added a bit of hot water and swished it around.

    Safety Note: Be Careful Not to Burn Yourself! The water does not have to be extremely hot to melt the honey. Still I recommend using a pot holder to swish the water around in the jar and I do my dissolving step over the sink, just in case the cover is not on tightly enough.

    Now when I want a bit of sweet in my ice tea, I'll just pour in a touch of honey simple syrup from the jar in the refrigerator. (Once you add water to honey, you should refrigerate it.)

    Naturally you can make a bigger batch of honey simple syrup to have on hand for the summer drink season or to add a new dimension to your cocktail recipes. 

    Most recipes from around the Internet are similar to this one from Honey.com.

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

    Details:

    Words: Penny  Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny Cherubino 

  • Hot Dog! “I Hope … I Hope … I Hope!”

    This beautiful Boxer spotted us sitting on a bench with Poppy. He seemed to be communicating with her. 

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    "I'm sooooo excited. I think she's buying a hot dog for me!" 

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    They came over and sat on the next bench where the lad did his best to beg a share.

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    Exhausted from all that begging, he settled down on the cool cobbles.

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    And turned his back and totally ignored his pal as she ate her lunch. 

    We're sure he got a special meal before the day was over and that he forgave the lack of sharing with a few pats and scratches.

    You brought a smile to our day, handsome boy!

    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
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • North End Waterfront Has Published the Summer 2016 Italian Feasts & Processions Schedule

    For those who love the North End Italian summer feasts and processions or for those who would rather schedule their visits to the neighborhood to avoid the crowds, having a link to this post from one of our favorite hyperlocal news resources is a must.

    Feast and procession 2016

    Once you click over to North End Waterfront to gather the event information, stick around to learn what else is happening in an important neighborhood to both Bostonians and visitors alike.

    North End Waterfront is one of our must-read news sources every day. Matt Conti's writing and photography are of a high journalistic standard. You'll find balanced coverage of news stories and some fabulous feature article on the history of this area.

    Save a link to the Summer Feasts and Processions but also follow along the rest of the year with the link to the news that works best for you.

    Twitter: @NorthEndBoston

    Facebook: NorthEndWaterfront.com

    Or add it to your RSS feeds:

     

    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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • North End Waterfront Has Published the Summer 2016 Italian Feasts & Processions Schedule

    For those who love the North End Italian summer feasts and processions or for those who would rather schedule their visits to the neighborhood to avoid the crowds, having a link to this post from one of our favorite hyperlocal news resources is a must.

    Feast and procession 2016

    Once you click over to North End Waterfront to gather the event information, stick around to learn what else is happening in an important neighborhood to both Bostonians and visitors alike.

    North End Waterfront is one of our must-read news sources every day. Matt Conti's writing and photography are of a high journalistic standard. You'll find balanced coverage of news stories and some fabulous feature article on the history of this area.

    Save a link to the Summer Feasts and Processions but also follow along the rest of the year with the link to the news that works best for you.

    Twitter: @NorthEndBoston

    Facebook: NorthEndWaterfront.com

    Or add it to your RSS feeds:

     

    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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • The Long Lost, South Boston, City Point Head House

    The photo below is the best one I could find of the long lost, South Boston, City Point Head House. Yes it is possible to grieve for something you have never seen or known. How I would have loved to have seen and photographed this building.

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    Photo titled "South Boston, Mass. Head house, Marine Park, E. M. Wheelwright, architect" from the Boston Public Library's photo collection. 

    When Reddit Boston put up a photo of this architectural gem, I was immediately in search mode to find it and learn more about its history.

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    This 1925 Fairchild Aerial Survey photo, from the Boston Public Library's collection, shows where is was located. You see Castle Island directly across Pleasure Bay from the building that was called the City Point Head House. 

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    "Head house, City Point, South Boston, Mass." Library of Congress photo.

    The Head House was designed by Architect Edmond Marsh Wheelwright and built circa 1897. Wheelwright is one of the most important names in Boston's architectural history. While this gingerbread gem is gone, his work survives in landmarks throughout the area. (Some of his papers are in the BPL Fine Arts Department Haven and Hoyt Collection.)

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    "Bathing at City Point, South Boston, Mass." Library of Congress photo.

    Very Popular in Its Day

    Histories of South Boston refer to the popularity of this beach and this building. In addition to restrooms, changing rooms, and offices, the building contained restaurants.

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    This 1928 photo, "Crowds at Pleasure Bay, City Point, South Boston" is from the BPL Collection.

    A partly covered pier extended out into the bay. I've been trying to determine if ferries served this pier. 

    What Happened to the Head House?

    Both the pier and the building were damaged in the Hurricane of 1938. In the early morning of December 5, 1942, a 2-alarm fire at the building damaged it further, and what remained was torn down.

    For more information on other elements missing from this bit of shoreline, see this post from the great site, And This Is Good Old Boston.

    Do you have bits of lost Boston you wish you could have seen? 

    Related articles:

    Tidbits About William Lloyd Garrison & His Statue on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall
    Growing Fond of the Boston Public Garden Fence

    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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • The Long Lost, South Boston, City Point Head House

    The photo below is the best one I could find of the long lost, South Boston, City Point Head House. Yes it is possible to grieve for something you have never seen or known. How I would have loved to have seen and photographed this building.

    5393662572_d269eea632_z

    Photo titled "South Boston, Mass. Head house, Marine Park, E. M. Wheelwright, architect" from the Boston Public Library's photo collection. 

    When Reddit Boston put up a photo of this architectural gem, I was immediately in search mode to find it and learn more about its history.

    Sm 5333540641_52b54a9073_o copy

    This 1925 Fairchild Aerial Survey photo, from the Boston Public Library's collection, shows where is was located. You see Castle Island directly across Pleasure Bay from the building that was called the City Point Head House. 

     4a13563v

    "Head house, City Point, South Boston, Mass." Library of Congress photo.

    The Head House was designed by Architect Edmond Marsh Wheelwright and built circa 1897. Wheelwright is one of the most important names in Boston's architectural history. While this gingerbread gem is gone, his work survives in landmarks throughout the area. (Some of his papers are in the BPL Fine Arts Department Haven and Hoyt Collection.)

    4a13562v

    "Bathing at City Point, South Boston, Mass." Library of Congress photo.

    Very Popular in Its Day

    Histories of South Boston refer to the popularity of this beach and this building. In addition to restrooms, changing rooms, and offices, the building contained restaurants.

    6243977535_482d2f049f_z

    This 1928 photo, "Crowds at Pleasure Bay, City Point, South Boston" is from the BPL Collection.

    A partly covered pier extended out into the bay. I've been trying to determine if ferries served this pier. 

    What Happened to the Head House?

    Both the pier and the building were damaged in the Hurricane of 1938. In the early morning of December 5, 1942, a 2-alarm fire at the building damaged it further, and what remained was torn down.

    For more information on other elements missing from this bit of shoreline, see this post from the great site, And This Is Good Old Boston.

    Do you have bits of lost Boston you wish you could have seen? 

    Related articles:

    Tidbits About William Lloyd Garrison & His Statue on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall
    Growing Fond of the Boston Public Garden Fence

    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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Jammin’ Jamaican Patties from the Jamaica Mi Hungry Food Truck

    Our search for great Jamaican Patties took a surprise detour when we spotted the Jamaica Mi Hungry Food Truck on the Greenway. This was our first encounter with this happy crew but we'll be following them around town after our first bite of their luscious Jamaican beef patties.

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    This patty made it home for its close-up with a camera. We wanted to be sure you could see the flaky layers of crust and the finely ground filling. You'll have to get one of your own to taste the blend of rich flavor and spice.

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    But our first taste was of this one, shared right out of the bag on a table on the Greenway. The aroma made it irresistible, despite the fact that we were walking back from a picnic on the waterfront when we spotted the truck. 

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    When we see the word Jamaican on a restaurant or truck, we do an immediate search of the menu for our favorite, little, spicy turnovers. This one is among the best we've ever tried and we'll be stocking up each time we see the truck.

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    The menu offered both a beef and veggie patty and you can also order it with coco bread. Naturally we'll be trying the rest of the menu. It looks like the chef has created some great offerings. Right now they are on the Greenway three days a week. You can check for an updated schedule here.

    Related Post:

    Our Search Is on for the Best Jamaican Patties in Boston!

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

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    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino