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

    Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for – Monday, April 18, 2016. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.

    We will update this post as more of the 2016 information become available. Follow us on Twitter where we'll announce updates.

    Until official information is published by the city and state, here are links to their pages from 2015.

    Update 04.16.15: From the City a page on Marathon Monday with maps etc. (warning auto start video)

    Update 04.13.15: From the Massachusetts State Police, here are:

    Policies for 2015 Boston Marathon Spectators & Participants 

    In case this site is busy or the link doesn't work, you can: Download Policies for 2015 Boston Marathon Spectators & Participants | MSPnews.org

    8678401708_334e9563f0_z

    Patriot Samuel Adams statue was moved to Dock Square in the 1920s. Photo by Leslie Jones courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.

    Patriots' Day is a Massachusetts State Holiday Only.

    Open:
    Restaurants, Bars, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets, Retail Stores, Liquor Stores

    Financial Services: Banks may open if they wish. All markets are open. 

    Federal Offices and Facilities are open: This includes the Postal Service.

     

    Closed:
    Massachusetts City, Town, State Operations: This includes Schools, Libraries. Only emergency services are available. 

     

    Boston Parking

     

    One of the most common questions we get is about street sweeping on Patriots' Day. Here's the page from the city website with the answer. It 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."

     

    You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. Many more streets than in the past will be cleared of parked cars to accommodate the Boston Marathon and Patriots' Day activities.

     

    Be sure to check your car in the days leading up to the marathon to be certain it is not in a tow-away zone for the event. Here's how you can sign up for parking alerts and tow alerts.

     

     Static1.squarespace

    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

    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 Marathon Monday Schedule:

    You can see full details on their events page through April 18th, 2016. If you would like to see a copy after that day, we have made a pdf of the information: Download MBTA Patriots' Day

     Tips:

    • Buy your fares in advance with a Charlie Card or Charlie Ticket to avoid waiting in line on Monday.  
    • The MBTA advises, "For the safety of our customers, Copley Station will be closed for the entire day on April 18, 2016."
    • Due to crowds, they don't allow bikes "on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day."
    • Check T-Alerts for the most up-to-date service information.

    Marathon Monday 2016 MBTA Quick Look …

    Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver Line service will run a "regular weekday schedule." (See the MBTA page for special service notes on the Silver and Green Lines.) 

    The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green line will have, "… rush-hour levels of service before and after the race."

    Commuter Rail trains "… will operate a "regular weekday schedule."

    "Buses and trackless trolleys will operate a weekday schedule …"

     

    "Some bus routes will be detoured due to the Marathon and other Patriots' Day race events. The approximate time for most street closures is 8:00 a.m. through 6:30 p.m." (See the MBTA page for special service notes.)

    Commuter Boats "… will operate a regular weekday schedule."

    "THE RIDE will operate a regular weekday schedule."

    Complete details on all changes are at: Official MBTA Information for Marathon Monday 2016

    MBTA PARKING

    "Customers should note that all MBTA parking garages will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on Patriots' Day, April 18, 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."

    Official 2016 Boston Marathon information:

    www.bostonmarathon.org

     

    Related Posts:

     

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2016

     

    Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

     

    Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

     

    Views from Hereford Street 2009

    Do you have enough memory for all the photos you'll want to shoot of the spring blooms? Do you need a new camera for the season or as a gift? Begin your shopping by Click right here to check the prices at Amazon on great items like Sandisk memory cards.

     

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo:Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.

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

    Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for – Monday, April 18, 2016. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.

    We will update this post as more of the 2016 information become available. Follow us on Twitter where we'll announce updates.

    Until official information is published by the city and state, here are links to their pages from 2015.

    Update 04.16.15: From the City a page on Marathon Monday with maps etc. (warning auto start video)

    Update 04.13.15: From the Massachusetts State Police, here are:

    Policies for 2015 Boston Marathon Spectators & Participants 

    In case this site is busy or the link doesn't work, you can: Download Policies for 2015 Boston Marathon Spectators & Participants | MSPnews.org

    8678401708_334e9563f0_z

    Patriot Samuel Adams statue was moved to Dock Square in the 1920s. Photo by Leslie Jones courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.

    Patriots' Day is a Massachusetts State Holiday Only.

    Open:
    Restaurants, Bars, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets, Retail Stores, Liquor Stores

    Financial Services: Banks may open if they wish. All markets are open. 

    Federal Offices and Facilities are open: This includes the Postal Service.

     

    Closed:
    Massachusetts City, Town, State Operations: This includes Schools, Libraries. Only emergency services are available. 

     

    Boston Parking

     

    One of the most common questions we get is about street sweeping on Patriots' Day. Here's the page from the city website with the answer. It 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."

     

    You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. Many more streets than in the past will be cleared of parked cars to accommodate the Boston Marathon and Patriots' Day activities.

     

    Be sure to check your car in the days leading up to the marathon to be certain it is not in a tow-away zone for the event. Here's how you can sign up for parking alerts and tow alerts.

     

     Static1.squarespace

    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

    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 Marathon Monday Schedule:

    You can see full details on their events page through April 18th, 2016. If you would like to see a copy after that day, we have made a pdf of the information: Download MBTA Patriots' Day

     Tips:

    • Buy your fares in advance with a Charlie Card or Charlie Ticket to avoid waiting in line on Monday.  
    • The MBTA advises, "For the safety of our customers, Copley Station will be closed for the entire day on April 18, 2016."
    • Due to crowds, they don't allow bikes "on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day."
    • Check T-Alerts for the most up-to-date service information.

    Marathon Monday 2016 MBTA Quick Look …

    Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver Line service will run a "regular weekday schedule." (See the MBTA page for special service notes on the Silver and Green Lines.) 

    The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green line will have, "… rush-hour levels of service before and after the race."

    Commuter Rail trains "… will operate a "regular weekday schedule."

    "Buses and trackless trolleys will operate a weekday schedule …"

     

    "Some bus routes will be detoured due to the Marathon and other Patriots' Day race events. The approximate time for most street closures is 8:00 a.m. through 6:30 p.m." (See the MBTA page for special service notes.)

    Commuter Boats "… will operate a regular weekday schedule."

    "THE RIDE will operate a regular weekday schedule."

    Complete details on all changes are at: Official MBTA Information for Marathon Monday 2016

    MBTA PARKING

    "Customers should note that all MBTA parking garages will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on Patriots' Day, April 18, 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."

    Official 2016 Boston Marathon information:

    www.bostonmarathon.org

     

    Related Posts:

     

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2016

     

    Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

     

    Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

     

    Views from Hereford Street 2009

    Do you have enough memory for all the photos you'll want to shoot of the spring blooms? Do you need a new camera for the season or as a gift? Begin your shopping by Click right here to check the prices at Amazon on great items like Sandisk memory cards.

     

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo:Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.

  • Spring Spruce Up – Highlighting Hydrants

    Along the Boston Marathon route, even the fire hydrants receive a new coat of spring paint.

    IMG_1992 - Version 22016-03-29hydrant painting© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Hydrant visibility is important all year round! This one is across from the fire station at the Hereford Street turn onto Boylston Street.

    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  

  • Spring Spruce Up – Highlighting Hydrants

    Along the Boston Marathon route, even the fire hydrants receive a new coat of spring paint.

    IMG_1992 - Version 22016-03-29hydrant painting© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Hydrant visibility is important all year round! This one is across from the fire station at the Hereford Street turn onto Boylston Street.

    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  

  • Mench, Eetch, Tomato Tabouli? Call It What You Will, It’s Delicious and Easy

    Browsing the refrigerated cases at Russo's, I came across containers of baba ghanoush and metch. These made me long for May to arrive when I would pick up this combo from Seta's Mediterranean Foods at the Copley Farmers Market. 

      IMG_9445 - Version 22016-03-17eetch-metch-tomato-tabouli-rolluo-cuucmber-tomatoe-lettuce© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    I decided to gather some supplies to make a lunch of baba ghanoush and metch the way Chef Seta Dakessian suggested it be served the first time I purchased it from her – wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves!

    I found a more detailed lunch idea in an interview the chef gave to the Armenian Mirror Spectator. She said, “Metch is traditionally eaten in lettuce leaves. Eetch is a Turkish word and metch is the Armenian word,” shared Dakessian, and continued, “I personally make it a meal by adding a dollop of hummus or babganoush to the metch in lettuce leaves and then adding fresh tomatoes and lemon cucumbers.”

      IMG_9450 - Version 22016-03-17eetch-metch-tomato-tabouli-rolluo-cuucmber-tomatoe-lettuce© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    I must have remembered the tomatoes and cucumber but my choice was small Persian cukes. I had quite a bit of Romaine lettuce at home, so I used that, but I love this wrapped in Boston lettuce cups.

    For this batch, I sliced slim Persian cucumbers and some small Tasty Tom tomatoes that actually smelled and tasted like tomatoes despite the season. You can also chop these and sprinkle them over each wrap. Ed thinks they're easier to eat that way. 

    For the plate above, I also created three different serving sizes using lettuce leaves from the interior and exterior of the head. You can make these for appetizers, a side dish, or an entrée. If I were making a tray of them for company, I might vary the sizes to let everyone decide what size serving they would like.

    IMG_9447 - Version 22016-03-17eetch-metch-tomato-tabouli-rolluo-cuucmber-tomatoe-lettuce© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    You could also arrange the ingredients on a tray and let guests make their own with more toppings available. Think feta cheese, red onion, chopped peppers, and some Aleppo pepper to sprinkle on top for those who would like a bit more heat.

    IMG_9460 - Version 22016-03-18eetch-metch-tomato-tabouli-avocado-toast-cuucmber-tomatoe-lettuce© 2014 Penny Cherubino (1)

    Here metch, baba ghanoush, tomatoes, and cucumbers fill out a meal of avocado toast.

    Tasting the difference between Seta's metch and Russo's metch I went off exploring recipes. There are many with subtle variations. And it looks like this is something many of us should add to our repertoire.

    A few authors called it tomato tabouli which gives you a pretty good idea of how it's made. The big difference is that in most recipes the bulgar (always fine grained) is expanded or "cooked" in a warm tomato sauce.

    Recipes: 

    Armenian “Eetch” (Bulgur Tomato Salad) adds Aleppo, one of my favorite peppers!

    Recipe for tomato tabbouli from the Boston Globe food team.

    Tabbouleh vs. Eech: Is There a Difference? – here the Eetch is formed into balls

    Eetch (Red Tabouli / Mock Kheyma) – interesting theory that this is a replacement for raw meat.

    Do you have a favorite recipe for Metch? 

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

    Details:

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

  • Mench, Eetch, Tomato Tabouli? Call It What You Will, It’s Delicious and Easy

    Browsing the refrigerated cases at Russo's, I came across containers of baba ghanoush and metch. These made me long for May to arrive when I would pick up this combo from Seta's Mediterranean Foods at the Copley Farmers Market. 

      IMG_9445 - Version 22016-03-17eetch-metch-tomato-tabouli-rolluo-cuucmber-tomatoe-lettuce© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    I decided to gather some supplies to make a lunch of baba ghanoush and metch the way Chef Seta Dakessian suggested it be served the first time I purchased it from her – wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves!

    I found a more detailed lunch idea in an interview the chef gave to the Armenian Mirror Spectator. She said, “Metch is traditionally eaten in lettuce leaves. Eetch is a Turkish word and metch is the Armenian word,” shared Dakessian, and continued, “I personally make it a meal by adding a dollop of hummus or babganoush to the metch in lettuce leaves and then adding fresh tomatoes and lemon cucumbers.”

      IMG_9450 - Version 22016-03-17eetch-metch-tomato-tabouli-rolluo-cuucmber-tomatoe-lettuce© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    I must have remembered the tomatoes and cucumber but my choice was small Persian cukes. I had quite a bit of Romaine lettuce at home, so I used that, but I love this wrapped in Boston lettuce cups.

    For this batch, I sliced slim Persian cucumbers and some small Tasty Tom tomatoes that actually smelled and tasted like tomatoes despite the season. You can also chop these and sprinkle them over each wrap. Ed thinks they're easier to eat that way. 

    For the plate above, I also created three different serving sizes using lettuce leaves from the interior and exterior of the head. You can make these for appetizers, a side dish, or an entrée. If I were making a tray of them for company, I might vary the sizes to let everyone decide what size serving they would like.

    IMG_9447 - Version 22016-03-17eetch-metch-tomato-tabouli-rolluo-cuucmber-tomatoe-lettuce© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    You could also arrange the ingredients on a tray and let guests make their own with more toppings available. Think feta cheese, red onion, chopped peppers, and some Aleppo pepper to sprinkle on top for those who would like a bit more heat.

    IMG_9460 - Version 22016-03-18eetch-metch-tomato-tabouli-avocado-toast-cuucmber-tomatoe-lettuce© 2014 Penny Cherubino (1)

    Here metch, baba ghanoush, tomatoes, and cucumbers fill out a meal of avocado toast.

    Tasting the difference between Seta's metch and Russo's metch I went off exploring recipes. There are many with subtle variations. And it looks like this is something many of us should add to our repertoire.

    A few authors called it tomato tabouli which gives you a pretty good idea of how it's made. The big difference is that in most recipes the bulgar (always fine grained) is expanded or "cooked" in a warm tomato sauce.

    Recipes: 

    Armenian “Eetch” (Bulgur Tomato Salad) adds Aleppo, one of my favorite peppers!

    Recipe for tomato tabbouli from the Boston Globe food team.

    Tabbouleh vs. Eech: Is There a Difference? – here the Eetch is formed into balls

    Eetch (Red Tabouli / Mock Kheyma) – interesting theory that this is a replacement for raw meat.

    Do you have a favorite recipe for Metch? 

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

    Details:

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

  • The Boston Puppy Class of 2016 Adds Joy to Our Walks

    There is nothing like watching a puppy bound through the park discovering the world and the people and dogs around him or her.

    IMG_9396 - Version 22016-03-12-puppies-class-of-2015-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    We keep running into these two little pups on our walks on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Their antics are sure to make you smile.

    IMG_1899 - Version 22016-03-12puppies meet© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    They circle and sniff one another and then take notice of all their human admirers and dash away to get some smiles and pats from their fans.

    IMG_9503 - Version 22016-03-21Spring-snow-happy dog© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    This youngster jumped for joy when he saw our friend Greer. She is very tolerant of puppy play and will only give a silly little growl when the kids get out of hand. 

    CHE_9672 - Version 22016-02-17Lily- westie- puppy© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Lilly, the Westie pup, was visiting Boston. Her person stopped us near the Public Garden to ask suggestions for a great place to buy a hostess gift. (We sent her to Blackstone's Beacon Hill on Charles Street where we knew the well-mannered Lily would be welcomed and the selection would result in a perfect gift.)

    CHE_9757 - Version 22016-02-19Guinness- puppy© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    You met Guinness in a post last month but he is such a cutie and was quickly surrounded by a gathering of fans as he walked down Columbus Avenue in the South End that we had to include him in this post too. 

    Thanks to all the people who allow us to enjoy their new pups. But, just one reminder, if someone is keeping that puppy away, it may be because he or she is not ready for the meet-and-greet scene. The little dog might be in the "window of susceptibility." More about that in this post about another adorable puppy.

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs. (This post will be first in the group, so scroll down to meet more of our canine pals.)

    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 

  • April Sparkles with Chandon Brut, California’s French “Wine” Connection

    There’s no doubt that the makers of Chandon Brut Classic are proud of their accomplishments in Napa Valley – it says so right on their label.

    IMG_1983 copy - Version 22016-03-24Chandon-brut-sparkler© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Founded by Moet & Chandon in the early 1970s, they’ve been praised as the “First French-owned sparkling wine venture in the U.S.,” having utilized, as they point out, their “French heritage and innovative American spirit to create vibrant and sophisticated sparkling wines.” And, although we’ve only tasted one of their sparklers, we’re impressed with the Brut Classic!

    • Fresh fruit on the nose, tiny bubbles
    • Clean, no excessive acidity on a smooth finish
    • Food Friendly (paired well with pretzels)
    • Great event wine (better value than most)

    Chandon says:

    • Apple, pear, citrus flavors & aromas
    • Hint of spice leading to a soft, dry finish
    • Crisp, fresh flavor profile
    • Pairs well with salty, creamy, or nutty foods (Caesar salad, fried calamari, oysters, or fresh sashimi & sushi)

    CHE_9944 - Version 22016-03-24Chandon-brut-sparkler© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Chandon Brut Classic …

    • Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier
    • Made with lots of wines from multiple vintages
    • Methode Traditionnelle
    • ABV: 12.5%

    Available at several locations, including: Trader Joe’s and Wegman’s

    Suggested Retail Price: $22 (we paid $18)

    During our opinion search, we often read, “If you’re in Napa Valley, visit Napa Domaine Chandon for both food and wine.”

    IMG_1989 - Version 22016-03-24Chandon-brut-sparkler© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    As the winery explains, “We draw on our French heritage and innovative American spirit to create vibrant and sophisticated sparkling wines to enliven all occasions.”  

    We say, "A perfect way to toast the arrival of April and spring!"

     

    Check Out these Related Posts:

    Our Sparkling Resolution

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

     

    What's on your food lover's shopping list?

    Details:

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

  • April Sparkles with Chandon Brut, California’s French “Wine” Connection

    There’s no doubt that the makers of Chandon Brut Classic are proud of their accomplishments in Napa Valley – it says so right on their label.

    IMG_1983 copy - Version 22016-03-24Chandon-brut-sparkler© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Founded by Moet & Chandon in the early 1970s, they’ve been praised as the “First French-owned sparkling wine venture in the U.S.,” having utilized, as they point out, their “French heritage and innovative American spirit to create vibrant and sophisticated sparkling wines.” And, although we’ve only tasted one of their sparklers, we’re impressed with the Brut Classic!

    • Fresh fruit on the nose, tiny bubbles
    • Clean, no excessive acidity on a smooth finish
    • Food Friendly (paired well with pretzels)
    • Great event wine (better value than most)

    Chandon says:

    • Apple, pear, citrus flavors & aromas
    • Hint of spice leading to a soft, dry finish
    • Crisp, fresh flavor profile
    • Pairs well with salty, creamy, or nutty foods (Caesar salad, fried calamari, oysters, or fresh sashimi & sushi)

    CHE_9944 - Version 22016-03-24Chandon-brut-sparkler© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Chandon Brut Classic …

    • Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier
    • Made with lots of wines from multiple vintages
    • Methode Traditionnelle
    • ABV: 12.5%

    Available at several locations, including: Trader Joe’s and Wegman’s

    Suggested Retail Price: $22 (we paid $18)

    During our opinion search, we often read, “If you’re in Napa Valley, visit Napa Domaine Chandon for both food and wine.”

    IMG_1989 - Version 22016-03-24Chandon-brut-sparkler© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    As the winery explains, “We draw on our French heritage and innovative American spirit to create vibrant and sophisticated sparkling wines to enliven all occasions.”  

    We say, "A perfect way to toast the arrival of April and spring!"

     

    Check Out these Related Posts:

    Our Sparkling Resolution

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

     

    What's on your food lover's shopping list?

    Details:

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

  • Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend

    Whether you're coming to run or watch the 2019 Boston Marathon or just want to log some miles, it's an exciting time to visit the city. And, we hope this piece will help all the runners who are new to the city, here for vacation, or a business trip.

    DSC_6214 - Version 22011-04-18-runners-boston-marathon-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Right onto Hereford Street – Less Than a Mile to Go!

    I remember my first Boston Marathon as a spectator. Penny and I booked a hotel room for the weekend and left the car parked. We took in the runners' expo, pasta supper, and other pre-race activities, then watched a spectacular Boylston Street finish.

    As an out-of-state runner staying near Faneuil Hall, I still wanted to get in a run or two, but wasn't sure where to head. 

    Now, as a Boston resident, I can recommend a couple of my favorite routes.

    Charles River Run …

    If you're a visiting runner staying anywhere near the finish line, you can't beat a daytime run along the Charles River. It offers great views and a more open course without having to constantly cross roadways. This multi-use path is shared by bikes, blades, skate boards, dogs, and walkers. It can get congested as the day wears on but, who knows, you may find yourself sharing the trail with some famous, elite runners. It's easy to make any number of loops between the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river by using the many bridges along the way. 

    From Back Bay, you can access the Charles River Esplanade from Massachusetts Avenue, Fairfield, Dartmouth, and Arlington Streets. If you head west from the Massachusetts Avenue ramp, you can also use the parcourse workout station that's located just up-river. Click here for photos and details including a map to find it.

    CHE_0719 - Version 32013-01-09-runner-charles-river-misty-winter-morning-© 2011 Penny Cherubino2013-01-09-women-running-charles-Esplanade-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Morning Run Along the Esplanade

    Parks in the Heart of the City

    For a tree-lined route, try the Commonwealth Avenue Mall – not a shopping center, but a park – that runs down the center of this residential street. At Commonwealth and Arlington, you can enter the pristine Public Garden for a slower pace. Moving through the center of the Garden will lead you across Charles Street to the Boston Common.

    Inside tip: Local-isms

    Mass Ave = Massachusetts Avenue
    Comm Ave = Commonwealth Avenue
    And, it's Boston Common (singular) not Boston Commons

     

    Related Posts:  

    What's Open on Patriots Day in Boston, Plus MBTA, Trash & Other Changes

    Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner

    How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

     

    Photos from past Boston Marathons:

    The View from Hereford Street 

    Marathon Kisses

     

    Other Resources:

    Here's a great site. You'll find dozens of local running routes, including along the Charles River.

    For more places to run, Bostinno has a post on this topic – How to Train For the Boston Marathon: Where the Runners Run.

    Details:
    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photos: (Top) 2011 Boston Marathon, (Bottom) Esplanade Run ©2013 Penny Cherubino

    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!