Tag: Charles river

What’s Happening Around Boston in Summer 2015 (July & August)

July and August are the high summer season in Boston. Most schedules for the many, many series of concerts, free movies, etc, cover both months. So we're combining them into one post that we'll feature for the next couple of months.

As usual, Penny has started a conversation about the summer over on the Boston Trip Advisor forum. If you click through to this link, you'll find contributions from a wide range of locals and visitors about his topic. We highly recommend you visit that conversation. It includes insights and tips on topics that are not in our areas of interest and that we don't cover.

Boston On Budget Provides Great Summer Lists

Kate from Boston on Budget has done a wonderful job of gathering free summer events into one place.

Free Music and Concerts in Boston This Summer!

Free Things to Do This Summer in Boston

Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream!

Events and Holidays in July and August

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."

July 4th Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks

Since some visitors and perhaps some new Bostonians are unclear on the location of our famous July 4th Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks display, it is on the Charles River NOT on the harbor and can be viewed from both the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river. Here is a link to the official site for the details.

Here is our resource page for the July 4th holiday:

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

Conventions

There are only three large conventions that might raise hotel prices and make popular restaurant reservations necessary. They are all out in the Seaport, so they will have less impact on the locals and tourist areas than they might if they were in the heart of the city.

July 11-13 (10,500 attendees)

July 27-29 (5,500 attendees)

August 17-19 (17,000 attendees)

Three of our Favorite Summer Happenings Are:

Shakespeare on the Common from July 22 – August 9:

The Landmarks Orchestra Concert Series from July 15th to August 26:

The Boston Public Library Courtyard Concert Series ongoing thru August:

Summer Food Traditions

Our summer food tradition is to treat ourselves to fried clams, steamers, and lobster rolls. We like our steamers small and our fried clams the big belly versions not strips. Or, we can be just as happy with a lobster feast like the one above from Wood's Seafood in Plymouth.

We are dedicated to the no mayo version lobster roll with hot butter and a squeeze of lemon. We're looking forward to the opening of Luke's Lobster on Exeter Street near the Boston Public Library in July as a great source of properly made Maine Lobster Rolls. Here's a link to check for updates on that happening.

What are your favorite places to go and things to do in summer in Boston? Do you have must-do treats, eats, and events?

Related Posts

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

Luke's Lobster Weekend Pop-up: Lobster Roll Chronicles

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: © 2010-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

June 30, 2015
What’s Happening Around Boston in Summer 2015 (July & August)

July and August are the high summer season in Boston. Most schedules for the many, many series of concerts, free movies, etc, cover both months. So we're combining them into one post that we'll feature for the next couple of months.

As usual, Penny has started a conversation about the summer over on the Boston Trip Advisor forum. If you click through to this link, you'll find contributions from a wide range of locals and visitors about his topic. We highly recommend you visit that conversation. It includes insights and tips on topics that are not in our areas of interest and that we don't cover.

Boston On Budget Provides Great Summer Lists

Kate from Boston on Budget has done a wonderful job of gathering free summer events into one place.

Free Music and Concerts in Boston This Summer!

Free Things to Do This Summer in Boston

Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream!

Events and Holidays in July and August

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."

July 4th Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks

Since some visitors and perhaps some new Bostonians are unclear on the location of our famous July 4th Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks display, it is on the Charles River NOT on the harbor and can be viewed from both the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river. Here is a link to the official site for the details.

Here is our resource page for the July 4th holiday:

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

Conventions

There are only three large conventions that might raise hotel prices and make popular restaurant reservations necessary. They are all out in the Seaport, so they will have less impact on the locals and tourist areas than they might if they were in the heart of the city.

July 11-13 (10,500 attendees)

July 27-29 (5,500 attendees)

August 17-19 (17,000 attendees)

Three of our Favorite Summer Happenings Are:

Shakespeare on the Common from July 22 – August 9:

The Landmarks Orchestra Concert Series from July 15th to August 26:

The Boston Public Library Courtyard Concert Series ongoing thru August:

Summer Food Traditions

Our summer food tradition is to treat ourselves to fried clams, steamers, and lobster rolls. We like our steamers small and our fried clams the big belly versions not strips. Or, we can be just as happy with a lobster feast like the one above from Wood's Seafood in Plymouth.

We are dedicated to the no mayo version lobster roll with hot butter and a squeeze of lemon. We're looking forward to the opening of Luke's Lobster on Exeter Street near the Boston Public Library in July as a great source of properly made Maine Lobster Rolls. Here's a link to check for updates on that happening.

What are your favorite places to go and things to do in summer in Boston? Do you have must-do treats, eats, and events?

Related Posts

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

Luke's Lobster Weekend Pop-up: Lobster Roll Chronicles

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: © 2010-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

June 30, 2015
What’s Happening in June 2015 Around Boston
We always call June the quiet month and our favorite month in Boston. Most of the students are gone, the big summer tourist season is a few weeks away, the city is filled with fresh blooms, the temperatures are usually moderate, and we can enjoy a staycation in our favorite city.

(Giant allium in June in the Boston Public Garden.)

Events and Holidays in June

Dragon Boat Festival, June 13-14: The Dragon Boat Festival takes place along the Charles River and is a fun spectator event. You can pack a picnic and take a nice long walk along the river bank or set out a blanket and let the fun pass by your spot.

June 18th is International Picnic Day: We include International Picnic Day only because we think of June as picnic month, so pick your own day to celebrate al fresco dining in one of your favorite Boston Spots.

Father’s Day is June 21st: Taking Dad out for Father's Day does not seem to be as popular at taking Mom out in May. But there will be a few places offering special menus and later this month we'll have a post with a few recommendations.

Summer Solstice is June 21st: While this may not be given its proper due as a holiday, we recognize it and there will be a few celebrations around the area.

(Dragon Boat Festival: Our favorite team is Wellness Warriors.)

Conventions

Here are a couple of happenings that will impact hotel pricing and availability.

Graduation Season ends with MIT’s Commencement on June 5th. That makes June a much better time to travel to Boston.
- June 6-8 will see a convention with an estimated 15,000 on hand
- June 13-17 will see three conventions with just under 10,000 estimated attendees
What Are Your Favorite June Pastimes?

Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email and we'll add your suggestions to our upcoming post with some of the things we are looking forward to doing.

Some of our favorite summer "appointments" are with the talented musicians performing as a part of the Boston Public Library’s 2015 Concerts in the Courtyard Series that opened on Wednesday June 3rd. We'll have more about those in an upcoming post.

And, for a wider list of event including those things we don't enjoy, recommend, or even think about, head over to this link on the Boston TripAdvisor forum where a group of volunteers with much wider tastes add to a conversation that Penny begins each month.

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: © 2011-2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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DCR's Universal Access Program + Accessible Recreation Fair, May 30, 2015
June 2, 2015
What’s Happening in June 2015 Around Boston
We always call June the quiet month and our favorite month in Boston. Most of the students are gone, the big summer tourist season is a few weeks away, the city is filled with fresh blooms, the temperatures are usually moderate, and we can enjoy a staycation in our favorite city.

(Giant allium in June in the Boston Public Garden.)

Events and Holidays in June

Dragon Boat Festival, June 13-14: The Dragon Boat Festival takes place along the Charles River and is a fun spectator event. You can pack a picnic and take a nice long walk along the river bank or set out a blanket and let the fun pass by your spot.

June 18th is International Picnic Day: We include International Picnic Day only because we think of June as picnic month, so pick your own day to celebrate al fresco dining in one of your favorite Boston Spots.

Father’s Day is June 21st: Taking Dad out for Father's Day does not seem to be as popular at taking Mom out in May. But there will be a few places offering special menus and later this month we'll have a post with a few recommendations.

Summer Solstice is June 21st: While this may not be given its proper due as a holiday, we recognize it and there will be a few celebrations around the area.

(Dragon Boat Festival: Our favorite team is Wellness Warriors.)

Conventions

Here are a couple of happenings that will impact hotel pricing and availability.

Graduation Season ends with MIT’s Commencement on June 5th. That makes June a much better time to travel to Boston.
- June 6-8 will see a convention with an estimated 15,000 on hand
- June 13-17 will see three conventions with just under 10,000 estimated attendees
What Are Your Favorite June Pastimes?

Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email and we'll add your suggestions to our upcoming post with some of the things we are looking forward to doing.

Some of our favorite summer "appointments" are with the talented musicians performing as a part of the Boston Public Library’s 2015 Concerts in the Courtyard Series that opened on Wednesday June 3rd. We'll have more about those in an upcoming post.

And, for a wider list of event including those things we don't enjoy, recommend, or even think about, head over to this link on the Boston TripAdvisor forum where a group of volunteers with much wider tastes add to a conversation that Penny begins each month.

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: © 2011-2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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Petie Prances & Kicks Up His Heels with the Joy of Spring

Patio & Picnic Season Means More Dining Out Options

DCR's Universal Access Program + Accessible Recreation Fair, May 30, 2015
June 2, 2015
What’s Open and Closed on Memorial Day 2015 In Boston + MBTA Schedules
UPDATE: Here's a link to our latest post on "What's Open and Closed on Memorial Day in Boston + MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash & More"

Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston and the MBTA schedules for Memorial Day – Monday, May 25, 2015.

We publish these reminders before a holiday to give our readers a nudge to finalize their holiday plans. This is the first big weekend of the summer. Get going on some fun plans! And, plan your shopping for adult beverages because this is one of those Blue Law holidays!

Will you stay in the city or enjoy a holiday weekend at a great beach house like this one on the harbor in Provincetown?

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Liquor stores: Closed (See this page from the Secretary of State)

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 U.S. closed. Some international markets are open.

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

Street Sweeping: The city site 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."

More information after this ad

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. Perfect for small city homes. We had many years of use from an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model. It was amazing at keeping things chilled. We not only used it for picnics, but also grabbed it to go grocery shopping.

Boston Trash Collection: The announcement from Public Works states:

"Monday, May 25 – Saturday, May 30, 2015"

"No Delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and South End
Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day

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

(5.18.15) UPDATE:

For a few days before each holiday, the MBTA schedule changes will show up at this link.

MBTA Memorial Day 2015 Service Schedules Quick Look –
- The Red, Orange, Blue, Silver, and Green Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- Buses and trackless trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- The Commuter Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- The RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Complete MBTA Details Here

For more information:
Go to www.MBTA.com. Contact the MBTA Customer Communications Department at (617) 222-3200, TTY: (617) 222-5146.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo:© 2015 Penny Cherubino

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May 18, 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!

Details:

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

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March 27, 2015
Then and Now: Back Street Was Once the Shoreline of the Charles

In the days before political manipulations created the dreadful Storrow Drive, Back Street was the shoreline of the Charles River. Here's a photo from the City of Boston Archives taken 107 years ago, on this day, in 1907.

Here's the scene in a photo I took last week.

Below is a map of what the area looked like a few years later, after a new dam created the Charles River basin and the mud from the dredging of the river was used to create a parkland beyond Back Street.

As you can see, what we call the Charles River Esplanade was identified as the Charles River Embankment.

This is an idealized postcard depiction of the embankment parkland. You could walk from your home on Beacon Street right into the park.

Next came the parkway along the river for pleasure drives. It was called a driveway back in the day and as you can see, you could pull over and enjoy the river scenes.

Then, in the 1950s, the ugly scar called Storrow Drive became a barrier between Bostonians and their riverside park.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino with this link provided to historic photo from the Boston City Archives. The postcards are from a private collection.

October 17, 2014
Charles River Waterline on Bay State Road

Walking along Bay State Road, we spotted this curving citation on the sidewalk in front of the Florence & Chafetz Hillel House at Boston University.

The full message reads, "This line represents one of the earliest historic shorelines of the Charles River dating back to 1847. From 1630 until the filling of the Back Bay in the mid 1800's, the land from this point North to the Charles River was underwater."

This panoramic view gives you a better feel for how the shoreline is mimicked by the words.

The historic, serpentine marker is at 213 Bay State Road if you'd like to visit.

Wouldn't it be great if we could read about history on sidewalks in 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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

July 17, 2014
Charles River Waterline on Bay State Road

Walking along Bay State Road, we spotted this curving citation on the sidewalk in front of the Florence & Chafetz Hillel House at Boston University.

The full message reads, "This line represents one of the earliest historic shorelines of the Charles River dating back to 1847. From 1630 until the filling of the Back Bay in the mid 1800's, the land from this point North to the Charles River was underwater."

This panoramic view gives you a better feel for how the shoreline is mimicked by the words.

The historic, serpentine marker is at 213 Bay State Road if you'd like to visit.

Wouldn't it be great if we could read about history on sidewalks in 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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

July 17, 2014
What’s Open and Closed on Memorial Day 2014 In Boston + MBTA Schedules
UPDATE: Here's a link to our latest post on "What's Open and Closed on Memorial Day in Boston + MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash & More"

Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston and the MBTA schedules for Memorial Day – Monday, May 26, 2014.

We publish these reminders before a holiday to give our readers a nudge to finalize their holiday plans. This is the first big weekend of the summer. Get going on some fun plans! And, plan your shopping for adult beverages because this is one of those Blue Law holidays!

Out on or along the Charles River is a great place to spend a holiday!

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Liquor stores: Closed (See this page from the Secretary of State)

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 U.S. closed. Some international markets are open.

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

Street Sweeping: The city site 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."

More information after this ad

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. Perfect for small city homes. We had many years of use from an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model. It was amazing at keeping things chilled. We not only used it for picnics, but also grabbed it to go grocery shopping.

Boston Trash Collection: The announcement from Public Works states:

"Monday, May 26, 6am – Saturday, May 31, 2014, 5pm

DETAILS
No Delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and South End
Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

"The MBTA has announced its Service Schedules for Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2014."

For a few days before each holiday, the MBTA schedule changes will show up at this link.

MBTA Memorial Day 2014 Service Schedules Quick Look –
- The Red, Orange, Blue, Silver, and Green Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- Buses and trackless trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- The Commuter Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Complete Details Here

For more information:
Go to www.MBTA.com. Contact the MBTA Customer Communications Department at (617) 222-3200, TTY: (617) 222-5146.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo:© 2011 Penny Cherubino

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