More and more citizens and visitors are asking about ways they can enjoy many of the places the Boston area has to offer with friends or family members who have different levels of mobility or other issues that require some special support.
The brochure covers categories of what they call experiences that will be right for a wide range of abilities.
It charts what is available by park within regions.
And, it covers what you can do at each place.
Accessible Recreation Fair
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2015
Time: 10am – 3pm
Place: Artesani Park/Herter Park, 1231 Soldiers Field Road, Brighton, MA (map)
Cost: Free!
Information / Registration: 617-626-1294
They say: "Come join DCR’s Universal Access Program and a host of other regional adaptive recreation organizations for a fun-filled day! Enjoy scenic views of the Charles River and social connections! Sign up for summer programs such as sailing, kayaking, hiking and more!"
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 Images: Courtesy of DCR
More and more citizens and visitors are asking about ways they can enjoy many of the places the Boston area has to offer with friends or family members who have different levels of mobility or other issues that require some special support.
The brochure covers categories of what they call experiences that will be right for a wide range of abilities.
It charts what is available by park within regions.
And, it covers what you can do at each place.
Accessible Recreation Fair
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2015
Time: 10am – 3pm
Place: Artesani Park/Herter Park, 1231 Soldiers Field Road, Brighton, MA (map)
Cost: Free!
Information / Registration: 617-626-1294
They say: "Come join DCR’s Universal Access Program and a host of other regional adaptive recreation organizations for a fun-filled day! Enjoy scenic views of the Charles River and social connections! Sign up for summer programs such as sailing, kayaking, hiking and more!"
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 Images: Courtesy of DCR
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
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.
"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."
Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for – Monday, April 20, 2015. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.
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.
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 the 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."
2015 MBTA Marathon Monday Schedule:
You can see full details on their events page through April 20th. 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 20, 2015."
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 2015 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 Green line will have, "… rush-hour levels of service before and after the race."
Commuter rail trains "… will operate a "regular weekday schedule."
"Buses, trackless trolleys, and express bus routes will operate a weekday schedule … Some bus routes will be detoured due to the Marathon and other race of Patriots' Day 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."
"Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on [Patriots' Day], April 20, [2015], 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."
Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for – Monday, April 20, 2015. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.
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.
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 the 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."
2015 MBTA Marathon Monday Schedule:
You can see full details on their events page through April 20th. 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 20, 2015."
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 2015 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 Green line will have, "… rush-hour levels of service before and after the race."
Commuter rail trains "… will operate a "regular weekday schedule."
"Buses, trackless trolleys, and express bus routes will operate a weekday schedule … Some bus routes will be detoured due to the Marathon and other race of Patriots' Day 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."
"Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on [Patriots' Day], April 20, [2015], 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."
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.
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.
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 – GreenwaySpring 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
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!
Here's how to track a friend or any runner competing in the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20, 2015.
The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Website explains:
The B.A.A. will post split times to its website during the race. This feature, complete with search access directions, will not show up on their official site until race day.
To learn how to Track a Boston Marathon Runner, Click Here then select, “Q: How can family members at home track me in the Boston Marathon?”
Mobile Phone Alert System
The Boston Athletic Association has also set up the "AT&T Athlete Alert Program." It allows you to receive updates on a runner’s progress. Here’s how to sign-up!
Where are the Leaders & Crowd Favorites?
For a rough idea of where the race leaders are, in relation to your viewing position, watch the sky for the helicopters that hover above them.
For favorites, you must rely on the roar of the crowd as they approach. Or, you can track your favorite by using the mobile alert system.
Related Posts: A collection of tips for Marathon Weekend, some are from past years and we'll be updating them between now and Marathon Monday.
This Canon PowerShot G15 camera will give you what you need to take stills and video at the event. Canon's G series is our all-time favorite for everyday cameras. We own the G10 and G11. They are a little bigger than the compacts most people use, but let you shoot with automatic settings or easy-to-use manual controls that please the many pros who use them as second cameras. And, if you are ready to turn pro, follow our lead. Ed shoots with the Nikon D7000 Digital SLR too and we've added the Nikon D600 to our camera fleet and are extremely happy with the performance it has delivered.
Those in the know already have reservations for Easter brunch and dinner. This is one of the big days for dining out, and popular restaurants will fill their tables for Sunday, April 5, 2015 quickly.
First up, the list of places that organize information about Easter reservations and special offerings.
Open Table seems to have the most complete information, and you can click right through to make reservations. They also give you some idea of prices and special menus. And, you'll find a few places that are offering their regular menus as well.
Next, places we picked from these lists (we'll add more as we learn about particular offerings)
Bistro du Midi recently added brunch to their weekly offering but that menu will not be available on Easter. However, you may want to try some other weekend. For Easter they have a three course Prix Fixe menu. And, you can plan a walk through the Public Garden after your meal.
To meet up with family who don't want to come into the city, consider AKA Bistro in Lincoln. We're happy to see that they're offering their regular brunch menu in addition to some Easter specials. The nearby deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is the perfect place to walk off your brunch and take Easter photos.
Update: 03/17/15
Dante Restaurant is one of those delightful places offering their regular a la carte menu with special additions for Easter according to their listing on Boston Chefs.
Update: 03/22/15
One of our favorite spots in Boston, Coppa Enoteca has announced that they will provide an a la cart option as well. Boston Chefs says, "Spend Easter with Coppa in the South End and their menu of shareable Italian dishes. Reservations are recommended. Seatings from: 11:00am-8:00pm.s
Don't be surprised if some places require a credit card to secure the reservation. This is the type of holiday when some people would try to book multiple restaurants and decide where to go at the last moment. That can cause the restaurant to turn away other potential customers and makes the venues require a deposit to hold a place.
One thing we would look for, if we were dining out on a holiday, is a place that is offering its regular menu for the day. That's always a plus for us. We're not fans of special menus.
If you know of places where the regular menu will be served, let us know. If it's a place we can recommend, we'll add it to our list. And, we'll add updates and links to this post as we find them. Check back here or follow us on Twitter to learn about updates!
Opting Out of Easter
If this holiday stuff is really not part of your life, this is a great day to go ethnic. Chinatown will be wide open and filled with great menu options. Your neighborhood Indian, Korean, Chinese, or Persian restaurant will be happy to feed you. And, most BBQ and Pizza places do not have Easter menus.
Sign-up for the comment feed or follow us on Twitter for a notice, if we add updates to this 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 Photo: from iStockphoto.com
Those in the know already have reservations for Easter brunch and dinner. This is one of the big days for dining out, and popular restaurants will fill their tables for Sunday, April 5, 2015 quickly.
First up, the list of places that organize information about Easter reservations and special offerings.
Open Table seems to have the most complete information, and you can click right through to make reservations. They also give you some idea of prices and special menus. And, you'll find a few places that are offering their regular menus as well.
Next, places we picked from these lists (we'll add more as we learn about particular offerings)
Bistro du Midi recently added brunch to their weekly offering but that menu will not be available on Easter. However, you may want to try some other weekend. For Easter they have a three course Prix Fixe menu. And, you can plan a walk through the Public Garden after your meal.
To meet up with family who don't want to come into the city, consider AKA Bistro in Lincoln. We're happy to see that they're offering their regular brunch menu in addition to some Easter specials. The nearby deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is the perfect place to walk off your brunch and take Easter photos.
Update: 03/17/15
Dante Restaurant is one of those delightful places offering their regular a la carte menu with special additions for Easter according to their listing on Boston Chefs.
Update: 03/22/15
One of our favorite spots in Boston, Coppa Enoteca has announced that they will provide an a la cart option as well. Boston Chefs says, "Spend Easter with Coppa in the South End and their menu of shareable Italian dishes. Reservations are recommended. Seatings from: 11:00am-8:00pm.s
Don't be surprised if some places require a credit card to secure the reservation. This is the type of holiday when some people would try to book multiple restaurants and decide where to go at the last moment. That can cause the restaurant to turn away other potential customers and makes the venues require a deposit to hold a place.
One thing we would look for, if we were dining out on a holiday, is a place that is offering its regular menu for the day. That's always a plus for us. We're not fans of special menus.
If you know of places where the regular menu will be served, let us know. If it's a place we can recommend, we'll add it to our list. And, we'll add updates and links to this post as we find them. Check back here or follow us on Twitter to learn about updates!
Opting Out of Easter
If this holiday stuff is really not part of your life, this is a great day to go ethnic. Chinatown will be wide open and filled with great menu options. Your neighborhood Indian, Korean, Chinese, or Persian restaurant will be happy to feed you. And, most BBQ and Pizza places do not have Easter menus.
Sign-up for the comment feed or follow us on Twitter for a notice, if we add updates to this 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 Photo: from iStockphoto.com
This year, Evacuation Day (which most people admit is just an excuse for Saint Patrick's Day revelry) falls on a Tuesday – March 17th. City and state workers in Suffolk County no longer have this as a holiday. City Hall and the State offices in Suffolk County will be open. But, because of the parade and the drinking of the green beer, there will be a few adaptations around the city.
I do know that a lot of people will be taking advantage of the event to come to Boston. Questions about where to stay, which Irish Pub to visit, and how to get around the city have popped up over on the Boston Trip Advisor forum. It looks like visitors are coming here from all over the country and especially from Ireland.
Do you celebrate Saint Patrick's Day?
What are your traditions for his yearly festival of all things Irish?
Update: 03.10.15 As Kate from Boston on Budget pointed out in her comment below, some years the city has tweeted out free parking notices on this holiday. We'll update with details if we find that happens.
Here's the official word on that:
Basically, everything is open. But, in the past, the city has asked South Boston liquor stores and bars to cut off sales early. There has been no announcement regarding this that we could find this year.
"The City of Boston’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2015, in South Boston. The parade will begin at 1 PM on West Broadway at Dorchester Avenue, will continue to East Broadway, and end at Farragut Road.
The St. Patrick’s Day Road Race will also take place in South Boston on Sunday beginning at 11 AM. Runners will proceed from West Sixth Street at F Street onto Dorchester Street, right onto East Broadway, down and around the Farragut Statue at Day Boulevard, to East Broadway, right onto West Broadway, left onto E Street, left onto West Sixth Street, ending at the Boys and Girls Club at #230 West Sixth Street.
To accommodate the two events, staging/dispersal and clean-up, drivers should expect the following roads to be closed to vehicular traffic. Streets effected by the parade will close no later than 12 PM and streets effected by the road race will close no later than 10 AM.
Broadway, from Dorchester Avenue to Farragut Road
On intersecting streets from Dorchester Avenue through Farragut Road, vehicular traffic will not be allowed to cross Broadway
Dorchester Avenue, in the vicinity of Gillette Park and Andrew Square
Old Colony Avenue, from Dorchester Avenue to C Street
Farragut Road, from Columbia Road to Shore Road/East First Street
All race route streets while the runners make their way to the finish line
Due to a combination of snow and Resident Parking Only restrictions, parking in the neighborhood is limited. Additional parking restrictions that will be implemented temporarily to support Sunday’s events are as follows.
“Tow Zone, No Stopping, Boston Police Special Event Sunday”
Dorchester Avenue: Both sides, from Gillette Park to Old Colony Avenue (Staging Area)
Old Colony Avenue: Both sides, from Dorchester Avenue to C Street (Staging Area)
West Broadway: Both sides, from Dorchester Avenue to Dorchester Street
East Broadway: Both sides, from Dorchester Street to Farragut Road
Farragut Road: East side (park side), from Columbia Road to Shore Road /East First Street (Dispersal area)
West Sixth Street: Southwest side, from Dorchester Avenue to F Street
F Street: Southeast side (odd side – Boys & Girls Club side), West Sixth Street to Bowen Street
People coming into Boston to attend these events are kindly asked to take the MBTA. Information on service may be found at www.MBTA.com. For a faster return trip, the MBTA advises riders to purchase a round-trip rather than a one-way ticket."
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will give you what you need to take stills and video at the event. Canon's G series is our all-time favorite for everyday cameras. We own the G10 and G11. They are a little bigger than the compacts most people use, but let you shoot with automatic settings or easy-to-use manual controls that please the many pros who use them as second cameras. And, if you are ready to turn pro, follow our lead. Ed shoots with the 
too and we've added the