Tag: Back Bay

What’s Open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2014, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More
UPDATE: What's Open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More

What's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, 2014? What's closed?

Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules?

We have the answers for you, all organized on one post that we'll update as new information comes our way.

Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, November 27, 2014.

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

Restaurants, bars: Many will be open, check for special hours and menus. Here's our post on where to dine out on Thanksgiving.

Convenience stores: Many are open, check for special hours

Supermarkets: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws" (scroll to the bottom of the page)

Retail stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

Liquor stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

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

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

Parking & Street Sweeping

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

Street Sweeping: The city says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

Trash Collection & Recycling

Boston Trash Collection for Thanksgiving week – The city says:

"Thursday, November 27, 6am – Saturday, November 29, 2014, 5pm

No trash or recycling collection will take place in all sections of the City on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 27th)

Thanksgiving week: Regular collection schedule on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday in all sections of the City.

Regular trash collection schedule in the North End, Beacon Hill, Bay Village, Chinatown, Fenway South End, Mission Hill. Section of Roxbury, who have trash collection on Tuesday and Friday, no delay

Thursday and Friday recycling and trash collection delayed a day in Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, South Boston, Jamaica Plain*, West Roxbury, Roslindale, Mattapan, and Hyde Park.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week [Monday, Thursday], Thursday collection day is cancelled. Back Bay, Roxbury and your trash and recycling is picked up on Monday and Thursday, Thursday’s collection is also cancelled, not delayed

MBTA information after the Ad from Amazon!

More information after these camera deals from Amazon. Order today and you'll be ready to record memories this holiday season. When you shop Amazon from here, you keep information like this coming your way!

MBTA Schedule Changes

Here is the link to the MBTA schedule changes. This link will change sometime after the holiday. We have created a PDF version of the page for the weekend that you can download if you wish.

Download MBTA Thanksgiving 2014

Here's a quick summary, but check the site or the PDF for details.
- Wednesday November 26th will have normal Wednesday subway, bus, and Commuter Rail schedules with extra Silver Line service to and from Logan Airports.
- Thanksgiving November 27th will have subways including the Silver Line on a Sunday schedule. Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with some routes not operating. Commuter Rail will run on a Sunday Schedule so some routes will not operate.
- Friday November 28th will have the Red, Orange, and Blue lines on a Friday Schedule and the Green Line on a Saturday Schedule. The Silver line will have extra service. Commuter Rail will run on a Friday schedule.
Special Plymouth Service:

The Commuter Rail will provide special seasonal weekend trains to Plymouth on the Old Colony Line during the weekends prior to Thanksgiving on Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16, as well as November 22 and 23. Details here.

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

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 Cherubino
November 17, 2014
At the Market: Local Artichokes from Stillman’s Farm

This week, I could not resist buying a bunch of small artichokes from Stillman’s Farm at the Copley Farmers’ Market.

The first time I heard about the possibility of growing artichokes on local farms was in 2009 when I interviewed John Lee from Allandale Farm for a piece I was preparing for Serious Eats. He was studying and experimenting with an artichoke crop back then.

This season, Stillman’s has had beautiful, little artichokes like these on their stand.

In his book, 50 Foods: The Essentials of Good Taste, Edward Behr (publisher of the most wonderful Art of Eating Newsletter) writes of artichokes, “They lose quality from the moment they’re cut from the plant.” He goes on to describe what to look for when you purchase this vegetable, “Artichokes should be heavy for their size and the leaves tightly closed (not about to open into a flower) …”

These will be supper, as soon as I rummage through the books behind them to decide what prepartion will best highlight the freshness and seasonality of these beauties.

Remember, when you serve artichokes, they contain a chemical that makes wines taste sweeter, so choose a very dry wine to go with them. I’m going to follow one of Behr’s recommendations and serve an unoaked Chardonnay.

Many of our Farmers Markets are open until Thanksgiving so you have a few opportunities to try local artichokes. Here’s a link to the details on which markets are open.

Update 11/05/14: We did a follow up post on these artichokes showing the beautiful interiors during preparation and the folks from Stillman’s answered the Michelle’s question in the comments below in that post.

Here are more of our Local Food/Farmers’ Markets posts.

What’s on your Food Lover’s shopping list? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: ©2014 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Artichokes Hot and Cold (with a Terrific Cheater Hollandaise)

KitchenWise: Tips for breaking through an artichoke’s armor

Growing Crops for a Foodie’s Garden

October 30, 2014
A Summer Weekend Walk Down Bay State Road

One of our favorite, shady, summer walks is down Bay State Road which runs along the Charles River Esplanade and Commonwealth Avenue to the west of Back Bay. We are making this historic district our Friday Link today.

Street trees provide some shade and the lovely buildings preserved by the Bay State Road/Back Bay West Architectural Conservation District give you lots of details to enjoy.

Many of the former private residences have been taken over by Boston University, so this is a land of red signs showing the use of many of the buildings. This time of year, there are a few students around and a little bit of car traffic. It's just enough to keep you from feeling that you are in an isolated area.

Our Westie Poppy loves benches and BU has sprinkled a few pocket parks along the street. We picked a shady one to stop for a drink of water and a break.

A collection of contemporary sculpture gives you another reason to visit this area. Some pieces have interpretive plaques nearby.

Here's the one for the sculpture above.

The architecture along Bay State Road gets much less attention than some other historic districts, but there are important buildings by renowned architects. This is the Weld Mansion designed in 1900 by William York Peters of the Peters and Rice architectural firm.

You are just one block over from Commonwealth Avenue and all the food shops and services that grew up along this area to serve the student population. And there are bridges to the Esplanade if you'd like to cross over and have a picnic on the river bank.

You'll also find picnic tables in back of Marsh Chapel. We've used these for an impromptu Sunday brunch with friends.

Remember that by late August, the students will be back. This will still be a beautiful street, but it won't have the quiet calm it has in mid-summer.

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 18, 2014
A Summer Weekend Walk Down Bay State Road

One of our favorite, shady, summer walks is down Bay State Road which runs along the Charles River Esplanade and Commonwealth Avenue to the west of Back Bay. We are making this historic district our Friday Link today.

Street trees provide some shade and the lovely buildings preserved by the Bay State Road/Back Bay West Architectural Conservation District give you lots of details to enjoy.

Many of the former private residences have been taken over by Boston University, so this is a land of red signs showing the use of many of the buildings. This time of year, there are a few students around and a little bit of car traffic. It's just enough to keep you from feeling that you are in an isolated area.

Our Westie Poppy loves benches and BU has sprinkled a few pocket parks along the street. We picked a shady one to stop for a drink of water and a break.

A collection of contemporary sculpture gives you another reason to visit this area. Some pieces have interpretive plaques nearby.

Here's the one for the sculpture above.

The architecture along Bay State Road gets much less attention than some other historic districts, but there are important buildings by renowned architects. This is the Weld Mansion designed in 1900 by William York Peters of the Peters and Rice architectural firm.

You are just one block over from Commonwealth Avenue and all the food shops and services that grew up along this area to serve the student population. And there are bridges to the Esplanade if you'd like to cross over and have a picnic on the river bank.

You'll also find picnic tables in back of Marsh Chapel. We've used these for an impromptu Sunday brunch with friends.

Remember that by late August, the students will be back. This will still be a beautiful street, but it won't have the quiet calm it has in mid-summer.

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 18, 2014
Where to Pick Up Great Food for Boston Summer 2014 Events

This is going to be a big week for events around Boston with both the July 4th Celebration on the Esplanade and Boston Harborfest. If you want to pick up a picnic to enjoy at a summer event, we have some great links. (A tip to our often confused visitors to Boston on July 4th – the Boston Pops concert and fireworks are on the Charles River NOT on the harbor!)

Along the Charles on July 4th, both sides of the river will be filled with fireworks fans. Here are some of the places where you can pick up a meal near an entrance to the Esplanade or close to Memorial Drive on the Cambridge side. You do need food while you stake out your spot for the big show.

Be sure to check the July 4th official site for the latest security restrictions for the Hatch Shell Oval and island areas before you plan your picnic and figure out how to carry it to the concert and fireworks.

Fireworks Barges on the River

Back Bay

Marlboro Market (map & reviews) has a deli counter where they make some of the best sandwich values in the area. Simple, hearty fare made to your specifications by the friendly crew behind the counter. Bonus – you can fill your cooler with soft drinks, chips, and anything else you need here. They even sell the coolers!

Thinking Cup has a new location at 85 Newbury Street, between the Arlington and Dartmouth Street footbridges to the park, and offers a great selection of take-out. They also have locations across from the Boston Common at 165 Tremont Street and in the North End at 236 Hanover Street.

Bacco's Wine and Cheese is on St. James right off Arlington making it the perfect place to pick up a meal for either the Esplanade or The Boston Common. Above is their ready-to-go Bento Box. Each day, they offer a selection of cheese, bread, meat, and condiments in a box. This one was $7.50 and had two cheeses, salami, bread, fig jam, olives, pickles, and caponata.

Next door at Bacco's Fine Foods you can find sandwiches, hot meals, and everything you might want for a day outside enjoying the best of a Boston event.

Cambridge Central Square

This is becoming a true food destination and not just for all the great restaurants located there.

central bottle wine + provisions will be open on the 4th and is great for those who'll be coming to the river from the North. They have a great selection of cheese, salumi, and an ever changing daily food selection.

The new H-Mart in Central Square said they are open every day of the year including July 4th. This makes the Food Court a prime spot for gathering a great picnic to take to the river.

On days other than this holdiay, you can add a great dessert to your basket from flour bakery + cafe next door. (We called and confirmed that flour is closed on the 4th.)

Beacon Hill

Savenor's Market built its reputation on excellent meat but they have always offered a fine selection of other food. Now, the Cambridge Market has a deli, and they are delivering "Grab & Go" sandwiches to the Charles Street store, so that you can pop in on your way to an event and walk out with everything you want.

Other favorite picnic pick-up locations from Charles Street are: The Paramount, and Panificio. And for great healty snacks stop at the new Fastachi shop at 83 Charles Street.

Boston Common

There is now some good food right on the Common. You'll find a Clover Food Lab truck stationed by the newly restored Brewer Plaza for long hours each day. There is also The Frog Pond Cafe in-season with some very nice options.

Across from the Common is the Thinking Cup, as we mentioned above. This cafe has built a solid reputation on its outstanding coffee service but it also has great sandwiches and pastry.

Keep these in mind when you plan your Shakespeare on the Common evening this year.

Waterfront & North End

Gathering food in the North End is a regular habit of ours. We love Salumeria Italiana and will often pick up a quick meal from their offerings.

If we want prepared foods, we head for J. Pace & Son where they can fill your cooler with sandwiches, salads, calzones, and other Italian favorites. And, they also have shops in the West End and Seaport.

We love the recent addition of good Mexican food from Tenoch at 3 Lewis Street in the North End. We found it perfect for a picnic in Christopher Columbus Park.

Along the Greenway, there is an ever changing collection of food trucks and carts for meals and snacks. They have a schedule posted here. You can consult our food truck tab to learn more about some of the rolling restaurants.

We've given you a start and told you about the places we go and enjoy. Tell us about your favorite places to enjoy an event or a meal, and where you love to go to pick up your food.

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

June 30, 2014
Where to Pick Up Great Food for Boston Summer 2014 Events

This is going to be a big week for events around Boston with both the July 4th Celebration on the Esplanade and Boston Harborfest. If you want to pick up a picnic to enjoy at a summer event, we have some great links. (A tip to our often confused visitors to Boston on July 4th – the Boston Pops concert and fireworks are on the Charles River NOT on the harbor!)

Along the Charles on July 4th, both sides of the river will be filled with fireworks fans. Here are some of the places where you can pick up a meal near an entrance to the Esplanade or close to Memorial Drive on the Cambridge side. You do need food while you stake out your spot for the big show.

Be sure to check the July 4th official site for the latest security restrictions for the Hatch Shell Oval and island areas before you plan your picnic and figure out how to carry it to the concert and fireworks.

Fireworks Barges on the River

Back Bay

Marlboro Market (map & reviews) has a deli counter where they make some of the best sandwich values in the area. Simple, hearty fare made to your specifications by the friendly crew behind the counter. Bonus – you can fill your cooler with soft drinks, chips, and anything else you need here. They even sell the coolers!

Thinking Cup has a new location at 85 Newbury Street, between the Arlington and Dartmouth Street footbridges to the park, and offers a great selection of take-out. They also have locations across from the Boston Common at 165 Tremont Street and in the North End at 236 Hanover Street.

Bacco's Wine and Cheese is on St. James right off Arlington making it the perfect place to pick up a meal for either the Esplanade or The Boston Common. Above is their ready-to-go Bento Box. Each day, they offer a selection of cheese, bread, meat, and condiments in a box. This one was $7.50 and had two cheeses, salami, bread, fig jam, olives, pickles, and caponata.

Next door at Bacco's Fine Foods you can find sandwiches, hot meals, and everything you might want for a day outside enjoying the best of a Boston event.

Cambridge Central Square

This is becoming a true food destination and not just for all the great restaurants located there.

central bottle wine + provisions will be open on the 4th and is great for those who'll be coming to the river from the North. They have a great selection of cheese, salumi, and an ever changing daily food selection.

The new H-Mart in Central Square said they are open every day of the year including July 4th. This makes the Food Court a prime spot for gathering a great picnic to take to the river.

On days other than this holdiay, you can add a great dessert to your basket from flour bakery + cafe next door. (We called and confirmed that flour is closed on the 4th.)

Beacon Hill

Savenor's Market built its reputation on excellent meat but they have always offered a fine selection of other food. Now, the Cambridge Market has a deli, and they are delivering "Grab & Go" sandwiches to the Charles Street store, so that you can pop in on your way to an event and walk out with everything you want.

Other favorite picnic pick-up locations from Charles Street are: The Paramount, and Panificio. And for great healty snacks stop at the new Fastachi shop at 83 Charles Street.

Boston Common

There is now some good food right on the Common. You'll find a Clover Food Lab truck stationed by the newly restored Brewer Plaza for long hours each day. There is also The Frog Pond Cafe in-season with some very nice options.

Across from the Common is the Thinking Cup, as we mentioned above. This cafe has built a solid reputation on its outstanding coffee service but it also has great sandwiches and pastry.

Keep these in mind when you plan your Shakespeare on the Common evening this year.

Waterfront & North End

Gathering food in the North End is a regular habit of ours. We love Salumeria Italiana and will often pick up a quick meal from their offerings.

If we want prepared foods, we head for J. Pace & Son where they can fill your cooler with sandwiches, salads, calzones, and other Italian favorites. And, they also have shops in the West End and Seaport.

We love the recent addition of good Mexican food from Tenoch at 3 Lewis Street in the North End. We found it perfect for a picnic in Christopher Columbus Park.

Along the Greenway, there is an ever changing collection of food trucks and carts for meals and snacks. They have a schedule posted here. You can consult our food truck tab to learn more about some of the rolling restaurants.

We've given you a start and told you about the places we go and enjoy. Tell us about your favorite places to enjoy an event or a meal, and where you love to go to pick up your food.

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

June 30, 2014
What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day – Monday, April 21, 2014
Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for – Monday, April 21, 2014. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.

UPDATE: This is an old post. Here's a link for: What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

On three occasions, General John Glover and his “amphibious” regiment of Marblehead fishermen saved the American Revolution.

Patriots' Day is a Massachusetts State Holiday Only.

The City of Boston is updating a box of information on this page.

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 sure it is not in a tow-away zone for the event. Here's how you can sign up for parking alerts and tow alerts.

PARKING ADVISORY AND STEET CLOSING SCHEDULE

From the city's site: Download City of Boston Traffic and Parking Advisory Boston Marathon (2014).

Parking and No-Tow alerts

Here's our latest post with tips for local parking on this holiday–

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend (2013)

Boston Trash Collection (Click here for what the city says)

“Patriots Day Week
Monday, April 21 | 6am – Saturday, April 26, 2014 | 5pm

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.”

MBTA information after the BostonZest Amazon Selection of the Day.

If this information helps you, reward us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from BostonZest. Here are the latest versions of the cameras we'll use to photograph the Boston Marathon plus our favorite camera bag. Click over to the video on the Tamrac Velocity series of camera bags, and you'll see why we love it.

Note: 2014 MBTA Marathon Monday Info is at this link.

2014 MBTA Marathon Monday Schedule:

You can see full details on their events page through April 21st. If you would like to see a copy after that day, we have made a pdf of the information: Download MBTA Patriots' Day, Boston Marathon 2014.

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 and Arlington Stations will be CLOSED for the entire day on April 21, 2014."
- Due to crowds, they don't allow bikes "on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day."
Marathon Monday 2014 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.)

Commuter rail trains will operate on their "regular weekday schedule."

"Buses and trackless trolleys will operate a "regular weekday schedule." "Some bus routes will be diverted …" (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 2014

MBTA PARKING

"Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on Patriots' Day, April 21, 2014, 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 2014 Boston Marathon information:

www.bostonmarathon.org

Related Posts:

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2014

Routes for Visiting Runners

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2014

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: © 2013 Penny Cherubino
April 10, 2014
What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day – Monday, April 21, 2014
Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for – Monday, April 21, 2014. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.

UPDATE: This is an old post. Here's a link for: What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

On three occasions, General John Glover and his “amphibious” regiment of Marblehead fishermen saved the American Revolution.

Patriots' Day is a Massachusetts State Holiday Only.

The City of Boston is updating a box of information on this page.

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 sure it is not in a tow-away zone for the event. Here's how you can sign up for parking alerts and tow alerts.

PARKING ADVISORY AND STEET CLOSING SCHEDULE

From the city's site: Download City of Boston Traffic and Parking Advisory Boston Marathon (2014).

Parking and No-Tow alerts

Here's our latest post with tips for local parking on this holiday–

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend (2013)

Boston Trash Collection (Click here for what the city says)

“Patriots Day Week
Monday, April 21 | 6am – Saturday, April 26, 2014 | 5pm

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.”

MBTA information after the BostonZest Amazon Selection of the Day.

If this information helps you, reward us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from BostonZest. Here are the latest versions of the cameras we'll use to photograph the Boston Marathon plus our favorite camera bag. Click over to the video on the Tamrac Velocity series of camera bags, and you'll see why we love it.

Note: 2014 MBTA Marathon Monday Info is at this link.

2014 MBTA Marathon Monday Schedule:

You can see full details on their events page through April 21st. If you would like to see a copy after that day, we have made a pdf of the information: Download MBTA Patriots' Day, Boston Marathon 2014.

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 and Arlington Stations will be CLOSED for the entire day on April 21, 2014."
- Due to crowds, they don't allow bikes "on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day."
Marathon Monday 2014 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.)

Commuter rail trains will operate on their "regular weekday schedule."

"Buses and trackless trolleys will operate a "regular weekday schedule." "Some bus routes will be diverted …" (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 2014

MBTA PARKING

"Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on Patriots' Day, April 21, 2014, 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 2014 Boston Marathon information:

www.bostonmarathon.org

Related Posts:

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2014

Routes for Visiting Runners

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2014

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: © 2013 Penny Cherubino
April 10, 2014
What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day – Monday, April 21, 2014
Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for – Monday, April 21, 2014. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.

UPDATE: This is an old post. Here's a link for: What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

On three occasions, General John Glover and his “amphibious” regiment of Marblehead fishermen saved the American Revolution.

Patriots' Day is a Massachusetts State Holiday Only.

The City of Boston is updating a box of information on this page.

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 sure it is not in a tow-away zone for the event. Here's how you can sign up for parking alerts and tow alerts.

PARKING ADVISORY AND STEET CLOSING SCHEDULE

From the city's site: Download City of Boston Traffic and Parking Advisory Boston Marathon (2014).

Parking and No-Tow alerts

Here's our latest post with tips for local parking on this holiday–

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend (2013)

Boston Trash Collection (Click here for what the city says)

“Patriots Day Week
Monday, April 21 | 6am – Saturday, April 26, 2014 | 5pm

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.”

MBTA information after the BostonZest Amazon Selection of the Day.

If this information helps you, reward us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from BostonZest. Here are the latest versions of the cameras we'll use to photograph the Boston Marathon plus our favorite camera bag. Click over to the video on the Tamrac Velocity series of camera bags, and you'll see why we love it.

Note: 2014 MBTA Marathon Monday Info is at this link.

2014 MBTA Marathon Monday Schedule:

You can see full details on their events page through April 21st. If you would like to see a copy after that day, we have made a pdf of the information: Download MBTA Patriots' Day, Boston Marathon 2014.

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 and Arlington Stations will be CLOSED for the entire day on April 21, 2014."
- Due to crowds, they don't allow bikes "on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day."
Marathon Monday 2014 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.)

Commuter rail trains will operate on their "regular weekday schedule."

"Buses and trackless trolleys will operate a "regular weekday schedule." "Some bus routes will be diverted …" (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 2014

MBTA PARKING

"Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on Patriots' Day, April 21, 2014, 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 2014 Boston Marathon information:

www.bostonmarathon.org

Related Posts:

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2014

Routes for Visiting Runners

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2014

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: © 2013 Penny Cherubino
April 10, 2014
Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend

UPDATE: Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

Whether you're coming to run or watch the 2014 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 a vacation or business trip.

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

I remember my first Boston Marathon, as a spectator – I've yet to put in the training needed to actually compete. 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.

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:

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2014

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2014

What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day 2014

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

Here are some Photos from past Boston Marathons

The View from Hereford Street

Marathon Kisses

Just Hangin on Hereford Street

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

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