Tag: links

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
What’s Happening Around Boston in November 2014
For locals and visitors, it's time to start putting November happenings in this area on our calendars.

Fall foliage season continues with the color moving south, so daytrips to Rhode Island and Connecticut may still be photoworthy. The photo above was taken on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall in mid November, last year. Boston has beautiful foliage into November, most years.
- Frog Pond Skating is open in mid-November, weather permitting.
- A few seasonal farmers' markets continue until Thanksgiving and other indoor markets begin to open. Here's a link to days they open and closing dates for the summer seasonal markets.
- December 3rd Holiday Pops opens, but you should buy your tickets now if you want great seats or need a block for a group of family or friends.
- For those visiting from outside the U.S., November 11th is Veterans Day, a holiday. But since it is not a three day weekend holiday, there are fewer impacts on transportation and most stores, restaurants, and tourist attractions are open.
- Thanksgiving, November 27th is the other big holiday. For this one, almost everything is closed and the transit system is on a holiday schedule. For most lines, this means a Sunday Schedule. But, for some, it may mean no service.
- There is a large (19,000 visitor) convention the 16th to 19th. Other big convention dates are November 4th to 10th, 21st to 23rd, and 30th to December 3rd. Conventions have an impact on hotel prices and the availability of restaurant reservations.
Links to Information Updates

Here is our post on Dining Out on Thanksgiving.

Over on Trip Advisor's Boston Forum, the destination experts are adding to the initial post I began on this topic. The group has been keeping a running list of fun things to do, 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: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino
October 28, 2014
See It All: A Curated Digest of Boston-Area Exhibitions Is Our Friday Link

See It All is the place to go if you'd like some insight into the current exhibitions on offer in the Boston area. We are fortunate to have so much choice but deciding which to see and learning a bit about the ones we put on our calendars can be daunting.

And, in the case of smaller museums and organizations, finding out about something like the current Concord Museum's The Best Workman in the Shop show about clockmaker William Monroe can be difficult.

By selecting and concentrating on this local topic, See It All makes it easier for all of us to enjoy these temporary opportunities.

Each post gives you the basics including links, opinion, and the kind of insights and tips a friend might mention in a casual conversation about what they did last weekend.

For the latest updates follow the author on Twitter or Facebook. Then, the next time you say, "What shall we do this afternoon?" you'll have a ready source of good information on possible exhibtions to view.

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

November 22, 2013
See It All: A Curated Digest of Boston-Area Exhibitions Is Our Friday Link

See It All is the place to go if you'd like some insight into the current exhibitions on offer in the Boston area. We are fortunate to have so much choice but deciding which to see and learning a bit about the ones we put on our calendars can be daunting.

And, in the case of smaller museums and organizations, finding out about something like the current Concord Museum's The Best Workman in the Shop show about clockmaker William Monroe can be difficult.

By selecting and concentrating on this local topic, See It All makes it easier for all of us to enjoy these temporary opportunities.

Each post gives you the basics including links, opinion, and the kind of insights and tips a friend might mention in a casual conversation about what they did last weekend.

For the latest updates follow the author on Twitter or Facebook. Then, the next time you say, "What shall we do this afternoon?" you'll have a ready source of good information on possible exhibtions to view.

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

November 22, 2013
See It All: A Curated Digest of Boston-Area Exhibitions Is Our Friday Link

See It All is the place to go if you'd like some insight into the current exhibitions on offer in the Boston area. We are fortunate to have so much choice but deciding which to see and learning a bit about the ones we put on our calendars can be daunting.

And, in the case of smaller museums and organizations, finding out about something like the current Concord Museum's The Best Workman in the Shop show about clockmaker William Monroe can be difficult.

By selecting and concentrating on this local topic, See It All makes it easier for all of us to enjoy these temporary opportunities.

Each post gives you the basics including links, opinion, and the kind of insights and tips a friend might mention in a casual conversation about what they did last weekend.

For the latest updates follow the author on Twitter or Facebook. Then, the next time you say, "What shall we do this afternoon?" you'll have a ready source of good information on possible exhibtions to view.

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

November 22, 2013
Ollie Says, Time to Get a New Dog License
Here's our pal Olivier – better known to the local dog pack as Sir Ollie. Today, he's here to remind you to get a shiny, new dog license to add to that collection of tags on your collar.

It's the Law

The law says that by April 1st of each year, all dogs in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must obtain a new license from the city or town where they reside.

Ollie says, since most dogs can’t write out a check or fill out forms, responsibility for following this law falls to the people who love them and choose to have a dog in their life.

A Few Tips & Links
- Applications for the 2013 Boston Dog Licenses arrived in homes earlier this month.
- You can also download the forms on the city's website.
- Those who mail in their applications should be certain to include copies of the requested neutering and rabies vaccination certificates, a check payable to animal control, and a stamped self-addressed envelope.
- That envelope will be used to return your dog’s license and tag to you.
- Once your dog is registered with the city, Animal Control will provide a business reply envelope for you to mail in your application and you will only have to pay the postage one way.
- Boston has a two-tiered price structure for dog licenses.
  - It costs $6.00 per year to license a neutered male or spayed female dog.
  - That fee jumps to $17.00 if the animal is intact.
  - The ordinance that set a separate price for pit bulls was voided by a new state law that went into effect on November 1, 2012.
- If you happen to be near city hall, you can bring everything you need with you and pick up the forms and obtain a dog license in room 811.
- Only checks are accepted for payment, in person or by mail – no cash or credit cards.
Don't worry, Ollie did get a little reward for helping us with this message. And, he said to tell you that it's really important to let the city know how many dogs live here and should be considered when the politicians do their planning and spend our money. Getting everyone to license will send a message.

So, stand up and be counted!

Related Posts:

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs!

Tips on "Being" from Sunday Dog Ollie

Sunday Dog New Year's Resolutions (including one from Ollie)

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: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
March 17, 2013
Ollie Says, Time to Get a New Dog License
Here's our pal Olivier – better known to the local dog pack as Sir Ollie. Today, he's here to remind you to get a shiny, new dog license to add to that collection of tags on your collar.

It's the Law

The law says that by April 1st of each year, all dogs in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must obtain a new license from the city or town where they reside.

Ollie says, since most dogs can’t write out a check or fill out forms, responsibility for following this law falls to the people who love them and choose to have a dog in their life.

A Few Tips & Links
- Applications for the 2013 Boston Dog Licenses arrived in homes earlier this month.
- You can also download the forms on the city's website.
- Those who mail in their applications should be certain to include copies of the requested neutering and rabies vaccination certificates, a check payable to animal control, and a stamped self-addressed envelope.
- That envelope will be used to return your dog’s license and tag to you.
- Once your dog is registered with the city, Animal Control will provide a business reply envelope for you to mail in your application and you will only have to pay the postage one way.
- Boston has a two-tiered price structure for dog licenses.
  - It costs $6.00 per year to license a neutered male or spayed female dog.
  - That fee jumps to $17.00 if the animal is intact.
  - The ordinance that set a separate price for pit bulls was voided by a new state law that went into effect on November 1, 2012.
- If you happen to be near city hall, you can bring everything you need with you and pick up the forms and obtain a dog license in room 811.
- Only checks are accepted for payment, in person or by mail – no cash or credit cards.
Don't worry, Ollie did get a little reward for helping us with this message. And, he said to tell you that it's really important to let the city know how many dogs live here and should be considered when the politicians do their planning and spend our money. Getting everyone to license will send a message.

So, stand up and be counted!

Related Posts:

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs!

Tips on "Being" from Sunday Dog Ollie

Sunday Dog New Year's Resolutions (including one from Ollie)

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: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
March 17, 2013
Ollie Says, Time to Get a New Dog License
Here's our pal Olivier – better known to the local dog pack as Sir Ollie. Today, he's here to remind you to get a shiny, new dog license to add to that collection of tags on your collar.

It's the Law

The law says that by April 1st of each year, all dogs in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must obtain a new license from the city or town where they reside.

Ollie says, since most dogs can’t write out a check or fill out forms, responsibility for following this law falls to the people who love them and choose to have a dog in their life.

A Few Tips & Links
- Applications for the 2013 Boston Dog Licenses arrived in homes earlier this month.
- You can also download the forms on the city's website.
- Those who mail in their applications should be certain to include copies of the requested neutering and rabies vaccination certificates, a check payable to animal control, and a stamped self-addressed envelope.
- That envelope will be used to return your dog’s license and tag to you.
- Once your dog is registered with the city, Animal Control will provide a business reply envelope for you to mail in your application and you will only have to pay the postage one way.
- Boston has a two-tiered price structure for dog licenses.
  - It costs $6.00 per year to license a neutered male or spayed female dog.
  - That fee jumps to $17.00 if the animal is intact.
  - The ordinance that set a separate price for pit bulls was voided by a new state law that went into effect on November 1, 2012.
- If you happen to be near city hall, you can bring everything you need with you and pick up the forms and obtain a dog license in room 811.
- Only checks are accepted for payment, in person or by mail – no cash or credit cards.
Don't worry, Ollie did get a little reward for helping us with this message. And, he said to tell you that it's really important to let the city know how many dogs live here and should be considered when the politicians do their planning and spend our money. Getting everyone to license will send a message.

So, stand up and be counted!

Related Posts:

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs!

Tips on "Being" from Sunday Dog Ollie

Sunday Dog New Year's Resolutions (including one from Ollie)

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: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
March 17, 2013
New Food Truck Schedule: Food Truck Tracking April 2012 Update

Our Friday link is to the new schedule and new locations for food trucks approved by the City of Boston and set to begin on April 1, 2012. On Sunday, it won't be an April fools joke if you can't find your favorite food truck in its usual place. Here are links to the city's information, including a schedule and map of approved locations.

And, don't forget the food truck sites in our neighboring cities like Cambridge and Brookline.

The folks at Roaming Hunger aggregate the tweets from Boston area food trucks so you can see who is out and about and what they're tweeting.

If you know of other maps and schedule locators, let us know and we'll add them to this collection.

And, remember, if you're going out of your way to find a certain truck, you should check their twitter feed, facebook, and web pages. These guys are always dancing, trying to make a living, so they may have a catering gig or they may have run out of food. Lots of them give out phone numbers so you can call ahead to check on their status.

What are your favorite food trucks, and where do you find them?

If you know of other maps and schedule locators, let us know and we'll add them to this collection.

How do you find great food when you travel? We highly recommend the book from our pals over at Serious Eats. Here are some references for great Road Food.

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

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those add a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

March 30, 2012
MBTA Apps Our Friday Link

We love knowing when the bus or train is coming and have used those iPhone apps for awhile. Recently, we noticed that the MBTA has added a page for Apps to its Rider Tools section.

And, don't forget that Google Maps also give you live transit updates.

We've used Catch the Bus for a long time but would like to hear what you are using and how well it works.

What's on your green living shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

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

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those add a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

March 16, 2012