Tag: memorial day

  • 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 29, 2017. This is now a permanent resource page that we will update from year-to-year.

    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!

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    Will you stay in the city or enjoy a holiday weekend at a great beach house with a view like this on the harbor in Provincetown? Or will you put the boat in the water and get out on your favorite bay?

    Restaurants, bars: Open

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets: Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

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    Plan ahead if you need wine, beer, or spirits for your holiday event.

    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: "On City holidays, we suspend street sweeping during the day, but we still sweep streets at night. On the weekends, we sweep some streets at night. Please always check posted street sweeping signs for information. If you still have questions, please contact 311."

    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 city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information

    DSC_0410 - Version 22011-02-03MBTA Arlington station © 2011 Penny Cherubino© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    MBTA Memorial Day Schedule Changes:

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

    MBTA Memorial Day 2017 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.

    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: © 2011-2017 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles

    Petie Prances & Kicks Up His Heels with the Joy of Spring
    Roses for Sarmiento
  • What’s Open and Closed on Memorial Day 2016 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 30, 2016. 

    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!

    Sm Beach House and Gusto IMG_9714

    Will you stay in the city or enjoy a holiday weekend at a great beach house like these on the harbor in Provincetown? Or will you put the boat in the water and get out on your favorite bay?

    Restaurants, bars: Open

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets: Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    CHE_0501

    Plan ahead if you need wine, beer, or spirits for your holiday event.

    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 311 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 city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information

    DSC_0410 - Version 22011-02-03MBTA Arlington station © 2011 Penny Cherubino© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    MBTA Memorial Day Schedule Changes:

    (05.20.16) Update:

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

    MBTA Memorial Day 2016 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. 

    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: © 2011-2016 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles

    Petie Prances & Kicks Up His Heels with the Joy of Spring
    Roses for Sarmiento
  • 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!

    CHE_7273 - Version 22015-05-08beach-house-provincetown-harbor-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    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

  • What’s Happening Around Boston in May 2015

    May in Boston is dominated by what we call “Graduation Season.” This is the time of year when students graduate from more than 100 colleges and universities in the Greater Boston area. Friends and families arrive to attend the ceremonies and treat the new grads to meals around town. 

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    Families also come to Boston to pick up and move out many of the 250,000 students who spend the academic year around here. That can mean traffic issues and parking headaches in some neighborhoods.

    All year long, the locals who volunteer to assist visitors over on the Boston Trip Advisor forum explain that these May happenings and other events explain the scarcity and high cost of hotel rooms. 

    Here is our post with all dates for many of this year’s graduations.

    Boston Area Commencement Dates, Spring 2015

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    Farmers Markets Start Opening In May

    This is one of the very best things about May. We look forward to great local food and the wonderful community that exists at our local farmers markets. The tremendously popular and busy Copley Square Farmers Market opened on May12th.

    We have a post with all the dates: Market Report: Summer Farmers Markets Opening Dates 2015

     6a00e54fc42bb8883401a3fd065312970b-800wi

    Make May Restaurant Reservations 

    Reservations at area restaurants will be harder to find May 8th through 11th with Mother's Day and 5 commencements, and scarce May 15th through 18th when 15 schools, including BU and BC, will hold ceremonies. Harvard commencement is May 28th and MIT June 5th – each of these schools is large enough to have an impact on its own.

    Holidays in May

    Mother’s Day is Sunday May 10th. You have a short time to make plans to celebrate if that day is on your calendar. On Mother’s Day, you'll find special menus in many restaurants. If you have suggestions for places not doing this or alternative dining suggestions for Mother’s Day please add them. Here's a link to our post with suggestions for places to dine on Mother's Day. 

    Memorial Day is Monday, May 25. That means the long weekend to kick off summer will begin on Friday May 22nd. If you are staying in Boston consider taking advantage of the Museum of Fine Arts annual Memorial Day Open House with free admission and special programs throughout the day.

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    Conventions that Impact Hotel Pricing & Availability

    April 29-May 2: American College of Physicians Internal Medicine 2015, estimated attendees: 7,000

    May 6-7: UBM Canon – BIOMEDevice / Design & Manufacturing New England / Electronics New England 2015, estimated attendees: 6,050

    May 14-16: Heart Rhythm Society – 2015 Annual Scientific Sessions, estimated attendees: 15,000

    May 26-28: NAFSA: Association of International Educators 2015 Annual Conference & International Education Expo, estimated attendees: 7,000

    Watch for our upcoming post on what we’re looking forward to in May. We'd love to include some of your suggestions. Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email.

    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 photo from iStockphoto.com

  • What’s Happening Around Boston in May 2015

    May in Boston is dominated by what we call “Graduation Season.” This is the time of year when students graduate from more than 100 colleges and universities in the Greater Boston area. Friends and families arrive to attend the ceremonies and treat the new grads to meals around town. 

      6a00e54fc42bb88834019b00a18caf970c-800wi

    Families also come to Boston to pick up and move out many of the 250,000 students who spend the academic year around here. That can mean traffic issues and parking headaches in some neighborhoods.

    All year long, the locals who volunteer to assist visitors over on the Boston Trip Advisor forum explain that these May happenings and other events explain the scarcity and high cost of hotel rooms. 

    Here is our post with all dates for many of this year’s graduations.

    Boston Area Commencement Dates, Spring 2015

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a511bf5f8e970c-800wi

    Farmers Markets Start Opening In May

    This is one of the very best things about May. We look forward to great local food and the wonderful community that exists at our local farmers markets. The tremendously popular and busy Copley Square Farmers Market opened on May12th.

    We have a post with all the dates: Market Report: Summer Farmers Markets Opening Dates 2015

     6a00e54fc42bb8883401a3fd065312970b-800wi

    Make May Restaurant Reservations 

    Reservations at area restaurants will be harder to find May 8th through 11th with Mother's Day and 5 commencements, and scarce May 15th through 18th when 15 schools, including BU and BC, will hold ceremonies. Harvard commencement is May 28th and MIT June 5th – each of these schools is large enough to have an impact on its own.

    Holidays in May

    Mother’s Day is Sunday May 10th. You have a short time to make plans to celebrate if that day is on your calendar. On Mother’s Day, you'll find special menus in many restaurants. If you have suggestions for places not doing this or alternative dining suggestions for Mother’s Day please add them. Here's a link to our post with suggestions for places to dine on Mother's Day. 

    Memorial Day is Monday, May 25. That means the long weekend to kick off summer will begin on Friday May 22nd. If you are staying in Boston consider taking advantage of the Museum of Fine Arts annual Memorial Day Open House with free admission and special programs throughout the day.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834015434b67bed970c-800wi

    Conventions that Impact Hotel Pricing & Availability

    April 29-May 2: American College of Physicians Internal Medicine 2015, estimated attendees: 7,000

    May 6-7: UBM Canon – BIOMEDevice / Design & Manufacturing New England / Electronics New England 2015, estimated attendees: 6,050

    May 14-16: Heart Rhythm Society – 2015 Annual Scientific Sessions, estimated attendees: 15,000

    May 26-28: NAFSA: Association of International Educators 2015 Annual Conference & International Education Expo, estimated attendees: 7,000

    Watch for our upcoming post on what we’re looking forward to in May. We'd love to include some of your suggestions. Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email.

    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 photo from iStockphoto.com

  • Memorial Day: Make a Summer Bucket List!

    This holiday marks the unofficial start of summer and heralds the best month of the year* in Boston. It's the perfect day to make a Summer 2014 Bucket List of places you want to go and things you want to do in the warmer months.

    IMG_7391 - Version 22014-05-02-back-bay-boston-brownstone-flowers-garden-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    It could be something as simple as slowing down as you walk around the city to enjoy beautiful gardens and floral displays like this one.

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     Perhaps you want to take an art class or just get out and draw or paint.

    PC2_3076 - Version 22014-04-25provincetown, reflections,© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Or, you might want to make reservations to visit your favorite places.

    Make your list, check it twice, and get out and enjoy summer in Boston.

    * By the way, for us, the best month of the year in Boston is June. Most of the students are gone, there are few conventions or events, and the tourists have not yet arrived in droves. It's a great time to stay in the city and enjoy it as if you were a vistor. That's the top item on our Summer Bucket List and we plan to check it off with a big smile.

    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  

  • Memorial Day: Make a Summer Bucket List!

    This holiday marks the unofficial start of summer and heralds the best month of the year* in Boston. It's the perfect day to make a Summer 2014 Bucket List of places you want to go and things you want to do in the warmer months.

    IMG_7391 - Version 22014-05-02-back-bay-boston-brownstone-flowers-garden-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    It could be something as simple as slowing down as you walk around the city to enjoy beautiful gardens and floral displays like this one.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340120a92d2760970b-800wi

     Perhaps you want to take an art class or just get out and draw or paint.

    PC2_3076 - Version 22014-04-25provincetown, reflections,© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Or, you might want to make reservations to visit your favorite places.

    Make your list, check it twice, and get out and enjoy summer in Boston.

    * By the way, for us, the best month of the year in Boston is June. Most of the students are gone, there are few conventions or events, and the tourists have not yet arrived in droves. It's a great time to stay in the city and enjoy it as if you were a vistor. That's the top item on our Summer Bucket List and we plan to check it off with a big smile.

    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  

  • 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!

    6a00e54fc42bb888340168eb75f9c7970c-800wi

    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

  • 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!

    6a00e54fc42bb888340168eb75f9c7970c-800wi

    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

  • Make Your Spring Reservations, Here Are Reasons to Do It Now!

    Do you have a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary that you'd like to celebrate at an area restaurant in the next couple of months? Or, do you have family or friends coming to Boston who need hotel and restaurant reservations? Were you hoping to dine out on Easter Sunday or Mother's Day?

    If so, put "Make Reservations" at the top of your to-do list this week.

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    Why?

    Because Boston is expecting a lot of visitors between now and mid-June. Here are some of the dates when you will be competing with big crowds here for graduations, conventions, or events.

    Graduation Season

    Each year, we publish a calendar of the area's major college commencements and graduations. Here's a link to this year's edition.

    Boston Area Commencement Dates, Spring 2014

    This list runs from May 4th to June 6th with a blockbuster weekend hosting eleven commencements between May 17-19th. Many visitors are shocked at the price of hotel rooms during our commencement season and are having difficulty reserving tables for family meals during this time.

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    Events

    March 15-17, Saint Patrick's Day Weekend – If the questions over on Trip Advisor are any indication, visitors from the UK come to Boston to join in our festivities. As always, this is on March 17th when a strange holiday called Evacuation Day was created that just happens to coincide with a desired date for celebration. With the 17th on a Monday, plans for a long weekend of green beer are on more than a few calendars. (Plus two conventions noted below.)

    April 18-21, Patriots' Day Weekend will host the largest Boston Marathon in years with an official field of 36,000 runners and an estimate of twice the traditional half-million spectators.

    This is also a weekend of other BAA races as well as sporting events elsewhere in the city. Some locals look forward to this annual happening, others will leave the city until it's over. Oh, and it's also Easter Sunday this year!

    May 11, Mother's Day is always a day with a shortage of reservations since it happens during our graduation season. There are five schools holding commencement that weekend.

    May 24-26, Memorial Day Weekend is a traditional time to open summer homes and perhaps enjoy a first summer weekend away. If you want the best choice of hotel, Zipcar, or to be assured of a table at your favorite restaurant in places from Portland, Maine to Provincetown, reserve soon.

    Move-Out Season – Many of the two hundred thousand plus students will be moving out of Boston in late May and early June. In some neighborhoods, this is a major event impacting traffic, parking, and trash collection.

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    Conventions

    Spring is also a time for large conventions in Boston. Here are a few dates when 10,000 people or more will be added to the city's population. Fortunately, many of these large events are out in the Seaport District and will not impact most residents. A few are at the Hynes Convention Center in the Back Bay and will be more noticeable.

    March 16-18, two conventions in the Seaport District are expecting 26,000 attendees. This is also Saint Patrick's Day Weekend so it will make a difference throughout the city.

    March 21-23, the Anime Boston event at the Hynes will have colorful characters roaming the Back Bay and scattered throughout Boston. There is also a a smaller convention in the Seaport District for a total of 25,000 attendees.

    April 3-5: 20,000 in the Seaport District

    May 1: 16,000 in the Seaport District

    May 8-10: 15,000 in the Seaport District

    May 18: 11,000 in the Seaport District

    June 8: 13,000 in the Seaport District

    Then, we switch to summer tourists with the next big convention in October.

    PC2_2268 - Version 22014-03-08-tourist-photo-boston-visitors-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Don't Forget

    You may need reservations for a pet sitter or childcare so get that underway too.

    If you travel on the MBTA, use UBER, or taxis, some of these events will have a big impact on those means of travel with crowded trains and shortages of cars and taxis.

    All these visitors will also give you a wonderful opportunity to meet people from around the world. If you see someone who seems to be in need of help or looks lost, be a good host and offer a hand.

    When you see a group posing for photos, offer to take one of the entire gang. It only takes a minute, but gives the visitors a great memory of both the photo and the friendly Bostonian.

    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: (Crowd scene iStockphoto), (Marathon & Tourists © 2012-2014 Penny Cherubino), (Anime photo from the Weekly Dig used under this creative common's license.)