Abolitionist Lucy Stone<\/span><\/a> gazes at slave Phillis Wheatley<\/span><\/a> on the Boston Women's Memorial on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n This month has a theme, Black History Month, that fits into Boston's historical culture. The people of Boston were an important part of the abolitionist movement<\/a>. We have a wonderful Black Heritage Trail<\/a> and this year the Museum of Fine arts has some exceptional offerings like the Gordon Parks exhibition<\/a>. In a city with so much history, it can be good to focus on one aspect like this, from time to time.<\/p>\n Abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison<\/span><\/a> sits two blocks away on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n If you're a visitor to Boston, you should know that we have a long weekend on February 14-16 to celebrate Presidents' Day.<\/p>\n That weekend is also Valentine's Day so restaurant and hotel reservations may be a bit tighter. And, Valentine's Day is an event where many restaurants have special prix fixe menus offering less choice, higher prices, and often lower quality. Here's a link our post: Where to Dine Valentine's Day 2015 – Ideas for Romantic Dining in Boston.<\/a><\/p>\n On the other hand, some hotels will be offering special romantic packages since this is not the busiest month of the year. Locals might consider a staycation weekend tucked into a romantic hotel in the city. <\/p>\n On the convention front, there are just two events that might impact hotel prices. One in the seaport area, where it will have much less impact on the lives of Bostonians and visitors, is projecting about 16,000 visitors from the 4th to the 6th. And, at the Hynes in the Back Bay, 5,000 conventioneers are expected on the 26th and 27th.<\/p>\n Penny has started this same conversion over on the Trip Advisor Boston Forum to give some background for visitors to our fair city and for the locals who volunteer on that forum to trade ideas with one another. You'll find additional ideas at this link.<\/a><\/p>\n Your Turn<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n We hope you'll join in and make this a conversation here. Add your comments below or follow us on Twitter<\/a> and send your ideas to us there. Just put @BostonZest in your message and we'll get it.<\/p>\n Who's next?<\/p>\n What are your favorite February pastimes?<\/p>\n What events are you planning to attend this month?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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<\/a>Black History Month<\/h3>\n
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February Events<\/h2>\n
Few Conventions This Month<\/h2>\n
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