Archive for
October, 2007
October 19th, 2007 by susan j
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Whether your style is classic and conservative or indie and eclectic, chances are you’ll find the store in Boston to suit your style. Plus, Massachusetts has no sales tax on clothes, so go ahead and shop ‘til you drop (it counts as cardio, right?). You’ll want to save some money for sightseeing, too, so here are our picks for Boston’s best spots for bargain shopping:
- Though the flagship location in Downtown Crossing has closed for renovations, the lene’s Basement on Boylston Street in the Back Bay offers a less crowded alternative with two floors stacked with huge assortment of designer clothes for men, women, and children. It doesn’t have quite the same thrifty appeal of the Downtown Crossing location, but the selection tends to be higher quality. The Shops at Prudential Center nearby has some good finds, too.
- Need a great pair of shoes in a hurry? Head to the DSW Shoe Warehouse in Downtown Crossing. With row upon row of shoes from Kenneth Cole to Michael Kors, DSW is a shoe-lovers’ paradise. There’s also a Macy’s and several other stores within a few blocks so you won’t have to go far in those shiny new shoes!
- Garment District turns into a mob scene come Halloween, when students and hipsters from around the city make their annual Pilgrimage in search of retro prom dresses and off-beat costumes and make-up. If you’re looking for something slight out of the ordinary, hit The Garment District during their off-season. While you’re in Cambridge, check out the MIT Museum, which is in nearby Central Square.
- Second Time Around has locations in Harvard Square, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, as well as the ‘burbs. This is the place to score gently used designer duds from Gucci for Gap-like prices. My favorite finds include ballet flats, a beaded shrug, and wool trousers – each of which cost less than $20! Their color coding system means that the longer something sits in the store, the deeper the discount.
- You’ll need some nice jewelry to complete your new look, so check out So Good Jewelry on Newbury Street or in Downtown Crossing. This treasure trove of inexpensive accessories is packed with funky necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rhinestone everything.
Planning a trip to
Boston?
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Go Boston Card.
October 18th, 2007 by jamie a
Thursday, October 18 (5-9 pm)
For the ultimate in art, music, and atmosphere, experience the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in a new light with Gardner After Hours. This Thursday features live music in the stunning courtyard by Russ Gershon’s Intimate Ensemble. The cafe is open for business with a new small plates menu and there will also be talks highlighting the importance of music in the museum.
Saturday, October 20 (4 pm- dusk)
Learn some local history at the 3rd annual Ghosts of Somerville play in Milk Row Cemetery, which is usually closed to the public. Dress in warmly in costume and enjoy some hot cider and goodies. Presented by the Somerville Museum and the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission, this is a great way to brush up on your local history–Halloween style!
Saturday, October 20 - Sunday, October 21 (noon- 3 pm)
While the weather’s still mild, pack up the kids and head out to Gore Place in Watertown for an Explore all that nature has to offer on this 45-acre estate which is also a local historical landmark. For only $5.00, you can purchase an “activity pack” that includes binoculars, a magnifying glass, and fun activities. Reservations are recommended.
Sunday, October 21 (10 am- 5 pm)
Attention superhero geeks! This Sunday, the 2nd annual Boston Comic Con takes over the Back Bay Events Center. This year’s festival is full of more artists, comic books, special guests, and memorabilia than ever before. The featured special guest is Jim Steranko, inductee in the Comic Book Hall of Fame, creator of Marvel Comics’ 1960s classic Nick Fury, agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Planning a trip to
Boston?
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Go Boston Card.
October 17th, 2007 by susan j
Video from TravelisticIf you’re one of the lucky few with tickets to this weekend’s baseball games at Fenway Park, then this clever little video has a few suggestions on where to eat and how to get there!
Planning a trip to
Boston?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Boston Card.
October 16th, 2007 by jamie a
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If you’re in town from October 20-21, be sure to check out the 43rd Head of the Charles Regatta. It’s the world’s largest two-day rowing event, giving those in Boston a taste of traditional races in England. Attracting over 8,000 athletes, there’s over 52 events to watch, with championship races on the National Team level.
There’s a Row-a-Palooza concert, Rowing and Fitness Expo tent, a Pasta Party, and a Reunion Village for clubs, school, alums, and parents to reconnect at the regatta. You could also stop by the Harvard Museum of Natural History or the MIT Museum, which are both in the area.
Don your light fall jacket and scarf, walk along the riverbanks, and enjoy the lush fall foliage while watching the boats glide through the Charles.
Planning a trip to
Boston?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Boston Card.
October 15th, 2007 by susan j
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As a vegetarian, I know that one of the biggest challenges to traveling is finding suitable restaurants. Here, I’ve compiled a few of my favorite vegetarian restaurants in Boston.
For an upscale dining experience, try four course vegetarian tasting menu. If you really want to live it up, then this urban chic restaurant in the heart of downtown Boston will also pair wines with their vegetarian offerings. The restaurant is across the harbor from the newly opened Institute of Contemporary Art.
If you’re looking for more casual dining, check out Veggie Planet in Harvard Square. Veggie Planet serves tasty vegetarian and vegan specialties like pizza, soup, salads, and rice dishes, plus their dining room doubles as a folk music venue (called Club Passim) most nights of the week. While in Cambridge, also check out the Harvard Museum of Natural History.
For vegan fare that even your carnivorous companions will love, head to in Allston (near Harvard Street on the B-line). Grasshopper serves savory noodles, rice, tofu, and a very convincing non-dairy cheesecake.
If you happen to be in town on October 20, then check out the 12th Annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival, featuring free food samples, cooking demonstrations, presentations, and more.
Planning a trip to
Boston?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Boston Card.
October 12th, 2007 by jamie a
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Attention Red Sox Nation! As I’m sure you know, the playoff season is upon us with the Sox vying for a spot in the World Series. Starting October 12, games between Boston and Cleveland will begin at Fenway Park and then move to Jacob’s Field in Cleveland.
With identical regular-season records, these two are tied for the best teams in the Major Leagues. This will truly be a test of who can make the plays and the hits when it truly counts. Unlike the classic Yankees vs. Red Sox game of “good vs. evil,” these two teams are brimming with mutual respect and ready to give it their all.
To get a behind the scenes look before the playoff games in Boston, take the Fenway Park Tour and stop in to the Official Red Sox Team Store to show your true love with some great new sports attire!
Planning a trip to
Boston?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Boston Card.
October 12th, 2007 by susan j
Growing up outside of Boston, I loved going into “the big city” to visit the Boston Children’s Museum. I remember shimmying up their 3-story climbing structure and eagerly exploring the Japanese House. Even twenty years later, the Children’s Museum still holds a special place in my heart.
The Children’s Museum is in the midst of some exciting renovations, which will be unveiled on October 27. In the meantime, they just opened a brand new exhibit called “Joshua’s Journey,” which chronicles the life of a 16 year old cowboy on the Chisholm Trail. Kids can experience pioneer life as they learn to saddle a horse, try the bucking bronco, and cook in the chuck wagon. Giddy up!
Planning a trip to
Boston?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Boston Card.
October 11th, 2007 by jamie a
Saturday, October 13 (3 – 6 pm)
A food festival for foodies and kids alike—Project YUM: A Union Square Festival (celebrating local crops and global shops) is the place to be this Saturday. From kimchee to chucchitos, you can explore your adventurous culinary side with tastings and culinary maps of the world.
Friday, October 12 (5 – 10 pm)
Saturday, October 13 (10 am – 6 pm)
In Central Square in Cambridge, artists are challenging visitors to See Art in Everything, a festival from ArtsCentral. The streets will be packed with artists of all kinds—fashion designers, musicians, painters, poets, actors, and chefs—so if you’re up for the challenge, be sure and check it out!
Sunday, October 14 (noon – 4 pm)
Take the family to the Fall Family Festival and celebrate autumn! Held at the New England Wildflower Society’s Garden in the Woods in Framingham, you can see over 1,500 different kinds of native plants or go on a scavenger hunt for autumnal goodies. There’s also an Animal Adventures show at 1:00 p.m. and a Curious Creatures show at 2:30 where you can see animals from a giant anaconda snake to an African pygmy hedgehog.
Sunday, October 14 (10 am - 5 pm)
On the lawn of the Larz Anderson Auto Museum, the Festival in the Park celebration in Brookline includes a crafts fair, pony rides, and much more family entertainment. With free admission and parking, it’s not be missed.
Planning a trip to
Boston?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Boston Card.
October 10th, 2007 by jamie a
Fenway, the official spokesdog of the Go Boston Card
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As the official mascot of Smart Destinations, I’m thrilled to bring you my favorite spots in Boston. Voted the top dog-friendly city in America by DogFriendly.com, there’s a special stop for every pooch to enjoy!
To begin your Boston experience, book a room at the Onyx Hotel, a luxury dog-friendly hotel in the heart of downtown. Check out their special amenities just for pets. I’m excited for the gourmet dog cookies!
Grab some fresh air while visiting the , a three-mile long park on the bank of the Charles River. You might even make some new friends!
For a special indulgence, visit the Polka Dog Bakery, “a treat boutique for dogs.” They take great pride in their all-natural treats from doggie treatza pizza to carob chip puppy dough! I’m drooling just thinking about them! You can even pick up a few new city-chic accessories to impress those back home!
At The Dish, Red Fez, and the Kinsale Irish Pub, doggies are welcome on the outside patios so you can have your meal with the whole family! There’s also a doggie brunch every Saturday at Tremont 647 from 2:00 – 5.00 p.m.! Now, if only they made doggie mimosas…
Planning a trip to
Boston?
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Go Boston Card.
October 9th, 2007 by susan j
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I admit it… I’m a bit of a shoe fanatic. Perhaps not to the extent of Carrie Bradshaw and her beloved Manolos, but I can definitely appreciate the artistry of a well-crafted pair of shoes. Hence I was excited to hear about the Museum of Fine Art’s new shoe exhibit called Walk This Way, running now through March 23, 2008. Interspersed with the museum’s impressive collection of art are over two dozen different pairs of shoes from the Byzantine period to the current day.
My museum buddy and I marveled at the smooth, elegant curve of the heel in the Mary Jane Manolo Blahniks, which were perhaps my personal faves. Other highlights include a pair of strappy sandals worn by Marilyn Monroe, a pair of Geta (Japanese platform sandals) from the early 20th century, a pair of brocade silk pumps designed by Vivienne Westwood (pictured above), and Grecian-inspired embroidered flats from 18th century France.
Spread throughout the museum in related exhibits, the shoes beautifully illustrate how various art movements contributed to fashion and popular culture (for example: the lavish ornamentation of European artists inspired a pair of red Miu Miu pumps circa 2006). Now if only those Manolos and Miu Mius were available in the museum shop…
Planning a trip to
Boston?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Boston Card.
