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Archive for 2007

My Trip to the Celtics Game

December 11th, 2007 by jamie a

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Photo uploaded by ReneS

I think I’m becoming a Celtics fan. As the girlfriend of an extremely loyal Celtics nut, this is clearly part of his plan. But, you know, even if this has been a goal of his all along, the game we attended for his birthday on 11/21 with the Celtics vs. the Warriors was nothing short of awesome.

Starting with meeting up for dinner at the Cambridge Brewing Company, we enjoyed their handcrafted brews with our swordfish kebabs and smoked salmon salad. We prepared for nachos at the game by taking advantage of the CBC’s wonderful lighter options. Located right in Kendall Square, it’s a great spot if you’re visiting the MIT area. From there, we hopped on the red line and switched to the green line at Park Street to make our way to North Station. The Boston Garden is literally built on top of this station, so it’s ridiculously easy to get there. You don’t even have to go outside!

Tim, the boyfriend, had purchased the best seats he could find to treat himself for his birthday. We found them right behind the hoop and were surprised at how great (and intense!) our view was. We were certainly close to the action, but not susceptible to basketballs flying towards our faces. If you looked directly across the court from us, you could see Big Papi (aka David Ortiz) decked out in Celtics gear snapping photos on his digital camera from his court-side seat.

We grabbed some nachos to share and Tim had a birthday beer as we cheered the Celtics to victory. The team’s got some great chemistry going on and we got to see everyone in action– from Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen. It’s very exciting to see the players that close because it seems to make the game more real, but definitely makes them seem larger than life!

With current standings at 17-2, this is bound to be an exciting comeback year. If you’re a fan, make sure to check out the Celtics Blog for daily game updates and links for all your Celtics curiosities.

Planning a trip to Boston? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Boston Card.

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Ice Skating on Boston’s Frog Pond

December 10th, 2007 by lori t

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Ice Skaing on the Frog Pond
Photo uploaded by spi516

Boston Commons is the oldest public park in America, dating back to 1643. What could be more fun than skating in the heart of the city, especially with the twinkle of holiday lights and the promise of hot chocolate when you take off those skates?

The Boston Common Frog Pond Ice Skating Rink is now open until mid March, and it’s included with your Go Boston Card. The rink is refrigerated so no worries about what you’ll find when you get there. The skating rink features rentals, concession stands, restroom, and a warming stand. After you’ve worked up a good appetite, head over to Cheers on Beacon Street for a tasty lunch.

Planning a trip to Boston? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Boston Card.

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Crafty Christmas Gifts

December 7th, 2007 by jamie a

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Sowa Holiday Market vendors
Photo uploaded by decor8

With holiday season upon us, it’s difficult to find the perfect gifts for quirky friends who enjoy gifts a little out of the ordinary. These holiday markets in Boston this weekend are perfect for buying handmade, supporting independent crafters everywhere, and finding unique (and perfect!) gifts.

December 5- 9
The largest public art sale in New England starts this Wednesday at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. There will be more than 5,000 paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and more available for purchase.

December 8-9
The 4th Annual Sowa Holiday Market returns this weekend with over 80 artisans from all over New England showing their wares. Admission is $5 with free parking at the event, located at 74 Union Park Street at the Cathedral High School Gym.

December 9
Since 2001, the Bazaar Bizarre has been delighting holiday shoppers everywhere by providing the best in handmade items from the most talented of alternative crafters. Proclaimed as “…not your granny’s craft fair!” this is a perfect spot to find gifts for your hip friends.

Planning a trip to Boston? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Boston Card.

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Boston Events for the Week of 12/6

December 6th, 2007 by jamie a

Thursday, December 6 (6- midnight)
Join the businesses of Davis Square on the red line for Midnight Madness, a chance to shop after hours with tasty snacks, fun, and tons of savings.

Friday, December 7 - Saturday, December 8 (3 pm & 8 pm)
The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus presents their holiday concert, “Peace on Earth,” at the New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall.

Until December 23
Check out the 19th season of North Shore Music Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol. With fantastic special effects, traditional and original songs, and great costumes, it’s an event for the whole family to enjoy.

Saturday, December 8
SWEA, The Swedish Women’s Educational Association, hosts A Swedish Yuletide Celebration at the Boston Center for the Arts. With a traditional Lucia procession, food, and unique gifts, it’s a wonderful cultural celebration to attend.

Planning a trip to Boston? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Boston Card.

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Go Boston Cards Make the Perfect Gift

December 5th, 2007 by susan j

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Photo uploaded by ms.Tea

If you’re looking for a holiday gift that won’t pack on the pounds or sit in a closet with last year’s sweaters, then why not consider giving a Go Boston Card?

Go Boston Cards make great gifts, because they are one-size-fits-all, allowing your gift recipient to choose the activities that most appeal to them. Aunt Susie can bring the kids to Six Flags and the Boston Children’s Museum. Cousin Joe can take a Fenway Park Tour or check out the New England Sports Museum. Sister Kelly can treat herself to Joi Salon and Spa or some retail therapy at Prudential Center.

With over 70 attractions in Boston and the surrounding area, the Go Boston Card has something for everyone. AND we’re now offering 20% off 2, 3, 5, and 7-Day cards. Hurry - sale ends tomorrow!

Planning a trip to Boston? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Boston Card.

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Laugh it Up in Boston!

December 4th, 2007 by susan j

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Improv Asylum
Photo uploaded by Patty.Barrett

If you’re looking for some comic relief after a busy day of sightseeing, then we’ve got you covered. Boston has plenty of places to see some improv, sketch comedy, standup, and more. Here are some of our picks:

  1. The Comedy Connection in Faneuil Hall has the perfect location for visitors, because it’s an easy walk away from the Otis House Museum, the New England Aquarium, and other attractions in downtown Boston. Grab a cup of chowda downstairs, then head upstairs for national standup actis like Jon Stewart and Margaret Cho.
  2. Nick’s Comedy Stop features homegrown talent and up-and-coming comics in the Theater District near Beantown Trolley and Shear Madness (also a good option for comedy-seekers). Check their website for special ticket promotions.
  3. Improv Asylum bills itself as “the funniest show you’ll ever be a part of.” An ever-changing cast of “inmates” perform a hybrid of sketch comedy and improv, drawing on suggestions from the crowd. I attended a recent show that culminated in a hilarious parody of West Side Story.
  4. ImprovBoston is actually in Cambridge’s Inman Square. Wednesday through Sunday, ImprovBoston presents a variety of outrageously funny shows.
  5. The Comedy Studio features standup and sketch comedy five nights a week. They are located in Harvard Square near the Harvard Museum of Natural History.

BONUS: This Wednesday, celebrate “AngstGiving” with a show called Mortified. This quarterly reading series bring together people from all walks of life to read from their teenage journals. The results are alternately hysterical and heart-bending!

Planning a trip to Boston? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Boston Card.

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Gardner After Hours

December 3rd, 2007 by jamie a

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Through Blue Windows at the Gardner
Photo by Derek Kouyoumjian

For a change from your usual night out, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has launched Gardner After Hours with live music, art, cocktails, and delightful conversation. Hosted in the museum’s stunning courtyard and in the exhibitions, there’s always something new on the third Thursday of each month.

Take part in one of the gallery talks where you can hear artists discuss their own work or enjoy a small plates menu at the Gardner Cafe where you can sample their delicious creations. These events are perfect for those who need a night out on the town to indulge their artistic and cultural cravings.

The next Gardner After Hours, A Solstice Soiree, is December 20th from 5-9 pm. Hear a brass quintet in the courtyard decked out in holly and poinsettias, discover the pagan symbols in the museum’s collection, view the Cliff Evans’ new exhibit entitled Empyrean, and pick up some last-minute gifts in the museum’s gift shop.

Planning a trip to Boston? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Boston Card.

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Dining with the Stars

November 30th, 2007 by amy c

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Cameron Diaz
Photo uploaded by sheksays

Los Angeles and New York are not the only cities attracting celebrities, especially since hit movies with big name stars have been filming around Boston lately. Most recently, a movie starring Morgan Freeman, called The Lonely Maiden, is scheduled to be filming in the Allston area this week.

Undoubtedly, stars hit up the trendiest and most delicious restaurants, offering a guide to the places that deliver a little “scene” with their food. You may not see the likes of Matt Damon at a local pub, but you can follow these star tracks and dine like them too. And who knows– you may just get lucky and glimpse a celebrity sighting over a cup of New England Clam Chowder or a Sam Adams beer.

Boston.com and The Beantown Bloggery spotted these hot-spots. Now here is what you can expect from these celebrity-attracting restaurants:

No. 9 Park: It is hard to believe that “Skinny Minny” Cameron Diaz has ever touched pasta but this is probably what she dined on in this elegant townhouse on Beacon Hill. The delicate pastas and combination of fresh Italian and French flavors has made Executive Chef Barbara Lynch and her restaurant famous. Named one of the “Ten Best Chefs in America,” Lynch has brought what she learned from cooking in Italy to the states with tasty success. The delicate and authentic, yet innovative food and timeless elegance of the atmosphere make this restaurant the cutting edge in fine dining in Boston. Old world elegance awaits you in the nearby at the Harrison Gray Otis House, a classic home to the elegant governing class after the American revolution. Known for hosting lavish parties and being the height of comfort and glamor, you catch a glimpse of the celebrities of the past. (more…)

Planning a trip to Boston? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Boston Card.

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Boston Events for the Week of 11/29

November 29th, 2007 by jamie a

Friday, November 30 (8 pm)
Join the Boston Conservatory for their Winter Tableau Concert Series at Seully Hall. Juventas will be presenting 8 works by today’s most talented composers under 35 with an eclectic selection of music from various genres.

Saturday, December 1-Sunday, December 2 (10 pm - 10 pm)
The “inmates” at Improv Asylum perform a full 24 hours of comedy as a fundraiser for Globe Santa. One $10 ticket lets you come and go as much as you’d like.

Saturday, December 1 (8:30 am)
Help raise money for the Special Olympics by participating in this year’s Jolly Jaunt 5K in Boston Common. If you’re not running or walking in the race, you can always donate to the participating teams and still help out.

Saturday, December 1 (11 am - 5 pm)
Attending Fenway Open Studios is a wonderful way to support the local artists who work there and pick up some gifts for the holidays. Built in 1905, it’s a national historical landmark and the oldest continuously functioning space built solely for the purpose of being an artist’s workspace.

Saturday, December 1 (11 am - 6 pm)
The third annual Union Square Winter Craft Market is open this Saturday! For gifts you can’t find at any shopping mall, support local artisans and pick up the best in handmade products.

Wednesday, December 5 (8 pm)
Relive the trials and tribulations of adolescence with Mortified! This quarterly series features “real people” reading from their old journals, letters, notes, and more at the Paradise Lounge.

Planning a trip to Boston? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Boston Card.

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What’s New at the ICA

November 28th, 2007 by amy c

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The view of Boston Harbor from inside Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art
Photo uploaded by MegElizabeth

Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art has been offering insights into cutting edge art, artists, and the creative process for 70 years. Now in its new state-of-the-art facility on the waterfront, the ICA continues offering a portal into multi-disciplinary arts with its innovative exhibition space, performing arts theater, media center, bookstore, and cafe. Here is an overview of the exciting exhibitions going on at the ICA, as well as upcoming events you won’t want to miss:

Design Life Now (through January 6, 2008): This large scale exhibition presents the best work of the past three years in architecture, design, film, graphics, fashion, science, and new technologies. On display are creations from more than 80 designers and firms.

Bourgeois in Boston (though March 2, 2008): Sculpture, paintings, prints, and drawings have been donated from museums and private collections to offer an array of the emotional and innovative work of one of the most influential living artists, Louise Bourgeois. The highly symbolic art is made from a wide variety of everyday materials and represent the body, family, sexuality, trauma and anxiety.

Momentum 9: Kader Attia (through March 2, 2008): This is the French-Algerian artist’s first solo exhibition in the US. His work evokes abstract themes, such as absence and emptiness through sculptures.

Glimpse a preview of more exhibitions here.

Upcoming Exhibitions:
The World as a Stage- February 2 to April 28, 2008
Momentum 10: Ranjani Shettar- March 19 to July 13, 2008
Street Level March 19 to July 13, 2008

Planning a trip to Boston? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Boston Card.

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