365 Things to Do in Boston - New Tips Daily

So if you have nothing better to do today, then this may be the right time for you to check out The Longfellow House: George Washington's headquarters during the Revolutionary War. It's pretty much one of those places you go and say "well this is cool" but definitly is no roller coaster ride. It's a great place to spend the day though, relax, and get your quick history fix for the week. 

Here's a quick summary of what you'll be learning about:

"Historic Site preserves the home of Henry W. Longfellow, one of the world’s foremost 19th century poets. The house also served as headquarters for General George Washington during the Siege of Boston, July 1775 - April 1776. In addition to its rich history, the site offers unique opportunities to explore 19th century literature and arts."

...sounds interesting... hmmm... maybe I will even go... Although Mr. Longfellow is kind of intimidating me with his head shot. 

Click Here For Directions

Thirty-four islands accessible from Boston Harbor comprise this National Park Area! HOW CAN YOU GO WRONG!!!? At the Boston Harbor Islands you can camp, kayak, picnic, swim, bird watch or explore historic trails and forts! This is pretty much an entire weekend trip, but if you are calling it a quick one then you may want to prepare and get a good night sleep the day before your trip!

There are panoramic views of the harbor and Boston, camping available on four islands, and a ferry service provided by Harbor Express (here is their phone number 617-223-8666).

Word of advice: The Summer Shack manages the food concessions on Spectacle and Georges Islands and they are - to describe in one word - TASTY! :)

Address:
One Long Wharf 
Boston, MA 02110

Phone #1: (617) 223-8666

How to Get There?

I was aimlessly walking through South End last weekend and happened to stumble (luckily stumble that is) into an amazing pub - aka JJ Foley's. I was looking for a laid back kind of evening, and got just that... or something like that. After the families and children rolled out after dinner (and after I had stuffed my face with a quesadilla that no Mexican restaurant could ever top) the place really started kickin. In fact, there was a line out the door. 

I began to talk to my bartender and found out that he was the owner's son. I made some friends at the bar and shortly found out that this was Boston's OLDEST FAMILY OWNED RESTERAUNT! Okay, so maybe I'm a little too obsessed with history, but if you ask me (and any local) JJ Foley's is a hot spot for everyone. If you are looking to have a great dinner and great drinks, and don't want to completely kill your wallet, then head on over to JJ Foley's. Looking for a Saturday night hot spot kinda bar? This is your place too. 

OHHH and just when you think it doesn't get any better... When I asked to take a picture with the owner Jimmy and his son I was taken by surprise. Jimmy's second son - aka my future husband ;) - jumped in the back of the picture. Family owned for sure!

So this one is a no brainer! The Boston Restaurant Week is simply just one of those deals that you can't pass up. With over 200 of of Boston's Best Restaurants at the tip of your fingers, it's an event that is not easy to pass up... (unless you're on a strict diet... yeah yeah I know you'll still be there.)

So how does it work? Well pretty much every participating restaurant is out to impress you, but the best part about it is there are fixed prices:

• 3 Course Dinner for $33.12
• 3 Course Lunch for $20.12
• 2 Course Lunch for $15.12 

So take your pick from some of Boston's bests!! 

And so I can help make your life a little bit easier, Make the most of this Restaurant Week with help from the Boston Restaurant Week Blog – a handy guide to what diners and restaurants are saying about everyone’s favorite two week dining extravaganza.

Click here to subscribe.

It's the Brazilian Fashion Week and Boston! (I am practically running in circles with excitement.) The luxury designer showcase is a VIP red carpet fashion event this week. Luxury designers & boutiques will showcase their unique designs on the catwalk at the Taj Hotel. You will think you’re at a NYC fashion week show with a 40 ft runway, but instead you will be experiencing the best that New England and the nation’s, design talent has to offer!!

I am practiaclly the girl from of the movie Shopaholic so you will DEFINITLY see me there. And just when it can't get any better- let me reassure you that you can't live without the VIP ticket! Get your's here!

Starting today, August 16th, up until August 19th, take a break from the real world and relax at the annual celebration in Boston's Italian community in the North End since 1910! The event includes a procession of the Madonna through the neighborhood!

So what is this Fisherman's Feast and why should you go?

Well it's over 100 years old, so it obviously must be pretty awesome if it's been around for that long. This an annual event that began in Boston in 1910 and is based on a tradition that goes back to the 16th century in Sciacca Sicily! 

"The Feast is based on the devotion of the fishermen from Sciacca to the Madonna del Soccorso (Our Lady of Help). When the fishermen immigrated to America in the early 1900's, they brought their traditions with them. Today's Feast is much the same as it was over 100 years ago with lights adorning the street and the smell of sausage in the air. The current Feast is organized by the descendants of those original immigrants and still includes a procession of the Madonna through the streets of the North End."

No matter what the season, you'll find residents of Jamaica Plain, Roslindale and other Boston areas out enjoying the beautiful scenery, boning up on botany or walking their dogs.  Boston celebrates its surroundings, and no place more than the 256-acre Arnold Arboretum, part of Frederick Law Olmstead's signature Emerald Necklace. (Plan Your Visit Here)

Already a Boston Garden member and looking for a little something extra? Well there is a special event at the Arnold Arboretum so so take advantage of this opportunity! It is the Massachusetts Botanic Gardens Reciprocal Membership Week.

If you are a member of at least one of the Massachusetts public gardens, enjoy free admission and/or other benefits when you visit from August 11 through 19. Not currently a garden member? Join or renew now.

Click here to see participating gardens!

This Thursday - Saturday, August 16-18, 2012, make sure to attend the FREE Outdoor Festival! The Boston GreenFest is a fully inclusive festival filled with fun learning experiences to address the important changes we need to make in our daily lives and our neighborhoods.

The GreenFest has something for all ages. It is a place where people can learn, connect & celebrate. There will be ongoing live performances on multiple stages, over 200 exhibitors, EcoFashion Tent, and GreenFilmFest. New Programs for 2011: GreenFest will run the first EcoQuest, a city-wide environmental scavenger hunt and our first Noche Latina with an Eco Salsa Fashion Show.  To top off the evening, they plan to offer a special Green Fireworks Display and Laser Show. (now that is wicked sick.. and free!)

Here is the schedule of events!

A great way to start a visit in Boston is with a bird’s-eye view from the Skywalk Observatory on the 50th floor of the Prudential Center, which offers a 360 degree panorama, including the harbor, Boston Common, and across the Charles River, Cambridge, home of America’s oldest university, Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

There really isn't much to say about it, considering any description of the view I give you won't do it justice. So go check it out! It is definitely something you want to do whether you are just visiting or are here to stay!

If there is one family that is synonymous with Boston it is the Kennedys. In a landmark contemporary building on the water, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum in Dorchester has memorabilia of the late president, his wife and family. As well as Jackie’s gowns, there are video clips ranging from civil rights to the Cuban Missile Crisis.  There is even a reconstruction of the White House Oval Office as it was during his presidency. Through their permanent exhibits, you can learn about the career of John F. Kennedy, the challenges he faced, the decisions he made, and his commitment to public life as he speaks for himself on film, video, and sound recordings from the Library's audio-visual collections.  Exhibits on the Kennedy presidency focus on such hallmarks as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Peace Corps and the Space Program. They also have some special temporary exhibits so check out their website to see what's going on!