365 Things to Do in Boston - New Tips Daily

The 8th Annual Candyland Tournament is less than two weeks away so make sure to scratch it into your calendar. In Faneuil Hall at the upper rotunda of Quincy Hall, from 10AM-NOON on December 8th, the board game challenge will be at its' peak point! It's $20 per family, so what's holding you back? 

"This event benefits Pitching in for Kids, Inc., a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to providing specifically earmarked grants designed to improve the lives of children across the New England region. "

And who doesn't love playing Candyland? In fact, my family is knowingly wicked good at board games and I can reassure you that if they lived in Boston we would destroy anyone who tested our skills! If you are facing the same problem I am, just get a group of friends together and head on over to Faneuil Hall! 

Today is the day! The Downtown Holiday Market is Back for its' fourth year in Downtown Crossing. Every year it has been a huge hit with over 100,000 people. It is a great place to pick up festive, one of a kind gifts that are filled with Boston history and Christmas cheer. 

"Downtown's biggest holiday market is back! The fourth-annual Downtown Boston Holiday Market features new artisan vendors each week, along with appearances from Santa and musical performances on Summer Street. The Market is open from 11 am-7 pm on Mondays-Saturdays and from 11 am-5 pm on Sundays. Summer St., Downtown Crossing, Boston."

So there ya have it. If you were looking for something to do today, than a day at this market is just the thing to do! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes - this place is contagious!

Ho Ho Ho!!! Santa is back and town, and he's coming in with style. Making his debut today at the Prudential Center in Back Bay, he will be taking pictures with everyone. And who doesn't like Santa? He's like a big jolly, old happy man! With cheer and spirit he wishes the best for children across the world, and the well-being of everyone. Take your children, significant other, or hey, if if your feeling a little on the wild side, just go by yourself. Make sure to remind Santa that I want the Iphone 5. Thanks in advance...

WHEN:

Friday, November 23 – Monday, December 24, 2012 

WhERE: 

Belvidere Arcade, the Prudential Center
800 Boylston St
Boston, MA 02116

MBTA: Green Line - Prudential

Today is a big day for everyone. Family, an enourmous amount of food, and of course the beginning of the holiday season. Start the holiday off tomorrow with your family to go and see How The Grinch Stole Christmas.

"As the Grinch took the tree, as he started to shove, he heard a small sound like the coo of a dove. He turned around fast, and he saw a small Who... little Cindy-Lou Who... who was no more than 2. She stared..."

It's a true holiday classic. Make sure to order tickets online in advance. This way you will avoid the lines and the chance of them selling out. Popcorn here we come. 

Where:

Theatre District

Citi Performing Arts Center
270 Tremont Street 
Boston, MA 

My birthday was this past Saturday, and I took the advice of some friends and headed over to Hennesey's at 25 Union Street near Fanieul Hall. I am regretting not filming my experience (in order to really show you how much fun this place is), but to say the least, it was awesome!! 

Word of advice: When you walk in, immediately go upstairs!

If you like good bands, large dance floors, and awesome songs, then this is the place for you. I started off the night in the back lounge upstairs (not so loud) sippin' on some drinks. Before I knew it, I was dancing to oldies, rap, and anything else you can think of. The environment there is very laid back but hip at the same time. Check out their calendar and make sure to plan a night at Hennessy's. I know for a fact that I will be heading back there soon!

Who knows, you may even see me there shakin' it like a..... salt shaker. 

It's cold outside, and we all know how it feels to leave our gloves or scarf at home by accident. But, not having a coat at all? Can you say "buuuurrrrrrrrrrr?" There are many people in Boston who go without the warmth that many of us are graced with every day. Due to the charities, non profit organizations, and local businesses across Boston, many people are able to get that coat... the one they would have never had. 

Barbour on Newberry Street is partnering with One Warm Coat and have decided to once again (4th year) to host another annual coat drive. This year's coats will support the City Mission Society of Boston. 

Grab one of your gently worn coats or jackets and drop it off at Barbour (134 Newbury Street) tomorrow from 10AM to 6PM and Barbour will give you a $50 discount if you want to buy a new jacket. This is for a great cause, and even though we give and expect nothing in return, this charitable moment in your life will actually has some cash rewards. 

Start the holiday season off right and head over to The Barbour Store in Back Bay tomorrow!

So we all know Black Friday is umm.. well intimidating if you ask me. People are everywhere, like literally EVERYWHERE! But, despite the long lines, chaos, and traffic it is worth it for many people if you can snag a great deal. I am guilty as charged when it comes to Black Friday. I go every single year with coupons in hand, and am literally the person jogging across the mall to grab my next bargain before everything is sold out. Since I am an experienced Black Friday shopper I have nominated myself to give a few pieces of advice for all of those rookie readers out there.

1. Pack a turkey sandwich the night before. Why? Because i'm sure you have an unimaginable amount of turkey left anyways, and no way you are going to waste it! Also, why would you stop for a lunch break when those minutes lost could be the very reason you don't get the newest xbox for half price!

2. Make sure your tennis shoes are ready to go. You can't wake up the entire house when getting ready in the morning, so make sure to have your entire outfit ready to go. If you want to really dedicate yourself then sleep in your clothes... I do.... 

3. Keep your sense of humor. A lot of people on Black Friday have plenty of potential to drive you crazy. Adapting to the loony tunes (like me) is mandatory or you will definitely lose your mind. 

Now that you have my top three tips, you may just have a chance to survive. See ya in the shops folks! 

This is no "boring history class" event. Take your imaginary time machine back to the 1860's and relive the Gilded Age. From November 16, 2012 to March 3, 2013 The Boston Public Library in Copley Square (Darmouth Street and Boylston Street) will be have an awesome exhibition on display. This exhibition really shows its' viewers the difficult and interesting geography of Boston. 

"Using maps and other graphics from the Boston Public Library’s special collections, this exhibition explores the built environment in which the McKim Building was conceived and constructed. Featured topics include Copley Square before and after the construction of the library, the filling in of Back Bay, the beautification of the Charles River through the construction of the Esplanade, and the growth of the city through land fill and increased building heights."

Put your thinking cap on and make your way over to Boston's Public Library in Copley to check out Boston during the Gilded Age. No worries - no boyscout skills required. 

So today it a big day. Why? BECAUSE IT IS MY BIRTHDAY! Since I honestly have nothing exciting going on, (besides pretending like i'm still in college at a frat party in my living room) I have decided to share a very great event with you that is on Thanksgiving Day. This coming up Thursday in Brighton, Ray Ciccolo’s Boston Volvo Village is sponsoring their Annual Volvo 5k Road Race to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter. This is for a great cause, and is only $25 dollars. If you get your tickets quick, the first 750 people to sign up get a t-shirt! Most of you will share this day with your families, friends, and loved ones. Get everyone together, put on your tennis shoes, and run this 5K for a great cause - besides, you may need to burn some calories before your Thanksgiving dinner, and don't even deny it!

Well we know winter is here if Frog Pond is opening. Frog Pond is one of the most popular spots in Boston, located in the lovely Boston Commons. Grab your winter jackets, throw on your warmest tights and get ready for an amazing performance tonight at Frog Pond! It's Grand Opening will be like no-other, and rumor has it that this year's opening day will drop many jaws. The opening celebration this year will have many top-notch performances. Professional and gold medal skaters will perform, Frog Pond Freddie will be there, as well as activities for the entire family.

"The Skating Club of Boston is looking forward to another season of fun on the ice at The Frog Pond! Public skating will open at 10:00AM. Enter the raffle for season passes, private and group lessons. Sign-up for a FREE 15 minute private lesson (space limited). MIX 104.1 will be on-site from 4:30-6:30PM. Come down to skate and have some fun kicking off the winter season! Please continue to check the website for up to date information on conditions, delayed openings or weather related closings."

So there ya have it folks, the holidays are here and so is the cold! Get on the bus or get out of the way because nothing is going to stop this year's holiday cheer!