365 Things to Do in Boston - New Tips Daily

So I got off the train the other day at Government Center and became a little nosier than usual. I entered  City Hall and came across a room that many people are unaware of. In this room there was Boston, made of wood...and a lot smaller of course. This is pretty much the perfect place for newcomers or tourists of Boston. Learning the city this way is a lot less stressful- trust me! And, City Hall is pretty cool too. It is pretty much the major public edifice associated with the social and economic rebirth of Boston that began in the 1960s.  As such, it is the symbol of the progressive thinking and bold initiative that transformed Boston into a “world-class” contemporary city. 

Aaaannnndddd that's a wrap. 

BBQsmith (bär′bə kyoo̅′smit̸h): 

1. an artisan specializing in cooking meat with heat and hot smoke of a fire or smoking wood

2. a food truck in Boston serving tasty smoked meats paired with unique sauces and sides

3. BBQ that is built for the road with loads of flavor but none of the mess.

So basically what i'm getting at is that there is a traveling BBQ van in Boston that is beyond legit. I'm from Alabama originally, so with that being said this stuff better be pretty darn good considering I'm used to the best of the best Southern barbeque. It was so good that I even insisted on taking this picture. So follow them on twitter and facebook and find out when they will be near you next. It is DEEE-LISH!!! 

Disclaimer: You will most likely end up stalking this van. Don't say I didn't warn you. 

So the Calderwood Pavilion is pretty much amazing. It is a 35‚000 square feet complex with a three–story interior space‚ which includes two theatres‚ rehearsal rooms‚ and backstage facilities. 

What's so special about it? Well if the fact that is pretty much serves as a theater hub and a cultural landmark for the City of Boston doesn't impress than let me ramble on some more. It also provides a home for artistic collaborations; fosters the development of new plays; helps build and diversify audiences; creates more opportunities for youth and community outreach; and expands the existing BCA complex to include more performance venues for Boston's smaller arts organizations.

It's always a great fun time in Boston at the Calderwood pavilion in South End so check out the schedule and make a date and enjoy the Boston theater scene. 

And what's even cooler is that I grew up on a street called Calderwood - not that you care about that of course! 

This event is a little over a week away, so make sure to plug it into your calendar! This is one of the Boston Street Railway Association's most popular and most visible activities and it is at their monthly meetings, which are held at the Grand Lodge of Masons' Paul Revere Room, 186 Tremont Street, in downtown Boston on the first Saturday of each month.  They are always open to all and free of charge.

Nick Tomkavage will present a wide variety of MBTA scenes taken in the last decade, including views of maintenance vehicles, car houses, BSRA fan trips, and a few curiosities. Also featured will be Boeing LRVs, Flyer trackless trolleys, No. 3 East Boston cars and the North Station Elevated. Some of the material Nick will present was photographed by others, who will be appropriately credited for their efforts.

The meeting is FREE and open to all, so grab your friends and get ready to soak up some history.

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."