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 September 10, 2007
WGBH Open House Photo: WGBH Boston August 1, 2007
Since the price is the same, regardless of the restaurant, it got me thinking: Which eateries are offering the best deals? That is, which participating restaurants have the highest regular menu prices and are therefore offering the biggest discounts with their Restaurant Week offerings? There's nothing particularly scientific about my research. I didn't enter all of the restaurants' prices into a database and sort them; nor do I know whether the restaurants will be changing portion sizes or making other accommodations for the promotion. But I do know that the following three restaurants are among the area's priciest, and diners will be able to take comfort in knowing they got a great Restaurant Week deal.
Restaurant Week Boston Photo: Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau July 23, 2007
Photo: Roxbury Film Festival July 9, 2007
As with the well-known map sites, PublicRoutes.com users enter their starting and destination points, and the site determines the best route. In default mode, the results might include a combination of walking, subway, bus, or commuter train directions. Users can tailor the results and ask for, say, walking-only directions or subway-only directions. Each step along the way includes clearly stated instructions and approximate times. (Of course, it doesn't account for late trains and other aggravations.) The site can be a bit wacky. When I entered "Public Garden" in Boston, it asked me whether I meant Garden Street in Worcester. And the results aren't always accurate. To get from the Boston Common to Singing Beach, PublicRoutes.com correctly directed me to North Station and told me to board a Rockport-bound commuter train. But the directions advised me to get off at the Gloucester station and either walk for an hour or take a cab to the beach--rather than disembarking at the Manchester-by-the-Sea station and walking about a half of a mile to the beach. The site did work well most of the time, however, and it does take the mystery out of the Boston area's often-confusing public transportation systems. Photo: MBTA July 5, 2007
Photo: ©Arthur Levine. Licensed to boston.com. July 2, 2007
BOSTON But, no matter how wide your screen may be or how surrounded you are by your fancy sound system, there's nothing like seeing and hearing fireworks live. Here are some of the other places in the state to view fireworks: NORTH OF BOSTON
ELSEWHERE IN THE STATE
Photo: boston.com June 28, 2007
Visitors will be able to take a simulated ride in a virtual Prius without an annoying salesperson asking them, "So, what would it take to get you to buy this today?" They'll also be able to learn about alternative fuels and hybrid technology, including regenerative braking, through interactive presentations. A section of the exhibit will focus on ways people can make a difference to help protect the environment. Ironically, the mobile hybrid experience is traveling across the nation on a semi-trailer truck that probably gets, oh, around .3 miles per gallon. To atone for the tour's carbon impact, Toyota says that it plans to plant up to 50,000 trees. The auto company has certainly taken the lead in hybrid car sales with its popular Prius, as well as the new Camry and Highlander hybrid models. But Toyota, which professes to be "committed to confronting the world's energy challenges and making the planet a healthier place to live," would have to plant an awful lot of trees to offset the environmental impact of its elephantine Land Cruiser and Sequoia models (13 and 15 mpg city, respectively). Highway to the Future Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. June 25, 2007
Hello Arthur. We will be visiting New England the last week in August. We have never been in that area of the US. We will be flying into Chicopee, MA and want to know some of the sights we need to see in Massachusetts for a couple of days. We want to make round trip from the airport throughout some of the adjoining states. Can you give me a list of must-sees in the general area? Two days, eh Bert? I'm not sure that's enough time to visit Chicopee, let alone the rest of the state. Massachusetts may look relatively small on a U.S. map, but there are some distinct, diverse regions here and plenty to see and do in all of them. Narrowing it down to create a two-day itinerary would depend a lot on your interests, the age levels of your traveling party, your budget, and other factors. Do you want to see historic sites? Museums? Nature? Beaches? The list goes on. But, I'll give it a shot and offer some general thoughts. I couldn't imagine visiting Massachusetts for the first time without heading to Boston. The world-class, walking-friendly city offers history, culture, shopping, dining, and more. Among the sites to explore are the history-rich Freedom Trail, the simultaneously upscale and tacky Chntzy, er, Quincy Market (consider dining at the ancient and oh-so-Boston Durgin-Park), and the lovely Boston Public Garden, the first public botanical garden in the U.S., and the home of the quirky Swan Boats. Since you're flying in and out of Chicopee, which is in the central part of the state, you could head west to the breathtaking Berkshires. The mountains are lovely, and there are many sites to visit, including the Norman Rockwell Museum, Mass MoCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), and the verdant Mohawk Trail. That's more than two days worth of fun, and I haven't even touched on Cape Cod (visiting Massachusetts in the summer and not frolicking on the Cape's beaches would be crazy--crazy, I tell you), Salem and the rest of the North Shore, and countless other spots beckoning throughout our fair state. Bert, why not give yourself at least a week in Massachusetts alone or plan on coming back when you can spend more time? Photo: The Swan Boats of Boston June 15, 2007
Photo: dinewise.com June 13, 2007
I am looking for a festival with food and music between June 22-25 anywhere in driving distance from Boston. Can you help? It'd be my pleasure, Lynn. With the summer season in full swing, there are a number of festivals to consider:
Photo: Provincetown Portuguese Festival June 4, 2007
I'd imagine the aroma on the weekend of June 22 will be intoxicating as the smoke from 11 grilling greats, including local faves Redbones of Somerville and Firefly's of Framingham, Marlborough, and Quincy, along with BBQ masters from Texas, South Carolina, Virginia, and other locations, will waft around Government Center. Guests will be able to purchase small samples from multiple stands or gorge on platefuls of ribs, chicken, brisket, and other barbecued delights from the BBQer they consider the most, um, smoking. There will also be pizza, Chinese food, ice cream, and more food choices, but would anyone really want to eat a slice of pizza when slow-cooked barbecue beckons? The "beach" theme will be augmented by some trucked-in sand, a few pools of water, and a Ferris wheel. Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party Photo: Firefly's May 22, 2007
The Pops continue their spring season with Symphony Hall performances until July 1. Highlights include a series of "Film Nights," starting tonight, May 22, and through Saturday, May 26, with Laureate Conductor John Williams taking the baton to lead the orchestra through great movie scores, including his own standards such as "Star Wars" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark." May 29 through June 2, Gary Burton, Chick Corea, and Dianne Reeves will help Lockhart and company celebrate the Pops' Jazzfest. On June 26 and 27, indie rocker M. Ward will shake the hallowed rafters of Symphony Hall. On July 4, of course, the Pops will help the hordes celebrate Independence Day with the annual Esplanade concert. If you're planning on attending, you may want to consider bringing along a specially reinforced shirt. Boston Pops Photo: BSO May 17, 2007
The stars of the show are from Express Yourself, an incredible North Shore-based program that brings young people from area Department of Mental Health facilities together each year and immerses them in music, dance, visual art, drumming, and other creative pursuits. The program culminates in the spring with a live, invariably wonderful, performance at the Wang. In past years, Express Yourself has collaborated with Blue Man Group and Keith Lockhart. At next Wednesday's show, which is called "Put Your Wild On," a performer from the hit show, "STOMP," will add her unique blend of found percussion, dance, and rhythm, to the Express Yourself ensemble. Also featured will be a choir from North Shore Music Theater as well as jazz great Stan Strickland and his band. Strickland is a co-director of Express Yourself. Put Your Wild On Photo: Express Yourself Inc. April 23, 2007
I will be visiting my aunt in Salem at the end of May. How do I get Red Sox tickets without breaking the bank? Thanks for your help. Thanks for writing. From the nature of your question Chris, I think you already know the likely answer: There's probably no way you'll be able to get Sox tickets, unless you, your aunt, or some kindly and relatively wealthy soul can pony up a lot of scratch. It's a simple matter of supply and demand. The Red Sox are wildly popular and Fenway Park doesn't have nearly enough seats to go around. As you've no doubt discovered, tickets to the late-May series against Cleveland are sold out--as are the majority of home games. That's just the way it is here in Red Sox nation. That doesn't mean you don't have any options, however.
Photo: Boston Red Sox April 16, 2007
Under the baton of Andre Previn (excuse me, Sir Andre Previn--the conductor and composer was knighted in 1996), the BSO will welcome violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter in Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 1 as well as Previn's own Double Concerto for violin, double bass, and orchestra. The latter will be a world premier. The program will also include Ravel's complete Mother Goose and Mozart's Eine kleine Nachtmusik. Now that you're in on the BSO's open rehearsal secret, let's keep this between you and me, OK? Boston Symphony Orchestra: Mozart, Previn and Ravel Photo: Boston Symphony Orchestra April 11, 2007
Photo: Charles River Watershed Association April 4, 2007
The Swan Boats, which take a leisurely figure-eight jaunt around the Public Garden Lagoon, can accommodate about 18 adults on 6 benches. A single operator propels the boat at a cruising speed of approximately 40 rpm. The drivers never seem particularly winded. Why is it that most peddle-boats, which are often available for rent as two-person fiberglass contraptions at waterfront vacation spots, leave their users peddling furiously, yet hardly moving? Perhaps the folks at the Swan Boats of Boston could consider manufacturing their sleek, efficient boats for commercial use. The Swan Boats of Boston Photo: The Swan Boats of Boston March 26, 2007
Hello Arthur, So, Lydia, let me get this straight: You're looking for a rent-free house on Cape Cod for six weeks during the prime summer season? Oh, and preferably near the ocean. It sounds like a crazy concept. But, it may not be so crazy after all. There is a growing trend for homeowners to temporarily exchange houses and fulfill each other's vacation accommodations needs. Web sites such as Home Base Holidays and Home Xchange Vacation act as brokers to help match up traveling homeowners. If you have a house to swap, that could be one option. If you don’t have a home to offer in return, there are Web sites that list homeowners seeking housesitters and housesitters seeking houses to sit. One such site is SabbaticalHomes.com. It specializes in helping academics exchange homes, find housesitters, and make other arrangements while they plan to be away from their homes. Since the Boston area is home to many colleges, there are listings from professors who will be traveling during the summer break. As a teacher, I believe the service would be free for you to post a house-wanted listing. (The site requests that users make contributions to SabbaticalHomes.com when they successfully arrange an exchange or transaction.) No matter what site or resource you use, however, it's unlikely that many Cape Cod homeowners (especially ones near the ocean) would plan summer vacations away from their house. They already live in one of the world's most desirable summer vacation destinations. But, I'd imagine the middle of the winter would be a great time to score a Cape housesitting gig. On SabbaticalHomes.com, I did notice a few homeowners in and around Boston seeking housesitters during the summer. If you're flexible with your location, perhaps you could explore those listings. Good luck! Photo: ©Arthur Levine, 2007. March 14, 2007
I knew Norm as both a colleague and a friend. In the last few years of his life, I helped promote, book, and produce a live presentation about radio's early years that featured Norm. One of the world's funniest guys, as well as a great listener and conversationalist, I was lucky to have had a private audience with Norm as we gallivanted around the state and throughout New England traveling to the performances. I don't think I ever laughed so much in my life--which is fitting since Norm often said that he wanted to leave the world a sillier place. The CD was produced by my friend, Jordan Rich, who took over Norm's weekend show on WBZ radio (and is himself an exceptionally funny, talented, and all-around nice guy), and is available from his company, Chart Productions. All proceeds from the sale of the CD benefit the Norm Nathan Jazz Scholarship at Berklee College of Music. It's a great cause and a great time capsule of Norm treasures. If you order your own copy, I'm sure Norm would have thanked you just so darn much. Photo: Arthur Levine, 2006. February 28, 2007
A sampling of St Patrick's Day Parades:
Other Irish activities:
Photo: Boston Irish Tourism Association February 25, 2007
Photo: ©Arthur Levine 2006. Licensed to boston.com. February 21, 2007
Over 125 eateries will be participating in the promotion, scheduled for March 4 to 9. A three-course lunch, which will include an appetizer, entree, and dessert, will cost $20.07. (Damn inflation! Why only six years ago, the price was $20.01.) For example among the choices at the Seaport Hotel's Aura Restaurant (at the World Trade Center in Boston), you could start with New England Clam Chowder, move on to flash-fired polenta with sauteed broccoli rabe, smoked tomato jus, and Parmesan Reggiano, and finish with Tahitian vanilla creme brulee with chocolate crinkle cookies. Dinners will cost $33.07. Restaurant Week Boston is a bit of a misnomer. While most of the dining establishments will be in Boston, places in Brookline, Cambridge, Newton, and as far away as Rockport will also be participating. Tables fill up quickly for the popular event, so it makes sense to book reservations early. If a nor'easter blows into the area in early March, and the temperature drops to 50 below with the wind-chill factor, don't sweat it. Just ask for a second serving of creme brulee. Restaurant Week Boston Winter 2007 Photo: Aura Restaurant January 28, 2007
According to the zoo, the design of the gorillas' new home will allow better viewing opportunities and more up-close face time with the creatures. The animals will also have more space in which to play and interact, and the expanded area will allow two additional gorillas to join the exhibit. The gorillas will be part of the zoo's Tropical Forest attraction. Anything with the word "tropical" in it sounds mighty appealing this time of year in the Boston area. Franklin Park Zoo Photo: Franklin Park Zoo January 17, 2007
The three-hour excursion stops at the Prudential Center's Top of the Hub for a panoramic view of the city and a scrumptious dessert (featuring chocolate, of course), the Parker House for its famous Boston Cream Pie (topped with chocolate, naturally), and the Langham Hotel for its ultra-decadent chocolate bar (with enough tortes, cookies, bon-bons, and other treats to send the most seasoned dessert connoisseur into a diabetic coma). Boston Chocolate Tour
Photo: ©Arthur Levine, 2006. January 10, 2007
December 26, 2006
It's fascinating to see the inner workings of the human body. Still, it is a tad disconcerting to see lifeless bodies posed to kick a soccer ball or sliced into bizarre configurations. (The "Exploded Man" was especially strange.) After examining seemingly random and chaotic things such as intricate blood vessels, nerve networks, and the respiratory system, it's a miracle the whole thing works. Maybe that's one of the exhibit's goals: It simultaneously demystifies anatomy and physiology and shines a spotlight on the essential mystery of human life. Photo: www.bodyworlds.com December 13, 2006
Semantics aside, First Night, with its family-friendly, non-alcoholic, potpourri of cultural and artistic performances and events is a wonderful concept. While it began in Boston over 30 years ago, and continues to thrive there, over 200 communities around the world also stage First Night events. The number in Massachusetts has dwindled over the past few years, but there are still quite a few cities and towns staging First Night or similar New Year's Eve events. Here are some of the places you can ring in 2007 around the state:
November 20, 2006
If it's over-the-top Christmas lights you're after, forget the homegrown variety and check out some of the state's best holiday displays. Perhaps the biggest and brightest is Springfield's Bright Nights at Forest Park... Starting this Wednesday, November 22, the 11th annual drive-through light display will enchant visitors with a series of tableaus, including Seuss Land (the children's author is a Springfield native), Jurassic World, Victorian Village, and Letters to Santa. For more info, go to Bright Nights at Forest Park. Near Cape Cod, Edaville U.S.A. will be presenting its long-running Christmas Festival of Lights. The park's steam train will take guests on a grand two-mile tour past more than seven million holiday lights. There's also an antique carousel and visits with a certain red-suited, jolly gentleman. The big city of Boston has its bright lights as well. On Wednesday, November 29, Mayor Menino will flip the switch to light the Copley Square holiday tree. The following day, on Thursday, November 30, lights will adorn the city's official Christmas tree, a 42-foot white spruce from Nova Scotia, and eighty other trees throughout Boston Common. There will also be entertainment and fireworks. Admit it, Sparky. No matter how many extension cords you rig together, you can't compete with 80 sparkling trees or 7 million lights. So put away the ladder, and take the family to one of these displays. Photo: Bright Nights at Forest Park October 18, 2006
The event is free, but the sale of glow heart pumpkins will benefit Camp Sunshine, a facility in Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses. The festival will also collect donations, offer contests and raffles, and sell food to benefit the camp. Participants can drop off a carved pumpkin at the site's drive-through spot on Charles Street. Or they can bring their pumpkins to the Common, carve them on site, and enjoy the activities. There will be music, a costume parade, a magic show, and a play group. For more info, visit the Pumpkin Festival site. Photo: Life is Good October 4, 2006
It's a stunning show that traces Strickland's journey as a musician and focuses on the events leading up to and following a near-tragic bodysurfing accident in Hawaii. He anchors his 80-minute performance with lots of music and folds in techniques such as monologues, tape loops, and interpretive dance to create an engaging--mesmerizing even--exploration of his life. Like his horn solos, Strickland brings a powerful and commanding, but never overbearing, presence to his stage performance. He infuses everything he does--a sashay across the stage, a gentle clap of hand cymbals--with grace and lyricism. Through it all, his humble and gentle soul shines through. It's a transcendent theater experience. Coming Up for Air - An AutoJAZZography Photo: bcaonline.org September 25, 2006
A variety of artists will play on three stages from noon to 7 p.m. at the corner of Columbus and Massachusetts Avenues. Highlights on the main stage will include the Christian McBride Situation featuring Oliver Lake, alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett and his quartet, and vocalist Carmen Lundy and her band. A second stage will feature acts signed to the Marsalis Music record label. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the label's founder is Branford Marsalis, a Berklee alum and a member of the famous New Orleans jazz family. A global stage will include musicians from abroad such as Cuba and the African country, Benin. There will also be face painting and other activities for children. The event wraps up with a Sunday Gospel brunch at the Colonnade Hotel. For more information go to the Beantown Jazz Festival site. Photo: Beantown Jazz Festival September 11, 2006
I caught the powerful new documentary, The U.S. vs. John Lennon, about the government's attempt to deport the outspoken musician, last night. The late Lennon has the best line in the film. When asked, after the ordeal was over, if he harbored any bad feelings against the administration that tried to run him out of town, he quipped, "Time wounds all heals." The film will not play again at the festival, but I'd highly recommend that you seek it out. Among other festival movies are The Last Kiss, a relationship film featuring Zach Braff, scheduled for Tuesday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m., and the East Coast premiere of Renaissance, an animated dystopic science fiction movie featuring the voices of Daniel Craig (the new James Bond!) and Ian Holm, scheduled for Thursday, September 14 at 9 p.m. Some of the films have a local connection, including House of Usher which will have its world premiere on Friday, September 15 at 8:30 p.m. Newburyport's Boyd Hancock produced the film, which is based on a short story by Edgar Allan Poe and stars Izabella Miko. Part of the film was shot in and around the North Shore. Serving as the Usher house is Sea View Retreat in Rowley, a former mansion that is now a skilled nursing facility. The festival continues through Friday. Photo: imdb.com August 23, 2006
To give you a sense of the oeuvre, Cirque describes the theme of Corteo as a clown imagining his own funeral. If that sounds like an odd premise for a family show, be assured that kids (and adults) will be enthralled by the feats of derring-do and the pageantry (not that I've seen Corteo, but all Cirque shows are enthralling), even if they don't fully appreciate the oh-so-French sensibility. (Cirque du Soleil is based in Montreal.) Among the performances will be Bouncing Beds, a trampoline act, Ladder, a balancing act, and Cyr Wheel, an act in which artists gyrate inside large rings. For more information, visit Cirque's Web site, or call 800-678-5440. July 26, 2006
Want to try the Wood Grilled Sea Bass at the Langham Hotel's Café Fleuri? How about the Prime Sirloin with Great Hill Blue & Port Wine at Mistral or the Montrachet Goat Cheese & Ricotta Ravioli at Olive's? For $20.06 during lunch ($30.06 at dinner), you can savor these or many other dishes. The meals come complete with an appetizer, side dishes, and dessert. Beverages, tax, and gratuity are extra. By expanding the number of days, Boston Restaurant Week will accommodate many more patrons this year, but you should make your reservations promptly as they tend to go quickly for the popular event. The restaurants offer a limited menu for the promotion. Not all restaurants offer both lunch and dinner, and some have other restrictions. For more details, to see a complete list of participating establishments and their menus, and to make reservations, visit the Boston Restaurant Week site. Photo: Mistral Web site June 29, 2006
Photo: Falmouth Chamber of Commerce June 28, 2006
Like many other forward-thinking properties these days, the Hotel Marlowe allows guests to bring pets into their hotel rooms. Maybe they're not so hoity-toity after all. The hotel is located on 25 Edwin Land Blvd., near The CambridgeSide Galleria. The Trust for Public Land is a national, nonprofit conservation organization that preserves land for people to enjoy as parks, community gardens, historic sites, rural lands, and other natural places. For more info about the Bark 'n' Bath Charity Dog Wash, call Photo: CM Communications, Inc. June 19, 2006
A few weeks back, I received an inquiry in my mailbag about the gone-but-(obviously) not-forgotten Betty's Rolls Royce, a legendary Boston bar and restaurant that occupied the spot on Union Street next to Quincy Market that now houses The Purple Shamrock. That prompted another email from Gayle. She writes: I read about Betty's Rolls Royce, and it brought back memories.... My late husband was one of Betty's favorites. She told everyone he was a Baron from some odd Lithuanian location, and he ate it up. As I recall, her Rolls Royce was impounded for quite some time, and when she finally paid the fines to have it released, there was a victory parade back to her location. All the prior unpaid tickets were used as confetti. She was dressed by Alfred Fiandaca as I recall, and she had a major celebration at her place following the parade. She was quite a gal. Quite a gal, indeed, Gayle. And her lasting impression highlights the dearth of homegrown, dynamic establishments in today's bottom-line-watching, conservative hospitality scene. Please, spare us another corporate cookie-cutter restaurant like Joe's Crab Shack or Olive Garden--especially at the expense of a place that is uniquely Boston, like Betty's. While the franchise joints are predictable and safe (and, as much as I'm reluctant to admit it, sometimes offer decent fare), I generally try to avoid them in favor of locally owned and operated restaurants. It's great looking back, but how about touting the Betty's of today? What are your favorite local restaurants? Who are the larger-than-life characters feeding patrons in Boston and around the Bay State? Let us know by zipping off an email to my mailbag. Use the "Ask Arthur Here" box to the right. -Arthur June 15, 2006
I work at a foster care agency here in Massachusetts, mostly the greater Boston area. I am looking for ideas for field trips/fun activities for our foster kids. This means cheap or donated events. They range from babies to 18 years old. Any ideas? Thanks for writing Janelle. And thanks for the good work you and the foster parents provide. When planning events for children, having wads of available cash can certainly help. But there are many low-cost/no-cost things to do. Some ideas to consider: Visit State and National Parks
Visit a Museum Other resources:
Have fun. We'd enjoy hearing back from you about any trips or visits. -Arthur Photo: Massachusetts Audubon Society June 12, 2006
Read on for more dad-tastic things to do. Want to imagine what life would be like if your dad was, say, a blacksmith, and you had to learn to survive without your iPod, video games, cell phone, computer, or any mention of Paris Hilton? Go to Father's Day at Old Sturbridge Village, the historical recreation musem, this Sunday, June 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. There'll be activities for kids and dads (I guess moms will have go milk the cows or find something else to do), and fathers get in for half-price. Is your dad a meat and potatoes kind of guy? Take him out to the new Ruth's Chris on School Street in Boston for an incredibly delicious (and incredibly pricey) steak dinner. The chophouse chain, which just scored high marks in Consumer Reports' annual restaurant survey, recently opened its first Massachusetts location at Old City Hall. This Saturday, June 17, the town of Wareham presents its annual Swan Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There'll be artists, family activities, open houses, and other events. What does this have to do with dad? Well, the day caps off at 5:30 p.m. with the Swan Fest Pig Roast. And what guy doesn't love a pig roast? (Here's hoping they don't inadvertently skewer some swans on the spit with the pigs.) Let your dad know he's super, man. Take him on the incredible Superman: Ride of Steel coaster at Six Flags New England in Agawam. It's my pick for the world's best steel roller coaster. If dad's in a festive mood, take him to Semana Hispana, a 3-day celebration of Latino cultures at Lawrence Campagnone Common on Jackson Street in Lawrence. The event, to be held Friday, June 16 to Sunday, June 18, will include a parade, rides, food, games, and music. Photo: Dads Make a Difference, For Fathering May 23, 2006
Visit George's Island. Spring Into Summer! Coast over to Six Flags New England. Hear some free music at the WBOS EarthFest. See the rhododendrons at Maudslay State Park. Photo: Boston Harbor Islands Partnership May 8, 2006
Boston Art Tours will conduct a Mother's Day tour of Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, focusing on works about mothers and their children. Maybe you could gains some insight about your own relationship with your Mom. Think of it as art therapy. The museum will also be presenting a Mother's Day concert. Call 617-732-3920 for more info. Head to Boston's Franklin Park Zoo with Mom, and check out some of the best animal moms. (Easy, bub; I'm not implying that your Mom is an animal). The zoo will be presenting scavenger hunts and zookeeper encounters. The first 100 moms through the gates will receive a special Mother's Day surprise--hopefully not something flung by one of the monkeys. Call 617-989-2000 for more info. If Mom (and you) has a sense of humor, here's a great deal: Buy a ticket to Menopause the Musical, and get one at half price for the 5 p.m. performance on May 14th. (If your Mom doesn't have a great sense of humor, be prepared for a frying pan upside your head.) When purchasing the tickets, use the Mother's Day discount special code: MMHALF. At the Stuart Street Playhouse in Boston. Call 617-426-4499 for more info. Mother's Day Brunch at the The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. Touring the museum with Mom would be great; touring the museum after chowing down on Spring Asparagus Soup, Chilled Beef Tenderloin Salad, or Roasted Salmon would be even better. Call 978-745-9500 for more info. It would probably make more sense if the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain devoted this Sunday to mums, but it's Lilac Sunday. Tour the lovely grounds and breathe in the intoxicating scent of the flowering plant. Call 617.524.1718 ext. 176 for more info. If Mom is more adventurous, take her to M.O.M.-- that's the Motion Odyssey Movie ride at Jordan's Furniture in Avon. Put on the wacky 3D glasses, strap into the moving seats, and enjoy an adventure with SpongeBob SquarePants. There is one risk: You'll have to traipse through the entire showroom to reach the theater, and Mom will probably want you to spring for an ottoman or some other pricey Mother's Day gift. Call 1-866-8-JORDANS for more info. Image: Menopause the Musical May 1, 2006
Ron sent this concise query to my Explore New England mailbag: Hiya Ron. Thanks for writing. Sure, I recall the Boston landmark. More of a bar than a restaurant, it occupied the spot on Union Street next to Quincy Market that now houses The Purple Shamrock. Every day, the larger-than-life Betty parked her yellow Rolls in front of the establishment in violation of the city's parking ordinances. And every day, the city towed her ritzy car away. She'd march over to City Hall, pay the fine, retrieve the car, and prepare for the next day's automotive pas de deux. The daily dalliance with the law provided a bizarre, attention-grabbing floorshow for the bar's patrons. I think Betty finally convinced Boston's powers that were to allow her to park the Rolls on Union Street without reprisal. Does anyone know what happened to Betty--or her Rolls Royce? If you know (or if you have any other questions, comments, suggestions, places to visit, or things to do in Massachusetts), please zip off an email to my mailbag by using the "Ask Arthur Here" box to the right. -Arthur April 17, 2006
Locals tend to take Durgin-Park for granted. And that's a shame. Sure, it's located in the touristy trinket trove known as Chintzy, er, Quincy Market, but the restaurant is so authentic, it practically screams, "BOSTON!" And while the food would never be mistaken for chi-chi gourmet fare, it is nonetheless quite good. The austere decor bespeaks its Yankee roots: antique ceiling tiles, wide floorboards, exposed pipes, hardback wood chairs, and an open kitchen that predates the cooking-as-theater trend by decades. Patrons are seated family style alongside strangers at long wooden tables. Air conditioning? That's for New York City sissies. Durgin-Park does make a concession to modernity by running noisy, large floor fans during the warmer months. The food is no-nonsense and distinctly New England. The fish chowder is creamy and intoxicating, the Boston baked beans are the real deal, and the seafood, including broiled schrod, baked scallops, and a broiled or fried seafood platter, is incredibly fresh and delicious. Durgin-Park's waitstaff has been known to be as no-nonsense as the restaurant's food (and occasionally, as fresh as the fish), although the servers seem to have mellowed considerably over the years. Our waitress, Carol Long, deserves a server-of-the-year award. By mixing plenty of humor, warmth, and doting attention with her take-no-prisoners Durgin-Park attitude, she helped create a birthday meal for the memory books. She handled Dad, who can be demanding, with aplomb, and won his heart and stomach with hugs and an especially humongous serving of prime rib. When it was time to bring out the cake, she had the entire dining room sing a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday." Dad loved the attention and the cake, but he regretted that he wasn't able to order his beloved Indian pudding. When Carol caught wind of that, she packaged the dessert in a take-home container as a parting gift. Consider visiting (or revisiting) Durgin-Park to make some of your own memories. And ask for Carol. Durgin-Park Photo courtesy of Durgin-Park. March 29, 2006
Karla writes in response to my blog post about the Boston Chocolate Tour: How much does the Boston Chocolate Tour Cost?
What times does it run on Saturday and Sunday?
Do you need advance tickets?
Thanks!
-Arthur
March 26, 2006
The three-hour excursion stops at the Prudential Center's Top of the Hub for a panoramic view of the city and a scrumptious dessert (featuring chocolate, of course), the Parker House for its famous Boston Cream Pie (topped with chocolate, naturally), and the Langham Hotel for its ultra-decadent chocolate bar (with enough tortes, cookies, bon-bons, and other treats to send the most seasoned dessert connoisseur into a diabetic coma). While en route to the restaurants, the trolley conductor fills passengers in on the history of chocolate, with a special nod to some local tidbits. Who knew, for example, that the country's first chocolate was manufactured in Dorchester, or that the nation's first chocolate drink, hot fudge sundae, and Toll House cookie were all served in Massachusetts? Want to see some of the sinful desserts available on the Chocolate Tour? Check out my photo gallery. Boston Chocolate Tour
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WGBH, the folks that deliver public television to Massachusetts (and make never-ending pleas for donations; how many tote bags and umbrellas can one viewer possibly use?) has a new home in Brighton and will be throwing open its doors for a public open house this Sunday. It's a rare opportunity to take a peek behind the scenes of the PBS powerhouse that not only broadcasts public TV, but produces an incredible array of renowned programs such as "Antiques Roadshow," "Nova," "American Experience," and "Frontline." It is also the home of WGBH Radio and its eclectic mix of news, jazz, classical music, and other programs. The open house, which is free, will include guided tours of the TV and radio studios, meet and greets with Curious George, Arthur (the cartoon character, not me), Buster, and Ruff Ruffman, refreshments, and plenty of live entertainment. The swanky new complex will include a 30-foot-tall jumbo screen on the side of its building that will display video images and messages to distract drivers along the Mass Pike. Hmm. Do you think WGBH might insert subliminal donation pleas?
The roots of our Yankee frugality would appear to run deep, because we just love a bargain here in Massachusetts. If you don't believe me, try getting between a determined bride-to-be and her significantly marked down wedding gown during a Filene's Basement "Running of the Brides" sale. That's why Restaurant Week Boston (which is actually two weeks and will run August 5 to 10 and 12 to 17) is such a big hit. Food lovers (and who isn't?) get to sample delectable three-course meals at tony restaurants in and around the city for the bargain-basement, fixed price of $20.07 for lunch or $33.07 for dinner. All of the meals include three courses: an appetizer, entree, and dessert. The fixed prices do not include beverage, tax, or gratuity. You frugal types had better watch it on the drinks. A three-martini lunch at an upscale restaurant could quickly pad a $20.07 bill.
Massachusetts is home to dozens of film festivals. Two upcoming events will present works by and about people of color. The 
Let's say you're an environmentally sensitive kinda person, and you're in tune with Massachusetts' new 
A few days ago, I wrote about the 
A few days ago, I posted a guide to 
If you're like me, you're seriously thinking about a hybrid for your next car. And, if you're like me, the last place on earth you'd want to spend any time is at a car dealership. (Frankly, I hope you're not any more like me, because the similarities are starting to freak me out.) How, then, can dealer-phobic folks like us get a better sense of newfangled hybrid automobiles? We could pester the neighbor who recently jumped on the green bandwagon and try to weasel our way behind the wheel of his shiny new hybrid. A better alternative, however, might be a visit to Toyota's Highway to the Future, a touring "mobile hybrid experience," when it stops in Boston or Newburyport.
Sometimes the questions sent to my mailbag are quite vague, and I really don't know how to best answer them. For example, Bert writes:
With our arduous winters and springs that should be more aptly named "mud season," we savor summer in Massachusetts. That's why we endure two-hour waits to cross the Cape Cod Canal (fly over THIS, State Highway Department!), sport lobstah-red sunburns, and eat far too much clam chowdah. Ah, clam chowdah. The creamy broth, the chewy clams, the delicate potatoes, the hint of butter: Is there anything that says summer in Massachusetts quite like a bowl of delectable chowdah? If you want to overindulge and help separate the littlenecks from the quahogs, visit these chowder fests and get slurpin'. But be forewarned: While you may know that Boston baked beans, beans are good for your heart, you may not be aware that clam chowdah makes it louder.
See that "Ask Arthur Here" box in the right column of this page? It's your opportunity to pose questions or share information about things to do throughout the state. I enjoy getting the mail, so I encourage you to send your queries. I often post the questions and replies right here in my blog. Occasionally the questions are quite broad, and it can be a challenge to provide meaningful info. For example, a number of readers will send me missives such as, "My family and I are thinking of visiting the Cape and Islands in August. Can you provide a list of places to stay, recommend some restaurants, and suggest an itinerary of things to do?" Well, yeah, but that could fill a book! Other times, readers send along questions that are very specific, and are much easier to address. For instance, here's one from Lynn:
It won't exactly be "gourmet" fare, and the concrete abomination known as City Hall Plaza in Boston would certainly never be mistaken for a beach, but I'm willing to give the organizers of the Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party, scheduled for June 22, 23, and 24 at City Hall Plaza, a pass for their truth-in-advertising standards. That's because they will be presenting what sounds to be a fun event featuring world-class barbecue at reasonable prices.
The bedlam in the balcony at the season-opening Boston Pops performance caused quite a brouhaha. Along with edgier guest artists, such as alternative rocker Ben Folds, the audience fracas was another sign that this is not your father's Boston Pops. Then again, dads and granddads can take comfort in the longstanding traditions that maestro Keith Lockhart and the Good Boys (and Girls) of Boston hold dear such as the corny sing alongs, the light classical music, the Broadway show tunes, and the umpteenth rendering of "The Stars and Stripes Forever." Watch the crowd go predictably wild as the American flag unfurls during the Sousa march's rousing finale--but hopefully not ripping-off-shirts wild.
Here's a great tip for some mid-week fun: Want to see a fabulous live show with music, singing, dancing, incredible set pieces, and special guests from the cast of "STOMP" and the North Shore Music Theater? To sweeten the deal, admission will be free. Nada. Zip. Just show up at the Citi Wang Theater in Boston on Wednesday, May 23 at 6:45 p.m., walk right in, and be prepared to be blown away.
Here's a fairly well-kept secret about the Boston Symphony Orchestra: In addition to its regularly scheduled performances, the Symphony Hall artistes also present open rehearsals. The freewheeling run-throughs give inquisitive music mavens a chance to peer behind the music-making process as well as enjoy the beloved orchestra at a greatly reduced price. The final open rehearsal for the BSO's current season will take place this Wednesday, April 18.
Earth Day is fast approaching. What began as a crunchy granola mission to focus on the planet's health and humankind's role in shaping (or misshaping) the environment has taken on new meaning and significance in an era when even conservatives like Newt Gingrich acknowledge the inconvenient truth about global warming. Eco-activism, education, and fun will be on the agenda at a number of Earth Day events around the state, including exhibits, activities, a parade, and clean-up volunteer opportunities.
Here's an interesting email from Lydia:
Norm Nathan was a beloved radio personality whose career spanned over fifty years. Holding court on Boston stations such as WHDH, WRKO, and WBZ, he had legions of fans throughout Massachusetts and beyond. Norm died over ten years ago, but his legacy lives on in the CD, 
St. Patty's day is looming, and the state is fairly bursting with Irish-themed events and celebrations. That's no surprise since, according to the Boston Irish Tourism Association, Massachusetts is "America's Most Irish State," the "Capital of Irish America," and "Ireland's Home Away from Home." (Shh, don't tell anybody, but California, New York, and, improbably, Florida all have more Irish-Americans living in their states. Let's keep this Capital of Irish America thing on the QT, OK?) Of course, there will be a slew of St Patrick's Day parades, but there are plenty of other Irish events planned over the next few weeks as well.
Forget the Vermont Maid. Sure, our neighbor to the north produces lots of maple sugar. But there's plenty of tree tapping going on in Massachusetts as well. In fact, when the sap is flowing, it's a welcome sign of spring here in the Bay State. If you want to join the seasonal ritual and learn more about the homegrown sweet stuff, the Department of Conservation and Recreation has some maple sugaring programs around the state. March is prime time for tapping, so you'll want to make your plans now. You may want to bring your own pancakes and French toast, however. Here's where to get in on the maple sugar fun:
With the ice, snow, slush, and frigid temperatures, February has been downright miserable. March may be Massachusetts' cruelest month, however. Daylight savings time returns and the calendar says spring, but the miserable weather generally lingers and lingers...and lingers. What to do? Short of skipping out of town for a warm-weather vacation, you could fall back on the time-honored remedy to deal with nearly all of life's hardships: Indulge yourself with a delicious meal. And to help lighten the load on your cracked and chapped hands when it's time to pay the bill, the winter edition of Restaurant Week Boston will have some great deals.
Although we may not readily think about visiting a zoo in the middle of the winter here in Massachusetts, most of them, including the Franklin park Zoo in Boston, are open year-round. The crowds are generally smaller, and visitors can spend more time gazing at the animals. It's fascinating to watch animals at a zoo, but it's especially intriguing to observe gorillas. The magnificent animals are so close to humans that their mannerisms and facial expressions can be both eerie and mesmerizing to behold. It's great to hear, therefore, that the gorilla exhibit at the Franklin Park Zoo will be reopening shortly following a renovation.
On any given day, the orange and green Old Town Trolley Tour buses crisscross Boston and provide passengers with narrated tours of historic Beantown. Starting this Saturday, January 20, and continuing on Saturdays through the end of April, however, the topic turns to cacao beans when choc-aholics board the trolley company's Boston Chocolate Tour.
This Monday, January 15, is Martin Luther King Day. To help mark the occasion and celebrate the life of the remarkable man, there are a number of events taking place around Massachusetts. Here are a few:
If you've been thinking about seeing Body Worlds 2 at Boston's Museum of Science, you only have until January 7. Some deem the controversial exhibit, which displays actual "plastinated" human bodies in various poses, over the edge, while others consider it to be highly enlightening. I visited Body Worlds recently and found it a little bit educational, a little bit whimsical, and a whole lotta weird. If you're on the edge, I'd encourage you to check it out.
I've never quite understood why organizers call the New Year's Eve celebrations, "First Night." Isn't it the last night of the year? Granted, the focus is on the coming year, and technically, some of the events extend beyond midnight into the following day. But, that's the wee small hours of the morning, right Ole Blue Eyes? 
Once the Thanksgiving leftovers have been stored in the refrigerator, it's time to get into the spirit of the next holiday. Grab the ladders, the hammers, and the extension cords: It's holiday lights season! Is it just me, or are lots of folks really going bonkers with their Christmas light displays? There's nothing wrong with some candles in the windows, a wreath on the door, and perhaps a few strings of white bulbs. But more and more homeowners seem to be vying for the tackiest holiday display award with enough lights to make both global warming prognosticator Al Gore and Las Vegas casino owner Steve Wynn cringe. Then they add sleighloads of animated reindeer, inflatable Santas, gargantuan candy canes, and other wacky doodads. Oy vey.
The Life is Good Pumpkin Festival, which will be held this Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. on the Boston Common, wants you and at least 30,000 other folks to bring a pumpkin to the event. That's the number needed to break the Guinness World Record. Festival organizers will place the pumpkins on a 40-foot staging tower. At 5:15 p.m., they'll light candles inside the pumpkins to create a massive glowing display.
Boston is known for its vibrant jazz scene and its unique, jazz-stoked school, the Berklee College of Music. Jazz will take center stage--actually multiple stages--this weekend as the Sixth Annual BeanTown Jazz Festival blows into town. Berklee College has taken over production of the event this year and has assembled a diverse, ambitious lineup. The festival kicks off Friday evening, September 29, with a performance by pianist McCoy Tyner and an all-star lineup at the Berklee Performance Center. The Friday event requires a ticket, but on Saturday, September 30, the music moves outdoors, and all performances will be free....
Massachusetts has a plethora of wonderful film festivals. The biggest, the 
The white circus tent returns to Suffolk Downs when Cirque du Soleil makes its annual pilgrimage to the area from September 8 through October 8. It will present the new touring show, Corteo ("cortege," or procession, in Italian). If you've never seen a Cirque presentation (and with six touring shows as well as six permanent shows--and more on the way--in Vegas and Walt Disney World, it's less and less likely), it's sort of extreme circus acts meets gonzo theater of the absurd, all set to a new agey, world music beat. 
Has this ever happened to you? You stroll past a tony Boston restaurant, press your nose against the dining room window like some Dickensian urchin, take a gander at the menu posted outside, put your eyeballs back into their sockets, and then shuffle on down the street to assuage your hunger pangs at the International House of Parasites or some other downscale eatery? Well, start saving your tuppence you Artful Dodger (and get your hands out of that other person's pocket fer cryin' out loud), because it's your lucky day. Make that your lucky week. Actually, your lucky two weeks. The sixth annual Boston Restaurant Week is expanding to twelve days this year. Dozens of restaurants, including some of the city's finest, will be offering full-course meals for one low fixed price from August 13 to 18 and August 20 to 25.
Do you think Boston's Esplanade is the only place in Massachusetts to celebrate Independence Day? Dream on. Sure, Keith Lockhart and his white-jacketed entourage are going to blow the roof off the joint (well, as much as a guy with red, white, and blue suspenders wielding a baton can blow a roof off a joint) when Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry work the crowd into a patriotic tizzy for the annual 
It's the de facto start of the summer season this weekend. What do you mean you don't have any plans? Get out and enjoy the good weather. (OK, it may rain earlier in the weekend, so bring an umbrella.) Gather together with your friends and family and hit the road. Here are some things to do around the Bay State to ease into summer.
Hey you! Yeah, you with the mother. You mean to tell me that you haven't made any plans for Mother's Day? This woman who gave you life, sacrificed so much for you, and has shown you nothing but love and devotion--and you haven't figured out what to do on this, her one special day of the year? Not to fear, you cold-hearted procrastinator. Herewith, some ideas on how to celebrate Mother's Day in and around Boston. Whatever you end up doing, just remember a few simple rules to help make Mom happy on her day: Keep your elbows off the table, eat all of your vegetables, and, for goodness sake, be careful or you'll poke your eye out.
Dating back to pre-Revolutionary 1742, Durgin-Park is fond of proclaiming that it's "Where your great grandfather dined a century ago." I can't say for sure whether any of my great grandfathers ever stepped foot in the landmark Boston restaurant, but I know that my father ate there. For the past year, Dad's been dropping subtle, and not-so-subtle hints that he wanted to return to Durgin-Park for some of its famous Johnny cake (corn bread), baked Indian pudding (a concoction made with corn meal, molasses, and sugar), and its signature dish, a Hummer-sized portion of roast prime rib of beef. Our family recently relented and decided to celebrate his 76th birthday at the Faneuil Hall Market Place eatery.
