Ballpark Bound

While the winters haven’t been as harsh lately here in Boston, it can still feel long, dark, and dreary. The good news is that this city has a built in spring alarm clock by way of the Red Sox Home opener!  Yep that’s right its time for baseball in Boston and we couldn’t be more jacked up about it.  The Sox kick off a home slate April 9th that runs through Boston Marathon weekend.  Nothing gets Spring energized like a filled up Fenway Park!

It’s a nice walk to the park from The Lenox Hotel, which is conveniently located nearby. Take a nice stroll or hop on the T to get to the park. Solas is a pretty good place to start or finish your day as nothing beats a perfectly poured Guinness to bookend your game day! Once you are in the neighborhood check out the classics like the Cask n Flagon and Game On to name a few. Another fun idea is Time Out Market and the adjacent Trillium Beer Garden. And if you need dinner suggestions just give us a call!

Emerald Necklace

Nestled throughout the cityscape of Boston, a city known for its historical charm and vibrant culture, lies the string of interconnected parks offering a refreshing escape from the urban hustle. Full of rich history and beauty, the Emerald Necklace is Boston’s beloved green oasis.

The Emerald Necklace began in the 19th century when Fredrick Law Olmstead, the renowned landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park, set out to design a green space that would seamlessly integrate into the Boston footprint. Stretching over 1,100 acres, the ‘necklace’ is made up of six interconnected parks, each with its own unique character.

Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Public Gardens, and Boston Common

This stretch features an array of rich Boston history and lush parks all within a short walk of The Lenox. From memorials to swan boats, this area of the Emerald Necklace encompasses a variety of activities fit for family fun. Walking along the Charles River Esplanade will bring you right to the Public Garden and Boston Common to indulge in some of the memorials scattered throughout. Looping back down Commonwealth Ave to end with some window shopping and a lunch at The Lenox is the perfect way to stay local and explore the outdoors.

The Back Bay Fens

This marshy area was transformed into a serene park with meandering paths, lagoons, and vibrant plant life! Today, it serves as a recreational haven and a habitat for various bird species.

The Riverway

Following the Muddy River, the Riverway features lovely walking and biking paths, providing a scenic route that connects the Back Bay Fens to Olmsted Park.

Olmsted Park

A tranquil expanse of rolling hills and meadows, Olmsted Park offers a serene setting for picnics, games, and leisurely strolls.

Jamaica Pond

At the heart of the necklace lies Jamaica Pond, a picturesque body of water surrounded by walking and jogging paths. Boating and fishing are popular activities, offering residents and visitors a chance to unwind.

The Arnold Arboretum

Managed by Harvard University, this living museum of trees showcases a diverse collection of plant species. It serves as both a research facility and a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.

Franklin Park

The largest and most diverse park in the necklace, Franklin Park is home to a zoo, golf course, and extensive walking trails. The park hosts cultural events and festivals, making it a hub of community activity making it the perfect destination during your visit to Boston.

The lush landscape our beloved emerald Necklace provides creates a vast haven for outdoor enthusiasts! Whether you’re an avid runner, leisurely walker, or a family looking for strolling relaxation, these parks offer something for everyone. The carefully designed paths and water features create an immersive experience, allowing visitors to forget they are in the heart of a bustling metropolis! The Emerald Necklace has faced challenges such as urban development and pollution, however thanks to the dedicated community around us, ongoing restoration projects, and conservation, we are able to keep our greenery clean.

St. Patty’s Day Festivities

Joining us in Boston this St. Patrick’s day? Well we have some tips and tricks to help you navigate the city and the notorious South Boston Parade. Bostonians were the first to celebrate St.Patrick’s Day in North America on March 17, 1737, so you can imagine the celebrations that commence as the weekend approaches.

Luckily, The Lenox brings a piece of Ireland right to you without the crowds and commotion unlike some other parts of the city. Solas the Irish pub located through our lobby will be a great place to grab a Guinness and some corned beef and cabbage while people watching on Boylston Street. When Solas first opened, our very own Roger Saunders had the pub fabricated in pieces in Ireland based off a real Irish bar before being shipped and reassembled in Boston, creating a true authentic pub feel accompanied by good food and cold beers


Looking to head to Southie? Here are some tips and tricks as well as the parade route linked here.

Bus and Shuttle

    • The South Boston Parade will begin at 1pm March 17th starting from Broadway Station
    • Buses will no longer go to South Boston after 9:45 A.M.
    • Routes 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, and 47 will be detoured around the parade
    • There will be a free shuttle from South Station from 10:30 A.M. to 6P.M. bring you safely in and out of Southie while bus routes remain down

Red Line

  • The Red Line will run from 10 AM to 6PM and riders should expect delays as It will be very crowded!

Driving

  • The City of Boston does not recommend driving as parking will be limited and many streets will be closed for pedestrian use only

Once in South Boston, here are some of our favorite bars and restaurants that will be providing good food and entertainment:

Shamrock Pub

The name says it all, this legendary Irish Pub nestled into the heart of Southie waits all year for this weekend to come back around. Irish breakfast and specialty drinks will be served starting the Wednesday before St. Patrick’s Day kicks off accompanied with live Irish bands into the weekend.

The Seapoint

The Seapoint Pub has been in the Southie community for years and they are ready to embrace the Irish heritage this St. Patrick’s Day by serving up traditional Irish cuisine and good times. They are kicking off on the 16th with DJ Sean O’Toole playing all day and night to get you in the St. Patty’s spirit.

Loco

Hosting the 3rd Annual Southie Social taking place on Sunday the day of the parade, Loco is going to be fired up and action packed if you are looking for something a little more lively. The 410 Lounge at Loco will feature a live St. Patty’s performance and beers on tap!

Harpoon Brewery

Opening bright and early at 10AM the day of the parade, Harpoon is hosting the “pregame” for the day. Green beer, pretzels, donuts from Rocco’s and a raffle to top it all off, Harpoon is a great place to kick off your St. Patty’s Sunday.

Lincoln

One of the largest bars in Southie, Lincoln has two bars, seating, and a dance floor making it a go to destination for Bostonians all year round. Though they are coming up on their 7 Days of Fun leading up to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade which will pass right by the front door.

Tom English’s Cottage

Another bar that epitomizes the Irish culture in South Boston, Tom E’s is geared up for the festivities. Serving green beer all weekend and foamy Guinness, you’ll be feeling the luck of the Irish especially after their GREEN tea shots and a game of pool.

Year of the Dragon

The middle of winter can sometimes feel like a race to get to Spring. But here in the Boston area, there are a number of ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year. From museums to markets to music, there is something for everybody. With one of the largest Chinese neighborhoods in the nation, don’t miss your chance to ring in the Year of the Dragon.

Below is a list of activities to help you celebrate the Lunar New Year!

Saturday, February 10th
A Blessed Lunar New Year
11am-4pm Old South Church in Boston, Boylston Street, Boston
Details here

Saturday, February 10th
LEAP Lab: Lunar New Year
Details: 2-4pm MIT Welcome Center, 292 Main Street, Cambridge
Details here

Tuesday, February 13th
2024 Chinese New Year Concert
Details: 8pm Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave, Boston
Details here

Thursday, February 15th
Lunar New Year Celebration
Details: 5-10pm Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston
Details here

Sunday, February 18th
Chinese Lion Dance
Details here

Exploring Boston Museums

A trip to Boston wouldn’t be complete without a visit to either the Museum of Fine Arts or the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum – two iconic galleries. But if you’re looking for a more unique museum experience,  we have you covered too!

Museum of African American History
46 Joy Street | 617-725-0022

Just steps away from the Massachusetts State House, you’ll find the Museum of African American History, New England’s largest African American art and history museum. It is located in the former Abiel Smith School, which was opened in 1835 as America’s first public school for African American children. This museum offers exhibits, programs, and educational activities that explain authentic representations of life in the 18 and 19 centuries, and powerful stories of black families who advanced the cause of freedom.

If you’ve already checked out the MFA or Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum and are looking for more museums to see, then here’s a list of some interesting, lesser-known Boston museums to put on your radar.

Gibson House Museum
137 Beacon Street | 617-267-6338

Transport back to the mid-nineteenth to early-twentieth centuries inside this home in Back Bay. The Gibson House Museum, known as a time capsule of domestic life in these centuries, served as a residence to three generations of Gibson family members and staff between 1859 and 1954. You can take a guided tour of all 4 floors, which shows class and culture through the stories and artifacts of the Gibson family. Fun fact, this museum was also featured in 2019’s Little Women as Jo’s New York boardinghouse and publisher’s home!

The Sports Museum in TD Garden
100 Legends Way | 617-212-6814

You may just know TD Garden only for attending Celtics or Bruins games, but did you know there’s also a sports museum located inside the arena? The Sports Museum is located on premium levels 5 and 6 of TD Garden. It features a half-mile of exhibits celebrating the history and treasures of Boston sports and athletes. These tours last approximately an hour and are walk-in only! The museum also offers award-winning educational programs, such as Boston vs. Bullies, which uses sports to teach the values of leadership and respect to youth in the community.

The Boston Athenaeum
10½ Beacon Street | 617-227-0270

One of the oldest and most distinguished independent libraries in the U.S. and best kept secrets of Boston is located right by Boston Common. The Boston Athenaeum, founded in 1807, is a wonderful haven for readers, writers, and thinkers alike. This 12-floor establishment is a unique blend of a library, museum, and cultural center. You can explore over half a million books here, along with thousands of sculptures, paintings, art pieces, and more. If you’d like to make a visit, you can book a one-hour tour or a day pass!

And if you haven’t yet been to the MFA or the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum, we’ve got you covered!

Museum of Fine Arts
465 Huntington Avenue  |  617 267-9300

The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston is a treasure trove of art spanning various cultures and periods. It’s known for its extensive collection, ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary pieces. The museum holds paintings by renowned artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt, as well as an impressive array of sculptures, decorative arts, and textiles. If you get the chance to visit, it’s definitely worth exploring!

Isabella Stewart Gardner
25 Evans Way  |  617-566 -1401

Just a few steps away from the MFA, this 15th-century Venetian-style three story palace boasts galleries surrounding an open air courtyard. This museum is also the scene of the 1990 heist which over 500 million in Art was stolen, including an original Rembrandt. This museum is renowned for its distinctive layout and the personal collection of its founder, Isabella Stewart Gardner, a prominent art collector and philanthropist.

Holiday Dining in Boston

Traveling to Boston over the upcoming holidays and looking for some dining options? Sometimes, a holiday meal tastes better when someone else is cooking! Take advantage of these restaurants open on Christmas Day. And if you are lucky enough to be staying at The Lenox, our concierge team would be happy to assist you with your dining plans!

Back Bay Neighborhood Restaurants open on Christmas Day:

Fogo de Chão – open 11am – 9pm
Yard House – 11am – 12am
Trifecta – opens 4pm
Oak Long Bar + Kitchen – 7am-10pm
La Voile – opens 12pm

Boston Restaurants open on Christmas Day:

Alcove (West End)
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse (Downtown)
Trattoria Il Panino (North End)
Bricco (North End)
Ruth Chris Steakhouse (Downtown)
Quattro (North End)
Mastro’s Ocean Club (Seaport)

‘Tis the Season for Skating!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for ice skating in Boston. From outdoor rinks with glistening lights and music to indoor rinks to keep you warm, here are some great skating spots to check out this season!

Boston Common Frog Pond

 38 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108 | (617) 635-2120

It’s that time of year when the famous Frog Pond on Boston Common is transformed into a magical ice-skating rink! Located in the center of the park, visitors of all ages can skate and enjoy a wonderful experience, especially at night when the surrounding trees are all lit up. You can also rent a Bobby Seal to help you glide across the rink if you’re a beginner. The rink will be open seven days a week from December till March, and you can check out their website for additional information regarding skating times, admission, and skate rentals.

Rink at 401 Park

Landmark Center, 401 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215 | (617) 603-5600

Located adjacent to Time Out Market in Fenway, this 6000 sq. ft ice skating rink is a perfect spot for a date night or a get together with friends! The rink is open seven days a week and offers public skating, private lessons, and even special events like Ice Flow Yoga every Sunday at 10:00am. For a post-skating celebration, feel free to grab a drink at Trillium Brewing right next to the rink or dine at Time Out Market. The Rink at 401 Park is only three stops away on the MBTA D line (Fenway) from the Lenox, so make sure to add this stop on your next adventure in the city!

Steriti Memorial Rink

561 Commercial St, Boston, MA 02109 | 617) 523-9327

This indoor rink is a hidden gem in the North End with great waterfront views and scenery. Since it’s overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, it’s free and open to the public, but skate rental is additional. This skating rink is a wonderful option if weather conditions are too harsh outside or if you’re looking to explore the North End and its amazing restaurants. However, times may be limited since it’s a community arena, so make sure to check here to see if there’s any games or events occurring before you plan a visit.

Holiday Markets Around Boston

During the months of November and December, Boston is filled with holiday cheer, and festive winter
markets begin to pop up all across the area. If you’re looking for extra special gifts to give this season
while getting into the holiday spirit, then make sure to check out these popular winter markets and fairs.

Snowport – Seaport’s Holiday Market

100 Seaport Blvd. | November 10th – December 31st
Snowport, Boston’s longest winter market, is in the heart of Seaport and is truly a winter wonderland.
The market features over 100 small local businesses selling unique gifts like crafts, jewelry, and home
goods, and many different spots for food and fresh hot cocoa. There’s also Christmas music to sing and
dance to, photo spots, and games, such as shuffleboard and curling! Check out our Snowport Blog!

Old South Church Christmas Craft Fair

645 Boylston St | December 2nd, 9:30am-3:30pm
Just steps away from the Lenox, you’ll find one of Boston’s oldest and most iconic churches, the Old
South Church. Annually, this church holds a Christmas craft fair for a day, where many New England
artists, such as jewelers, knitters, and woodworkers come in and sell a wide collection of crafts.

SoWa Winter Festival

550 Harrison Avenue | Weekends during November 24th – December 17th
The SoWa Winter Festival, located in and around SoWa Power Station, is one you can’t miss, especially
with its Trail of Lights! As Boston’s biggest holiday market, there’s plenty of artists, designers, and
vendors to check out. After some holiday shopping, you can drink some delicious, mulled wine or hot
cocoa, and try a variety of specialty food offerings.

Harvard Square Holiday Fair

1 Brattle Square | December 15-17 and 21-23
Boston’s oldest holiday market is back this year for two weekends! The Harvard Square Holiday Fair
showcases a large, unique selection of vendors from New England and beyond. There’s numerous gift
items to choose from, such as artisan chocolates, hand-made clothing, glass art, and much more.

Back Bay’s Best Hot Chocolate

It’s that time of year when temperatures start to drop in Boston, and the search for warmth and hot cocoa begins. Luckily, we know all the best hot cocoa spots around the area to get you feeling toasty and in the holiday spirit!

L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates – 220 Clarendon Street

This quaint spot located in Back Bay is known for selling the best and most decadent hot chocolate in Boston. They offer European-style hot chocolate, with your choice of a dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate blend. You can also find a wide assortment of delicious, handmade chocolates and French pastries to pair your hot cocoa with, and the chocolate chip cookie is a must-try!

Thinking Cup – 85 Newbury Street

With locations around Boston, the Thinking Cup is a great patisserie and coffee bar serving up delightful French hot chocolate. This specialty hot cocoa uses 64% Tainori Valhrona drinking chocolate, a dense, high-end alternative to regular cocoa powder. After you take your first sip of this savory French hot cocoa, we definitely think you won’t be disappointed!

Trident Booksellers & Café – 338 Newbury Street

Inside this indie bookstore on Newbury Street, you’ll find not only a wide variety of books, but a plentiful amount of food and drink items. It’s a fun spot to read a book and drink a cup of white or regular hot chocolate! If you’re looking for a pick-me-up but also craving hot chocolate, this café serves a delicious Chocolatino, which is an espresso with steamed chocolate milk, topped with whipped cream, cocoa and chocolate syrup.

If you’d like to venture beyond the Back Bay, head over to the North End, to one of our favorite spots:

Caffe Vittoria – 290-296 Hanover Street

Boston’s first Italian café, Caffe Vittoria, is a wonderful, cozy spot in the North End. It’s the perfect place to stop by after dinner if you’re looking for a warm and scrumptious cup of hot cocoa. There are also many desserts to try, the tiramisu is a fan favorite!

The Lenox – 61 Exeter Street

The last spot on our list is extra special! With our fireside experience package, you can snuggle up by the wood-burning fireplace in our executive room and enjoy tasty hot chocolate made with locally sourced hot fudge from COOP’s. If you want to bring some hot cocoa back home, you can also purchase COOP’s hot chocolate mix from our Mercantile shop in the lobby or online!

Get Out, Dine Out

Summer is in full swing and the desire to get out and enjoy the city is stronger than ever. That is why we are excited to announce that City Table is once again participating in DINE OUT BOSTON. The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau offers DINE OUT BOSTON twice a year, providing locals and visitors an opportunity to sample area restaurants at special prices. Each restaurant offers either/or both a lunch and dinner prix fixe menu at an excellent price.

Enjoy a three-course dinner in City Table for $41 from August 6th – 19th, available for dine-in or takeout. Reservations are recommended, walk-ins welcome. A full menu can be viewed here and even better, almost everything is available for take-out! Go with your favorite, (mine is the Brie Burger!) or try something new (the Dulce Bread Pudding)!

The Newest Cafés Brewing in Back Bay

Blank Street Coffee

647 Boylston Street

Blank Street Coffee is a popular coffee chain that has over 60 locations spanning across big cities, such as New York, Washington D.C, and London. In February earlier this year, Blank Street opened its doors on Boylston Street, a quick 2-minute walk from the Lenox, and now has three locations across Boston. This cafe is known for their affordable, high-quality coffee and specialty cold brews, such as their grapefruit cold brew spritz and shaken chai cold brew.

Café Landwer

653 Boylston Street

Although this café opened last year in January, it’s still fairly new to the café community in Back Bay. Café Landwer, a Mediterranean restaurant chain serving coffee and healthy dishes, is a popular spot for guests looking for a casual, delicious dining experience. Luckily, it’s only a 2-minute walk from the Lenox, so feel free to pop in for a flavorful Turkish coffee and their amazing Nutella Rosalach.

Capital One Café

711 Boylston Street

If you’re a Capital One card member, then you’re in luck! Capital One Café, a coffee shop combined with a bank branch, just opened this early July right across the street from the Lenox and Capital One cardholders receive 50% off any handcrafted beverage. However, the café is open to everyone, and its modern and sleek design make it a great place to relax and recharge for the day!

View Boston

Perched at the top of the iconic Prudential Tower, View Boston is a stunning $182+ million reinvigoration of the previous Top of the Hub & the Skywalk Observatory spaces. After being whisked 52 stories above Boston, you are greeted with towering windows and a birds-eye view of our small city framed by the backs of the Prudential Tower lettering. Being able to see from Fenway Park at one end all the way to Logan Airport at the other truly gives a sense of just how approachable & walkable a city Boston is. View Boston has incorporated a number of interactive elements to help guide your visit and exploration of Boston. As you explore the space, you will be prompted to select and engage with points of interest you might want to visit during your time in Boston. At the end of your time at View Boston, you are able to create and save a customized itinerary involving those points you collected along the way.

For dining options, View Boston features Stratus, a cocktail bar nestled in the corner of View Boston’s wrap-around, outdoor terrace, and The Beacon, an intimate dining option centered around a long central bar and, unsurprisingly, stunning aerial views.

In addition to the incredible views, View Boston has some creative experiences including Boston 365, a 3D, projection-mapped model of Boston highlighting the seasons, spirit, and celebrations throughout Boston, as well as Open Doors, an immersive theater that takes the viewer on various explorations of neighborhoods and attractions throughout Boston.

View Boston is truly a worthy successor to Top of the Hub & the Skywalk Observatory, and well worth visiting during your time in Boston!

viewboston.com

Beer Gardens to Check Out this Summer

Beer gardens are back in Boston for the summer! It’s time to relax, hang with your colleagues, and raise a toast with some cold glasses at some of our favorite beer gardens near the Lenox.

Night Shift Esplanade

Charles River Esplanade – Between Berkeley & Clarendon Streets along the Storrow Lagoon

Located right along the river, this beer garden is a perfect place to wind down after a long day at work or over the weekend. With a variety of Night Shift Brewing beers, hard seltzers, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages, everyone can enjoy a nice drink at this beer garden. Also, feel free to bring your pup with you as dogs are happily welcomed!

Trillium Garden on the Common

Boston Common – on the corner of Tremont and Boylston Street

This newly opened beer garden has partnered with Emerson College, along with the City of Boston, to showcase live performances on its stage within the garden. You can listen to amazing music acts and drink specialty drafts, seltzers, wine, and more from Trillium Brewing. This garden is in a great spot on the Common, making it a fun place to eat, drink, and dance the day or night away!

Distraction & Democracy Beer Garden (D&D)

1 City Hall Avenue

Two Boston breweries, downtown-based Democracy Brewing and Roslindale-based, Distraction Brewing, have teamed up and set up shop atop City Hall Plaza, facing Faneuil Hall. There are 12 tap lines, along with food and other drinks. Additionally, this beer garden is offering events and activities all season long, such as live music, yoga, and art showcases!

Open Newbury Street

Open Newbury is back this year with even more dates than last summer! Starting July 2nd, the iconic Newbury Street will become car-free on Sundays to the public until mid-October. From Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Ave, this mile-long road will be pedestrian-only, making it much easier to access and explore, giving guests the opportunity to get to know and support local, small businesses.

Open Newbury will run from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on these following Sundays in 2023:
• July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, and July 30
• August 6, August 13, August 20, and August 27
• September 3, September 10, September 17, and September 24
• October 1, October 8, and October 15

Since The Lenox is just a street over from Newbury, we have some great recommendations for you to check out!

If you’re getting to Newbury in the morning and need a coffee to start the day, then make your way over to the Bittersweet Shoppe on Newbury. This cafe has a delicious selection to choose from, as well as breakfast plates and fresh pastries. My go-to order is the cookies and cream iced coffee with a chocolate croissant – extra yummy if you’re craving something sweet!

Once you’re energized, there’s a plethora of stores to choose from. If you’re looking for boutiques with cute, trendy, and affordable clothing, then No Rest for Bridget or LIT Boutique is for you. Both stores also sell unique accessories and jewelry that can go with an everyday outfit.

If you’re into pop culture, then check out Newbury Comics. This store offers a wide variety of music, movies, comics, and more, and it’s also just a fun store to peruse in. There’s also a Harry Potter inspired shop two blocks down for all the fantasy fanatics out there.

After all this shopping, you’ll probably be in the mood for a bite to eat. Crazy Good Kitchen is a perfect spot if you’re craving a hearty meal, like a burger or chicken sandwich. Even though it says trouble in the name, you can’t go wrong with their Double Trouble burger – it’s definitely crazy good.

Or there’s a few seafood restaurants on Newbury that also hit the spot. One of our favorites is The Little Whale Oyster Bar – the lobster spaghetti is amazing! They also serve other traditional New England dishes, such as the lobster roll and fresh oysters.

There’s so much to do on Newbury Street and we can’t for the open days this summer. At The Lenox, you’re walking distance from all these amazing shops and restaurants on Newbury!

 

Patio-ing with your Pooch

It is officially summer season, which means the patios in Boston are awaiting you and your furry friends! We found some paw-fect places for you and your pup to dine at this summer. Bone appétit!

J.P.Licks

173 Newbury Street  | 857.449.0334

This local chain serves signature ice cream and sorbet flavors in the heart of Newbury Street. Not only can your pup join you outside, but they can have a special treat as well! Their menu features Peanut Butter and Honey Cow Paws, a pet-friendly sorbet topped with a kosher dog bone.

Friendly Toast

35 Stanhope Street  |  617-456-7849

This fun and quirky spot serves brunch all day and its patio is great for people-watching with your pooch!

Crazy Good Kitchen

268 Newbury Street  |  617.936.4359

This family-owned restaurant in Back Bay offers outdoor seating for you and your doggy. Enjoy sipping on a shake and eating a delicious burger, while your pup salivates next to you.

Coppa

253 Shawmut Avenue  |  617.391.0902

Transport to Italy with your pet at this South End eatery, offering in-house pastas with lovely patio seating. There’s also a dog park (Peter’s Park) down the road to stop at after your meal!

Summer at Fenway

We are gearing up for another fun-filled summer in Fenway with Red Sox home series and an awesome concert schedule. The nice thing about The Lenox’s location is that you can experience Fenway a couple of different ways! I usually ask guests if they are looking to have a sit down dinner before the event or just some drinks and maybe a scene.

If you are looking to grab drinks near the park, my favorite is the Bleacher Bar because you feel as though you are actually a part of the stadium. And if you get the right seat, you can see right onto the field! Clask N Flagon is always a classic with a storied history. Lansdowne Pub is fun before Fenway concerts as they usually have a live band playing so it sets the tone for your whole night. If you want to have dinner, or at least a slightly less hectic pre-game, I recommend stopping at a Back Bay spot along the short walk. I really like Dillons, especially the patio, or Summer Shack for Oysters!

If you need any specific suggestions, feel free to reach out and, don’t worry, Red Sox jersey is considered formal dinner attire almost anywhere in Boston!

Another tip is to check out the Fenway Park Tour as a great way to get a sense of the ballpark in a super affordable manner. They run pretty much every hour on the hour and you can usually buy tickets at the park.

This week, all roads lead to Sólás!

It’s the week o’ the Irish, and nobody does St. Paddy’s Day like Boston does. In fact, one out of every five Bostonians has Irish ancestry, and we sure know how to celebrate that heritage. Whether you’re downing a Guinness in our Irish Pub, Sólás or dancing an Irish jig, there are so many ways to shamrock and roll this week!

If you happen to be in our neighborhood Wednesday thru Friday (or any other day for that matter!), stop by Sólás and enjoy a perfectly-poured pint of Guinness and some authentic Corned Beef & Cabbage. Click here to check out our St. Patrick’s Day menu specials.

Looking for some St. Paddy’s activities do due in and around the city, check out this link that The Boston Calendar put together – from movies, to cooking classes and the event of the holiday, THE South Boston Saint Patrick’s Day Parade!

Sláinte!⁠

Snowport Boston

Just over the bridge at the start of Boston’s Seaport neighborhood, Snowport is a festive winter market well worth a visit. With over 120 makers & food stalls, the sprawling Snowport market, decked in evergreen swags, twinkling lights, and music piped throughout, is full of holiday spirit.

Want to try your hand at curling? Snowport has you covered with an outdoor curling rink. Whether you’re looking for a hand-knit hat, one-of-a-kind artwork, or enjoy sipping a hot cocoa while you wait for your wood-fired pizza to come out of the oven, you could easily get lost exploring all that the small, independent makers at Snowport have to offer!

Summer Concert Series

Nothing rings in the summer season like an outdoor concert. Luckily, Boston has several venues to choose from – these are a two of my favorites:

FENWAY PARK:  While our boys of summer are traveling, Fenway Park transforms itself into a concert venue and this summer’s line-up won’t disappoint. A few repeat performers, as well as first timers Bad Bunny & Bill Burr.

LEADER BANK PAVILION:  Ideally situated on the water in Boston’s Seaport District, this venue offers an eclectic list of performers. Ranging from old timers like Bonnie Raitt and Tears for Fears to the amazing Alicia Keyes – a summer concert here will surely not disappoint!

Find below which artists will be performing , dates and a link to ticket information.

FENWAY CONCERT SERIES – Tickets


Paul McCartney | June 7 & 8

Zac Brown Band | July 15

Def Leppard & Mötley Crüe | August 5 & 6

Bad Bunny | August 18

Lady Gaga | August 19

Imagine Dragons | August 20

Bill Burr | August 21

Aerosmith | September 8

Red Hot Chili Peppers | September 10

 

LEADER BANK PAVILION – Tickets


Trombone Shorty’s Voodoo Threauxdown | June 11

Bonnie Raitt | June 17

Tears For Fears | June 22

Jake Owen | June 23

Josh Groban Harmony Tour | July 6

Bare Naked Ladies | July 10

Alicia Keyes | August 10

David Gray | August 19 & 20

An Iconic Boston Street Comes Alive

The weather in New England can be unpredictable, especially in the spring but chances are you will find a stroll along Newbury Street and our Back Bay neighborhood quite delightful! The trees canopying the streets are starting to bloom and the shops and restaurants are starting to buzz with activity. Below is a suggested itinerary for a day in the ‘hood! Enjoy!

WHERE TO FUEL UP

Revival Café & Kitchen – a new café on Newbury, close to the Public Gardens, Revival Café & Kitchen has a rotating menu of coffee roasters on brew so something new is always available, as well as extensive menu of pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and lunch options

Pavement – a local coffee roaster based in Brighton with several shops throughout Boston. Be sure to try their amazing breakfast sandwiches, made on their homemade bagels

Blue Bottle – based in California, Blue Bottle serves up only pour-over coffee and espresso drinks, as well as delicious pastries from A&J King Artisan Bakers in Salem, MA


shops on newbury street

SHOP SMALL

Olives & Grace – featuring locally sourced food and gifts in the quaint South End
https://www.olivesandgrace.com/

Gifted – an independent, woman-owned gift boutique in Boston’s beautiful South End

Simon Pearce – shop signature handcrafted glass and pottery tableware and décor, plus lighting and curated home accents


TAKE A LUNCH BREAK

Saltie Girl – creative Seafood spot specializing in tinned fish and one of the best Raw Bars in the city

Trident Booksellers and Café – bookstore and café serving some of the best breakfast and comfort food on Newbury

Red White Ramen – tasty Ramen restaurant specializing in Vegan recipes based on Buddhist monks in Japan called Shojin


pedestrians stroll on newbury street

SHOP BIG

H&M – trendy fashion brand featuring the latest styles at affordable prices

Nordstrom Rack – great value on ever-changing selections of brand name, designer and other high-quality fashions

Anthropologie – women’s apparel and accessories, intimates, home furniture and décor, beauty and gifts


WIND DOWN

Piattini – a Tuscan inspired Wine bar serving authentic Italian plates on two Newbury street patios

Krasi– imbibe on Greek wines and feast on Aegean small plates in a beautiful space

Time Out Market Boston

Opened in early 2019, Time Out Boston brings some of the best Boston food & drink concepts into a unique indoor market just a short walk from our doors in the Fenway neighborhood. There are too many fun eateries to list each, but here are some of our favorites to give you a feel for the place, It’s definitely worth a stop if you’re in the Fenway area!

Lala’s Neapolitan-ish Pizza

Founded during the height of the pandemic, Conor Cudahy launched a mobile pizza kitchen to bring delicious pizza made with some of the freshest local ingredients to bars & breweries. His pizza was such a hit, he launched his first brick & mortar restaurant at Time Out Market.

Anoush’ella

Hailing from the South End, Anoush’ella features Eastern Mediterranean flavors like wraps filled with za’atar chicken & overnight-braised beef or their signature anoush’ella kofta m’anoush, a wrap featuring spiced lamb & beef kofta topped with mint, pomegrantae, sumac onion, parsley, tahini, and zhouk.

Gelato Table Caffe

Table Caffe first started in Boston’s North End and became famous for their amazing homemade gelato. Now with a spot at Time Out Market, you can enjoy their sweet treats when in the Fenway neighborhood.