Cheryl Fenton is a Boston-based freelance writer whose work has appeared in the Boston Globe, USAToday, Resy.com, Apartment Therapy, Boston magazine and more. When she's not writing, you can typically find her with at least a dozen oysters in front of her and an extra dirty martini in hand.

Cheryl Fenton

Cheryl Fenton

Articles (61)

The best things to do in Boston this weekend: July 4-6

The best things to do in Boston this weekend: July 4-6

Whether you want to show off your patriotism at the country's largest July 4th celebration - Harborfest, hit the Hatchshell with thousands of your closest friends to watch the fireworks, enjoy modern dance with a performance at the ICA, or listen to Irish music at Club Passim's annual Summer Boston Celtic Music Festival, there's certainly no shortage of things to do in Boston this weekend. We have some ideas for the best things to do this weekend in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
Things to do this in Boston this week: June 30-July 6

Things to do this in Boston this week: June 30-July 6

Whether you want to dig into five courses of lobster at Petit Robert's Lobster Party, celebrate the Fourth of July with the Pops, get your sweat on at Boston Landing's outdoor bootcamp, or win a round of bingo with Rose Quartz (between her performances, of course) at the BPL's Honan-Allston branch, the end of June and beginning of July celebrates life in Boston in most vibrant way. There's plenty of fun to be had in and around the city, so here are some ideas for the best things to do this week in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
The Boston Marathon 2025 Route and Course Map

The Boston Marathon 2025 Route and Course Map

Held annually on Patriots’ Day and claiming the spot as the oldest race of its kind in the country, the famous Boston Marathon will run all day on April 21, 2025. With over 30,000 competitors annually, it’s certainly an event you don’t want to miss. The 26.2-mile route from Hopkinton to the finish line on Boylston Street in Boston offers many options for cheering, eating, and post-race celebration (including this Marathon party at Time Out Market!) . Below, you can find the full route, its starting and finish line points, and how to watch it in-person or streaming live on TV. You can also check out our list of things to do during the Boston Marathon. If you’re competing in the race, carbo-load at one of the best restaurants in Boston. 
The best college bars in Boston

The best college bars in Boston

When your budget trumps your desire to go out, nightlife can be tough. Especially in a city known for $200 entertainment tabs. But holding court as a true college town (we’re home to more than 50 colleges and universities and about 200,000 students), there are a number of joints around Boston that cater to the 20-something set. Whether your goal is affordable drinks or late night clubbing (budget be damned), here are the best college bars in Boston. For more college-friendly spots, check out the best cheap eats in Boston and Boston’s best late night dining options. Have a few too many – Boston’s best brunch spots will have the cure. RECOMMENDED: See the full list of the best bars in Boston
The 10 best cities in America in 2025

The 10 best cities in America in 2025

Time Out loves cities. We love talking about them and guiding you to explore them and, once a year, we even rank them with help from you, our readers. The results of our annual survey—which polls city-dwellers around the world about what it’s like to live, work and play in their hometowns—give us insight into what makes a city great. Your views on current culture trends, nightlife, and the things that make you love where you live, such as green spaces and access to beaches, help us compile our global ranking of the world’s best cities and this U.S.-specific list. Below, you’ll find the top 10 places in America, along with insider info from locals on why this year is the right time to visit. Now, without further ado, the best cities in the U.S. right now.
The best Boston New Year’s Eve events to ring in 2025

The best Boston New Year’s Eve events to ring in 2025

Prepped with cheers, bottles of bubbly, and a kiss at midnight, New Year’s Eve is all about new possibilities and the excitement of what’s to come. Beyond belting out a rendition of “Auld Lang Syne,” Boston will be buzzing with activities on December 31 all poised to help you ring in the new year in style. Take in one (or all) of the unique celebrations in the city tailored to every personality. From epic parties with live music to quiet romantic dinners with a champagne toast to early kid-friendly activities, here's how to say hello to 2025. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to New Year’s Eve in Boston
New Year's Day Boston 2025: Best things to do

New Year's Day Boston 2025: Best things to do

Whether you ended 2024 with a feast at one of the best restaurants open on New Year's Eve in Boston or in your PJs watching the ball drop at home, getting out to greet 2025 is a wonderful way to start the new year. As you bust out the new calendar and flip the page to reveal the new year, there's fresh air to be had and plenty of ways to reflect on what's to come. Whatever you do on New Year's Day in Boston, here are a few ways to say thank you to 2024 and kick start a fresh Day 1. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to New Year’s Eve in Boston
Beacon Hill neighborhood guide

Beacon Hill neighborhood guide

Beacon Hill is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Boston. Its picturesque red-brick row houses, gas lanterns, and steep, narrow streets make taking a walk in the neighborhood a treat. There are also lots of hidden gems throughout like the Boston Athenæum and 1928 Beacon Hill, a restaurant always packed with locals, and the secret rooftop at the Beacon Hill Hotel. Once you’ve exhausted this tony neighborhood, find more to do around town by checking out our guides to the best restaurants in Boston, best live music in Boston, and best museums in Boston.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
The best hot chocolate in Boston

The best hot chocolate in Boston

When the weather outside is frightful, there's nothing more delightful than a steaming mug of hot cocoa. We're not taking about a powdery packet: Boston is brimming with rich, sweet, spicy—and occasionally boozy—options for hot chocolate. With a cup of any one of these cozy drinks in your hands, not only you will feel festive and toasty, but you will also feel your fingers. Hot cocoa pairs well with strolling through the best parks in Boston or following a spin on the ice at one of the best skating rinks. If hot chocolate doesn't do enough to satisfy your sweet teeth, check out our guide to the best desserts in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston
The best holiday and Christmas markets in Boston to enjoy this winter

The best holiday and Christmas markets in Boston to enjoy this winter

The last thing you want to deal with this holiday season is a Black Friday crowd, mall parking or missing shipped packages. So forgo those follies and instead treat yourself to a fun shopping experience—that also supports local. These holiday markets are not only decked out in splendor (hello, hot cocoa and twinkle lights!), but you’ll leave knowing you supported small businesses by buying gifts that stand out from everything else under the tree. When you’re done, check out one of the many Christmas events in Boston or get some more cheer from a Boston Christmas lights display. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in Boston
The best Boston movie theaters to enjoy the latest movies

The best Boston movie theaters to enjoy the latest movies

The Boston area offers many options for moviegoers, including modern multiplexes, black box-type minis and lavish old theaters. Luxury cinemas with fancy treats and massive recliner seating that mimics the coziness of home viewing has become the norm. While most people want entertainment and flock to the blockbusters, there are also exceptional spaces to seek art and enlightenment—read on for more. Of course, regular cinema nights are as important to locals as visiting one of the best live music venues in Boston. Why not start or end the evening’s entertainment in one of the best dive bars in Boston. Or, if dinner and a movie is your go-to, check out one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
Where to order Thanksgiving takeout in Boston

Where to order Thanksgiving takeout in Boston

Making things easier for yourself on Thanksgiving is definitely something to be thankful for. Boston chefs and restaurants are here to help, with plenty of options for heat-and-serve holiday meals. Whether it’s a full feast or a la carte sides to supplement your spread, make sure to order Thanksgiving to-go ahead of time. Don’t want to celebrate at home? Check out the best restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner in Boston and the best ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Boston. Recommended: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

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Outdoor Bootcamp at Boston Landing

Outdoor Bootcamp at Boston Landing

The free outdoor workouts in Athlete's Park in Boston Landing continue with a total body, heart pumping, aerobic and strength conditioning workout at 5:30pm. The hour-long, interval-based class combines full-body strength training with high intensity cardio bursts that are designed to tone your body, improve your endurance, and clear your mind. There will be modifications for all fitness levels provided.
Dockfest at The Anchor in Boston

Dockfest at The Anchor in Boston

Dockfest at The Anchor in Boston is a week-long celebration, beginning July 1 and running through July 6, that features themed cocktails, live music, movie nights, and more. On the tails of The Anchor’s recent feature in Conde Nast Traveler as "Where to Watch the Boston July 4th Fireworks in 2025," this hot spot in one of Boston's historic neighborhoods offers up a ton of fun and fireworks views. Patio reservations are free, but there are also ticketed meals such as the BBQ Package with themed drinks and swag and Red White & Brews Package For Two (which adds beer and Rocket Pop margaritas to the mix). There’s also a VIP Mezzanine Experience with reserved seating, private bar access, food and beverage, and VIP patriotic swag.
Boston Public Library’s Drag Bingo Night with Rose Quartz

Boston Public Library’s Drag Bingo Night with Rose Quartz

This isn't your typical bingo night. Prepare for a unique twist, with multiple rounds packed into one hour at the Honan-Allston branch of the Boston Public Library in Allston. Expect fun, fast-paced gameplay, exciting prizes, as hostess Rose Quartz keeps the energy high and the bingo balls rolling with sass, style, and a sprinkle of comedy. Come for the bingo, stay for the fun (and surprise giveaways), and get ready to be shook by Rose Quartz’s performances.
Annual Lobster Party at Petit Robert Bistro

Annual Lobster Party at Petit Robert Bistro

Savor the season at highly anticipated Annual Lobster Party at Petit Robert Bistro in the heart of Boston’s South End. A summer tradition celebrating the flavors of the sea with an elegant French touch, you can indulge in a specially curated five-course menu crafted by Chef Chris Ipus that highlights fresh, locally sourced lobster in a refined dining experience. The meal begins with an amuse bouche of Lobster Mousseline, and continues with the next four courses of creamy lobster soup, lobster salad on watercress with fennel and Mandarin with a champagne vinaigrette, stuffed half lobster with cognac tarragon cream sauce, and a peach soufflé with Grand Mariner creme anglaise.
Boston Harbor City Cruises 4th of July Signature Dinner Cruise

Boston Harbor City Cruises 4th of July Signature Dinner Cruise

An incredible evening out awaits you with a delicious chef-curated buffet for all ages savored alongside the breathtaking city skyline during Boston Harbor City Cruises' Signature Boston 4th of July Dinner Cruise on the Boston Harbor. You'll soak in spectacular views of the city's iconic landmarks, such as The Seaport and USS Constitution, from the breezy open-air decks and comfortable indoor spaces while a DJ spins today's top hits. This dinner cruise bash is complete with a fully stocked cash bar, games, and dancing into the night.
Summer Stages Dance @ ICA Sneak Peek

Summer Stages Dance @ ICA Sneak Peek

Each summer the ICA offers residencies for choreographers to develop new work. Get a special sneak peek at exciting works in progress by Eiko Otake and DonChristian Jones on July 6 at 2pm. Inspired by the ever-changing nature of water and the body as a river of memories, Eiko Otake and DonChristian Jones, who began their collaboration in 2017, will continue to develop and expand their artistic connection at the ICA. In a work-in-progress presentation overlooking the Boston Harbor, Otake and Jones will share new materials and engage in conversations with visitors. Bonus: It’s also the first Sunday of the month, which translates to Play Date: Free Family Art Day - art-making, gallery activities, performances, and workshops designed to deepen connections with contemporary art. 
Passim's Summer Boston Celtic Music Festival

Passim's Summer Boston Celtic Music Festival

Passim's Summer Boston Celtic Music Festival (BCMFest) returns to Harvard Square on July 6. The day kicks off at 3pm with free shows on Palmer Street right outside of the Club, with performances by Irish fiddler Clare Fraser and her trio, followed by a powerhouse supergroup featuring Erin Hogan, Kate Knudsvig, Helen Kuhar, and Kat Wallace in Forsyth. The festival moves indoors Sunday night at 7pm with a ticketed show featuring Boston's versatile multi-instrumentalists Matt & Shannon Heaton, guitarist Adam Hendey and his band, and the dynamic fiddle-and-piano duo Katie McNally and Neil Pearlman. 
Harborfest

Harborfest

The city’s historic landmarks come alive with family-friendly fun during one of America’s largest Fourth of July festivals – Harborfest. Hundreds of activities throughout Independence Day weekend kick off with the annual opening ceremony in Downtown Crossing on July 2. The fun runs through July 4 with historical reenactments, State Hours tours, Macy’s Great American fashion show, beer gardens, and much more. Living historians and an array of local musical acts (including the Middlesex Country Volunteers Fifes & Drums Concert) will perform in Downtown Crossing and Cristopher Columbus Waterfront Park. The Boston Pops Fireworks cap off the festivities with a spectacular display with several vantage points over the Charles River. 
Boston Pops Fourth of July Concert

Boston Pops Fourth of July Concert

There’s good reason why America’s eyes are on Boston for Independence Day. It's the home of the country’s biggest patriotic celebration, the July 4th Pops Concert and Fireworks Spectacular. The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra puts on their best performance of familiar favorites and rousing patriotic music, complete with real cannon fire, on the Esplanade, beginning at 7pm (although people vy for lawn seats in the wee hours of the morning). The evening ends with fireworks above the Charles River. The "Oval" opens at noon, with the Mugar Family Fireworks starting at approximately 9:40pm. You can also catch the day-before rehearsal (minus the fireworks) for the same experience you’ll get from the Pops during the big birthday party. 
4th annual Revere Beach Pride Festival

4th annual Revere Beach Pride Festival

For the fourth year,Waterfront Square in Revere becomes a place of Pride and celebration with its annual Revere Beach Pride Festival on June 29 from 1-7pm. Join LGBTQ+ community, friends, and allies for music by DJ Giller, dancing and live entertainment, along with plenty of activities such as a photo booth, shoppable vendors, and face-painting and crafts for the kids. Shoudl this be another rainy weekend, the party will be moved inside to the Mariott Springhill Suites Ballroom.   
The Theater Offensive's Queer [Re]Public Festival

The Theater Offensive's Queer [Re]Public Festival

The Theater Offensive, Boston’s cultural organization for queer and trans people of color, launches a bold new chapter in its mission to uplift queer and trans artists of color with the inaugural Queer [Re]Public Festival, taking place June 26–29 at Arrow Street Arts in Cambridge. This four-day festival features performances, art making, and community building events from QTBIPOC creators, marking the public-facing culmination of two years of residency-based artistic collaboration. The Festival is anchored by three powerful works - Victoria Lynn Awkward's aerial dance production In the Space Between, Cheyenne Wyzzard-Jones's new play The Messenger, and Annalise "River" Guidry's participatory event Theater of Union.
Boston Art & Music Soul (BAMS) Festival

Boston Art & Music Soul (BAMS) Festival

There’s a reason Boston magazine named this annual event "Best Music Festival.” The Boston Art & Music Soul (BAMS) Festival is one of the fastest growing urban, multi-disciplinary arts festivals in the city that celebrates Afro-centric identity, Black artistry, voices, and creative contributions from local, regional and national entertainers of color. This initiative is 10 years strong in collab with the City of Boston's Office of Arts & Culture, and its expansion is expected to attract over 75,000 festival goers with its multiple stages, genres of music, and various mediums. Events take place at Franklin Park and Playstead Field.  This year’s BAMSFest will be headlined by Grammy Award-winning R&B Soul singer Lalah Hathaway, North Carolina Hip Hop duo Little Brother, and singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr. They will lead an eclectic lineup of world-class DJs and high-energy local talent that includes Boston’s “Godfather of House Music,” DJ Bruno, winner of Boston Music Awards Spoken Word Artist of the Year, Amanda Shea, Jazz vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jireh Calo, and veteran Boston-based rapper Edo.G. The lineup is completed by spoken word artist Cole Rodriguez, punk artist and producer Haasan Barclay, R&B singer Kasia Lavon, reggae from Roots Alley Collective, street dance from The Peacekeepers, and music spun by DJ WhySham, and DJ Deaf Tunez. While most of the arts and culture events of the BAMSFest's new week-long Momentum are ticketed, you can still get in on the fu

News (22)

This seafood shack was Boston's only James Beard Award winner

This seafood shack was Boston's only James Beard Award winner

Did a Southie seafood shack win the food world’s Oscar equivalent? Yes, it did—and we’re not mad about it! The James Beard Foundation handed out its highly coveted culinary awards in a splashy Chicago gala on Monday, June 16, and while the three Greater Boston finalists for the Restaurant and Chef Awards (Sarma’s Cassie Piuma for Outstanding Chef, Merai for Best New Bar, and Urban Hearth’s Erin Miller for Best Chef: Northeast) were sadly passed over, one unexpected local spot emerged victoriously. RECOMMENDED: 18 best seafood restaurants in Boston, from fresh raw bars to fancy fish jointsLast night might have been a complete shut out for Beantown’s dining scene, but Sullivan’s Castle Island in South Boston was happy to shoulder the burden as one of six restaurants awarded the annual America's Classics designation back in February. And anyone who has stood in the long line on opening day (typically after February school break) will agree the award is well-deserved for the seasonal spot—lovingly referred to as Sully's by locals—which has been a Boston institution since 1951, when Dan Sullivan, Sr. first opened it as a hot-dog stand. It's operated continuously by four generations of the Sullivan family ever since. As written by the James Beard Foundation on its award site, “Every Bostonian has a story about Sully’s—whether from working there after school as teenagers, having their sports team or fundraiser supported by Sully’s, taking their children for some crinkle cuts like th
I tried Boston's new Clue-themed walking tour—here's what it was like

I tried Boston's new Clue-themed walking tour—here's what it was like

It’s a mystery why a board game that revolves around a macabre murder became such a hit with families, but Clue has had a stranglehold on audiences from the get-go. Using cards, clues and cunning, the detective game born in 1943 out of boredom during WWII air-raid blackouts has remained a family-friendly sensation all these years. Now, the classic whodunnit comes to life as an interactive and immersive experience in Boston. (Yes, you can dress in character.) As a fan of the game since my dad first dragged out his childhood set to play with me in the ‘80s, I was excited to hit the bricks with my friend for some sleuthing when “Clue: A Walking Mystery” debuted in Boston on June 27. With the green light from Hasbro, award-winning interactive game designers The Wild Optimists and Right Angle Entertainment first launched the event in Chicago, with more cities in planning. It invites armchair sleuths to hit the streets to cosplay as descendents of the original characters—Mayor Green, Colonel Mustard, Solicitor Peacock, Professor Plum, Miss Scarlett and Chef White—to solve the grizzly murder of Mr. Boddy Black, the game’s fictitious victim. The 75-year-old case may have gone cold, but thanks to clues scattered throughout the city, you can be hot on the trail of a murderer. Photograph: Cheryl Fenton Our adventure begins just off the Freedom Trail, by the North End Bakery counter inside the bustling Quincy Market, as two butlers describe the tale and the familiar task at hand: We mu
Princess Cruises launches new routes out of Boston

Princess Cruises launches new routes out of Boston

Boston has a new option for cruise vacations with itineraries to visit our northern neighbors during prime leaf-peeping season. Princess Cruises has sailed into town for its maiden Boston season, beginning July 14, with exciting east coast excursions planned through early October around New England, Canada and Greenland. In the wake of introducing a Northern Lights voyage to west coast travelers, the iconic cruise company is now sailing out of Flynn Cruiseport Boston with the Emerald Princess. The 3,080-guest cruise ship offers well-appointed staterooms, world-class dining voted one of the best choices for food lovers by Food & Wine magazine, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas and tons of on-board activities and experiences. Photograph: Courtesy Princess CruisesA mini suite on the Emerald Princess vessel Ten available routes from Boston range in length from seven to 17 days. Hop aboard to enjoy all that scenic New England and Canada have to offer—from colonial history to striking lighthouses and quaint seaside villages ready to serve you some fresh seafood.  In August, you can knock a visit to the world's largest island off your bucket list with three port stops in Greenland to see its stunning landscapes and magnificent fjords. As fall creeps in, Emerald Princess also has vantage points on the most glorious foliage as it sails along forested areas in the northeast, rich in the brilliant shades of autumn red, orange and gold.   Boston-based Emerald Prin
Boston just won a cheezy award

Boston just won a cheezy award

While lobster rolls, Boston Baked Beans, and Boston Crème Pie usually take centerstage as notable noshes for our city, there’s another dish that’s drawing attention from diners in Boston.  According to research done by Clever Real Estate, some might be surprised that Boston is the third-best pizza city in America, with a near perfect overall pizza score of 99 out of 100. To decide who made the grade for this cheezy award, the data team at Clever Real Estate analyzed a multitude of metrics, including pizza “reputation” gained from a survey of 1,000 Americans, average Yelp rating for pizza restaurants, average pizza prices, and more. Boston lost out to Denver and Buffalo, N.Y., which are in spots one and two respectively. With 12.3 pizza restaurants per 100,000 residents (a far cry from the lowest on the list – Dallas which has the fewest pizza restaurants, with just 2.7), Boston is poised with options for great pies. According to the data, we have 46 percent more than the typical city's rate of 8.4 per 100,000 residents. These spots deliver (pun intended), boasting an average Yelp rating of 3.81 out of 5 stars. And Boston is willing to pay - A large cheese pizza in Boston costs $19.65 on average, while a large pepperoni pizza averages $23.05. Boston also scored an 88 out of 100 in the pizza passion metric, based on how often locals search the web for pizza-related terms (e.g., "pizza near me," "pizza delivery," "pan pizza," etc.). That's 22 percent higher than the average city
These local chefs are now James Beard semifinalists

These local chefs are now James Beard semifinalists

  While the Oscars and Golden Globes usually vie for our attention this time of year, there is another award season upon us. And it’s one that occasionally trades red carpets for white table cloths. The James Beard Foundation semifinalist list was recently released, recognizing the year’s best restaurants and chefs from around the country and across a respected list of 11 categories. While all of the New England states are represented within the semifinalist list with Connecticut the only one represented in the Outstanding Chef category (congrats to Renee Touponce of Mystic’s The Port of Call), there are plenty of Massachusetts chefs up for Best Chef Northeast. The semi-finalists for Best Chef Northeast include: Tracy Chang, Pagu, CambridgeJohn daSilva, Chickadee, BostonConor Dennehy, Tallula, CambridgePatricia Estorino, Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar, CambridgeCecelia Lizotte, Suya Joint, BostonLaurence Louie, Rubato, QuincyRachel Miller, Nightshade Noodle Bar, Lynn For those not in the know, The James Beard Awards are among the nation’s most prestigious culinary honors, honoring those “who are creating exceptional food, food media content, and better food systems, while demonstrating a commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.” When deciding on the Chef Awards, they choose those in the kitchen who celebrate excellence across a range of experiences, from fine-dining establishments to casual gems, and emerging talents
This Boston restaurant made the top 10 most romantic restaurants list by Yelp

This Boston restaurant made the top 10 most romantic restaurants list by Yelp

The season of smooch is upon us and, if you’re scrambling to find a romantic place to have Valentine’s Day dinner with your love, according to Yelp, you don’t have to look very far. Just take them to Sorellina in Boston, which just snagged the No. 10 spot on the site’s Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the U.S. Located in the heart of historic Copley Square, chef/owner Jamie Mammano’s Italian-Mediterranean inspired restaurant was the only Massachusetts restaurant to get shown any love on the list (the only other New England locale mentioned was Providence’s Los Andes Restaurant at No. 36).  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sorellina (@sorellinaboston) Just in time for Valentine’s Day celebrations, Yelp identified restaurants with a large concentration of reviews mentioning the love language that makes our hearts swoon - words and phrases such as "romantic," "date night" and "Valentine.” The site then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews with those keywords. And so the love list was born.  Yelpers definitely know a beauty when they see one. Magical and mysterious, the warm-modern design at Sorellina is entwined with the glow of the back wall mural and the floor-to-ceiling windows for a visually stunning combo. Soft leather chairs to sink into, candles flickering on the table and a floating panel ceiling with intimate low lighting all work in harmony to set the mood. Add in the classic I
Your favorite lunch order just got a new line up. Literally.

Your favorite lunch order just got a new line up. Literally.

Adjacent to The Connector located in Winthrop Center, a 691-foot mixed-use tower with the moniker of Downtown Boston’s newest urban "living room," The Lineup food hall just opened on January 17. While the spot houses five quick-serve culinary delights, don’t go opening your dinner reservation app too soon. These eateries are only open during the week from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Photograph: Courtesy Brian Samuels The brainchild of Michelin-starred Chef and Restaurateur John Fraser (of NYC’s Dovetail and now-closed Nix fame), The Lineup is his first-ever food hall concept and it’s one for the 9-to-5 daily grinders (although it is missing a sub shop). "The JF Restaurants team is thrilled to team up with Millennium Partners to launch our first ever food hall in the heart of Downtown Boston at The Connector," he said in a press release. “We look forward to welcoming the Boston community to discover this new epicurean destination whether you're looking to dine in or simply place an order for pick up."While convenience is definitely on the menu (the hall’s restaurants are all fast-casual for those looking for quick lunch options), you can also look forward to exploring five one-of-a-kind concept restaurants, ranging from 3.5-ounce smash burgers at Big Grin and Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas at Gatto Pazzo (check out their signature pie with golden yellow tomato vodka sauce and citrus-marinated shrimp) to vegetarian Mexi-Cali street food at Ariana (the pizza box of vegetarian nachos will
Immersive art experience opening in Boston's Downtown Crossing

Immersive art experience opening in Boston's Downtown Crossing

While you typically visit museums with hands in pocket, there’s a new art exhibition hall coming to Boston that’s challenging that pesky “look but don’t touch” concept.  WNDR Museum Boston is an unparalleled immersive art and technology experience opening in Boston's Downtown Crossing on February 1. The 17,000-square-foot museum redefines the traditional museum, with most of the art focused on physical movement interaction. Translation? Instead of standing idle, you’re actually encouraged to engage with artworks and multi-sensory installations created by cutting edge artists, collectives, technologists, designers, and makers. This multi-dimensional journey was voted one of the best 10 immersive experiences in the U.S. to check out right now by Time Out.  Photograph: Courtesy Ken Schluchtmann   With more than 20 exhibits, WNDR Museum Boston will also be home to localized versions of popular exhibits found at its flagship Chicago location, alongside pieces by internationally acclaimed artists including Yayoi Kusama’s Let’s Survive Forever. Considered one of her masterpieces, the installation features stainless steel balls suspended from the ceiling and arranged on the floor of the Infinity Room; an enclosed column within the room offers yet another mirrored environment accessible through peepholes. A sense of infinity is offered through the play of reflections between the circular shapes and surrounding mirrors on the room’s walls. “At WNDR Museum, we are committed to breakin
The best Boston Tea Party 250th anniversary events

The best Boston Tea Party 250th anniversary events

The City of Boston is definitely an OG tea spiller. And, on December 16, the city is poised to celebrate the 250th anniversary of when its colonists showed intolerance to tyranny by tossing all the tea into the Harbor to defy British rule. This is known as the Boston Tea Party of 1773. The commemorations this year will feature unprecedented levels of collaboration between organizations across Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, culminating in a grand-scale, live reenactment of the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 2023. What was the Boston Tea Party? If you’re late to the history lesson party, here’s a breakdown of the famous local event. This political protest took place at Griffin’s Wharf in Boston on December 16, 1773, when angry colonists showed their frustration with Britain’s “taxation without representation” by dumping 342 chests of tea into the harbor. The tea was imported by the British East India Company, a massive British corporation founded under Queen Elizabeth I that would have given today’s tech giants like Google, Apple, or Amazon a run for their money as one of history’s biggest, most dominant. This event rallied the patriots to begin their fight for eventual independence from Britain. Are there any informational events about or re-enactments of the Boston Tea Party? A full evening of reenactments will play out on December 16 across Boston at several historic locations.  Starting off, Faneuil Hall & The Boston Tea Party: A Protest in Principle takes
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party in fashion

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party in fashion

Colonial Sons of Liberty were clearly the literal OGs of spilling the tea, thanks to dumping British tea into the Boston Harbor to protest in 1773. And, on December 16, you can help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party with your own cup of fragrant tea and delicious treats overlooking the city’s waters. Celebrate and relive the Boston Tea Party’s spirit (minus the tossing of the tea) with a Grand Afternoon Tea at the Boston Harbor Hotel during December. Held at the hotel’s waterfront restaurant, Rowes Wharf Sea Grille, you can raise a cup with pinkies up on Thursdays through Sundays throughout the month from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm with exquisite teas, champagne, and decadent bites.  Teapots are steeping with your choice of black, green, oolong, white, or rooibos herbal teas, as you take your seat among awe-inspiring Boston Harbor views and await a feast fit for a king (but not one that taxes without representation, of course).  Simple tea sandwiches often seen at traditional afternoon teas give way to special savories on tiered displays, including Ostrea Caviar, Rosti Potato, Toast Points, Chive Crêpes with Crème Fraîche; Maine Lobster Popovers with White Truffle Sabayon; A5 Wagyu Hand Chopped Steak Tartare with Dijon, Capers, Kewpie, and Aged Pecorino Romano; and Hudson Valley Foie Gras Toast with Quince Butter on Hi Rise Potato Bread with Sauterne Geleé.  While sipping on Moët & Chandon Impérial Rosé Brut Champagne, you’ll finish up with decadent sweets, such
Boston Women’s Market spreads holiday cheer at Quincy Market this weekend

Boston Women’s Market spreads holiday cheer at Quincy Market this weekend

Now that December is upon us, it’s time to kick it into high gear for the holidays. And with that comes the ever-daunting gift list. Panic not - Boston’s thriving holiday market scene once again comes to the rescue, as the Boston Women's Market takes over Quincy Market this weekend in Boston. What is the Boston Women’s Market? Courtesy Founded by Africa Rubio Pastor and Cara Loffredo to support local makers and artists, the holiday market is bringing together more than 40 women-owned businesses (many of them LGBTQ+ and minority-owned as well) with unique
 products ranging from hand-crafted jewelry and pet accessories to stationery and handmade body care. While the market saw its first shoppers in 2017 with past locations at Harpoon Brewery, Time Out Market, Union Square, and The Speedway, this is the first time it's been held at iconic Quincy Market. What can I buy at the holiday market? Located over the two floors of Quincy Market, wares rotate every week, so each time you shop you’ll find a new business to support. The market offers unique home goods and decor, ceramics, accessories, jewelry, pet goods, gourmet treats, and more. A few of the vendors include illustrations and dog bandanas at Slobber Threads, hand-sewn journals and sketchbooks at Lend a Hand Designs, jewelry inspired by New England's natural beauty from Just Rosy, French macarons from Mariela's Sweets, and body care from JB Artisans Soaps. What about food and drink at the Boston Women’s Market? Whether you
Rosebud Kitchen & Bar blooms again in Davis Square

Rosebud Kitchen & Bar blooms again in Davis Square

When it comes to one of Somerville’s most beloved eateries in Davis Square, everything's coming up roses. After being purchased by Bindaas Restaurant Group in June 2023 and hosting its last service on October 1, the beloved Rosebud Kitchen & Bar is finally reopening on December 1, with both a new concept and some old favorites.  Respecting its place as a neighborhood landmark since 1941 and coveted listing on the National Register of Historic Places since 1999, not much inside Rosebud feels changed. You’ll still find its black and red leather booths and weathered wood paneling that are tell tale signs of a classic diner vibe. But the newest incarnation of Rosebud features the food of Chef Keith Sarasin, a founder of the New Hampshire "Farm to Table" movement, who will be introducing knowledge gained from his study of Indian food and culture for the past two decades.   While the new owners have dropped the “American” in the name Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar, they aren’t planning on dropping some of the American classics the diner has been known for for generations. The regional comfort food that evokes nostalgia still remains -  bacon cheeseburgers with American cheese and applewood smoked bacon, mac 'n cheese with buttery Ritz Cracker crust, French toast, buttermilk pancakes and eggs, and hot dogs.   Courtesy   But now, you can customize the mac 'n cheese with creamy Chicken Tikka or garnish your dog with Indian vegetable chili, cilantro, and red onion. You’ll also find I