Cheryl Fenton

New Year's Eve is an opportunity to pull out all the stops, as we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new year with open arms. While staying cozy and popping a bottle at home is always an option, this year why not get out and get excited for 2024 with a bash to remember. You’ll dance the night away, surrounded by an electric atmosphere, and the company of friends, old and new. We picked nine of the best New Year Eve’s parties in Boston for you to check out. And if you want more things to do, fill up the final hours of the year with the Best Events on New Year’s Eve before your midnight toast.  RECOMMENDED: Boston restaurants open on NYE

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 - we’ve found the best ways to put 2023 in your rear view and say hello to 2024. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to New Year’s Eve in Boston

When it comes to Thanksgiving, adding in a little ease to the game is definitely something to be thankful for. Instead of popping out of bed at sunrise to pop the 20-pounder in the oven to be ready for mealtime, let the pros around Boston do it for you. If you don’t want to stress about dressing the bird, preparing a parade of side dishes, and baking a pile of pies, a number of restaurants around Boston are coming to the rescue with full Thanksgiving dinners to-go. Whether it’s a full feast or a la carte sides to supplement your spread, you can order these festive takeout from these local eateries ahead of time. Don’t want to celebrate at home? Dine out at one of the best restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner in Boston and check out the best ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Boston. Recommended: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

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 this year. Shop local for your holiday gift simplicities or splurges at some of Boston's best holiday markets. These spots are not only decked out in holiday 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

Just because winter is upon us that doesn't mean your love of outdoor dining is forced into hibernation. Thanks to unique heaters, cozy private igloos, chalet vibes, firepits and cozy blankets, you can eat, drink and snuggle outside even in the dead of winter. We’ve gathered together some of the best restaurants in Boston with outdoor heaters for al fresco dining. So take a seat, grab a cocktail and a hearty meal, and let Mother Nature know you aren’t going anywhere. Need a little more help warming up, check out the best hot cocktails, best hot chocolate or best coffee in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

While the name suggests otherwise, Boston’s very own iconic dessert (it originated at the Omni Parker House) identifies more as a cake than pie. Sweet custard layered between yellow butter cake, then glazed with chocolate – what’s not to love? Here are a few of the best places around Boston to order Boston Cream Pie, from tried and true slices to unique takes on the classic (hello, donuts and pancakes). Looking for a different type of sweet? Check out our guides to the best pies, best donuts, and best ice cream in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

‘Tis the season when even the toughest of New Englanders reach for steaming hot cocoa, and luckily Boston is brimming with rich, sweet, spicy (and occasionally boozy) options. We've gathered up the best hot chocolates in and around Boston. 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 in Boston. 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

As the crisp autumn breeze is telling you, New England is heading full steam into fall – when the foliage becomes fiery and the apple cider pipes hot. There are countless activities to allow you to bask in the beauty of the season, and pumpkin picking is a must-do for locals and visitors alike. Ditch the pre-picked varieties at the grocery store checkout counter and head to one of these local farms near Boston, where you can hitch a ride on a wagon and choose your own stylish squash. For more seasonal activities, check out where to see the best fall foliage in Boston, where to go apple picking near Boston, and where to get the best hot chocolate in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

Grab your lederhosen and dirndl – it’s Oktoberfest time in New England. Regardless of the name, the first celebrations actually kick off in September and continue through October. Originally held in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of the Crown Price of Bavaria, today’s Oktoberfests boast everything from special brews to feasts, live oompah bands to keg throwing. We’ve rounded up the best places to celebrate Oktoberfest in Boston this year. And to keep the fall vibes going, check out our guide to having an amazing Fall in Boston, the best places to go apple picking and the best pumpkin patches near Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston.  

Settling deeply into the season of spook, we’ll happily put down our PSLs for a good jump scare this time of year. And luckily for us, there are plenty of spots throughout New England where sunlight can’t reach you and hair-raising Halloween thrills and chills await. Warning: these haunted houses, estates, and terror factories aren’t for the faint of heart. They ramp up the terror with extreme special effects, elaborate costumes, gory makeup, eerie fog, and spine-chilling sounds. Most haunted houses open the weekend of September 29 and run through October, but check the individual sites for schedules. If the “Hocus Pocus” trio of witches is more your speed, swap out the seasonal scares for the best Halloween events in Boston, or stay close to home decorating gourds from the best places to go pumpkin picking. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

Massachusetts can lay claim to some of the scariest ghost stories and hauntings ever recorded. From a former Revolutionary War hospital-turned-inn and a mysterious park rumored to host satanic rituals, to a grisly family murder and the horrifying Salem Witch Trials, the shadows of our state’s dark past are never too far. Thrillseekers have plenty to keep them busy, as they explore eerie areas in search of hair-raising spectral sightings and paranormal encounters. We’ve gathered 10 places rooted in the spookiest local lore for you to visit (after you've had your fill of pumpkin picking, apple picking and admiring the fall foliage). Investigate at will, but be warned: These are the homes of the undead; You’re merely a guest. Recommended: The best things to do in Boston  

Often getting props for offering up super healthy cuisine, the Mediterranean region is known for fantastic fare that’s wholesome and satisfying. Think fresh hummus, grilled seafood, veggies, lean meats and dishes infused with the lemon, garlic, za'atar and heart-healthy olive oil. Don’t worry—there are plenty of cheat-day-worthy treats like baklava and loukoumades (Greek donuts) to keep those sweet teeth satisfied. Here’s where to go for the best Mediterranean dishes in Boston. If you’re not in the mood to stick to a Mediterranean diet, but want to keep it light, check out the best vegetarian restaurants in Boston or the best seafood restaurants in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

Consider this Seaport staple (and its new Burlington location) an "elevated fiesta.” Paying homage to their traditional roots, Rosa Mexicano delivers all the spice while incorporating regional accents into every dish through classic preparation, grilling, and seasoning. Even tableside guac gets an upgrade – the founder’s decades-old recipe topped with grilled pineapple, bacon, or lump crab. The house-made mole is crafted over three days using 26 ingredients; and authentic dishes include tacos, huarache, enchiladas, quesadillas, and a Parrilladas Mexican-style mixed grill heaped on a sizzling platter for sharing.

Chef Brian Poe takes a walk on the wild side, as he taps into the exotic delicacy department at his Tip Tap Room in Boston Back Bay. With a revolving board of the tips du jour (think elk and yak), the yin to the yang of the menu is the complementing immense selection of beers on tap. Their beverage program is heavily rooted in craft bourbons and 36 selections of beers on tap (a mix of local, domestic and international imports).

Part of Pasha Entertainment (of Venu and ICON fame), Hava delivers high-energy nightlife within the settings of a sultry lounge where you can sit back with beautiful people and sip tempting cocktails. Originally designed to be the ladies lounge and orchestra area to the Wilbur Theatre, this uniquely beautiful space is for weekends-only fun.

Nestled in the courtyard in Roslindale Village, Sophia's Grotto is like a trattoria located within a quaint little Italian town. Its warm glowing decor inside is nicely complemented by its shared brick patio outfitted with heat lamps (weather dictated, of course), greenery and twinkling lights. The wood-fired pizza is a hit, as well as the other delectable Mediterranean classics at this family-owned spot that has been around for ages.

Female-owned and operated, Deja Brew is a place where New Southie and Old Southie unite. Long-time regulars still enjoy a hot regular, while the younger set flock for an oatmeal chocolate chip-flavored iced coffee with oat milk. Brewing Downeast Coffee Roasters (cheers to another family-owned business), they also serve breakfast and lunch all day (aka until its 2pm closing time). Dig into their popular Bubba Biscuit, an egg, cheddar, bacon, garlic aioli and arugula sandwich named after life-long Southie resident and retired firefighter Bubba Cahill.

Proudly owning its place as Cambridge’s first (and only) specialty coffee roastery, Broadsheet Coffee Roasters takes its spot behind Harvard Yard and serves up conscientiously-sourced coffees from a rotating selection of sweet and complex beans roasted on-site twice weekly. There are also take-out bags of whole beans for DIY drips, along with online tutorials to help you learn about options for brewing at home. Need a little lift? Grab one of their bulk jugs of 32 ounces of coffee.

While known for Beef Wellington (yes, it’s also on the menu), Michelin-starred Chef Gordon Ramsay’s newest venture gives a proper nod to seafood. Set in the Mandarin Oriental, Boston, the recently opened Ramsay's Kitchen celebrates the chef’s most talked about and favorite dishes, many of which with a local twist like the Lobster and Clam Bouillabaisse. The use of blue marble is a nod to Boston Harbor’s waters, and the menu is rich with the ocean’s bounty—jumbo lump crab cakes, Boston lager-steamed mussels, crispy skin salmon and fish and chips. While the fight continues over whether the lobster roll should be served cold or warm, Ramsay appeases all by offering both versions.

Curio Coffee & Wine is the best of both worlds: an independent specialty coffee shop by day, natural wine bar by night (on Thursdays and Fridays, anyway). Just a few steps away from Lechmere Station, hot coffee is batch-brewed, while the iced selections are made from fellow Cambridge-based business Broadsheet Coffee Roasters’ well-loved Bulletin Blend. Espresso drinks keep you going, while their award-winning Liège waffles (famous Belgian street waffles with pearl sugar) are made to order on a griddle imported from Belgium.

This Salem haunt for tealovers offers a High Tea on Wednesdays through Sundays. Your European-inspired experience begins with a glass of iced hibiscus tea while you peruse the extensive loose leaf tea menu. A three-tiered presentation of tea sandwiches, including cucumber, smoked salmon, and ham and brie, accompanies a steaming personal pot of your selection, along with lemon scones, French macarons, and madeleines. Want a more intimate tea party? Book the private Salon Room for four to six guests. 

Need to get a handle on your workout? With Stages bikes and QSC sound, the energy at The Handle Bar is high and the bass is bumping. Look for monthly twists to their signature Cycle ride, like past classes that have included HEAT with live DJs and a mega heated room or Rise & Rave, a coffee-driven glow stick adventure. Go the extra mile with Handle with Care, their non-profit that raises mental illness awareness. Joining their four other sites of this female-owned and operated business is the new Prudential location.

More athletic resort than gym, the newly built Life Time Fitness Northshore is the first of its kind in the Greater Boston area. A 120,000-square-foot, three-story mecca of good health, each level welcomes you to the next stage of your wellness journey, including: 400 pieces of cardio and resistance equipment; yoga, pilates, and spin rooms; two basketball courts; LifeCafe and LifeSpa. Water enthusiasts enjoy hot tubs, cold water plunges, lap pools and an expansive seasonal outdoor aquatic center, complete with a leisure pool, water slides, cabanas and a bistro. For parents, the onsite Kids Academy is a dream.

Founded originally by George Foreman III, EverybodyFights is more than just about rings and bags. Modeled after a real boxer’s training camp, the authentic, boxing-inspired group fitness brand offers circuit training, ROAD treadmill classes, MITTS technique classes, weights and more. The recovery room is all about mindfulness, and trainers explain the why behind the work. The gym has three Boston area locations and opens at 5am, so no more fighting a busy day to get in a workout.

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

Despite winter’s upcoming chilly temps and whipping winds, avid golfers can now breathe a sigh of relief. Topgolf is finally open in Canton, giving visitors a way to work around New England’s nasty weather and improve their swing for the spring, and all not too far from Boston. Where is the new Topgolf near Boston? The brand new golfing complex is the franchise's first location in Massachusetts and the second in New England (there’s a Topgolf location in Cranston, R.I.). "There's been a ton of excitement within the Topgolf family about this venue opening, and we're so excited to see it come to life," Topgolf's chief operating officer, Gen Gray, said in a statement. Everything to know about Topgolf Whether you bring your own or you use their complimentary clubs, the three-story facility has something for every golfer of every level - kids included. For those who prefer to simply practice their swing, the location includes 90 climate-controlled heated hitting bays, with HDTVs in every one. More than just the traditional ranges, Topgolf also allows players to earn points by aiming for giant targets for more realistic play time. Bonus: the high-tech micro-chipped balls score themselves, and Toptracer technology allows you to see a real-time trace of your ball's flight path as well as insights into speed, distance, angle and accuracy. The venue also boasts a sports bar and restaurant inside, along with a 28-foot video wall and 100-plus HDTVs throughout. The menu is full of shareab

Boston is a unique place to call home and its quirky nature constantly earns it kudos as one of the top places to live in the country. Sure, our driving is aggressive (we prefer to call it proactive, thank you), and our weather is a rollercoaster. There’s even a love-to-hate response to our accent’s non-rhotic (i.e. "r-dropping") sound, called both the most annoying in the country and the second sexiest. But when it comes to our sense of community, it’s ironclad. And once you’re part of it, you’re in it forever (at least in your own neighborhood). When you want to fit in among your fellow Bostonians, follow these 25 rules to live by in Boston whenever you’re in town.  How to act like a 'real' Bostonian When it comes to pledging your allegiance to your favorite cannoli, you must pick a side: Modern Pastry or Mike’s Pastry. They might be down the street from each other in the North End, you can only be faithful to one of these local bakeries. So legendary is this feud that there’s a PBS documentary currently being filmed called “Cannoli Wars” narrated by Morgan Freeman. See a beach chair or milk crate in a shoveled-out parking spot after a snowstorm? Leave it. Those are space savers, and you don’t want a territory fight. (Except in the South End, where they have been banned.) We only drink iced coffee from Dunks—all year round. Luckily, there are 85 Dunkins in Boston. Also we call it Dunks or Dunkies. No one actually says Dunkin’ out loud. If possible, shelter in place on and

Love it or hate it, Boston is the proud home to one of America’s most imitated and parodied accents. Even our own people dial it up a notch for fun, such as Massachusetts native Casey Affleck as the self-proclaimed mayah of Dunkin’ on SNL and Boston-born Chris Evans revealing his car’s smaht pahk to fellow locals John Krasinski and Rachel Dratch during the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Super Bowl commercial. The kickah? There are a few people who aren’t fans of the “soothing” non-rhotic (or "r-dropping") sounds of a Bostonian.   Highland Titles (a company that sells souvenir plots of land in the Scotland Highlands complete with Lord and Lady titles) surveyed 1,000 Americans about their perceptions of different national and foreign accents. Brace yourselves. Second only to New York, Boston was found to be the least attractive and most annoying.  But we’re not wicked stressed about it. According to the same survey, Bostonians are also found to be the most assertive and most confident sounding people in the country. A 2019 survey by travel company Big 7 across its 1.5 million social media followers did us a little bettah, ranking the Boston accent as the second sexiest in the country. It was behind Texas (which we won’t mess with). Find your perfect person who makes your haht skip a beat with their sexy Boston accent? Why not chat the day away ovah a cup of Joe at one of Boston's best coffee shops. Or grab a cocktail at one of the best cocktail bars and then settle into a nice intim

The Draconids meteor shower is flying over Boston - and you don’t have to be a night owl or early bird to watch it. There’s a meteor shower this weekend. And, for once, to catch a glimpse you don’t need to sacrifice any sleep.  What makes the Draconids different from other meteor showers? While most meteor showers have you staying up until the wee hours to watch their splendor, you won’t have to lose any shut eye. The Draconids are best viewed in the early evening hours just before dark. What is a meteor shower? A meteor shower is a celestial event in which a number of meteors (or space rocks and streams of cosmic debris) are seen originating from one point in the night sky as they enter the Earth's atmosphere at extremely high speeds. The meteors are fast-moving and occasionally produce bright fireballs and leave persistent trains. When can I see the Draconids in the Boston area? They can be seen Thursday, October 5, through Monday, October 9, peaking Saturday and Sunday. Will the weather cooperate this weekend? The forecast for the Boston area calls for partly to mostly cloudy skies for the duration of the meteor shower. How long do the Draconids last? Known as a very short and unpredictable meteor shower, the show won’t last for long. As a “minor show,” there will be only about 10 shooting stars an hour. Where did the Draconids get its name? As the Earth's perspective of the meteor shower originates from the direction of the constellation Draco, the dragon, the name origin

When you want to relax and reflect, there’s no need to travel the globe when you have the best spa in the world in your own backyard. Travel publication Conde Nast Traveler recently released its list of the 30 best spas in the U.S. and around the world as part of its annual 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards – and a New England location took top honors. Winvian Farm in Litchfield Hills, Conn., grabbed the number one spot again, for the sixth year running. But the spa wasn’t alone in its rankings. Another New England spa made the list: Lenox-based Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa ranked No. 11. Courtesy Miraval With a gracious, 1775 manor at the heart of the historic estate, Winvian’s 18 individually-themed resort cottages are located on the threshold of woodlands and meadows spread across 113 acres. Not limited to guests of the resort, the spa is a 5,000-square-foot “realm of tranquility and pampering,” boasting a Meditation Lounge with reflecting pool, sauna, and array of services such as massages, facials, Tibetan sound therapy, infrared sauna, and private yoga. While we have some of the best spas in Boston, the glowing words from Conde Nast Traveler about Winvian Farm has us packing our bags and heading to the historical town in Connecticut: “In the heart of Yankee Connecticut, Winvian Farm is a perfect retreat for the jaded captain of industry wanting to reconnect with their playful inner child. The owners of Vermont’s Pitcher Inn commissioned 15 New England architects to build

If chillier mornings, foggy starts to the day, and earlier sunsets in the evening have you missing summer, don’t worry. She’s back - at least for now. Today’s Boston weather forecast is as if the beloved season of sun never left. Although the morning begins on trend for fall at around 48 degrees, local forecasters expect there to be a ton of sunshine and high temperatures in the low 80s throughout the day. This unexpected blast of warmer weather gives us a huge opportunity to get outside to soak up the last of this year’s “summer” sun. Sure, a simple walk outside is better than nothing, but why not embrace the temps fully with a packed picnic and a trip to one of the city’s best parks to feel the sun on your face. Or add in some sand between your toes with a stroll down one of the area’s best beaches. If the unseasonable weather is not your thing, at least enjoy the warmth with a side of cooler shade thanks to a trek through one of Boston’s nearby best hiking spots. This bonus outdoor time might also call for a visit to one of Boston’s best restaurants for outdoor dining or best waterfront restaurants/bars. Although the sunset time of 6:23pm reminds you it’s actually fall, cocktails after work still afford plenty of dusk to enjoy before the evening creeps in for dinner. While today’s temperatures will be in the low 80s, Mother Nature isn’t done just yet reviving her summertime glow. You can also expect warm, pleasant weather on Wednesday with highs in the mid 70s.

While the dropping temps and peeps of colorful foliage might have you yearning for PSLs and outdoor strolls, Time Out Market is poised to tempt you with some fun fall indoor activities. The range of curated events at Boston’s innovative eating-and-drinking destination in Fenway grabs your attention and doesn’t let go, from game nights to wine tastings, music to kid-friendly activities. We’ve gathered up a few things to do at Time Out Market as we start October New England style. And the best part is you can enjoy many of these events without spending a dime. Consider this your chance to call a timeout on the typical fall happenings. OktoberfestHow perfect does an afternoon with a frosty cold beer in hand sound? Head to Time Out Market Boston on September 30 for an unforgettable Oktoberfest with the finest locally crafted beers from breweries from around New England. Sample brews and shop local artisans from 12 to 5pm while dining on Oktoberfest-inspired dishes from the Market’s Best of lineup and pop-up pretzels stand from Formaggio Kitchen. You can also join a pop-up Pour Art coaster Class. Entry for the tasting is free. Musical BingoGet set for an evening of bingo with a beat on October 1 as musical bingo challenges your lyrical prowess. Admission is free, and the fun-filled evening runs from 6 to 8 pm. Grab your friends, indulge in delicious food and drinks from the Market, and test your luck for a chance to win some exciting prizes. But be sure to get there early - the pr

This October, get ready to pivot from your regular coffee routine. A real-life coffeehouse based on the FRIENDS sitcom is opening in Boston's Back Bay. Nestled in a Newbury Street brownstone, Central Perk Coffee Co. is opening a coffeehouse as an homage to the TV show's beloved brew spot that saw endless laughter, tears, fights, deep conversation, and Gunther’s undying and unrequited love. "Channeling the unforgettable camaraderie of Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, and Ross, the inaugural Central Perk Coffeehouse transcends nostalgia, emerging as a fully functioning coffeehouse and contemporary haven," a news release said. Central Perk Coffeehouse will boast an eclectic FRIENDS-themed menu, with menu items named for characters and storylines, including specialty blends created just for the café, How You Doin'? medium roast, a Pivot Blend medium dark roast, a We Were on a 'Coffee' Break dark roast, a Gunther! espresso; an Oh.My.Gawd! cold brew, and a Moo Point decaf blend. And could you be ordering any more snacks? The menu is guided by celebrity chef and James Beard Foundation award winner Tom Colicchio (within the Warner Bros. partner group, New York-based CenPer Holdings, LLC) and includes Joey’s Meatball Sandwich, Moistmaker sandwich, Rachel’s Side Salad, and Grandma’s Chicken Salad. "With a menu that boasts a wide variety of tasty coffee and food options, in a setting that is modern yet reminiscent of the familiar coffeehouse from the beloved TV show, the soul of

Today, Boston is celebrating its 393rd birthday by turning up the heat. Literally. Mayor Michelle Wu declared a heat emergency beginning Thursday, September 7, through Friday, September 8, thanks to high temperatures in the 90s, with the heat index expected to reach the high-90s.  But you don’t have to swelter alone. To help residents stay cool, cooling centers will be open at 15 Boston Centers for Youth & Families community centers both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A full list of centers can be found here. Additionally, 64 splash pads will be open at parks and playgrounds throughout Boston (you can find the list here). Boston Public Library locations are also available for residents to seek relief from the heat. “The impacts of climate change are more palpable than ever, with extreme heat posing risk to our communities,” said Mayor Wu in a statement. “Although extreme heat affects Bostonians of all ages, with the new school year starting, our Boston Public Schools staff will be following protocols to ensure our kids have an enjoyable, safe first week back at school. I’m grateful to our City employees who are working tirelessly to support residents, and ask residents to take precautions.” Extreme heat can be dangerous to health by itself, but it can also make pre-existing health issues worse. Because some areas in Boston are hotter due to elevation, limited shade from trees, and heat-retaining structures, like buildings and roads, the Mayor has issued the following heat safety

Tom Brady is returning to Gillette Stadium. But this time (and for the first time) it’s as a fan not a player. As Sunday’s matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles approaches, the Patriots’ 2023 regular season starter also serves as Brady’s long-awaited return to Foxborough after announcing his retirement (for a second time) in February. The seven-time Super Bowl champ (six of those rings are with the Patriots) will not only be in the stands for Sunday’s game, he will also be the spotlight of a special halftime ceremony. While most of his Hall of Fame-destined career happened on the Foxborough field during his 20 seasons with the Pats, Brady closed out his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "The greatest player in the history of the game played right here in Foxborough, and I'm happy to tell you…I invited him back to come here and be with us at the opening game," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement posted by the team. The GOAT quarterback doesn’t take this invitation lightly, recently reflecting on what returning back means on his “Let’s Go!” podcast with Jim Gray. “Mr. [Robert] Kraft has been very welcoming to me. So I’m going to have a lot of great friends there,” Brady told Gray. “I’ve had so many people text me and say that they’re excited to see me come back. So it’ll be really a special reunion and I’m excited to get there.” “A lot of gratitude,” he explained of how he feels stepping into Gillette again. “I had two decades of incredible life-changing, alteri