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Cheryl Fenton

Cheryl Fenton

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.

Articles (56)

9 best hiking spots near Boston

9 best hiking spots near Boston

While urban living offers the best in restaurants, nightlife and theater, sometimes you just want to get outside, stretch your legs and hit the open trails in peace. Believe it or not, you don’t need to travel to the White Mountains or the Appalachian Trail to get your nature fix. There are plenty of picturesque hiking spots near Boston. Whether it’s climbing scenic wooded preserves or exploring waterfront trails, these local hikes are perfect for walking off the bustle of The Hub. No time to leave the city limits? Head over to one of Boston’s best parks. And if you want to turn an afternoon stroll into a full-on escape, check out the best weekend getaways from Boston and the best day trips from Boston. RECOMMENDED: Best things to do in BostonBest secluded Airbnbs near Boston

The Best Cannoli in Boston: 9 Places to Score This Italian Treat

The Best Cannoli in Boston: 9 Places to Score This Italian Treat

You might say Bostonians have tunnel vision when it comes to their dessert choices. While the city may have catapulted Boston Cream Pie into fame and it certainly runs on donuts (Dunkin’ or otherwise), the best cannoli in Boston remain a local delicacy. These filled pastry masterpieces of Italian origin are beloved by many, and actually are the topic of one of the city’s biggest culinary rivalries (Mike’s vs. Modern). Where you get this hand-held dessert is just as important as what kind you get, so here are nine of the best places to get cannoli in Boston. But before heading out for a treat, try some of the Best Italian Restaurants in Boston. For more sweet tooth service, check out the Best Dessert Places in Boston. If you want to explore more of the city’s Italian side, check out the North End and its Best Restaurants in the North End. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

The 14 Best Outdoor Bars in Boston

The 14 Best Outdoor Bars in Boston

When you’ve suffered through (and survived) New England’s frigid winter, it’s important to savor every second of our city's practically perfect spring and summer weather. This is the coveted time of year when conversation and cocktails are best enjoyed at one of the best outdoor bars in Boston. As soon as the sun starts shining, head to one of these spots—from community beer gardens to waterfront patios—for your fill of sun, fun and al fresco beverages. To enjoy our lovely weather even further, check out Boston’s best parks or go sky-high with a visit to one of the many prime rooftop bars. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in Boston

Live Music in Boston: The 26 Best Venues for Listening

Live Music in Boston: The 26 Best Venues for Listening

It’s no secret that live music in Boston has long been legendary, birthing some of the biggest names in the biz. Aerosmith, Donna Summer, The Cars, Mission of Burma, New Kids on the Block, Aimee Mann, Dropkick Murphys and the eponymous band Boston all once called The Hub home. And thanks to Berklee College of Music, we have an ever-changing pool of upcoming talent gracing the stages of Boston's music venues. Whether you’re into rock and roll or classical, jazz or folk, the local clubs, bars and halls throughout the city aim to please, night after night. We’ve gathered some of the best places for live music in Boston, as well as the best nightclubs in Boston to the best record stores in Boston. Because music is, indeed, what we do. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in Boston

The 11 best parks in Boston

The 11 best parks in Boston

It’s no secret that the Hub holds court as a walking city—and there’s no better way to enjoy it than getting a glimpse of nature in one of the best parks in Boston. From the lush Emerald Necklace (the nation’s oldest linear park system) to the celebrated Arnold Arboretum, there are plenty of places that offer serene green space where you can take a breather from the city rush and unwind. If you need even more of an escape, leave the bustle of downtown behind with one of the best hikes near Boston or the best beaches near Boston.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

The 13 best Japanese restaurants in Boston

The 13 best Japanese restaurants in Boston

However you wish to experience the Land of the Rising Sun's culinary accomplishments, the best Japanese restaurants in Boston have offerings that reflect everywhere from Tokyo to Sapporo. There’s sushi and omakase, hearty ramen, contemporary izakayas (the Japanese version of small plates) and flavorful, interactive hibachi hubs—all of which provide an immersive overview of Japan’s rich food culture. And once you’ve explored these eateries, check out other regional Asian specialties at the best Thai restaurants in Boston or the best Chinese restaurants in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

The best drag brunch and shows in Boston

The best drag brunch and shows in Boston

With dazzling makeup, enviable contouring and all of the glamor you could ever desire, Boston’s drag queens and kings are always ready to put on a performance. They’ll strut their stuff, lipsync and add comic relief to any outing—whether it’s during a casual brunch with the girls or an evening out on the town. These drag shows and drag brunches around Boston hit the spot for fabulous entertainment to accompany some sips and snacks. For other shows without heels or feather boas, check out the best comedy clubs in Boston—and be sure to scope out the best brunch in Boston and the best breakfast in Boston the morning after. RECOMMENDED: Guide to the best restaurants in Boston

Boston Marathon 2024: Weekend Events and Everything You Need to Know

Boston Marathon 2024: Weekend Events and Everything You Need to Know

Come April 15, the Boston Marathon will have more than 30,000 competitors pounding the pavement from Hopkinton to Boston’s Boylston Street, with around 1 million spectators cheering them on. While runners will obviously be focused on the big race on Patriots Day, there are plenty of ways that supporters can plan ahead for all of the Boston Marathon weekend events. Check out how to celebrate this year's Boston Marathon with finesse and, for specific info about the route and where to watch, check out our guide to the Boston Marathon. After the race, raise a glass to those who took on the feat, finishing or not, at one of Boston’s best bars. If watching thousands of runners complete a marathon inspires you to seek a healthier you, check out our list of Boston’s best parks, the best hikes near Boston and Boston’s best healthy restaurants. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

The Boston Marathon 2024 Route and Course Map

The Boston Marathon 2024 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 15, 2024. Even if you aren’t one of this year’s 30,000 competitors, there are plenty of ways to cheer them along the 26.2-mile Boston Marathon route from Hopkinton to the finish line on Boylston Street in Boston. 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, work on your cardio in the comfort of one of Boston’s best gyms, or carbo-load at one of the best bagel shops in Boston or best Italian restaurants in Boston.    BAA

The 10 best donuts in Boston

The 10 best donuts in Boston

Whether you’re team savory (hello, maple bacon) or sweet (we saw you eyeing that chocolate ganache), tbe best donuts in Boston will win you over. Sold at old-school mom-and-pops, trendy bakeries and even lauded restaurants, our city's finest confections range from classic to innovative. The next time you have a hankering for some sugar, get your fix at one of these superior donut purveyors. And if you’re looking for something more substantial in the A.M., check out the best breakfast and best brunch spots in Boston. For folks with serious sweet teeth, here’s where to find Boston’s best desserts and best pies. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

9 places to find the best afternoon tea in Boston

9 places to find the best afternoon tea in Boston

Whether you’re channeling your inner Mad Hatter or living out your fanciest Bridgerton fantasy, there’s nothing quite like sitting down to a proper tea service. We’ve gathered several spots offering the best afternoon tea in Boston, where folks can leisurely chat over a tray of finger sandwiches and steaming pots of steeping leaves. There are also places that forgo the frills of ceremony and just serve some great selections of unique teas. After you’re done sipping, stroll around one of the best parks in Boston or visit one of the best places to see art in Boston for even more refined relaxation. If coffee is more your cup of...well, coffee, the best coffee shops in Boston are sure to satisfy you. Pinkies up. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

The 12 best spots for Easter brunch in Boston

The 12 best spots for Easter brunch in Boston

From special à la carte menus to mile-long buffets, Easter brunch is a great way to ring in spring, break bread with family and friends, and maybe catch a glimpse of a certain bunny. This year, Easter Sunday falls on March 31, and there’s no better time to explore some of the special celebratory offerings from Boston's best restaurants. And when the holiday goes hopping by, keep your love for the lazy, late-morning meal going strong with these best brunches in Boston (or wake up early and head to the best breakfast spots in town). RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

Listings and reviews (27)

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

The newest movie theater in the Seaport can easily double as a great spot for a meal. While you’re enjoying your movie, simply write down your food order from the menu (peep the spicy buffalo chicken pizza, mini corn dogs and milkshakes) on the provided paper, press the button, and the sheet is whisked away quietly. They bring your food right to your chair—you have your own table in front of each seat—so your attention on the screen isn’t interrupted at all.

Amar

Amar

Within the signature restaurant on the 17th floor of the new Raffles Hotel, Michelin-starred chef George Mendes serves up modern Portuguese fine dining to those lucky enough to grab a reservation. Eponymous with “love” in Portuguese, Amar is a love letter to seafood-heavy, classic dishes with the chef’s own twist—Jamon Iberico, uni toast, Carabineros prawns, Gomes de Sá cod, a decadent shellfish custard and an arroz di mariscos for two. The desserts are sublime, including the made-to-order Pão de ló Sponge cake, an Iberian egg-yolk sponge cake with smoked cinnamon ice cream. 

Blue Ribbon Brasserie

Blue Ribbon Brasserie

An expansive, Boston version of the late-night industry favorite in New York City, this 265-seat restaurant is located directly at the doorstep of Kenmore Square’s Hotel Commonwealth. The brasserie is not only the perfect place to stop in for a burger and beer before a Red Sox night game, but it’s also an ideal spot to wrap up the evening with a nightcap and late-night bites (check out their discounted Late Night Social Hour from 10pm-midnight). The menu fills you up with hearty dishes, such as lamb chops, steak frites, pierogies, foie gras terrine, paella and French onion soup bubbling under a layer of melted gruyère cheese.

Little Whale

Little Whale

An ode to the seaside clam shacks and raw bars of the New England coast, Little Whale is set in a charming brownstone with Chef Michael Serpa at the helm. A new addition to his seafood empire, the airy, bright atmosphere with a breezy, nautical feel offers two floors of dining. While a smaller order of tasty bivalves whets your whistle, go big with one of their three chilled plateaux—the Newbury, the Grand or the Big Whale (a whopping 24 oysters, dozen shrimp cocktail, dressed lobster, ceviche, tuna crudo and caviar service). Dishes not to miss include the Greek Branzino, white clam flatbread, bluefish dip and broccolini with white anchovies.

Limani Grille Seaport

Limani Grille Seaport

Limani Grille Seaport transports diners to the beautiful shores of Cyprus and Greece with its fresh Mediterranean-inspired fare. ​​Spearheaded by Chef George Salas, the menu showcases selections including shareable must-haves like the Limani chips (paper-thin zucchini and eggplant served with lightly fried Kefalograviera cheese and tzatziki), as well as bar items items like Mediterranean ceviche (Lavraki dressed with lime, fresh herbs, gigantes beans and feta cheese). Limani also offers an array of entrees like its braised lamb shank, Moussaka, and whole-fish Fagri for Two.

Puritan Oyster Bar

Puritan Oyster Bar

Recently celebrating its first birthday, Puritan Oyster Bar is perfect for not only a full seafood feast, but also a quick fix of drinks and a dozen of the ocean’s finest. Owned by beloved local chef and restaurateur Will Gilson, this cozy Inman Square spot is lauded for its oyster service, raw favorites like crudo and tartare, as well as other oceanic delights, such as lobster rolls, smoked fish dishes, seafood dips and salads.

Rosa Mexicano - Boston

Rosa Mexicano - 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.

The Tip Tap Room

The Tip Tap Room

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).

Hava

Hava

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.

Sophia's Grotto

Sophia's Grotto

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.

Ramsay's Kitchen

Ramsay's Kitchen

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.

Deja Brew

Deja Brew

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.

News (1)

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

Boston finally has a Topgolf

Boston finally has a Topgolf

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

25 rules to live by in Boston

25 rules to live by in Boston

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

The Boston accent was just voted the most annoying in America

The Boston accent was just voted the most annoying in America

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