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JQ Louise

JQ Louise

Editor of Time Out Boston

JQ Louise is the Editor for Time Out Boston. 

As a lifelong New Englander, JQ has always been passionate about sharing her insider tips and tricks for visiting Boston and beyond. 

Prior to joining Time Out, JQ was a travel contributor for Forbes and the Food Writer for the Boston Herald. She is also the author of Boston Food Crawls (Rowman 2018).

She also loves bringing her followers around the world with her on social media, so be sure to follow her on Instagram @jqlouise

Articles (167)

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest in Boston

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest 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.  

23 best rooftop restaurants and bars in Boston

23 best rooftop restaurants and bars in Boston

When the sun comes out in Boston, it’s an event worth celebrating. Heck, it’s practically required for locals to head outside and soak up all the city has to offer. There’s no better way to do that than by paying a visit to the area’s best rooftop restaurants and bars, all of which offer breezy corners to chat over drinks and bites en plein air. Whether you want a buzzy hotel bar scene or a more relaxed neighborhood beer garden, these sky-high hangouts will deliver on views and vibes. For more ideas on where to go when the sun is shining check out the best outdoor bars and finest waterfront restaurants in Boston.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in Boston

15 best sports bars in Boston for every fan

15 best sports bars in Boston for every fan

Representing all of New England, Boston is considered one of the best sports cities in the country. The city expects excellence from their teams and their sports bars, which means if you aren’t able to catch a game in person, watching from a local bar can be just as fun. Whether you are meeting friends for drinks or you just want to be in the company of other fans, there is no better spot to watch a Sox, Bruins, Pats or Celtics game than these Boston sports bars. And if you’re in the mood for drinks but your favorite team isn’t playing tonight, check out the best Irish pubs in Boston or best cocktail spots in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in boston

25 best Boston restaurants right now

25 best Boston restaurants right now

Fall in Boston is special. Whether you are looking forward to going apple picking, checking out a secret roof deck in Beacon Hill or heading back to your favorite steakhouse, September is the month to get back out there around Boston. It is our last chance to enjoy the best patios in town, the best waterfront restaurants and the top-notch outdoor bars all around Boston. Soak up the last of the sunshine with your friends after work or perhaps get into the mood for the first few cozy meals of the season with that special someone near a fireplace around town. We are constantly trying the latest and greatest from our chefs around town to make sure we are recommending the hot spots worth checking out this month. RECOMMENDED: Guide to Boston's Michelin-worthy restaurants

The best Irish pubs in Boston

The best Irish pubs in Boston

Irish watering holes can be found in almost every city in the country, but historically speaking, Boston’s strong population of Irish immigrants and their descendants has meant that our city is better at it than everywhere else. We’ve got Irish pride – and pubs – to spare.  Not only do the best Irish pubs in Boston offer affordable pints of beer—properly poured—and a lively atmosphere, but some also double as the best sports bars around town, with TV screens that let you and your pals gather to down a few rounds as you watch the big game. Many also serve praiseworthy comfort food and host some of the best trivia nights or live music found throughout the Hub. Grab a friend or two, order a swig of whiskey and prepare yourself for a night of pure, unadulterated fun at these spots. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in boston

50 best things to do in Boston

50 best things to do in Boston

We have collected the 50 best things to do in Boston right now so you can have the most fun in our beautiful city.  We have the country’s oldest public park, restaurant and ballpark and yet we also have plenty of new and exciting things too! But trust us, the old things are cool too. Looking for Fall fun? Check out the best places to go apple picking, the best places to go pumpkin picking and the best spots for fall foliage near Boston. Bringing the kids into town? Go to one of these family-friendly spots. See how many of the best things to do in Boston you can check off this season. RECOMMENDED: The Best Restaurants in Boston Right Now    

17 fun ways to celebrate Halloween in Boston

17 fun ways to celebrate Halloween in Boston

Celebrating Halloween in Boston is a no-brainer. As one of the oldest cities in the country, this town is rife with any kind of spook imaginable—whether it’s one of our creepy old graveyards, a verifiably haunted hotel or sites of bloody massacres that would put your favorite true-crime podcast to shame. And if all that’s not enough, we’re only a quick broom ride from Salem, which boasts a whole other kind of frightening history—and real-life witches everywhere you turn! But Halloween in Boston doesn’t have to be all that spine-tingling. Keep reading for various fun ideas, including Barbie-themed dance parties in former (probably haunted) prisons, floating costume soirees and suggestions on where to get your costumes and pumpkins for the season. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Boston

The best things to do in Boston this weekend

The best things to do in Boston this weekend

The last summer weekend of the year is here, so if there is anything on your checklist that you have been saving for warmer days, now is the time. Luckily, there are plenty of fun things going on to keep us all busy this weekend in the city and nearby. But if nothing on this list sounds about right, check out the best cheap things to do or the best free things to do in Boston for fun all month long. When all else fails, rally up all of your friends for a boozy night out at one of the best bars in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

Best things to do at Time Out Market Boston

Best things to do at Time Out Market Boston

We are nearing the end of summer, so if there is anything on your summer checklist that you have been saving, now is your last chance! Luckily, there is so much going on at Time Out Market Boston this month, there should be plenty to keep you busy.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

The best things to do in Salem, MA for Halloween

The best things to do in Salem, MA for Halloween

If you read our fall getaways guide you know we love Salem! If you want to really embrace spooky season, Witch City is the place to be. October may be the busiest time of year to visit Salem, but if you plan ahead, you will have the best time. Make sure you purchase tickets for events and experiences in advance and make dinner reservations as soon as possible. Read on to plan your perfect Halloween trip to Salem this October. But also check out the best places for pumpkin picking near Boston, the most haunted places you can visit in Massachusetts and the scariest haunted houses in New England for a true spooktacular season! Recommended: A full guide to the best things to do in Boston.

The best things to do in Boston over Labor Day Weekend

The best things to do in Boston over Labor Day Weekend

While getting out of town is great, there’s a lot to be said for staying in Boston for Labor Day Weekend. There’s so much to do, like watching college football on a big screen outside, grabbing a table at a hot restaurant or even hitting a local pool. While you might think everyone is out of town, with schools starting to reopen and students streaming in, the city will be buzzing with activity. These are the top events and activities to check out this LDW in and around Boston. And if you are still looking for things to do, see how many of the top things to do in Boston you can check off before summer is over or how many of the best restaurant patios you can visit before the end of the long weekend.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best food and drink in Boston.

15 best Mediterranean restaurants in Boston

15 best Mediterranean restaurants 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

Listings and reviews (11)

Fairmont Copley Plaza

Fairmont Copley Plaza

The Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston is truly a sight to behold. From the moment you step into the hotel's lobby, you are transported to another world. The stunning lobby is a true masterpiece, with its high ceilings, intricate molding, and sparkling chandeliers. One of the things that really sets the Fairmont Copley Plaza apart is the attention to detail. Starting in the lobby, its plush seating areas, gorgeous marble floors, and stunning artwork on the walls make it a grand place to start off any trip to Boston. Whether you're here for a business meeting, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, you'll feel instantly at home in this luxurious space. What's truly remarkable about the lobby at the Fairmont Copley Plaza is how it manages to strike the perfect balance between grandeur and warmth. Despite its opulence, the space feels welcoming and inviting, with a rare sense of intimacy in a hotel of this size. One of the standout features of the lobby is the iconic lobby clock, a beloved Boston landmark that has been a fixture in the hotel since it first opened its doors in 1912. The clock is a symbol of the hotel's history and its connection to the city, and it serves as a reminder of the timeless elegance that is at the heart of the Fairmont Copley Plaza experience. The rooms in the hotel are classic, yet bright. Opt for a room with a view of Copley Plaza and you will feel a part of the action. Also, make time to dine or at least grab drinks at OAK Long Bar + Kitchen. Often

St Patrick’s Day Parade Boston 2023: Date, Time, Route

St Patrick’s Day Parade Boston 2023: Date, Time, Route

Boston is basically the capital of Irish America... and Southie is the Irish capital of Boston. Thousands of people throw on anything green and head down to South Boston to celebrate St. Patrick’s each year. The day kicks off with a time-honored “St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast”, where politicians sing Irish drinking songs, recite limericks and roast their opponents. This local ritual sets the stage for one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the U.S., complete with floats, marching bagpipers and of course lots of politicians, many of whom actually have Irish blood in their veins. Pubs along the route and throughout Boston overflow with merrymakers and holligans all day long—so be prepared. Be sure to check out our list of other St. Patrick’s Day Events in Boston, keep our list of the best Irish pubs in Boston handy and peruse our list of the best burgers in Boston for a place to soak up everything up when the night comes to an end. When is the St. Patrick's Day Parade? Sunday, March 19, 2022 at 1pm. Where is the St. Patrick's Day Parade? The parade takes place in South Boston. It starts at West Broadway and Dorchester Ave, continues along West Broadway to East Broadway, then turns and heads back west, ending on Dorchester Ave. See the official map of the St. Patrick's Day Parade    Other tips *Will it be cold or warm? It's always a crapshoot. Wear layers and don’t forget your green! *Alcohol is not allowed along the route. Keep it at the bars or your house parties. Po

1928 Beacon Hill

1928 Beacon Hill

5 out of 5 stars

1928 Beacon Hill is a new hidden gem on Beacon Hill run by Chef Victor Valencia. Located half a block up from Charles St. on Mt. Vernon, this spot feels as if it has always been there, which is the key to the making of a new classic. The prohibition era cocktails served in a speakeasy-style space is just the place you will want to cozy up in every Friday night.

Faccia Brutta

Faccia Brutta

Chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette recently added an Italian-inspired restaurant to their fantastic local line-up (Coppa, Toro, Little Donkey), and we’re so glad they did. The seafood inspired menu utilizes fresh ingredients, including in-season produce from the Copley Square Farmers Market. The spacious Back Bay restaurant serves coastal delights including a half dozen crudos, grilled Scituate lobster and an excellent selection of spritzes.

Ducali Pizzeria & Bar

Ducali Pizzeria & Bar

4 out of 5 stars

The North End is home to many pizza places, and we all have our favorites, but Ducali Pizza is especially worth a visit because they have a full cocktail list. So not only can you enjoy lots of delicious and creative pizzas, but you can also enjoy a spritz or two as well. Only downside is they don’t sell slices, you have to buy a full pizza, but there are small personal sized pizzas starting at $10 each and large pizzas starting at $18 for cheese. 

Florina Pizza

Florina Pizza

4 out of 5 stars

Located at the foot of Beacon Hill, Florina serves up extra large pizzaa and sandwiches. Cheese pizza by the slice is $3.75 and a very hefty “That Sandwich”, which is made with breaded chicken, prosciutto, roasted red pepper & fresh mozzarella with white balsamic vinaigrette is $12.25. Barstool Sports, “El Pres,” said in his review on Barstool “it’s a very traditional” quality pizza and we have to agree. 

Next Door

Next Door

4 out of 5 stars

Next Door is another amazing speakeasy that opened this year in Boston. Located in Eastie, just a short walk from the Maverick T stop on the Blue Line, it is accessible no matter which neighborhood you live in. The entrance is just behind Pazza on Porter, and you must know the secret code to get in. Once you enter, you feel as if you have stepped back in time. The chic bar and over the top cocktails make it a wonderful place to spend an evening.

Wicked

Wicked

This is the last weekend that Broadway in Boston will present Wicked at the Citizens Bank Opera House. This classic cannot be missed! Please note that attendees are currently required to wear face masks except when eating or drinking. Show times: Friday 8PM Saturday 2PM Saturday 8PM Sunday 1PM

ICA Summer Sessions

ICA Summer Sessions

On select Fridays in July and August the ICA is hosting an evening of art and live music from 6-9PM. Admission to ICA Summer Sessions is included with a general admission museum ticket, and are always free for members to attend. And if you visit the museum during the day you can come back that evening as long as you keep your ticket!  This Friday July 22nd will feature music by Lilah! Get tickets here.

Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience

Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience

Boston Lights is an interactive experience at Franklin Park Zoo that is sure to impress visitors with more than 55 large-scale displays made up of hundreds of colorful lanterns. The lanterns create luminous scenes from the rainforest, whimsical ocean displays with creatures of the deep, glowing corridors of lotus and bamboo, traditional Asian lanterns and a stunning 66-foot-long rose corridor. There is even a stunning 82-foot-long “octopus tunnel” that is sure to surprise and delight guests of all ages.

Hecate

Hecate

5 out of 5 stars

Hecate is the coolest new bar that has opened in Boston proper in the past few years. Owned and operated by the same team behind Krasi, this underground speakeasy feels as if it belongs in New York City, rather than Boston in the best way. As you enter, your eyes slowly adjust to the darkness and the bartenders, who are referred to as your “spirit guides” whip up the stylish drinks in the background as you wonder who else has managed to snag a table at the coolest spot in town.

News (273)

A real-life coffeehouse based on FRIENDS is opening in Boston

A real-life coffeehouse based on FRIENDS is opening in Boston

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

Meet the woman behind the world’s best hotel

Meet the woman behind the world’s best hotel

Sitting at the heart of Lake Como, Passalacqua is a family-owned, eighteenth-century Italian masterpiece, framed against steep pine-covered mountains and the glistening blues of the lake. Not only recognised for its charm and elegance, Passalacqua is also a hotel paving the way forward for a new era of hospitality, with one of Italy's most successful female hoteliers at the helm.  As a third-generation entrepreneur with a passion for her heritage – named one of Forbes’ 100 most successful Italian women in 2021 – Como-born Valentina De Santis was always destined to make waves in the hospitality industry.  ‘Passalacqua is a place of wonders on the lake. Here, our aim is to bring back ‘Meraviglia’, that sense of awe you feel in a place that is everything you imagined and yet still manages to amaze and astonish you, and ‘Villeggiatura’, the lost art of having a true home away from your own home,’ she told Time Out. For nearly 50 years, Valentina and her family – owners of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo since 1973 – have been an integral part of the Lake Como we all dream about today. Now, Valentina plans to continue leading the way in luxury hospitality with the recent opening of the family’s latest passion project, Passalacqua. The restaurant opened in June 2022 and has been crowned, just over a year since it opened, the best hotel in the world. Photograph: Stefan Giftthaler ‘To open a hotel is an experience that is hard to put into words,’ Valentina says. ‘It is very much like when

The Hamptons are the perfect fall getaway from Boston

The Hamptons are the perfect fall getaway from Boston

Get Out of Town is a series where we highlight easy getaways from Boston. These may be a perfect bitesize weekend trip or a splurge worthy weeklong escape. But the main criteria are that the destination is both convenient to access and offers visitors an experience that surprises and delights. If you missed our recommendation last week, read all about why you should book a trip to Lake Winnipesaukee. This week we are headed south to the Hamptons. Why visit the Hamptons September and October are probably the best months of the year in the Northeast and better yet, they are also the shoulder season for all of our popular holiday destinations. While most of us in Boston think of the Hamptons as a spot for New Yorkers, they are surprisingly accessible from our neck of the woods as well. Enjoy serene beaches without the Cape Cod traffic, savor fresh seafood, and explore the local art scene. Photograph: Courtesy J.Q. Louise Getting there A shorter trip than you might think, the Hamptons are a perfect autumn getaway from Boston. Drive to New London, CT, hop on the Cross Sound Ferry, enjoy the hour-long ride and bam you are in the Hamptons. This will be about a 2.5-hour journey until this point from Boston, which is not bad at all. However, the rub is that depending on where you are staying you could have quite a bit more of a drive. But there are lots of great places to stay within an hour of Orient Point, which is where the ferry drops you. Where to stay If this is your first tr

Chatham, MA: the ultimate travel guide from Boston

Chatham, MA: the ultimate travel guide from Boston

Nestled on the southeastern tip of Cape Cod, Chatham is a picturesque coastal town with a rich history. Known for its stunning beaches, historic lighthouses and welcoming community, Chatham has become a beloved destination for travelers seeking a quintessential New England experience. With its views of the Atlantic, this charming town offers not only outdoor activities, but also cultural attractions throughout the year. Whether you're looking to unwind on sandy shores, explore maritime history or savor delicious seafood, Chatham has something for everyone all year long.  Summer may be the peak tourist season when Chatham is bursting with life, attracting beach lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for memorable vacations, but Fall is what we call 'secret summer' and is the savvy traveler's best time to visit. We have rounded up the best places to stay, eat, drink and activities you won’t want to miss no matter when you visit.  Where to Stay in Chatham  Photograph: Courtesy Chatham Bars Inn Chatham Bars Inn - 297 Shore Road, Chatham, MA Chatham Bars Inn is a luxurious oceanfront resort that exudes elegance and offers breathtaking ocean views. With a private beach, spa and world-class dining, this historic property guarantees an indulgent stay in Chatham.  Greyfinch Chatham Inn - 946 Main St, Chatham, MA 02633 The Greyfinch Inn is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Chatham. Its prime location allows easy access to shops, galleries and dining

Hurricane Lee is headed to Boston: here’s what to expect

Hurricane Lee is headed to Boston: here’s what to expect

Updated Thursday, September 14.  While it somehow seems early, hurricane season is unfortunately upon us, and it’s going to impact Boston and all of New England with a rainy, windy Saturday. Hurricane Lee is tracking about 200 miles offshore as of Thursday morning, and New Englanders should prepare for what’s going to feel like a strong storm. For the coast, it will be a gusty, windy and rainy weekend, but further inland it will feel like a raw rainy Saturday, NBC News reports.  There is currently a tropical storm watch covering coastal New England from Watch Hill, Rhode Island to Stonington, Maine, including Block Island, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. "Hurricane Lee is forecast to pass offshore of southern New England on Saturday but its impacts will extend far from the storm's center," the National Hurricane Center wrote. Hurricane Lee’s Current Path Do Bostonians need to be concerned? According to the National Hurricane Center, Lee is expected to bring hazardous surf and rip current conditions to beaches across the East Coast all week. The first wave of rain will hit Boston before dawn on Saturday, and strong winds will hit the coast, with Nantucket and the Cape getting wind gusts of 50 miles per hour or more through noon. Inland, look for gusts of 20 to 30 miles. “For New England, we do expect impacts,” said John Cangialosi, senior hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center, reports Boston.com. A storm surge watch has been issued for Cape Cod Bay and Nantuck

Boston's best BBQ joint is opening a 5th location in Fenway

Boston's best BBQ joint is opening a 5th location in Fenway

Blue Ribbon BBQ is opening at Time Out Market Boston on September 12. If you are a BBQ fan, you will love their slow-cooked wood-smoked pulled pork, chicken, ribs and beef ends along with housemade sides, sauces and quick pickles!  “We’re excited to bring our barbecue to the heart of Boston, where college students can be seated next to a family visiting Fenway Park for a game, next to a group of colleagues enjoying post-work drinks, next to young folks meeting up before a concert,” said Blue Ribbon BBQ Director of Operations Ken Ward. “We feel that BBQ transcends demographic and socioeconomic lines, and that our cuisine appeals to all.”  Photograph: Courtesy Time Out Market Boston Founded in 1995 by Ron Stoloff, Chris Janowski, and Geoff Janowski, Blue Ribbon BBQ has brought the South to the North with its authentic flavors and techniques.  With locations throughout Greater Boston, they have gained a loyal following of BBQ lovers. Everything is cooked low and slow to ensure a tender, juicy bite. It is clear that the team has spent years around the fire pits perfecting their recipes for the best BBQ.  Photograph: Courtesy Time Out Market Boston This new location at Time Out Market Boston will be their fifth! Some of the menu items at Time Out Market Boston will include: North Carolina Pulled Pork - Pork shoulder, smoked for 14 hours until it falls apart, mixed with vinegar-based BBQ sauce like you would find in eastern North Carolina North Carolina Pulled Chicken - Dry-ru

Tuscan Village is hosting their annual exotic car show this weekend

Tuscan Village is hosting their annual exotic car show this weekend

Concorso Italiano is this Sunday, September 10 at Tuscan Village in Salem, NH. This annual free car show features over 250 exotic cars each year and is an all-around fun day for the whole family. Join Tuscan Village on Sunday, September 10 from 10-3pm to see some exciting cars from around the world.  Entrance is free and there will be live music, entertainment and food tents.  Photograph: Courtesy Tuscan Village And of course, if you are visiting Tuscan Village, you have to book a table to Tuscan Market as well. Their menu is filled with delicious pizzas, pastas and more. Read all about why you should make a quick road trip up to Tuscan Village in our guide. Photograph: Courtesy JQ Louise And before you head home from Tuscan Village, stop by the Mercato to pick up a few goodies to bring a piece of Italy home with you. Tuscan Village prides itself on sourcing all the best products straight from Italy. So, break out the cookbooks and try your hand at recreating one of your favorite dishes and pair it with a chilled glass of Vermentino (they sell wine at the Mercato as well!).  For more road trip ideas check out our day trips guide from Boston and our best weekend getways guide. There is only so much of summer left, so make the most of it!

Vermont's most photographed place closing during fall foliage

Vermont's most photographed place closing during fall foliage

Picturesque Cloudland Road in Pomfret, Vermont, is sleepy and quiet for 11 months of the year. However, the past few autumns have seen the small road overrun with out-of-state tourists and influencers, trying to get the perfect photo in front of a beautiful farm.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by World Travel photography (@travelsbeautifulworld) What’s Sleepy Hollow Farm? Now, Sleepy Hollow Farm, the most popular address in Pomfret, is no longer accessible to tourists in the fall. The sleepy little town of Pomfret, which is near Woodstock, has  approved road closures and parking bans around Cloudland and Barber Hill roads from September 23 to October 15. Just in time for leaf peeping – and fall photo taking – season.  The incredibly picturesque, pastoral land component comprises 115 acres of fields, gardens, woods, trails, and two ponds, according to a recent real estate listing that priced the property at 2.5 million dollars. According to NewEngland.com, the private property “is catnip for photographers. In the morning or early evening, the narrow road to the farm might be lined with as many as 20 cars, as shutterbugs hunker down with their tripods.” Why is Sleepy Hollow Farm closed? Neighbors of the farm recently launched a GoFundMe to raise money for additional police and signage in the area, and the page explains that  “Cloudland and surrounding roads become impassable during the fall, and roads and poorly behaved tourists have damaged road

What does a heat emergency in Boston actually mean?

What does a heat emergency in Boston actually mean?

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

Dragon Pizza vs Barstool’s Dave Portnoy, which side are you on?

Dragon Pizza vs Barstool’s Dave Portnoy, which side are you on?

Barstool Sports owner Dave Portnoy, has received backlash for his latest “one bite review” from Somerville’s Dragon Pizza, whose owner traded insults with the media mogul in a video that’s since gone viral.  The Swampscott native  is known for his pizza reviews, where he tests out slices from pizzerias around the country, taking just one bite to determine if he likes the pizza. This past Thursday, he stopped by Dragon Pizza in Somerville and managed to get into a screaming match with the owner, Charlie Redd. It started off with Portnoy criticizing the floppiness of the slice, and him saying the strong taste of parmesan was too much for his liking. He ended up rating the pizza a 6.4. Redd confronted him during the review, telling him he did not “appreciate what [he does] to small businesses.” The two were soon exchanging expletives, and the scene was caught on camera (of course). Naturally, Portnoy posted the on his channel Thursday, calling Dragon Pizza “the worst pizza place in America.” The video had over 800,000 views as of Tuesday morning.    Redd spoke with Boston.com, telling them he’s receiving death threats. “It’s kind of new terrain for me. It’s mental,” Redd said. “But I don’t want to give him credit for complicating my life. We’re running our pizza shop, and everyone is happy. I’m receiving death threats. I’ve received threats at my home. I’m receiving tons of all sorts of different attacks in many different ways.”  As of Sunday, the shop had comments turned off o

Tom Brady is returning to Foxborough

Tom Brady is returning to Foxborough

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

I finally glamped at a Getaway House so you wouldn't have to

I finally glamped at a Getaway House so you wouldn't have to

Cozy season is upon us, and for many in the Boston area, fall conjures up visions of hot apple cider, big sweaters and hikes to take in the stunning New England foliage. If that sounds like a dream, get ready to wake up in the woods in a private mini-cabin that’s the perfect getaway from the city. What’s a Getaway House? Getaway Houses are tiny cabins (about 200 square feet) that are designed for a single person, couple or two friends, and feature queen size beds, a small kitchen with a refrigerator, running water and a bathroom that includes a shower and toilet. They’re located in woodsy areas, usually with more cabins surrounding, and have picnic tables, a firepit and comfy Adirondack chairs for lounging. They give you all the fun of camping, but with an actual shower! Photograph: Courtesy Getaway House Where are Getaway Houses? For the Boston area, there are several locations that are easy to access by car. Blake Brook, which is in Epsom, New Hampshire, is a one and half hour drive from town. This puts visitors close to Epson Town Forest for hikes and stunning views, and an easy drive to Concord if you’d rather not attempt cooking dinner over a fire.  Photograph: Courtesy Getaway House The Machimoodis cabins are about a two hour drive, and are near historic Gillette Castle, great hikes at Machimoodus State Park,  or enjoy the stunning waterfall at Devil's Hopyard State Park. The cabins are about a 20 minute drive from the historic village of Essex, which has quaint sho