JQ Louise

Sadly, we are nearing the end of summer here in Boston. However, there is still plenty of time to have a big summer adventure, even if that adventure is not that far from home. Glamping is a fun way to get the excitement of camping out in the wilderness, with pretty much none of the hassle! Everything is there waiting for you, your tent, you bed, your campfire, all you need to bring is a little sense of wonder and you are in for a fin time. We’ve rounded up the best places to go glamping near Boston. While we recommend getting out into the great outdoors at least once this summer, if you want the comfort of sleeping in your own bed after a day out and about check out our list of the best day trips from Boston or the best things to do in Boston this summer.

As summer nears its end, take advantage of the amazing outdoor dining available across the city right now. Savor summer’s bounty at seafood spots or swing by one of the best people-watching perches on the street patios in the North End. Enjoy the sunny days, balmy nights and refreshing sea breezes while the last few weeks of summer roll on in Boston. If you are coming back from a month down the Cape, there has never been a better time to rediscover our city at the best restaurants in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Guide to Boston's Michelin-worthy restaurants

People visit New England every fall to see the gorgeous, colorful display that lights the region up with rich colors. Even if you’ve lived in the area your whole life, there’s no reason not to embrace the season, so get out and enjoy the vibrancy of autumn as much as possible, before the sad gray season shows up to put a damper on the fall foliage. You’ll definitely want to book a weekend getaway from Boston to see the leaves in other areas of New England or, if you’re visiting, to try a stay in a cozy Airbnb cabin near Boston. And don’t forget to pair your foliage adventures with the best hot chocolate in Boston to really get in the awesome out of autumn. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

“Happy hour” in Boston is kind of a misnomer, as deals on alcoholic drinks have been banned in Massachusetts since 1984. That may change soon in cities like Boston and Provincetown, thanks to a new bill making its way through the legislature.  However, that day isn’t here yet, but smart restaurateurs and bartenders have come up with a clever alternative to get you in for a post work drink, and that’s yummy food specials! We found the best places serving food that help take the sting out of a regular-priced drink. From neighborhood joints to high-end restaurants, these are the best places to find a happy hour deal in Boston, but be sure to check social media or call first to confirm as menus change regularly. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

There is so much to do in Boston over Labor Day Weekend. While it seems like everyone is out of town over the long weekend, 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.

As we settle into a perfect autumn chill, cocoa in hand, Halloween comes knocking with all of its chills and thrills. This year get into the spooky spirit with haunted tours, the haunted happenings in Salem or dance the night away at a Stranger Things party. Get ready for the scary season with our guide to making the most out of Halloween in and around Boston! For other fun Halloween activities, check out our list of the best Halloween parties in Boston and the spookiest things to do in Salem in October. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

Whether it’s a simple plate of enchiladas and rice or tortillas wrapped around marinated Yucateca-style pork with a side of sweet plantains, there are plenty of eateries around Boston with true south-of-the-border flare. Restaurants are as varied as Mexican fare itself, with everything from traditional hearty entreés to the best tacos in Boston (spoiler alert: you don’t have to wait until Tuesday). Whatever you’re craving, the city’s best Mexican options are happy to welcome you. Wash it all down with a tequila drink as strong or frosty as you please. And if you start your feast by diving head first into a basket of chips and salsa, who are we to judge?  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

While it can seem like everyone empties out of Boston each weekend in the summer, there is still plenty to do if you are sticking around. From fun outdoor workout classes to parties to art exhibits to pop up bars, Boston is a happening place this weekend. We’ve rounded up the coolest things happening across Boston this weekend that are worth checking out. If nothing on our list here strikes your fancy, take a look at our guides to the best cheap things to do and best free things to do in Boston. 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

Boston is overflowing with family friendly activities during all seasons, but even more so in the summer. Whether you want to let the kids run around outside, soak up some culture at a museum or try something new we have got you covered. We collected the top 23 places to bring your kids in Boston this summer, but if nothing will do, take a look at the best beaches in the area and the best free things to do in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

Exploring Boston is a blast, but sometimes you just need to get out of the city for the weekend! Luckily for us there are plenty of options within just a few hours of Boston that are great for a weekend escape. New England is especially magical in the summertime; take advantage of the nice weather and plan a few trips to our local coastal towns, islands and secluded mountain resorts. But if you can't take a whole weekend away, check out one of these day trips from Boston. And once you’re back in town, get back into the swing of things by hitting up the best museums, listening to some stellar live music and dining out at the hippest restaurants in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston. 

Perched on a bay, fed by multiple rivers and right near the ocean, Boston and its surrounds are often best seen from the water. And because everything is better on a boat, we found all the fun and relaxing ways to take in the Hub (and a few short trips out of the city) in all its glory. Relax at a sunset dinner, cruise out to a clambake, enjoy an informative tour with the best cruises in and around Boston. Don’t forget to bring a jacket! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

With seafood aptly front and center in Boston’s dining scene, there’s no such thing as too fresh in this city. And when you’re gazing lovingly at a glistening bed of ice covered in oysters, that freshness hits different. As coastal New England is home to some of the finest oyster beds, the area is absolutely brimming with raw bars that serve these briney delicacies in style (thankfully not always with a hefty price tag). We’ve gathered the best oyster bars in Boston for slurping down Wellfleets, Blue Points, Island Creeks and more. For more ocean-inspired dining options, check out the best seafood restaurants in Boston. Or chase your bivalves with bubbles at one of the best wine bars in Boston. Whatever you choose, the world is your oyster. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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

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 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 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.

To the dismay of many of us, the entire Orange Line will be shut down for a month so that the MBTA can fix some of the many issues that have been plaguing the line.  When will the Orange Line be shut down?  The Orange Line will shut down on August 19 at 9pm and is scheduled to reopen at 5am on September 19. The line will be replaced by commuter line trains and shuttle buses.  Why is the MBTA shutting down the Orange Line for a month? The Orange Line has been suffering some serious safety concerns recently and the MBTA has decided that a month-long total shut down would be the fastest way to get the trains, tracks and stations back up to a standard that is required for consistent, safe service for Bostonians. There have been train derailments, injuries, a train fire, a passenger death and collisions; all of which prompted this drastic measure. Shutterstock What can we expect during the shutdown?  City of Boston Chief of Streets Jascha Franklin-Hodge said, “The loss of a major transit line is a transportation emergency. Where possible, we ask people to refrain from driving as we expect region-wide traffic impacts during this period.” Basically, expect lots of traffic around Boston due to the increased number of cars that will be on the road because commuters cannot take the T. MBTA GM Steve Poftak commented, “I acknowledge the closure will be disruptive. But people want and deserve safe and reliable service and we want to give it to them, and this is a way for us to effective

While we are all sad that summer is nearing an end, the sunflowers are almost in bloom! Sunflower season is late August and there are several local farms where you can visit, take some pictures and just enjoy the New England sunshine. Here are five sunflower fields to visit near Boston this month. But if sunflowers are not your thing check out these other ways to get outside this summer like the best cruises in Boston or the best parks in Boston.   Photograph: Courtesy Colby Farm When is sunflower season? Sunflower season in New England runs from late August through early September. But be sure to check when the fields are open at the various local farms as they all operate on their own schedules.  Sunflower farms to visit near Boston Colby Farm – Newbury, Massachusetts The most well-known, i.e. the most insta-famous sunflower field, in Massachusetts is Colby Farm. Located just 30 miles north of Boston, this is a convenient sunflower farm to visit. The sunflower field is not yet open but will be soon. Check back on their website for when the filed will be open. Verrill Farm – Concord, Massachusetts  Roughly the same distance from Boston as Colby Farm, Verrill Farm in Concord is another beautiful place to enjoy the sunflowers. Their sunflower field is currently open. Guests can take photos, pick sunflowers and more. The fields are open weekdays 10-1pm and weekends 10-3pm and tickets are $10 each for people 10 years old and up and includes five blooms that you cut yourself. S

New England is blessed with a few months of dreamy summer weather. One of the best ways to savor it is by visiting the various nooks and crannies that are our beaches, mountains and fishing villages on a weekend getaway. We are also blessed with high-end properties, within driving distance of Boston, in those nooks and crannies. Did you know that you can road trip to multiple Relais & Châteaux properties from Boston? Here is a weekend itinerary where you can stop by at least five without getting tired from the driving. Photograph: Courtesy J.Q. Louise What is Relais & Châteaux? Relais & Châteaux is a luxury hotel and restaurant association where each member must be a “local anchor” meaning that they are a “living expression of a place, its history, environment and culture.” Essentially, each Relais & Châteaux hotel or restaurant is a place you will want to visit if you want the best of what that destination has to offer. Which Relais & Châteaux properties can you drive to from Boston? First head down to Watch Hill in Rhode Island to swing by two in one day, the Ocean House and the Weekapaug Inn. Be sure to plan your visit so you can spend the morning at the Weekapaug Inn for breakfast and then the afternoon at the beach at Ocean House. And who knows maybe you’ll run into Taylor Swift? You can see her house at the top of the hill behind the beach.   Photograph: Courtesy J.Q. Louise Spend the night at either property and then in the morning drive up to Newport to stop by

Bistro du Midi is offering a special rose menu each month through September and August is all about some special wines from Italy. Alongside the wines, the team has also created a few dishes to pair as well. This month the Tour de Rosé menu is bringing an Italian countryside summer to Boston. Bistro du Midi is a spot that locals have loved for a long time and the monthly rose specials are a great excuse to pop back in, but while you’re at it, check out our list of all the best restaurants to visit in Boston right now.  The first wine on the menu is La Spinetta, il rose de Casanova. Named after Giacomo Casanova, i.e. the Casanova you are thinking of, Il Rosé de Casanova shares the adventurer’s love of love. This Mediterranean rosé wine is incredibly drinkable with hints of citrus and shrub. The other wine on the menu this month is Masseria li Veli, Susumaniello. Perfect for a late New England summer meal, this wine is dark ruby in color and has intense aromas of dark berries and spice, a light and fresh palate with a full-bodied flavor. All of this creates a very refreshing taste that is just what we all need on a hot August evening on the patio overlooking the Public Garden. Photograph: J.Q. Louise Bistro du Midi has kept the Ora King Salmon Rillette on the menu, as this cold starter is a sharable, light snack to start any meal. But they have added in Pinhais Tinned Sardine Toast to the Tour de Rosé menu. This hearty snack is just right for a light lunch or a hearty aperit

Time Out Market is always a good idea! With Boston’s top chefs serving up some amazing bites, it is a great place to hang out with family, catch up with colleagues or meet up with the pals before a Red Sox game. And this month there are a few reasons to raise a glass with your friends at Time Out Market as well.   Photograph: Delia Barth August Drink for a Cause | Fiero & Tonic to benefit Charles River Conservancy Head to either one of the Time Out Market Bars throughout August to sip on this month’s “Cocktail for a Cause”. The Fiero & Tonic is made with Martini Fiero L'Aperitivo, Fever Tree Tonic and Blood Orange and is a tasty summer drink that will remind you of afternoons on the Italian coast. And what is even better tis that for every cocktail sold, $1 will be donated to The Charles River Conservancy, which works to make the Charles River and its parks a well-maintained network of natural urban green space for Bostonians and visitors.   Time Out Market Boston Beer Garden | Open daily through October 2022 Time Out Market Boston’s famous vintage 1960s international metro van is back on the patio serving up all the best brews New England has to offer this summer. Grab your friends and pre-game with everything from small-batch special releases and limited editions to takeovers from some of your favorite local breweries including Tilted Barn, Bissell Brothers, Aeronaut, Widowmaker, Vitamin Sea, and Springdale. Grab all your beer enthusiast friends and they are sure to be im

Pop some bubbly in honor of National Prosecco Day on Saturday August 13 in Boston! Known for its sweet taste and light aroma, we are all familiar with this tasty drink, but did you know that it is named after the Italian village of Prosecco, which was itself named after the Prosecco grape? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Prosecco based cocktails around Boston to make it easy for you and your friends to enjoy a glass of bubbly. Not a Prosecco fan? You can still go out and enjoy a great cocktail this weekend, check out our guide to the Best Cocktail Bars in Boston or our guide to the best patios in Boston. Eataly – Back Bay From August 5th to the 21st Eataly Boston to hosting Cocktail Fest to celebrate classic Italian drinks and they have included several amazing Prosecco based cocktails on the menu. You can try a Sbagliato Bianco, a fun take on a Negroni made with Luxardo Bitter Bianco, Bordiga Vermouth di Torino Bianco, and of course Prosecco. Photograph: Courtesy EatalyEataly Or you can go classic Italian and enjoy a spritz! There are two spritz options on the cocktail fest menu. First the Citrus Spritz made with Pallini Limoncello, San Pellegrino Aranciata, and Prosecco. And last but certainly not least the Bergamotto Spritz made with Ialicus, Branca Stravecchia Brandy, Prosecco. Coppa – South End Photograph: Courtesy CoppaCoppa This cozy little Italian restaurant in the south end has amazing food and an excellent cocktail menu. Schitt’s Creek fans should try the

Formerly known as Restaurant Week Boston, Dine Out Boston 2022 runs August 7-20. Just in time before school starts and summer Fridays end, take advantage of all the dining deals across the city to try a new restaurant or return to your old favorite that you haven’t visited in a while. Photograph: Courtesy Bistro Du Midi Dine Out Boston Deals  Participating restaurants are offering prix fixe menus for both lunch and dinner. While there are a few different price options, they are all great opportunities to try out what each restaurant has to offer. Usually, they select their most popular or seasonal summer dishes when creating the menus. Lunches are available at $22, $27 or $32 and dinner menus range from $36 to $46. You may notice that these are all a tad higher than they have been historically and unfortunately not only were restaurants among the hardest hit during the pandemic, but they are also not immune to the price increases the entire economy is facing. However, these are prices for multi-course meals so they are definitely still a deal.    Courtesy Visit Boston Which restaurants are participating in Dine Out Boston?  There are so many great restaurants participating in Dine Out Boston this year. Visit Boston is the sponsor of Dine Out Boston and has a site where you can easily sort by neighborhood, cuisine or price point to see who is participating. But here are a few of our top picks across the city: Back Bay: Back Bay Social, Banks Fish House, Bistro du Midi, the

Boston is a beautiful place in the summertime, but so many of us leave the city every weekend. A staycation can be a great way to unwind without the hassle of adjusting to a new time zone, dealing with delayed flights or losing luggage. The Newbury in the Back Bay is the place to spend a weekend when you want to enjoy the balmy New England weather while escaping the hustle and bustle.  Photograph: Douglas Friedman Where is The Newbury? What Bostonians call the “old Ritz”, which was also once the Taj Boston, is now The Newbury. Located on the corner of Newbury Street and Arlington Street, perched overlooking the Public Garden, The Newbury is a chicest place to stay in Back Bay.  The Accommodations at The Newbury  The Newbury has many beautiful rooms, but for a real treat upgrade to the Classic Park View Suite. Live like a true Brahmin (even if it’s just for a night or two) as these suites are complete with one of the best views in Boston, a large living room, spacious bedroom and modern bathroom—just the place for a getaway right in your own backyard. Enjoy the Frette linens, pillowy bed and unlimited views. The Newbury offers all the comforts of home with the perks of a 5-star hotel. Photograph: Courtesy J.Q. Louise   Dining  The first thing you will want to do when staying at the Newbury is book a table at the Street Bar. Beloved for decades, the lobby bar here has been revamped just as we all hoped—refreshed, but with the old world feel maintained and possibly even enha

After two years of pandemic-related shutdowns, lockdowns and general misery, the restaurant industry is finally showing signs of recovery in Boston. One of the best glimmers of hope is the slew of openings that we have seen this summer. On Newbury Street, we have seen a few newcomers, but the hottest opening right now is Faccia Brutta on the far end of the street and it is worth a visit. Photograph: Courtesy ELIZABETH CECIL What does Faccia Brutta mean? Photograph: Courtesy ELIZABETH CECIL The first question everyone is asking when they arrive at this new Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette outpost is what does the name of the restaurant actually mean? Google translate says that it means ugly face, but upon further digging, it looks like it is an Italian American euphemism for something naughtier. But honestly, we could do with a cheekier attitude in Boston, so let’s chalk it up to a bit of fun. What is the vibe? Located on the far end of Newbury Street, Faccia Brutta sits amongst the funkier boutiques and a quite bustling patio scene thanks to the extension of the street patios and a newfound Bostonian love of dining alfresco. The vibe on this part of the street is delightful and this new restaurant adds to the effect considerably. Faccia Brutta is the type of place that has achieved what is rare to find in Boston these days, a restaurant suitable for a romantic night out, a business lunch or a catch-up with friends—majorly passes the vibe check, inside and outside. How is

With summer in full swing, after works drinks are more likely to turn into dinner and maybe even a night out. And we all know that the real question then becomes, where can we get something to snack on when it gets late? Parish Café in the Back Bay has a new tasty option that is certainly an upgrade on standard late-night eats. Photograph: Courtesy J.Q. LouiseThe Mexican Meatball Sandwich Parish Café and Bar is celebrating 30 years of owner Gordon Wilcox’s concept by bringing Boston’s best sandwiches together for a special late-night deal. Parish invited the best chefs in Boston to create a sandwich representing their signature flavors and style. Guests have the opportunity to try sandwiches from the best chefs in town Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10pm until 2am for 50% off. This means that you could be tasting a creation by the likes of Jamie Bissonnette or Michael Scelfo for only $10! Photograph: Courtesy J.Q. LouiseThe Rialto   These iconic sandwiches are a great way to sample flavors from across the city while not breaking the bank. They all are worth a try, but the can’t miss selections are the Cheffy 10K, the Alden and the Rialto. Photograph: Courtesy J.Q. Louise Whether you visit Parish late night or during the day for lunch, enjoy these sandwiches on their spacious patio. One of the classic Boston patios, Parish has been the spot to people watch for the past three decades in the Back Bay. Whether you start or end your night in the Back Bay be sure to check

Summer in New England is tricky. We know it is short-lived, but in the moment, we can’t help but complain about the heat. While we should get some relief from the heatwave later on this week, try to lean into it and enjoy one of Boston’s coolest patios. Urban Oasis at the W Boston Photograph: Courtesy JQ Louise The first one worth checking out this week is the Urban Oasis patio at the W Boston. Last year we saw the first ever patio pop up at the W Boston and it is back this year. The theme this year is “urban oasis” and it is quite fitting because you are somehow both in the middle of it all and tucked away. The patio is located mostly on Stuart Street in front of the hotel, but it also wraps around onto the Tremont Street side as well. There are some fun photo ops and the W Lounge menu is available, along with some patio specials.  Pasta Beach  Photograph: Courtesy JQ Louise The next patio worth visiting this week in Boston is Pasta Beach. Pasta Beach is open again at the Boston Harbor Hotel. The restaurant is back bigger and better than ever, with a beautiful new interior and a spacious patio. Enjoy their signature pasta along with a special roman pizza called pinsa that is much lower in gluten than a standard pizza. The cocktail list is also worth checking out, so bring your friends and enjoy a balmy Boston night this week at the “Beach.”   Woods Hill Pier 4  Photograph: Woods Hill Pier 4 Finally, head to the Seaport for not only the best sea breeze but also the best

Sometimes the best thing to do during a heatwave is to get out of the city. We all love a weekend by the Cape or on Nantucket, but we also don’t love the Cape traffic that accompanies those trips. Luckily, there is a hidden gem right by the water that is barely outside the city at all (in terms of distance) but feels a world away. Find out why you should head to Marina Bay.   Photograph: Courtesy Marina Bay   Where is Marina Bay Accessible by either car or boat, Marina Bay offers breathtaking views of the city, transient slips for visitors arriving by boat and a boardwalk full of restaurants. And at barely eight miles south of Boston in Quincy, this has to be the most convenient city escape we can think of! Where to go in Marina Bay  The Chantey is the place to go for traditional New England comfort food. Enjoy things like fried clams, lobster rolls and other seasonal favorites. With live music inside at the bar on weekends throughout the summer, swing by for a drink and you will probably end up staying for dinner.   Photograph: Courtesy Waterclub   Then, next door on the boardwalk is Waterclub, a summer hotspot with two outdoor bars and a multilevel nightclub inside. The nightclub operates on weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day. And to keep guests comfortable, they have a cool misting system inside the club. Photograph: Courtesy ReelHouse   If you continue strolling down the boardwalk, ReelHouse is another restaurant worth a visit. Just like ReelHouse in Eastie, Re