One of the great things about visiting Boston in the Fall, besides the sight of the leaves turning color, is apple picking. There are so many varieties and throughout the season you can travel around to pick your own apples, or if you don’t want to climb the trees, you can visit the orchards who have barrels and barrels for you to choose from. Apple picking in Boston also means hot mulled apple cider and homemade cider donuts.

Despite what many people think, you don’t have to travel very far from the city to find great apple picking spots. If you do want to venture around the city, I came across Apple Picking Boston, a great site that shows you all the spots that you can pick and choose from in and around Massachusetts, laid out conveniently on a map of the state.  The site provides links to all of the orchards so you can check for harvest dates, hours, and activities. Many orchards have hay rides, tours of the orchards, and petting zoos–not to mention the awesome pumpkin patches too. Also, around Halloween, you may even find a haunted barn or two.

Here’s a sampling of some of my favorite spots that you can travel to in under an hour from Boston, in no particular order:

1. Russell’s Orchard in Ipswich
2. Honey Pot Hill Orchard in Stow
3. Smolak Farms in North Andover
4. Dowse Orchards in Sherborn
5. Tougas Farm in Northboro

Mmmmm, I’m ready to go. Are you?

The Feast of All Feasts

You cannot miss this feast of all feasts if you are planning to be in Boston this weekend. Why? Well, it is un-American, er, un-Italian? Whatever, it’s definitely un-Bostonian. Ever since I can remember, my entire family (and I mean all the aunts, uncles, cousins and paisans, in addition to my parents and sisters) hopped on the Blue Line and headed to the North End. Never have I seen more happy faces, colorful parades, and food beyond belief. It is amazing that this celebration is now in it’s 91st year.

Quick Tips and Info

1. Location: Endicott, Thacher, and North Margin Streets, North End, Boston
2. Dates/time: 8/27 5 pm–11 pm, 8/28-8/29 12 noon–11:30 pm, 8/30 5 pm–11 pm
3. Grand Procession: 12 Noon (lasts over 10 hrs)
4. Entertainment: FREE.
5. Food/Souvenirs: Vendor stands for a charge. (HINT: Sausage, pepper and onion subs; fried dough, cannolis—Yum!)
6. Donations: Accepted at the Chapel of St. Anthony & St. Lucy.
7. Transportation: Walk or take the T. While you can drive, the streets are sure to crowded, and parking will be at a premium. If you have to drive there are parking lots nearby.

The North End celebrates many feasts throughout the season, but St. Anthony’s Feast is a spectacle to behold, as it is the largest Italian religious festival in all of New England. Since 1919 the North End has honored this patron saint just as the Italians do in Montefalcione, Avellino.

For more detailed information visit http://www.stanthonysfeast.com/index.html.

If you are visiting Boston this weekend, take the Salem Ferry from Boston to Salem MA this weekend for the annual Salem Jazz and Soul Festival. You won’t want to miss out on this  two day event of FREE music! It all takes place at the Salem Willows on Saturday, August 21 & Sunday, August 22. The festival is a fun, family-friendly event featuring live music, music education classes, an arts and crafts fair, and a kid’s play tent. Now in it’s 4th year, the festival has added an exciting new feature, a 21+ Beer Garden! Be sure to bring your IDs as they will be checked.

This year’s festival features headliners GRACE KELLY and SAM KININGER – plus dozens more performers! Many local Bostonians don’t even know about this festival but now you do! When the fun is done you can hop the ferry back to town

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is a federally recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and is quickly growing into the premier music festival on the North Shore.

For more information visit: www.salemjazzsoul.org

If you are heading to Boston this weekend, don’t miss attending the St. Agrippina di Mineo Feast in the North End to experience Italian heritage and culture, Boston style. St. Agrippina di Mineo Society Feast Celebration takes place on Battery & Hanover Streets. This historic neighborhood shares its tradition with food, fun, and so much more.  Can’t make it to Boston this weekend. No problem. The North End has feasts throughout the summer season. Check out the schedule all of the North End Boston Feasts.

Part II of II

Mamadou in Boston

The 1^st Annual African Festival of Boston – July 17, 2010

As I mentioned previously, we stumbled into an array of color, music, and excitement as Boston celebrated the 1st Annual African Festival. Hosted by the Shalupe Foundation, the city was alive with entertainment to celebrate the 50th birthday of 31 countries celebrating Africa’s independence. It was also an opportunity to celebrate our city’s diversity and to educate Boston African’s on their rich history.

We were greeted with the sounds of Mamadou Diop, a local African artist, who’s rich music filled the plaza and provided the backdrop for one of the featured speakers, Ayana Pressley, Boston’s At-Large City Councilor, and the first African American elected to this post. International African artists headlined as well including performers Teeyah from the Ivory Coast and Bouro Mpela from Congo.

The organizers hope to turn this into an annual event. Based on the turnout I’m sure they will succeed in their endeavor.

Fenway Park and the entire Boston Fenway neighborhood will be rocking out on Saturday, August 14, when Aerosmith and The J. Geils Band take the stage together in this amazing open air venue. This Boston concert is part of the “Cocked, Locked, Ready to Rock US Summer Tour that begins on July 23rd in Oakland, California.

According to Aerosmith’s official Aero Force One web site Steven Tyler said, “I thought it was time to get my MOJO back, by rockin South America and Europe with a little HOME RUN at Boston’s Fenway Park thrown in and then off to the rest of America to do what we do best! We’re gonna rock you into the middle of next week!”

So get ready to rock and roll, Boston style with Aerosmith and The J. Geils Band. And if you want to spend the weekend to soak in the entire Fenway Park experience, check out our Fenway accommodations near Fenway Park and Kenmore Square. It’s a night you won’t want to miss.