September 2010

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5 things to do in Boston this October weekend

September 29, 2010 in Things to Do in Boston by Doreen Howell | No comments

Are you visiting Boston this weekend? Here are some ideas to get you started on your adventure in our amazing city.

  1. Free walking tours at Arnold Arboretum: Enjoy the oldest public arboretum in North America. Really a sight to behold.
  2. Changing of the Guards at Faneuil Hall: Watch the “Regulars” change their posts, then meet the soldier re-enactors to learn about this period in Boston History. Best of all, it’s free!
  3. Harpoon Octoberfest: Sample fresh Harpoon Octoberfest beer, German food, and German Oompah music at the 21st annual festival.
  4. Red Sox vs. Yankees at Fenway: Need I say more?
  5. Topsfield Fair: Catch Chubby Checker at this classic fair celebrating the 50th anniversary of the “Twist.” Oh, and did I forget to mention all the food? Fair runs through 10/11.

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Lego comes to Boston with Lego Kidsfest

September 21, 2010 in Boston events by Doreen Howell | 3 comments

The Lego brand has been around for what seems like eons, but with Legoland out on the west coast it’s not the place a New England family can hop over to for a Saturday out. I don’t know about your family, but in mine, Legos rule! So when we saw Lego Kidsfest 2010 was coming to Boston, I signed on to my Freeloader account at a local radio station and got a 50% off deal for tickets to what my son considers the main event of his life. Thank you WBMX, Mix 104.1 FM!

Lego Kidsfest 2010 will take place this weekend at the Hynes Convention Center on Boylston Street in Boston. There are 2 sessions each day, I assume, to keep the crowds manageable. Unfortunately, we are not the only Lego fans in Boston so they were smart to break up the days into blocks.

I’m truly not sure what to expect as it seems part convention, part trade show. No matter. A day out to play with Lego bricks and bond with my 11-year-old is well worth the price.

Visit the web site for more details but I know a few of the highlights will include:

  • Life size Lego models of favorite characters like: SpongeBob, Darth Vader, Thomas the Tank Engine, Indiana Jones and more
  • Building displays made entirely of Legos including cityscapes and railways
  • Legoland Giveaway
  • Lego Builders Cool Creation Zone for Lego enthusiasts
  • Birthday party opportunities
  • Face painters and balloon artists
  • A Lego store
  • Lego video game gallery
  • Construction zones for kids of all ages
  • Duplo play areas

I’ll be the one with the bug-eyed boy tugging at my sleeve…along with all the other moms and dads in the Hynes on Sunday afternoon. See you there!

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Boston Dessert Showcase 2010

September 14, 2010 in Boston events by Doreen Howell | 3 comments

Sweet tooth foodies delight! If you are in Boston this weekend, don’t miss the New England Dessert Showcase on Saturday, September 18th, 12-5 PM at The Westin Copley Place.

Just the facts:

  • Sample desserts from Boston’s best pastry chefs, chocolatiers,  homemade ice cream makers, custom cake designers, confectioners, and dessert wine producers.
  • Family friendly–suitable for anyone who loves dessert
  • General admission for Saturday only just $35

So get your silver fork ready, and dive in to all the delectable delights on Saturday!

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The Best Apple Picking in Boston

September 7, 2010 in Boston events, Things to Do in Boston by Doreen Howell | No comments

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?

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