Articles by Doreen Howell

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Lego comes to Boston with Lego Kidsfest

September 21, 2010 in Boston events by Doreen Howell | 4 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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St Anthonys Feast North End Boston

August 25, 2010 in Boston events, Things to Do in Boston by Doreen Howell | No comments

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 InfoSt. Anthony's Feast

  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.

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Salem Jazz and Soul Festival Enlivens Salem Willows

August 20, 2010 in Boston events, Boston's North Shore, Things to Do in Boston by Doreen Howell | No comments

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

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North End Feast this weekend

July 29, 2010 in Out and about in Boston, Things to Do in Boston by Doreen Howell | No comments

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.

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Boston Celebrates Africa’s Independence

July 22, 2010 in Out and about in Boston by Doreen Howell | No comments

Part II of II

Mamadou in Boston

The 1st 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.

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Visit Boston as a Local Tourist

July 22, 2010 in Out and about in Boston, Things to Do in Boston by Doreen Howell | No comments

Part I of II

Newbury Street, Boston

This past Saturday, my husband and I decided to celebrate our anniversary by visiting Boston as tourists. So we strapped on our backpacks and took a delightful 40-minute boat ride into town on the Salem Ferry. Boston is definitely a walking city and I highly recommend leaving the car at home or skipping the rental if you are staying in the city.

First stop off the ferry—The Landing Bar. Given that the temperature in the city was pushing 90 °F, a frozen Mango Margarita was just the thing to cool us down and prepare us for our two mile hike to the Back Bay. We wanted to spend a day in our city as if we had never visited here before so we chose to walk from one end to the other.

A short walk to City Hall Plaza brought an unexpected treat. We found ourselves in the middle of the 1st Annual African Festival, hosted by the Shalupe Foundation. Music, dance, food, and lots of color transcended us into another world. (More on the festival in part II.)

Boston Swan Boats

We continued our walk down Tremont Street, past the historic cemeteries and landmark buildings, stopped for contemporary ice-cold refreshment at Starbucks, then off through the gates of the Boston Commons and the Public Gardens to visit the swan boats. My husband had never experienced the swan boats so we enjoyed a romantic ride along the pond. Next, onto Newbury Street, with its plethora of sidewalk cafes and shops, it’s always a sensory experience.

Time to eat again? We headed to Uni at the Eliot Hotel for some of the best sashimi I’ve ever had. If budget isn’t a major concern I would highly recommend it, as it is quite pricey. Our chef, Christopher, tickled our palates with the most amazing array of fresh fish and sauces (not the standard picked ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce) and a delightful Riesling to compliment the taste. We couldn’t resist heading back to Newbury Street for an ice cream sundae at an old time favorite, Emack & Bolios. Yum!  Finally, we stopped in at Crossroads, a local Irish pub for a cold Guinness and to take in the Red Sox game.

On the walk back to the pier the next day we ran into some friends heading to the swan boats with their children. Just goes to show how small a city can truly be. Over Beacon Hill we stopped to enjoy the amazing architecture of a bygone era, with beautiful brownstone townhouses and quaint gardens tucked in between, and through the North End for Boston’s rich Italian heritage…not to mention more amazing food.

Now it’s your turn. Head to Boston, whether you are a local or a tourist, and experience all the rich history and culinary experiences this spectacular city has to offer.

Aerosmith and J. Geils Band at Fenway Park

July 9, 2010 in Boston events, Out and about in Boston by Doreen Howell | No comments

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.

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Marblehead, MA Fireworks Makes Top 10 List

June 27, 2010 in Boston's North Shore by Doreen Howell | No comments

Marblehead, MA is a sleepy coastal town on the North Shore of Boston and my home for nearly 20 years now. Each year Marbleheaders gather in and around the harbor to take in our local fireworks display and harbor illumination, complimented by music provided by some of the most talented performers at Crocker Park. The 4th of July celebration in Marblehead is a weekend long event, showcasing the Marblehead Festival of the Arts, culminating in the Marblehead Harbor Illumination.

Given such a fabulous event, it’s no wonder that this month Coastal Living magazine ranked Marblehead 5th in the “Top 10 Places to Celebrate the Fourth.”

Of course, the display can’t really compete with Boston’s spectacular, as I wrote about in a previous post, however if you are looking for a more quaint, folksy, and authentic experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then Marblehead may certainly be the place you’ve been looking for.

And, as always, we have wonderful North shore accommodations including B&Bs and historic inns so you can explore this beautiful coastal town that is  steeped in history.

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