BostonZest

What's Open On Presidents' Day in Boston 2012 and MBTA Schedules

Here's a run-down of what's open in Boston on Presidents' Day and the MBTA schedules plus information on Boston parking for - February 20, 2012. We'll update this post as more information becomes available. And, if we didn't answer your specific question, leave a comment or tweet us @BostonZest. We may just add it to the list.

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Liquor stores: Open

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United States closed. Some international markets are open.

Parking, Boston trash, and MBTA after the ad.

This weekend is a great time to start your tax preparation. Step one, order your software by following this link to Amazon. You can even download some versions right from the Amazon Download Store. Shopping Amazon from here keeps information like this coming your way. 

 

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters on Presidents' Day. Other parking rules apply.

Boston Recycling and Trash Collection:

Recycling and trash information from the City of Boston:

• "Monday, February 20, 7am – Saturday, February 25, 2012, 5pm
• Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.
• *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

The MBTA holiday Schedule has not been released as of now. Here's last year's information to give you some idea of what might be happening.

MBTA Schedule Changes Updated 2.18.11 @ 4:30 Pm

"Today, the MBTA announced its service schedule for Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 21, 2011.  The operations schedule is as follows:

• Blue, Orange, and Red Line trains, Green Line streetcars will operate on a Saturday schedule.
• Silver Line will operate on a Saturday schedule.
• Commuter rail trains will operate on a Saturday schedule.
• Buses and trackless trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule.  Please Note:  Express bus service on the following routes will operate on a modified schedule:  325, 326, 352, 354, 355, 501, 502, 504.
• Hingham, Quincy and Hull commuter boat service will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
• Inner Harbor Ferry Service – Charlestown to Long Wharf will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
• THE RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule.

For more information on routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA Customer Service Center at 617-222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (hearing impaired TDD 617-222-5146) or log onto the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads out of comments.

What's Open in Boston & MBTA Schedules Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2012

Here's a run-down of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day– January 16, 2012. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.

Photo of Martin Luther King Memorial by Scott Ableman  Some rights reserved

Restaurants, Bars: Open

 

Convenience Stores: Open 

 

Supermarkets: Open

 

Retail Stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose

Liquor Stores: Open

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the Stock Markets in the United States closed. International markets are open.

 

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. 

 

Boston Trash and Recycling:

The City website says,

"Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Monday, January 16, 7am – Saturday, January 21, 2012, 5pm - Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorcheser, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury. *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

 

"Street Cleaning: No MONDAY Cleaning (resumes 12:01AM Tuesday)"

 

"Tow Lot: CLOSED from 1PM SAT. 1/14/12 to 7AM TUES. 1/17/12"

  

 

MBTA Schedule Changes: Updated 01.12.1

The press release says:

"The MBTA today announced its service schedule for Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday, Monday, January 16, 2012.

• Blue, Orange, and Red line trains, and Green line streetcars and trackless trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule.
  
  
• Buses will operate on a Saturday schedule.
  
  
• Commuter rail trains will operate on its regular weekday schedule. 
  
  
• Commuter boat services from Hingham, Hull, and Quincy will operate on regular weekday schedules. 
  
  
• Inner Harbor Ferry Service from Charlestown to Long Wharf will operate on a regular weekday schedule. 
  
  
•  The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule. 

For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TDD 617-222-5146) or log on to the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com

 

Keeping warm is on the top of everyone's agenda. Amazon has excellent underlayers to keep you toasty.

   

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: Photo of Martin Luther King Memorial by Scott Ableman used under creative commons license  Some rights reserved

Boston Area Commencement Dates Spring 2012

With or without a Boston area college graduation in your family, you'll likely need to coordinate your dining and travel plans around the spring 2012 commencement ceremonies. We're running this a bit early, because so many readers have been making their way to last year's post.

Reservations at area restaurants will be harder to find May 11th and 12th, and scarce May 18th through 21st when 11 schools, including BU and BC, will hold ceremonies. Harvard commencement is May 24th and MIT June 8th– each of these schools is large enough to have an impact on its own. Harvard can also interfere with traffic as they move busloads of people from one place to another around event time.

To help you plan your dining options in May and early June, here are the dates of the major commencement ceremonies for your 2012 calendar.

 

If you know of a college or university graduation date that we missed, send us a comment.

• Northeastern University - May 4, 2012
• Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, Commencement (B) - May 11, 2012
• Berklee College - May 12, 2012
• Emmanuel College - May 12, 2012
• Boston Conservatory - May 12, 2012
  
• Fisher College - May 12, 2012
• Emerson College - May 14, 2012
• Simmons College - May 18, 2012
• Bentley University - May 19, 2012
• Lesley University - May 19, 2012
• Babson College - May 19, 2012
• Suffolk University - May 20, 2012
• Boston University - May 20, 2012
• Brandeis University- May 20, 2012
• New England Conservatory - May 20, 2012
• Tufts University - May 20, 2012
•  The New England College of Optometry - May 20, 2012
• Boston College - May 21, 2012
• Harvard University - May 24, 2012
• North Shore Community College - May 24, 2012
• New England Law Boston - May 25, 2012
• Northeastern University School of Law - May 25, 2012
• Boston College Law School - May 25, 2012
• Boston Architectural College - May 26, 2012
• University of Massachusetts Boston - June 1, 2012
•  Massachusetts Institute of Technology - June 8, 2012

 

 Thanks to everyone who supports us by beginning your Amazon shopping from here. It doesn't cost you anymore but when you click on an Amazon link like this one, they put a few coins in our tip cup.

The perfect gift for a graduate!

 

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photo: iStockphoto.com

What's Open on Thanksgiving and MBTA Schedule Changes 2011

Here's a run-down of what's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, November 24, 2011.

We've been posting these rundowns early, when we notice our readers looking for the information on old posts. Because it's early, we will be doing updates as new information is announced. When we update this post, we'll add a comment (so sign onto the comment feed) and send word out on Twitter.

Restaurants, bars: Many will be open- check for special hours and menus

Convenience stores: many are open, check for special hours

Supermarkets: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

Retail stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

Liquor stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws" 

City, Town, State, and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

Boston Trash Collection: From Monday November 21- Saturday November 26th- Click here for original.

"Delay trash and recycling pickup one day ONLY IF your pickup day is Thursday or Friday AND you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury, or South Boston."

*if you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up two times per week, do not delay.

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. International markets are open.

MBTA information after the Ad from Amazon!

More information after these camera deals from Amazon. Order today and you'll be ready to record memories this holiday season. When you shop Amazon from here, you keep information like this coming your way!

MBTA Schedule changes UPDATED November 18, 2011

"The MBTA today announced its service schedule for the Thanksgiving Holiday, Wednesday, November 23 through Friday, November 25.  To accommodate customers traveling to and from Logan Airport, Silver Line service will be enhanced during peak airport travel times before the holiday continuing through Tuesday, November 29.

Note:  Commuter Rail service restored temporarily on Old Colony and Greenbush lines for Thanksgiving Holiday including weekend service.

Wednesday, November 23

• To ensure prompt and convenient service to and from Logan Airport, the Silver, Red, Orange, Blue and Green lines will operate with additional service during peak travel periods.
• Buses will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
• The MBTA’s Paratransit service – THE RIDE will operate on a regular weekday service schedule.
• Commuter rail will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
• Commuter Boat Service - Additional service added from Rowes Wharf to Hingham @ 12:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. 
  • The 7:30 p.m. & the 8:30 p.m. departures from Rowes Warf to Hingham will not operate.
  • The Last Ferry from Rowes Warf to Hingham will be @ 7:00 p.m.

• The Quincy Commuter Boat service will operate on a regular weekday service schedule.
• Inner Harbor Ferry services from Charlestown to Long Wharf will operate on regular weekday schedules.

Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24

• The Red, Orange, Blue, Green, and Silver Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule.
• Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule.
• The MBTA’s Paratransit service THE RIDE will operate on a modified schedule.
• Commuter rail service including the Old Colony/Greenbush lines will operate on a Sunday schedule.

Please Note: Commuter rail service on the Fairmount and Needham Lines will not operate.

• Inner Harbor Ferry service from Charlestown to Long Wharf will not operate.
• Commuter Boat services from Hingham, Quincy, Hull & Logan Airport will not operate."

Friday & Saturday schedules are below the ad. There are great deals on Amazon if you prefer online shopping!

"Friday, November 25

• The Green line will operate on a Saturday schedule with trip times varying between 6 - 10 minutes throughout the day.
• The Red, Orange and Blue lines will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
• The Silver Line will operate on an enhanced schedule.
• Buses will operate on a regular weekday non-school-day schedule.
• The MBTA’s Paratransit service – THE RIDE will operate on its regular weekday schedule.
• Commuter rail service will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
• Inner Harbor Ferry service from Charlestown to Long Wharf will operate on a weekday schedule.
• Commuter Boat services from Hingham, Hull, and Quincy will operate on regular weekday schedules.

 

Saturday, November 26 and Sunday, November 27

• Commuter Rail service will operate on its normal weekend service schedule with the temporary restoration of Old Colony/Greenbush commuter rail service.

 

Following this special temporary restoration of weekend service for the holiday, weekend service suspensions on both lines will resume on Saturday, December 3, 2011.

• Weekend schedules for both lines are available in the schedules page and www.mbcr.com.

 

Plan Ahead For Thanksgiving Travel

For MBTA Customers

• Buy a CharlieCard/Ticket in advance to save time on your travel day.
• To go straight to the gate on the day of your trip, use your existing CharlieCard/Ticket, or load value on a CharlieCard ahead of time to avoid lines and get the best value!
• Small groups and families can share one stored value CharlieCard/Ticket to save even more time!
• Take the Silver Line to Logan Airport with stops at the entrances to all five of Logan’s terminals.
• With low floors and plenty of space, the 60-feet-long Silver Line vehicles are ideal for customers traveling with luggage.
• Access Silver Line service from South Station.
• Take the Silver Line 4 (SL4) from Dudley to South Station – then connect to Silver Line SL1 and SL2 to the Airport.
• To accommodate customers traveling to and from Logan Airport, Silver Line service will be enhanced during peak airport travel times before the holiday continuing through Tuesday, December 29.
• Remind guests to buy a CharlieTicket when leaving Logan.  Buy a CharlieTicket with a One or Seven Day LinkPass to use during the holiday weekend.
• Help friends or family save time by encouraging them to purchase a reusable CharlieTicket at fare vending machines in all terminals.
• A CharlieTicket with a One or Seven Day LinkPass allows unlimited subway and bus use effective from time of purchase.

 

For further information call an MBTA Customer Support Representative at  617-222-3200 or 800-392-6100, TTY 617-222-5146, Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Sat/Sun from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM," or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

 

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photography: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

What's Open on Columbus Day 2011 In Boston and MBTA Schedule Changes

Here's a run-down of what's open in Boston on Columbus Day and changes to MBTA schedules for October 10, 2011. This is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open.

We publish these reminders before each holiday to help our readers make their holiday plans.

Strolling by the fountain in Christopher Columbus Park

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Liquor stores: Open

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with most Banks closed.

Stock market: Open as are international markets.

Boston Parking: City website says, "Free parking at all city meters. All other rules apply. The Tow Lot is closed from 6pm Sunday 10/9 to 7am on Tuesday 10/11.

Street Sweeping: City says, "There will be no daytime sweeping on Monday 10/10."

Boston Traffic Advisory, Columbus Day Weekend 2011

More information after this word from Amazon...
Need a destination for a fall weekend? Here are some New England Travel Books to help you decide.

Boston Trash Collection: From this page on the city site.

"Monday, October 10 – Saturday, October 15, 2011 Delay trash and recycling pickup one day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury. 
*if you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up two times per week, do not delay"

MBTA Schedule:

The MBTA has, "announced its service schedule for Columbus Day - Monday, October 10, 2011.

    * Blue, Orange, and Red Line trains, Green Line streetcars will operate on a Saturday schedule.
    * Bus, trackless trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule. Please Note: Express bus service on the following routes will operate on a modified schedule: 325, 326, 351, 352, 354, 355, 501, and 504.
    * Silver Line service will operate on a Saturday schedule.
    * Commuter rail trains will operate on its regular weekday schedule.
    * Inner Harbor Ferry service from Charlestown and Long Wharf will operate on its regular weekday schedule.
    * Hingham, Quincy and Hull commuter boat service will operate on its regular weekday schedule.
    * THE RIDE will operate on a modified weekday schedule.

For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA Customer Service Center at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (hearing impaired TDD 617-222-5146)" or visit them on the web at: www.mbta.com.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2011 Ed Cherubino

Some Cars are More Fun, And They Know It....

The owner of this Fiat 500 chose a great license plate for this fun little car. 

Related Posts - More Eye Candy for Car Lovers:

Cute Little Francesca!

It's Yellow! More Eye Candy

Weekend Eye Candy

Thanks to all our readers who use our links to start their Amazon shopping from here. It doesn't cost you any more but does support our work here at BostonZest.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo: © 2011 Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. We welcome comments from the people, places, and services we cover, as long as it doesn't become an ad.

Discounts for Showing Your Charlie Card

A recent question about MBTA Charlie Cards on Trip Advisor's Boston Forum sent me seaching the MBTA site, and I was reminded of all the discounts you can get with a Charlie Card.

  This is another good reason for visitors and locals to get one. Not only will you save on each ride on the subway, bus, or inner harbor ferry, but here are a bunch of places that offer discounts for showing a Charlie Card. Most are aimed a locals but some are also good for visitors.

You can ask for one from an MBTA employee and fill it at the machines, or if you register your card, you can monitor it and add value online. 

Good offers for locals and visitors. Here's a brief sample.

Free order of Rosemary Pomme Frites at Sel de la Terre! (You know you're going to order them anyway!)

$5 off Huntington Theatre tickets

Free 3-day Fitcorp Membership could be great for visitors

Lots of museum discounts like– 2 for 1 admission at Historic New England.

Shopping discounts at places like Economy Hardware and Eddie Bauer

A whole page of Faneuil Hall discounts for visitors. 

Do you know of some good discounts with cards that people may already carry?

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. We welcome comments from the people, places, and services we cover as long as it doesn't become an ad. 

Have you used your Charlie Card to get a discount? Will you in the future?

Add a comment in our friendly community comment section below.

You know you want "The M T A (The Boston Subway Song)" for your phone! You can sing along, "... And he never returned, no he never returned" as you ride. You could start a flash mob! Can you imagine a green line train full of phones and singers?