Cheryl Fenton is a Boston-based freelance writer whose work has appeared in the Boston Globe, USAToday, Resy.com, Apartment Therapy, Boston magazine and more. When she's not writing, you can typically find her with at least a dozen oysters in front of her and an extra dirty martini in hand.

Cheryl Fenton

Cheryl Fenton

Articles (61)

Beacon Hill neighborhood guide

Beacon Hill neighborhood guide

Beacon Hill is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Boston. Its picturesque red-brick row houses, gas lanterns, and steep, narrow streets make taking a walk in the neighborhood a treat. There are also lots of hidden gems throughout like the Boston Athenæum and 1928 Beacon Hill, a restaurant always packed with locals, and the secret rooftop at the Beacon Hill Hotel. Once you’ve exhausted this tony neighborhood, find more to do around town by checking out our guides to the best restaurants in Boston, best live music in Boston, and best museums in Boston.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
The best hot chocolate in Boston

The best hot chocolate in Boston

When the weather outside is frightful, there's nothing more delightful than a steaming mug of hot cocoa. We're not taking about a powdery packet: Boston is brimming with rich, sweet, spicy—and occasionally boozy—options for hot chocolate. With a cup of any one of these cozy drinks in your hands, not only you will feel festive and toasty, but you will also feel your fingers. Hot cocoa pairs well with strolling through the best parks in Boston or following a spin on the ice at one of the best skating rinks. If hot chocolate doesn't do enough to satisfy your sweet teeth, check out our guide to the best desserts in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston
The best holiday and Christmas markets in Boston to enjoy this winter

The best holiday and Christmas markets in Boston to enjoy this winter

The last thing you want to deal with this holiday season is a Black Friday crowd, mall parking or missing shipped packages. So forgo those follies and instead treat yourself to a fun shopping experience—that also supports local. These holiday markets are not only decked out in splendor (hello, hot cocoa and twinkle lights!), but you’ll leave knowing you supported small businesses by buying gifts that stand out from everything else under the tree. When you’re done, check out one of the many Christmas events in Boston or get some more cheer from a Boston Christmas lights display. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in Boston
The best Boston movie theaters to enjoy the latest movies

The best Boston movie theaters to enjoy the latest movies

The Boston area offers many options for moviegoers, including modern multiplexes, black box-type minis and lavish old theaters. Luxury cinemas with fancy treats and massive recliner seating that mimics the coziness of home viewing has become the norm. While most people want entertainment and flock to the blockbusters, there are also exceptional spaces to seek art and enlightenment—read on for more. Of course, regular cinema nights are as important to locals as visiting one of the best live music venues in Boston. Why not start or end the evening’s entertainment in one of the best dive bars in Boston. Or, if dinner and a movie is your go-to, check out one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
Where to order Thanksgiving takeout in Boston

Where to order Thanksgiving takeout in Boston

Making things easier for yourself on Thanksgiving is definitely something to be thankful for. Boston chefs and restaurants are here to help, with plenty of options for heat-and-serve holiday meals. Whether it’s a full feast or a la carte sides to supplement your spread, make sure to order Thanksgiving to-go ahead of time. Don’t want to celebrate at home? Check out the best restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner in Boston and the best ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Boston. Recommended: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston
The 11 best parks in Boston

The 11 best parks in Boston

It’s no secret that the Hub holds court as a walking city—and there’s no better way to enjoy it than getting a glimpse of nature in one of the best parks in Boston. From the lush Emerald Necklace (the nation’s oldest linear park system) to the celebrated Arnold Arboretum, there are plenty of places that offer serene green space where you can take a breather from the city rush and unwind. If you need even more of an escape, leave the bustle of downtown behind with one of the best hikes near Boston or the best beaches near Boston.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
The best Boston events in September 2024

The best Boston events in September 2024

September brings the best of both summer and fall to Boston. The college bars are busy again, patios aren't all yet closed for the season, and sunny-and-75 beach days come without the crowds. But autumnal entertainment is gaining on us, and winter will be here soon enough (sorry!). Here’s how to make the most of September in Boston.
14 best breweries in Boston

14 best breweries in Boston

Whether you’re touring a brewery, tasting your way through a taproom, or enjoying the city’s seasonal beer gardens, one thing’s for sure: Boston’s thriving beer culture really raises the bar. With traditional European styles, experimental American styles, and every pour in between, there's something for everyone. For the sud savvy, there are unique opportunities to dive deep into new brews and clever crafts, or you can keep it simple with a classic frosty IPA. Beer not your beverage of choice? Explore more top-notch drinking options at the best cocktail bars in Boston or try one of the best craft ciders in Massachusetts.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in Boston
The best museums in Boston to check out right now

The best museums in Boston to check out right now

Whether it’s a scenic seascape in a range of oils, prehistoric skeletons, or modern day NFTs, Boston area museums highlight the beauty in pretty much everything. When you need to  wander for inspiration and appreciation of contemporary art, science, and history, the city’s collections are as varied as the buildings they’re housed in (think ships, floral gardens, and historical buildings). Find out which museum suits your tastes from our list below—there’s something for everyone. Looking for more art? Check out our list of where to see art in Boston. For more fun things to do, here are our lists of the best free things to do in Boston and best things to do with kids in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
10 haunted places in Massachusetts that you can visit

10 haunted places in Massachusetts that you can visit

Massachusetts can lay claim to some of the scariest ghost stories and hauntings ever recorded. From a former Revolutionary War hospital-turned-inn to a grisly family murder and the horrifying Salem Witch Trials, the shadows of our state’s dark past are never too far. Thrillseekers have plenty to explore in search of hair-raising spectral sightings and paranormal encounters. We’ve gathered 10 places rooted in the eeriest local lore for you to visit this fall—after you've had your fill of pumpkin picking, apple picking and admiring the fall foliage. Investigate at will, but be warned: These are the homes of the undead; you’re merely a guest. Recommended: The best things to do in Salem for Halloween
The best pumpkin patches near Boston for fall fun

The best pumpkin patches near Boston for fall fun

As the crisp autumn breeze is telling you, New England is heading full steam into fall—when the foliage becomes fiery and the apple cider pipes hot. There are countless activities to allow you to bask in the beauty of the season, and pumpkin picking is a must-do for locals and visitors alike. Ditch the pre-picked varieties at the grocery store checkout counter and head to one of these local farms near Boston, where you can hitch a ride on a wagon and choose your own stylish squash. Here's where to go for the gourds in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
15 most Michelin star-worthy restaurants in Boston

15 most Michelin star-worthy restaurants in Boston

We all know that Boston’s best fine dining spots and most romantic restaurants can stand up to those of bigger cities like NYC and London. But sometimes we just don’t get the same level of recognition as those cities. Regardless, we know that lots of spots in town deserve the same level of hype so we have rounded up all our favorites that we would recommend for a Michelin star if the guide ever does come to town. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

Listings and reviews (37)

Downtown Boston Holiday Market

Downtown Boston Holiday Market

A rotating lineup of diverse vendors are popping up all season in Downtown Crossing. Presented by the Downtown Boston Alliance of businesses, the Downtown Boston Holiday Market happens (weather-permitting) on Summer Street Plaza every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11am–4 pm from November 29 to December 22. Keep your eyes peeled for carolers and other celebrations, as well.
September Birthday Lobster at Summer Shack

September Birthday Lobster at Summer Shack

September babies, Summer Shack wants you to have a claw-some birthday this year. The iconic Boston seafood restaurant invites guests to celebrate their birthdays this month by dining on a free, one-pound lobster. Whether you hit up the Seaport spot or the flagship Cambridge location—which has its own 1,500-gallon live lobster tank—you can dive into a complimentary lobster for a celebratory lunch or dinner. All you have to do is flash proof of ID showing a September birth date and you’ll enjoy a perfectly steamed lobster on the house. No purchase is required for this special treat, but note that gratuity isn’t included and it’s dine-in only. But why not order up some of the sides that Summer Shack is known for, like shells & cheese, a classic Caesar salad, fried pickles or sweet potato fried. And you’ll definitely want to start with a dozen glistening raw oysters.  With this feast on your table, that’s definitely something to shell-ebrate. Although not required, reservations are suggested.
Whale Song: A Public Art Installation By Jean-Marie Appriou

Whale Song: A Public Art Installation By Jean-Marie Appriou

A new public art installation that pays homage to majestic sea animals debuts in September outside the New England Aquarium. Crafted by artist Jean-Marie Appriou from molded driftwood and old railroad ties and cast in aluminum, Whale Song represents the historical, mythological and future ways that whales impact our lives. Celebrate the opening of Whale Song—which will be on display in Central Wharf Plaza through August 2025—on Wednesday, Sept. 18, with the artist and curator. Whale Song comprises three sculptures: Hommage, A Long Journey and The Gate of the Whales. “Jean-Marie presents us with beautiful imagery of whales in the form of a gate, a vessel and a guardian, reminding us of their majesty and their power to evoke our imagination,” curator Pedro Alonzo said in a press release.  Hommage, representing the “historical whale,” speaks to the reckoning of past misuse of natural resources, imagining a future that respects and preserves the natural world. The second work, A Long Journey, represents the “mythological whale” that came before humankind and symbolizes the fact that every living being comes from the sea. The third piece, The Gate of the Whales, is made up of representations of different species of whales and serves as a portal into a whale’s perception. Siting the art installation at Central Wharf is deliberate. The plaza is adjacent to the Rose Kennedy Greenway as well as the aquarium, where scientists and staff have been researching and caring for marine animal
Back 2 The Video Store

Back 2 The Video Store

Get ready for throwback movie moments this fall that deliver you straight to the aisles of your long-gone local video store. But this time there’s a plot twist: You’ll have a cocktail in hand.   Pop-up activators Bucket Listers is partnering with West End Johnnie’s on Back 2 The Video Store, a unique drinking experience inspired by fond memories of strolling your local VHS rental spot on the hunt for the pick of the night. But rather than pulling a movie box off the shelf from sections in Romance, Horror, Comedy and Thrillers, you’ll be checking out beer, wine and curated cocktails inspired by award-winning films. (With due respect to The VU in JP, Boston does have one remaining video store—but it specializes in house-roasted coffee, not cocktails.) The experience, taking place Thursdays–Sundays from August 30 through October 5, is set within a hidden “video store bar” complete with lava lamps, Pog-playing stations and décor inspired by memorable cinematic scenes. Tickets to this 21-plus event start at $22 and include a 90-minute reservation (time slots start at 4pm and run until 8:30pm), plus one cocktail or mocktail. Additional drinks and food are available for purchase onsite.
Putt 'N Play Minigolf at MarketStreet

Putt 'N Play Minigolf at MarketStreet

A North Shore shopping plaza is raising the par on family-friendly fun with a pop-up minigolf course themed around local landmarks. Open through Labor Day, Putt ’N Play at MarketStreet Lynnfield has nine holes with obstacles paying homage to the North Shore’s iconic landmarks. Yes, there are Revere Beach sandcastles. The pop-up is all about blending immersive fun and local, nostalgic humor. The kid-friendly course gives littles an achievable activity, while their guardians will surely appreciate features like a mini replica of Saugus’s famous giant orange dinosaur and other Route 1-inspired signage. Visitors (from solo golfers to groups of five) can tee off at Putt ’N Play seven days a week from 1–5 pm through Monday, Sept. 2. Find it on the green, located behind J.P. Licks and across the street from the Apple Store. The price per person is $7, and all proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham and Wakefield. Tee times are every 25 minutes. Walk-ins are welcome, but reserving a spot is recommended.
SoWa Food Truck Festival

SoWa Food Truck Festival

Even (another) stifling heat wave can’t get between Bostonians and their love of a good food truck moment. To satisfy this gravitational pull toward meals on wheels, SoWa is bringing back its Food Truck Festival on Saturday, Aug. 3. From poke bowls to crepes, frozen desserts to bao, there will be more than 15 of the region's most popular food trucks ready for orders from noon–5pm, with plenty of umbrella-shaded tables for plopping down to dig in. With a backdrop of energetic live DJ spins, all ages can also enjoy lawn games including corn hole, bean bag toss and chalk drawings, while thirsty adults partake in sips at the 90+ Cellars wine garden and a beer garden hosted by modern French restaurant, Marseille. Organized by GTI Properties (the same team that produces the SoWa Open Market and SoWa Winter Fest), the festival has confirmed food trucks including Paisani, North East of the Border, Gogi on the Block, Wanderlust Global Food, Matilda, Crepe Shop, Moyzilla, Bon Me, Tandoor and Curry, Zaaki, Captain Marden's Seafood, Roxy's Catering, HomeTown Poke, Mi Corazon Taqueria, Bees and Thank You, Sorbae Treats and Wild Pops. The SOWA Food Truck Festival is free to the public and will be held rain or shine at 500 Harrison Ave. in Boston.
"The Goonies" screening on Boston Common

"The Goonies" screening on Boston Common

While the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company has been delighting audiences for 28 years with its free performances on Boston Common (it's The Winter’s Tale through August 4 this summer), things take a little detour on Saturday, Aug. 10. Instead of characters such as Macbeth, Romeo or Hamlet waxing poetic about their struggles, viewers at the Parkman Bandstand will hear a young boy named Mikey valiantly exclaim, "Goonies never say die!" The Commonwealth Shakespeare Co. is teaming up with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema for one special night to host a free, outdoor screening of the iconic ‘80s family adventure classic, The Goonies.  Grab your beach chair and blanket (and a pint of ice cream, if you please) and join Chunk, Mikey, Mouth and Data as they band together and set out on an adventure. The goal: to discover a legendary pirate's long-lost treasure with the help of an ancient map.  All are welcome to the screening, which begins at 8pm. The first 1,000 people will leave with a Goonies flag. Itching to find some real treasure? You can also participate in an actual treasure hunt, with prizes, to find the “rich stuff” hidden around the event. The Parkman Bandstand at the Boston Common is located at 139 Tremont St.
Monteverdi

Monteverdi

The latest from the restaurateur behind Mistral, Mooo and Serafina, Seth Greenberg's new restaurant is located in the Royal Sonesta hotel in Cambridge with an enviable Charles River-side patio (it was formerly Restaurant Dante). Monteverdi offers both traditional and contemporary Italian dishes with elegant cocktails and a robust wine list. The menu is overseen by executive chef Christian Ellis with plates pretty to look at and satisfying to savor, including huge antipasto platters, insalata, grilled pizzas and fresh pastas.  
Beacon Hill Books & Cafe

Beacon Hill Books & Cafe

Tucked inside the cutest little brick building, Beacon Hill Books & Cafe is a bookworm's paradise. This cozy bookstore and restaurant is outfitted with every element of New England charm: beautiful wooden built-ins, a swath of fireplaces that greet you from room to room, and so many furnished nooks just begging for you to come, sit down and flip through your favorite written work. Once you're done combing the shelves, be sure to snag a table at the in-house cafe, where you can enjoy a breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or supper of simple, clean yet comforting compositions.  
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

The newest movie theater in the Seaport can easily double as a great spot for a meal. While you’re enjoying your movie, simply write down your food order from the menu (peep the spicy buffalo chicken pizza, mini corn dogs and milkshakes) on the provided paper, press the button, and the sheet is whisked away quietly. They bring your food right to your chair—you have your own table in front of each seat—so your attention on the screen isn’t interrupted at all.
Limani Grille Seaport

Limani Grille Seaport

Limani Grille Seaport transports diners to the beautiful shores of Cyprus and Greece with its fresh Mediterranean-inspired fare. ​​Spearheaded by Chef George Salas, the menu showcases selections including shareable must-haves like the Limani chips (paper-thin zucchini and eggplant served with lightly fried Kefalograviera cheese and tzatziki), as well as bar items items like Mediterranean ceviche (Lavraki dressed with lime, fresh herbs, gigantes beans and feta cheese). Limani also offers an array of entrees like its braised lamb shank, Moussaka, and whole-fish Fagri for Two.
Amar

Amar

Within the signature restaurant on the 17th floor of the new Raffles Hotel, Michelin-starred chef George Mendes serves up modern Portuguese fine dining to those lucky enough to grab a reservation. Eponymous with “love” in Portuguese, Amar is a love letter to seafood-heavy, classic dishes with the chef’s own twist—Jamon Iberico, uni toast, Carabineros prawns, Gomes de Sá cod, a decadent shellfish custard and an arroz di mariscos for two. The desserts are sublime, including the made-to-order Pão de ló Sponge cake, an Iberian egg-yolk sponge cake with smoked cinnamon ice cream. 

News (21)

I tried Boston's new Clue-themed walking tour—here's what it was like

I tried Boston's new Clue-themed walking tour—here's what it was like

It’s a mystery why a board game that revolves around a macabre murder became such a hit with families, but Clue has had a stranglehold on audiences from the get-go. Using cards, clues and cunning, the detective game born in 1943 out of boredom during WWII air-raid blackouts has remained a family-friendly sensation all these years. Now, the classic whodunnit comes to life as an interactive and immersive experience in Boston. (Yes, you can dress in character.) As a fan of the game since my dad first dragged out his childhood set to play with me in the ‘80s, I was excited to hit the bricks with my friend for some sleuthing when “Clue: A Walking Mystery” debuted in Boston on June 27. With the green light from Hasbro, award-winning interactive game designers The Wild Optimists and Right Angle Entertainment first launched the event in Chicago, with more cities in planning. It invites armchair sleuths to hit the streets to cosplay as descendents of the original characters—Mayor Green, Colonel Mustard, Solicitor Peacock, Professor Plum, Miss Scarlett and Chef White—to solve the grizzly murder of Mr. Boddy Black, the game’s fictitious victim. The 75-year-old case may have gone cold, but thanks to clues scattered throughout the city, you can be hot on the trail of a murderer. Photograph: Cheryl Fenton Our adventure begins just off the Freedom Trail, by the North End Bakery counter inside the bustling Quincy Market, as two butlers describe the tale and the familiar task at hand: We mu
Princess Cruises launches new routes out of Boston

Princess Cruises launches new routes out of Boston

Boston has a new option for cruise vacations with itineraries to visit our northern neighbors during prime leaf-peeping season. Princess Cruises has sailed into town for its maiden Boston season, beginning July 14, with exciting east coast excursions planned through early October around New England, Canada and Greenland. In the wake of introducing a Northern Lights voyage to west coast travelers, the iconic cruise company is now sailing out of Flynn Cruiseport Boston with the Emerald Princess. The 3,080-guest cruise ship offers well-appointed staterooms, world-class dining voted one of the best choices for food lovers by Food & Wine magazine, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas and tons of on-board activities and experiences. Photograph: Courtesy Princess CruisesA mini suite on the Emerald Princess vessel Ten available routes from Boston range in length from seven to 17 days. Hop aboard to enjoy all that scenic New England and Canada have to offer—from colonial history to striking lighthouses and quaint seaside villages ready to serve you some fresh seafood.  In August, you can knock a visit to the world's largest island off your bucket list with three port stops in Greenland to see its stunning landscapes and magnificent fjords. As fall creeps in, Emerald Princess also has vantage points on the most glorious foliage as it sails along forested areas in the northeast, rich in the brilliant shades of autumn red, orange and gold.   Boston-based Emerald Prin
Boston just won a cheezy award

Boston just won a cheezy award

While lobster rolls, Boston Baked Beans, and Boston Crème Pie usually take centerstage as notable noshes for our city, there’s another dish that’s drawing attention from diners in Boston.  According to research done by Clever Real Estate, some might be surprised that Boston is the third-best pizza city in America, with a near perfect overall pizza score of 99 out of 100. To decide who made the grade for this cheezy award, the data team at Clever Real Estate analyzed a multitude of metrics, including pizza “reputation” gained from a survey of 1,000 Americans, average Yelp rating for pizza restaurants, average pizza prices, and more. Boston lost out to Denver and Buffalo, N.Y., which are in spots one and two respectively. With 12.3 pizza restaurants per 100,000 residents (a far cry from the lowest on the list – Dallas which has the fewest pizza restaurants, with just 2.7), Boston is poised with options for great pies. According to the data, we have 46 percent more than the typical city's rate of 8.4 per 100,000 residents. These spots deliver (pun intended), boasting an average Yelp rating of 3.81 out of 5 stars. And Boston is willing to pay - A large cheese pizza in Boston costs $19.65 on average, while a large pepperoni pizza averages $23.05. Boston also scored an 88 out of 100 in the pizza passion metric, based on how often locals search the web for pizza-related terms (e.g., "pizza near me," "pizza delivery," "pan pizza," etc.). That's 22 percent higher than the average city
These local chefs are now James Beard semifinalists

These local chefs are now James Beard semifinalists

  While the Oscars and Golden Globes usually vie for our attention this time of year, there is another award season upon us. And it’s one that occasionally trades red carpets for white table cloths. The James Beard Foundation semifinalist list was recently released, recognizing the year’s best restaurants and chefs from around the country and across a respected list of 11 categories. While all of the New England states are represented within the semifinalist list with Connecticut the only one represented in the Outstanding Chef category (congrats to Renee Touponce of Mystic’s The Port of Call), there are plenty of Massachusetts chefs up for Best Chef Northeast. The semi-finalists for Best Chef Northeast include: Tracy Chang, Pagu, CambridgeJohn daSilva, Chickadee, BostonConor Dennehy, Tallula, CambridgePatricia Estorino, Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar, CambridgeCecelia Lizotte, Suya Joint, BostonLaurence Louie, Rubato, QuincyRachel Miller, Nightshade Noodle Bar, Lynn For those not in the know, The James Beard Awards are among the nation’s most prestigious culinary honors, honoring those “who are creating exceptional food, food media content, and better food systems, while demonstrating a commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.” When deciding on the Chef Awards, they choose those in the kitchen who celebrate excellence across a range of experiences, from fine-dining establishments to casual gems, and emerging talents
This Boston restaurant made the top 10 most romantic restaurants list by Yelp

This Boston restaurant made the top 10 most romantic restaurants list by Yelp

The season of smooch is upon us and, if you’re scrambling to find a romantic place to have Valentine’s Day dinner with your love, according to Yelp, you don’t have to look very far. Just take them to Sorellina in Boston, which just snagged the No. 10 spot on the site’s Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the U.S. Located in the heart of historic Copley Square, chef/owner Jamie Mammano’s Italian-Mediterranean inspired restaurant was the only Massachusetts restaurant to get shown any love on the list (the only other New England locale mentioned was Providence’s Los Andes Restaurant at No. 36).  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sorellina (@sorellinaboston) Just in time for Valentine’s Day celebrations, Yelp identified restaurants with a large concentration of reviews mentioning the love language that makes our hearts swoon - words and phrases such as "romantic," "date night" and "Valentine.” The site then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews with those keywords. And so the love list was born.  Yelpers definitely know a beauty when they see one. Magical and mysterious, the warm-modern design at Sorellina is entwined with the glow of the back wall mural and the floor-to-ceiling windows for a visually stunning combo. Soft leather chairs to sink into, candles flickering on the table and a floating panel ceiling with intimate low lighting all work in harmony to set the mood. Add in the classic I
Your favorite lunch order just got a new line up. Literally.

Your favorite lunch order just got a new line up. Literally.

Adjacent to The Connector located in Winthrop Center, a 691-foot mixed-use tower with the moniker of Downtown Boston’s newest urban "living room," The Lineup food hall just opened on January 17. While the spot houses five quick-serve culinary delights, don’t go opening your dinner reservation app too soon. These eateries are only open during the week from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Photograph: Courtesy Brian Samuels The brainchild of Michelin-starred Chef and Restaurateur John Fraser (of NYC’s Dovetail and now-closed Nix fame), The Lineup is his first-ever food hall concept and it’s one for the 9-to-5 daily grinders (although it is missing a sub shop). "The JF Restaurants team is thrilled to team up with Millennium Partners to launch our first ever food hall in the heart of Downtown Boston at The Connector," he said in a press release. “We look forward to welcoming the Boston community to discover this new epicurean destination whether you're looking to dine in or simply place an order for pick up."While convenience is definitely on the menu (the hall’s restaurants are all fast-casual for those looking for quick lunch options), you can also look forward to exploring five one-of-a-kind concept restaurants, ranging from 3.5-ounce smash burgers at Big Grin and Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas at Gatto Pazzo (check out their signature pie with golden yellow tomato vodka sauce and citrus-marinated shrimp) to vegetarian Mexi-Cali street food at Ariana (the pizza box of vegetarian nachos will
Immersive art experience opening in Boston's Downtown Crossing

Immersive art experience opening in Boston's Downtown Crossing

While you typically visit museums with hands in pocket, there’s a new art exhibition hall coming to Boston that’s challenging that pesky “look but don’t touch” concept.  WNDR Museum Boston is an unparalleled immersive art and technology experience opening in Boston's Downtown Crossing on February 1. The 17,000-square-foot museum redefines the traditional museum, with most of the art focused on physical movement interaction. Translation? Instead of standing idle, you’re actually encouraged to engage with artworks and multi-sensory installations created by cutting edge artists, collectives, technologists, designers, and makers. This multi-dimensional journey was voted one of the best 10 immersive experiences in the U.S. to check out right now by Time Out.  Photograph: Courtesy Ken Schluchtmann   With more than 20 exhibits, WNDR Museum Boston will also be home to localized versions of popular exhibits found at its flagship Chicago location, alongside pieces by internationally acclaimed artists including Yayoi Kusama’s Let’s Survive Forever. Considered one of her masterpieces, the installation features stainless steel balls suspended from the ceiling and arranged on the floor of the Infinity Room; an enclosed column within the room offers yet another mirrored environment accessible through peepholes. A sense of infinity is offered through the play of reflections between the circular shapes and surrounding mirrors on the room’s walls. “At WNDR Museum, we are committed to breakin
The best Boston Tea Party 250th anniversary events

The best Boston Tea Party 250th anniversary events

The City of Boston is definitely an OG tea spiller. And, on December 16, the city is poised to celebrate the 250th anniversary of when its colonists showed intolerance to tyranny by tossing all the tea into the Harbor to defy British rule. This is known as the Boston Tea Party of 1773. The commemorations this year will feature unprecedented levels of collaboration between organizations across Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, culminating in a grand-scale, live reenactment of the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 2023. What was the Boston Tea Party? If you’re late to the history lesson party, here’s a breakdown of the famous local event. This political protest took place at Griffin’s Wharf in Boston on December 16, 1773, when angry colonists showed their frustration with Britain’s “taxation without representation” by dumping 342 chests of tea into the harbor. The tea was imported by the British East India Company, a massive British corporation founded under Queen Elizabeth I that would have given today’s tech giants like Google, Apple, or Amazon a run for their money as one of history’s biggest, most dominant. This event rallied the patriots to begin their fight for eventual independence from Britain. Are there any informational events about or re-enactments of the Boston Tea Party? A full evening of reenactments will play out on December 16 across Boston at several historic locations.  Starting off, Faneuil Hall & The Boston Tea Party: A Protest in Principle takes
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party in fashion

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party in fashion

Colonial Sons of Liberty were clearly the literal OGs of spilling the tea, thanks to dumping British tea into the Boston Harbor to protest in 1773. And, on December 16, you can help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party with your own cup of fragrant tea and delicious treats overlooking the city’s waters. Celebrate and relive the Boston Tea Party’s spirit (minus the tossing of the tea) with a Grand Afternoon Tea at the Boston Harbor Hotel during December. Held at the hotel’s waterfront restaurant, Rowes Wharf Sea Grille, you can raise a cup with pinkies up on Thursdays through Sundays throughout the month from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm with exquisite teas, champagne, and decadent bites.  Teapots are steeping with your choice of black, green, oolong, white, or rooibos herbal teas, as you take your seat among awe-inspiring Boston Harbor views and await a feast fit for a king (but not one that taxes without representation, of course).  Simple tea sandwiches often seen at traditional afternoon teas give way to special savories on tiered displays, including Ostrea Caviar, Rosti Potato, Toast Points, Chive Crêpes with Crème Fraîche; Maine Lobster Popovers with White Truffle Sabayon; A5 Wagyu Hand Chopped Steak Tartare with Dijon, Capers, Kewpie, and Aged Pecorino Romano; and Hudson Valley Foie Gras Toast with Quince Butter on Hi Rise Potato Bread with Sauterne Geleé.  While sipping on Moët & Chandon Impérial Rosé Brut Champagne, you’ll finish up with decadent sweets, such
Boston Women’s Market spreads holiday cheer at Quincy Market this weekend

Boston Women’s Market spreads holiday cheer at Quincy Market this weekend

Now that December is upon us, it’s time to kick it into high gear for the holidays. And with that comes the ever-daunting gift list. Panic not - Boston’s thriving holiday market scene once again comes to the rescue, as the Boston Women's Market takes over Quincy Market this weekend in Boston. What is the Boston Women’s Market? Courtesy Founded by Africa Rubio Pastor and Cara Loffredo to support local makers and artists, the holiday market is bringing together more than 40 women-owned businesses (many of them LGBTQ+ and minority-owned as well) with unique
 products ranging from hand-crafted jewelry and pet accessories to stationery and handmade body care. While the market saw its first shoppers in 2017 with past locations at Harpoon Brewery, Time Out Market, Union Square, and The Speedway, this is the first time it's been held at iconic Quincy Market. What can I buy at the holiday market? Located over the two floors of Quincy Market, wares rotate every week, so each time you shop you’ll find a new business to support. The market offers unique home goods and decor, ceramics, accessories, jewelry, pet goods, gourmet treats, and more. A few of the vendors include illustrations and dog bandanas at Slobber Threads, hand-sewn journals and sketchbooks at Lend a Hand Designs, jewelry inspired by New England's natural beauty from Just Rosy, French macarons from Mariela's Sweets, and body care from JB Artisans Soaps. What about food and drink at the Boston Women’s Market? Whether you
Rosebud Kitchen & Bar blooms again in Davis Square

Rosebud Kitchen & Bar blooms again in Davis Square

When it comes to one of Somerville’s most beloved eateries in Davis Square, everything's coming up roses. After being purchased by Bindaas Restaurant Group in June 2023 and hosting its last service on October 1, the beloved Rosebud Kitchen & Bar is finally reopening on December 1, with both a new concept and some old favorites.  Respecting its place as a neighborhood landmark since 1941 and coveted listing on the National Register of Historic Places since 1999, not much inside Rosebud feels changed. You’ll still find its black and red leather booths and weathered wood paneling that are tell tale signs of a classic diner vibe. But the newest incarnation of Rosebud features the food of Chef Keith Sarasin, a founder of the New Hampshire "Farm to Table" movement, who will be introducing knowledge gained from his study of Indian food and culture for the past two decades.   While the new owners have dropped the “American” in the name Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar, they aren’t planning on dropping some of the American classics the diner has been known for for generations. The regional comfort food that evokes nostalgia still remains -  bacon cheeseburgers with American cheese and applewood smoked bacon, mac 'n cheese with buttery Ritz Cracker crust, French toast, buttermilk pancakes and eggs, and hot dogs.   Courtesy   But now, you can customize the mac 'n cheese with creamy Chicken Tikka or garnish your dog with Indian vegetable chili, cilantro, and red onion. You’ll also find I
Boston finally has a Topgolf

Boston finally has a Topgolf

Despite winter’s upcoming chilly temps and whipping winds, avid golfers can now breathe a sigh of relief. Topgolf is finally open in Canton, giving visitors a way to work around New England’s nasty weather and improve their swing for the spring, and all not too far from Boston. Where is the new Topgolf near Boston? The brand new golfing complex is the franchise's first location in Massachusetts and the second in New England (there’s a Topgolf location in Cranston, R.I.). "There's been a ton of excitement within the Topgolf family about this venue opening, and we're so excited to see it come to life," Topgolf's chief operating officer, Gen Gray, said in a statement. Everything to know about Topgolf Whether you bring your own or you use their complimentary clubs, the three-story facility has something for every golfer of every level - kids included. For those who prefer to simply practice their swing, the location includes 90 climate-controlled heated hitting bays, with HDTVs in every one. More than just the traditional ranges, Topgolf also allows players to earn points by aiming for giant targets for more realistic play time. Bonus: the high-tech micro-chipped balls score themselves, and Toptracer technology allows you to see a real-time trace of your ball's flight path as well as insights into speed, distance, angle and accuracy. The venue also boasts a sports bar and restaurant inside, along with a 28-foot video wall and 100-plus HDTVs throughout. The menu is full of shareab