Safari #73: Movie Night at the ICA

If you've already been to Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art on Thursday nights, pat yourself on the back.  For your next visit, try heading there on a Friday night to experience Movie Night.

Yes, the ICA shows movies too.

Every now and then, First Friday at the ICA turns into Movie Night, where independent films are played in the museum theater with drinks and treats on the first floor.  This past Movie Night featured the 2013 Oscar Animated Shorts, which were in short (hee hee), awesome.

A red carpet and photo booth were on hand to chronicle the event along with live music to keep the place hopping.  Popcorn and movie-themed flatbreads were available to nosh, and Harpoon IPA graciously offered free pours.


My Tips

• Get Your Tickets Early.  This is a popular event. Be prepared and buy your tickets early. You can pick them up at Will Call. More information on tickets is available via the website.
• Food. Treats are only allowed on the ground floor of the museum. Even though you can't eat while watching the film, nosh first, head upstairs and then head back down to enjoy some more. Pace yourself, and you'll have a great time.

Safari #72: Franklin Park's Sex at the Zoo

In celebration of Valentine's Day last week, my sweetie and I attended a lecture at the Franklin Park Zoo.  You may be thinking, "A lecture? How romantic". 

Well, as a matter of fact, it was.



The Sex at the Zoo lecture, held in the Tropical Forest Pavilion,  highlighted the love rituals certain species use to attract (and retain) a mate.

Before heading into the classroom for the lecture, we were free to stroll around within the Pavilion itself enjoying the exhibits. Representatives from the Samuel Adams Brewery, Barefoot Wine, and Cabot Cheese were dotted along the way offering beer, wine, and hors d'oeuvres. Zoo staff were also on hand to answer questions. The lecture was informative, enjoyable, and unbelievably hilarious. 

The event served to remind us that even animals will do anything for love, just as we should.

My Tips:

• Details. The event costs $25. There were two lecture times available allowing you enough time to tour the Pavilion, enjoy treats, and attend the lecture.
• Plan for Next Year.  Visit the events section Franklin Park Zoo website for information about similar programming and just before Valentine's Day 2014.

Safari #71: First Friday's at the MFA

While it's true that I've been to the Museum of Fine Arts numerous times, I've only been to First Friday twice. The first time was when I first arrived in Boston (sans blog) and this past Friday.

With two visits to compare plus the fact that there is now a New Wing, I have to say that a First Friday night out is well worth it.

Well-heeled Bostonians gather in the main lobby of the New Wing for cocktails, nibbles and free form dancing. Folks attend to see, be seen, and get down - yes, the area in front of the main speakers turns into an impromptu dance floor towards the end of the night.

After you enjoy your cocktails, don't forget to take a stroll through the galleries. The galleries are unusually quiet at this time, allowing you truly stroll through at your leisure.  First Fridays are also a great time to check out new exhibits given the smaller crowds.

My Tips:

• Get Tickets Early. Via the MFA website, you can get your tickets in advance rather than waiting in line the night of the event.  Tickets are $25. Members can attend for free. 
• Bring Cash. The bars only accept cash, so if you plan to enjoy a few rounds, make sure you have enough cash on hand to do so.
• Dress Up. Putting on the ritz with a cocktail in hand is fun and so is people watching.
• Flirt. Yes, if you are single and looking to mingle, this is truly your place to do it. I was surprised at the number of singletons who weren't at all the least bit shy.
• Watch Yourself. Don't forget that you are in a museum. Enjoy the art, respect the patrons, and don't be a hot mess with your cocktails - wait until your next destination if you can't help yourself.

Safari #70: Free Thursdays at the ICA

If you're looking to start your weekend a little early, free Thursday night's at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is a great way to start. With rotating exhibits year round, free Thursdays are an easy and inexpensive way to broaden your art palate.

The current exhibit, Art, Love, and Politics in the 1980's, offers a holistic view of the diversity of work produced during the 80's including many pieces dealing with social issues.  If you want to learn more about specific pieces, use your cell phone to dial an audio guide.

The ICA is a short walk from Boston's South Station.

While you're in the area, don't forget to explore some of the fabulous restaurants and other sites nearby. Some of my favorites:

• Papagayo - if you saw my post about tequila snow cones, you'll definitely want to head here afterwards for a meal.
• Drink - in a place where no menus exist, simply tell your server what kind of drinks you enjoy, and one will be made especially for you.
• More Art - take a look into the harbor for temporary floating art from the Boston Art Commission, and don't forget about the waterfront near the Children's Museum.  As of this week, Listener is now on display. Give it a shout!

*Image of the ICA kindly borrowed from http://architecturerevived.blogspot.com/2008/11/institute-of-contemporary-art-ica.html

Safari #69: Observatory Nights at Boston University

I felt a little like 2001 A Space Odyssey's Dave Bowman when he proclaimed, "My god, it's full of stars!" this past Wednesday night.

I've always been a stargazer and can remember the times as a child when I used my constellation map to look at stars.If you're remembering the stargazing you did as a child and wondering how you can do it Boston, look no further.

There are a number of ways to enjoy the stars compliments of local universities. Boston University, in particular, has held public observatory nights every Wednesday for the past 40 years from the Coit Observatory located on the roof of the College of Arts and Sciences Building at 725 Commonwealth Avenue.

On the night of my visit, I saw Jupiter (very clear, thus super cool), the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Messier 2 (M2) Globular Cluster.  The latter two items were a little fuzzy - but that's ok, they're pretty far away! (33,000 ly and 2.5 million ly respectively).

If you are looking for a midweek date night idea, have star loving friends, or just want to try something different, the observatory nights are perfect.

Happy viewing!

My Tips:

• Details. Public nights are held on clear Wednesday nights, year round. During the fall/winter months, viewings start at 7:30pm, and during the spring/summer months, viewings start at 8:30pm.  Viewings last one hour. Generally, three objects are highlighted during the first half hour with three additional during the last half hour. Due to the changing nature of Boston weather, it's good practice to call the observatory after 5:30pm (617-353-2630) to confirm that a viewing will be held.  
• Getting There. The easiest way is to take the T to the Boston University Central stop on the B line. The 725 Comm Ave building is on the side of Comm Ave closest to the Charles River. When facing the building, take any of the entry doors to walk up to the 5th floor. Head towards Room 520 and take the smaller staircase next to it to find the entrance to the observatory.  Need an elevator? Elevators are located at both ends of the building.
• Guides. Representatives from the BU Astronomy department host the observatory nights and have a lot of great information to share. They also love questions. Quinn and Trey, the hosts on my night, were friendly and engaging. 
• Rules. Very simply, do not touch or move the telescopes, and no flash photography is allowed.
•  Viewing in the Winter? Dress warmly (gloves, hats, balaclavas - you name it).

p.s. Observatory nights are also held the Museum of Science every Friday during the spring, summer, and fall. The Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics also offers either a viewing or a lecture on the third Thursday of each month. 

Safari #68: Boston's Skinny House

The Skinny House

It's been a while since my last post, but even with the change in the weather, I haven't lost my Boston wanderlust.

Today's safari took me to a little known Boston landmark called the Skinny House - and skinny it is. The house is located at 44 Hull Street directly across from the Copp's Hill Burial Ground. It was my first time at both of these locations, and with the mild temperatures and gentle sunshine, it was the perfect afternoon for exploring.

I love pretending to be a tourist.


My Tips:

• Be Respectful. If you're up for a visit, remember that the home is occupied. I made sure to enjoy my view from across the street so as not to disturb the residents.
• Take a Walk. While I had heard of the Copp's Hill Burial Ground many times, today was the first time I've seen it. Take  note at the detail in the headstones.
• Mangia, Mangia! Since you're in the North End, you may as well stay for a meal.  By the way, if you turn left out of the burial ground and walk back down Hull Street, the Old North Church is right there too.

Copp's Hill Burial Ground

Safari #67: Films at the Gate

Fellow travelers, I recently did one of the most interesting things of all time.  In fact, I might just say ever.

Every summer in Chinatown near the paifang (or gate), Films at the Gate  takes place - kung fu films are displayed outdoors inviting residents and visitors to enjoy an evening of movies, local take out food, and cultural performances.

The Asian Community Development Corporation (ACDC), along with sponsorship from local companies and universities, has been providing cultural programming including Films at the Gate for a number of years.  This event is a great way to partake in the thriving community that is Chinatown.

At one point, I took my attention away from the film and decided to people watch instead.  Hands down, it was truly the most diverse crowd I've ever seen here in Boston.

We were all there to enjoy something special together, and I think that was the point.

My Tips:

• Getting There.  Of course, take the T.  Parking is limited in Chinatown.  If you insist on driving, you can park at South Station.
• Arrive Early.  Films start at 8pm, however, cultural programming begins at 6.  On the night of my visit, local kung fu schools showcased some of their most talented students and included a Lion Dance performance.
• Seating.  Chairs are provided however, they are available on a first come first served basis.  If you do not plan on arriving early enough to grab a seat (before 7:30), you might want to consider bringing your own.
• Food.  Another great reason to arrive early, in addition to selecting seats, is to purchase take out from a local restaurant.  

Special thanks for Anulfo, Jen, Jane, and Emily (who made it up all the way from Connecticut!) for a wonderful evening.

Photo Credit: Lion Dance photo kindly borrowed from Anulfo G. Baez.