Safari #79: Boston's 4th of July Fireworks

Every 4th of July, I rally to find the perfect spot to watch Boston's fireworks.

This year, the view I found was different. In fact, it broke my heart.

Whatever your feelings about American politics, one fact will always ring true: we are fortunate. Part of what makes this possible are those who serve to protect and honor our freedom.

But when returning from service, the transition for veterans isn't always easy.  Shelter Legal Services (SLS), a non-profit law firm, helps to make that transition easier.  This year, SLS provided my view of the fireworks as a part of their yearly fundraiser.  The event allowed me to get closer to both the fireworks - and veterans.

While I stood there watching the fireworks explode, my heart swelled, my eyes watered, and my throat closed.  I couldn't breathe, and then I realized where all my emotion came from: I was proud.  I was thankful.

And I will always be.

My tips:

• Attend the Fundraiser.  The event sells out every year, so make sure you inquire early about tickets.  Your ticket includes food, hors d'ouveres, and cocktails/soft drinks -  not to mention the view of the Esplanade fireworks.
• Rather Make Your Own Plans for the 4th? No problem. Shelter accepts donations year round.  There is always a way for you to help.

Safari #78: Boston Duck Tour

Do you have out of town visitors heading your way this summer? If so, here's one perfect way to introduce them to our beloved Hub - a Boston Duck Tour.   

And now after my first tour, I can see what everyone has been quacking about.

Duck boats are amphibious vehicles that allow you to see Boston from both the street - and the water. These historic tours take you through Boston's quintessential neighborhoods all the while sharing history, tips, and secrets along the way.

It's the perfect introduction to the city for tourists, newbies, and locals - who may need a reminder of all the wonderful things at their fingertips. The views of the city from the Charles River - especially on gorgeous summer day - will leave you longing to take a stroll, jog, or kayak trip on the Esplanade.

**If you want to make a full day of your trip, try the fixed price lunch at Top of Hub or a frosty beverage afterwards and continue delighting your guests with awesome views of the city.

Sounds like the perfect day to me.

My Tips:

• Book Early. Boston Duck Tours are very popular with locals and tourists alike. As soon as you make your plans, act fast.
• Take the Tour from the Prudential Center. Don't get me wrong - the Museum of Science and Aquarium locations are great, especially if you plan to take your guests there.  However, if you want to get off the boat and go to any of the sights you saw while on board the Duck, catch your tour from the Pru.
• Kids Are Captains. Under the careful guidance on your tour guide, small children are allowed to steer the boat when it's out on the Charles River.  What a great way to make a memory last for a little one!
• Special Needs? If you are planning to take small children or elderly passengers with you, keep in mind that you may need extra time getting on and off of the vehicle. If you have a passenger with special needs, try to make arrangements to sit right up front or in the last row as there is more room in both locations.  Speak to the tour representative for more details.
• Make a Donation. When you purchase your tickets online, you have the opportunity to round up your purchase to the next dollar to make a charitable donation to Community Boating - easily viewable from the water portion of the tour. 

**Thanks to the Marriot Courtyard for the image!

Safari #77: NYC's Old City Hall Subway Station

Fellow travelers, every once in a while, I head down to NYC for a new adventure.  And whenever I do, I always share.  This adventure is truly one of a kind.

In Boston, there are many abandoned subway stations, but we rarely get to pass through them - legally. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to visit what was once the shining beacon of NYC subway - the old City Hall station.

Built originally as the terminal station of the Lexington Avenue Line (the first line built for the NYC Subway), the City Hall station was meant to inspire travelers with its beauty. The station tunnel contains 15 vaulted archways (designed by R. Guastavino - the same designer of the vaulted Bates Hall in the Boston Public Library), some of which include glass skylights that allow natural light underground via small glass squares at the surface.

In the mid-1940's, the station was abandoned as travelers began to use the newly build Brooklyn Bridge station with connections to multiple lines.

It's sad to think that something so beautiful sits alone, longingly awaiting the light of a passing train.

Catch Your Glimpse

• Take the 6 Train. The 6 train (downtown) ends at the Brooklyn Bridge station.  At the final stop, passengers are asked to leave the train, but stay on board.  The train will turn around within the City Hall station, allowing you to catch a rare glimpse of the vaulted tunnel and skylights.
• Take a Tour with the New York Transit Museum. After becoming a member of the museum, you can register to take a private tour with the museum.  You will board a 6 train and be able to get out and walk within the station itself.  A docent is available to discuss the history of the station itself as well as the New York subway system. 

Safari #76: Boston Dragon Boat Festival

How many events can boast that they are the largest in the United States?

Well, the Boston Dragon Boat Festival can - and it's right in your backyard.



Taking place over the course of two days, the festival is full of cultural performances, street vendors, and of course, boat races along the Charles River. It is the first and largest dragon boat festival in the country, and it has been taking place since the late 1970's.

Nearly 50 teams compete in racing heats over the weekend, with the final winners crowned towards the end of the day on Sunday. The event is great for all ages as there is something for everyone. 

My Tips:

• Free. The festival is free, but if you're so included, make a donation to the organization.
  
  
  
• Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. The only way to find a comfortable seat is to grab some grass.
• Places to Watch. Both the John W. Weeks bridge and the Cambridge side of the Charles River are great places to view the shows. In additional, the street festival and cultural performances are located there as well.

Images kindly borrowed from http://www.flickr.com/photos/leslee/8999340652/sizes/l/in/set-72157634028471973/ and http://www.flickr.com/photos/leslee/8998154589/in/set-72157634028471973

Safari #75: Top of the Hub

With the tragic events of late, I've never been more proud to call Boston home. Long walks through the Common, Public Garden, and down along Boylston Street have reminded me that this city and the fact that we are able to live here is a gift unto itself.

I found myself longing to look upon my home, and this past week, I went to Top of the Hub for the first time. It seemed fitting, and I felt at peace looking upon Boston at sunset.

If you have never been, consider it a prescription. To make an easy visit, simply opt for a seat at the bar, enjoy a beverage, and strike up a conversation with a fellow Bostonian or out of town visitor.

We should all share this gift together.  

*Special thanks to Anshul for spending the moment with the me and making the trip possible.

Safari #74: NYC's HighLine

A vision can be nothing short of a dream, especially when it involves the seemingly impossible.

To envision an abandoned elevated rail as a pedestrian walkway, full of greenery, art, modern architectural highlights, and gathering space is quite visionary indeed. The New York City HighLine, spanning nearly 1.5 miles from Gansevoort Street to W 30th, is the vision of Friends of the HighLine, a neighborhood organization dedicated to reclaiming the once abandoned railway.

Today, the vision is a reality, and the park (opened in two phases both in 2009 and 2011) is begging you to visit.  With temperatures hovering in the mid-60's this past weekend with full sun, walking the HighLine for the first time was an absolute pleasure. The HighLine reminded me of converted spaces in Boston - like the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

The next time you visit NYC from Boston, add a stroll down the HighLine to your list of to do's. In fact, I'd say it's a must do every time.

My tips:

• Grab a Map. There are 9 entrances to the HighLine starting at Gansevoort Street to W. 30th Street. Bathrooms are available at W. 16th Street.
• Take a Tour.  Free tours take place every Tuesday at 6:30pm. Be sure to sign up in advance to guarantee a spot as these are in high-demand during the warmer months. If you can't make a free tour, pay $15 to take a scheduled tour.
• Chill Like a New Yorker. Pick up lunch, grab a friend, and enjoy your meal on the HighLine - there are plenty of benches, theater style sitting areas (where you can watch the crowds down below), and green space.

Many thanks to Jen for taking a stroll with me!

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.