Safari #82: Manicure Monday at the Liberty Hotel

The approach of Monday morning elicits nearly the same response from everyone.  

This summer, change your tune and turn your manic Monday into a manicure Monday - an evening to hang out with girlfriends and get a fresh coat of perfectly applied nail polish.  You'll be regenerated and refreshed to face the rest of the work week - in high style.

Held in the Liberty Hotel's Yard, you can nosh small bites, enjoy expertly made cocktails, and sit within the outdoor courtyard well encapsulated from the hustle and bustle.  Miniluxe, well known in the Boston area for its best in class, ultra hygenic nail services, will provide you with a free manicure.  You'll look so good when you leave that you won't even care about the fact that the week is only beginning. 

Manicure Monday's are held every Monday from 5:30 to 7pm (weather permitting) and continue through the last Monday in August.  Don't miss your chance!

My Tips

• Sign In.  When you arrive, locate the attendant to place your names on the wait list.  While you wait, select your color and visit the bar.
• Bring Cash.  Since the event is free, don't forget to tip your aesthetician as well as your server.
• Hang out.  After your manicure is finished, stick around to dry off and take in the view.  Order a beverage while you're at it ;)

**Image kindly borrowed from Pop.Bop.Shop at http://popbopshop.blogspot.com/2013/08/shop-miniluxe-nail-polish.html

Safari #81: Davis Flea Market

I love visiting vintage markets on Sunday afternoons.  I don't know if it's the thrill of the hunt or the excitement that I'm doing to discover something both awesome and inspiring.  I think it's both.

If you're looking for that just right sized table or extra glasses for the kitchen, visit the Davis Flea.  Located right in the heart of Davis Square, on Holland Street inside the municipal parking lot, this market focuses less on food items and clothing (even though both of those things are great too), and more on tchotchke's, glassware, furniture, lighting fixtures, mirrors, prints, vintage maps and other randomly inspired objects d'art.

If you have recently moved or are looking for something to inspire your pad, be sure to visit.  If you have extra time on your hands to include brunch too, try Johnny's D's.  The jazz brunch was fun, and the food and crowd were great too.

Safari #80: deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum

A walk through the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, MA is a wonderful experience for all ages. Without even trying, your curiosity will lead the way allowing you to discover creatures, sculptures, and anything else your imagination may conjure.

The sculptures were so well incorporated with their surroundings that it was surprising to stumble upon some of them.  I loved the adventure.  And you will too.    



My tips:

• Free? Yes, there is free admission every Wednesday for all visitors.  Lincoln residents have free membership at any time. 
• Like to Bike? Excellent.  Ride your bike to the museum and your entrance is free. And with a picnic lunch (see below), you've got a great day ahead of you.
• Pack Up.  A number of visitors, regardless of entry level, brought picnics with then to enjoy the view and the lush surroundings.  I suggest you do the same.
• Go to the Top. Don't forget to get a view of the entire park from the roof deck.  You'll have a view of the outdoor park as well as the nearby reservoir - simply magnificent! 
• Do Yoga.  The park offers many great events, including yoga.  See the special event schedule for more information.

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