4 min read
Photo: Gene Schiavone/courtesy of the Boston Ballet
Pep in their step: Dancers perform in Genius at Play, which will open the Boston Ballet’s 2018/2019 season
It’s a Date!
The Boston Ballet Season Opener and Creative Cocktails
Friday, Sept. 14
Do This
Celebrate the return of the theatre season with a classic Boston experience: the ballet. The Boston Ballet is opening its 2018/2019 season with Genius at Play. The fun, spirited performance showcases the work of choreographer Jerome Robbins and his longtime collaborator Leonard Bernstein. You’ll recognize tunes from Candide and On the Town, among others. Expect the energy, enthusiasm, and dazzling showstoppers these Broadway titans were known for.
Boston Opera House
7:30 pm
$37–$115/person
539 Washington St., Boston
Boylston T stop, $18 parking at Boston Common Garage
Then What?
From the Opera House, walk five minutes to the newly opened The Ghost Walks for a decadent drink (and food). Known for innovative cocktails served in paparazzi-worthy camera lenses and retro-inspired popcorn boxes, it also offers a curated menu with a world cuisine influence. Afterward, stroll along the Greenway and through the Chinatown gate, where you will find Risa Puno’s interactive “Year of the Dog” installation—a nod to the 2018 Chinese zodiac animal.
The Ghost Walks
Open until 1 am
$14–$17 signature cocktails, $8–$18 small plates, $23–$60 large plates
57 Stuart St., Boston
Chinatown T stop, $18 parking at Boston Common Garage
Friends Zone
Boozy Floral Arranging and a Classic Diner Lunch
Sunday, Sept. 16
Photo courtesy of Bully Boy
Cocktails and calla lilies: Learn the art of floral arranging with a drink in hand
Do This
Celebrate all the best D words—dahlias, drinks, and doughnuts—at this Alice’s Table floral workshop hosted at Bully Boy Distillery. Learn the art of flower arranging while sipping fall-themed craft cocktails made with local liquors from the distillery. All materials and tools needed to build your bouquet, plus one cocktail, are included with the ticket. Doughnuts are also available on-site for an extra dose of decadence. Remember that this is a hands-on activity, so wear clothes that can take a little dirt.
Bully Boy Distillery
1 pm–2:30 pm
$75/person
44 Cedric St., Boston
Dudley St. at Dennis St. stop on the 15 bus, street parking
Then What?
Photo: victoriasdiner.com
Comfort zone: Indulge in generous portions of classic diner food at Victoria’s
Soak up those Bully Boy cocktails with a quintessential diner lunch at the Roxbury institution Victoria’s Diner. The family-owned-and-operated restaurant, just a five-minute walk from the distillery, has been in the neighborhood since 1949. It’s hosted everyone from Mayor Menino to William Bulger (Whitey’s brother). It also still serves up classics like buttermilk French toast and eggs Benedict on its all-day breakfast menu. Or you can go for a new twist with a mesclun steak salad or Cuban panini.
Victoria’s Diner
6 am–10 pm
$4.99–$12.99 breakfast, $5.99–$13.99 lunch, $10.99–$15.99 dinner
1024 Massachusetts Ave., Boston
Massachusetts Ave. at Shirley St. stop on the 8 bus, limited street parking
Family Fun
For Kids Who Love Ice Cream and History
Saturday, Sept. 15
Photo: facebook.com/hoodparkboston
On cloud nine: Kids (and adults) will be psyched for the free ice cream and fun activities at Hood Park NeighborHOOD Fest
Do This
Kick off the day at the Hood Park NeighorHOOD Fest, an afternoon chock-full of activities like face painting, balloon art, and games. The Boston Police Ice Cream Truck will be handing out free Hoodsie cups as part of the police force’s campaign to be more accessible to local communities. A Mobile Beer Truck will also be on site selling craft beer and wine as a treat for parents.
Hood Park
11 am–1:30 pm
Free admission
500 Rutherford Ave., Charlestown
Sullivan Square T stop, on-site parking
Then What?
Photo: warrentavern.com
Gobble up! A Thanksgiving sandwich (note the mini gravy pitcher) with fries to boot
Walk 20 minutes, or drive five, to the historic Warren Tavern in downtown Charlestown. It’s the oldest tavern in Massachusetts and was visited by George Washington, Paul Revere, and many others. It’s basically a history lesson that serves sandwiches. Make like the Founding Fathers and stop in for a bowl of New England clam chowder or a healthy serving of short rib shepherd’s pie, complete with Guinness gravy.
The Warren Tavern
10 am–1 am
$6.95–$14.95 starters, $13.95–$22.95 entrees
2 Pleasant St., Charlestown
Community College T stop, limited street parking
Then What?
Photo courtesy of the National Parks of Boston
Monumental history: The iconic tribute to the Battle of Bunker Hill
Keep the history lesson rolling with a visit to the Bunker Hill Monument, just a five-minute walk away. If the kids haven’t run out of steam, check out the accompanying museum. But even just taking in the mammoth statue is enough to convey the historical importance of the battle site. If you’re feeling really ambitious, climb to the top for a killer view of Boston.
The Bunker Hill Monument
10 am–6 pm
Free admission
Monument Sq., Charlestown
Community College T stop, limited street parking
