365 Things to Do in Boston - New Tips Daily

Boston is home to plenty of ghastly stories, from the accidental uncovering of a mass grave full of de-limbed British Redcoats to the not-so-distant-memory of the Boston Strangler. Check out these 3 ghost tours in Boston to get the lowdown on Boston's scary side.

1. Boston Ghost Cruise: "Join the world famous Mystery Cafe & Pastimes on a Boston Harbor Cruise for a voyage you’ll never forget…Climb aboard for a thrilling, frightening, and fun journey into terror – on the one, the only – Boston Ghost Cruise! As you sail over the deep, dark waters of Boston Harbor, return to the days when Boston ruled the seas and smugglers, pirates, patriots, plunderers, redcoats, wreckers, and wraiths populated the harbor.See the actual sites and witness true tales of bloody betrayal, disastrous shipwrecks, gruesome executions, and of course, terrifying encounters with Ghosts and Specters!

2. Haunted Boston: "You'll hear enchanting and chilling tales of Boston's most famous ghosts as well as the areas extensive and rich history. Your guide will tell you extraordinary and tragic tales from the founding of Colonial Boston right up to present day. Enjoy yourfamily-friendly tour and learn what secrets lay beneath Boston Common. What untold stories lay within the Boston Athenaeum? Which well-known hotel isBoston's most haunted?"

3. Ghosts and Gravestones: "Walk amongst the dead in burying grounds nearly four hundred years old, hear stories of those whose mortal remains lie beneath your feet, and listen to tales of many of the sordid practices that went along with them. Venture to the site of the biggest grave-robbing scandal in New England’s history. And ask yourselves - are you afraid of being buried alive? Walk atop Boston’s largest unmarked burying ground and hear tales of the tortures, punishments and executions that took place there. You may even find yourselves involved in some…"

If you are thinking about buying your first home in Boston (or want a refresher about the process), you’ll want to check out our LAST home buyer event of 2015! Josh Dawson, one of the top real estate agents at Charlesgate, will be on hand to answer all of your questions and give you tips on how to navigate the market. As an agent who has assisted with over 50 deals over the past few years, he has the experience you want on your side when you look to make your buying decision.

Additionally, we will have a mortgage professional on hand to answer all your questions about financing, interest rates, and the variety of options to finance your home purchase. With constantly changing regulations and programs in the industry, it is vital that you know the latest about what to expect.

On top of all this great information, we have free food, beer, and refreshments for you to enjoy. Take advantage of this relaxed environment in our convenient Back Bay location to get your questions answered and grab some tips on the Boston real estate market. Find out more here or click the banner below to sign up!

"New England is known for some of the nations most haunted houses… Some of them which are known for their gruesome murders which took place inside their haunted walls and some just known for a makeup job that can haunt you in your sleep… Literally, you might not sleep again."

1. Barretts Haunted Mansion: "Barrett’s Haunted Mansion is scary enough. But for two nights only they have what is called “Darkness Unleashed”. On October 20 and October 27 from 7pm-11pm the house is in complete darkness and the creatures throughout are no longer bound by the rules. Reservations for this show for groups of 2-5 people are required and you must be 18 years of age. Oh – and you have to sign a waiver before entering."

2. Witch's Woods: "The woods at night are creepy enough but add in some of the most terrifying costumes and actors and you’re guaranteed to get spooked. Take your chances roaming through the woods of Westford!"

3. Hysteria at Connors Farm: "Are you one of the many zombie lover fans? Ever dream of hunting zombies?? Well – Hysteria at Connors Farm has made that possible. Paint guns – that is. Shooting zombies not your thing? They have a haunted farm, which is sure to give you some screams."

4. Fear Town: "Fear Town Haunted House is a massive outdoor haunted attraction that is unlike anything you have ever experienced. Located deep in the woods at Seekonk Speedway, Fear Town will take you on a terrifying journey in and out of the run-down buildings that have been hidden for decades. As you progress through the trail, monsters will come at you from all angles to try and make you a permanent resident of the woods."

5. Chambers of Terror: "Located in one of the most “haunted” cities in Massachusetts is the Chambers of Terror. Take your chances and walk through this haunted house and follow with some of the which museums and ghost tours in downtown Salem." 

"Since A4 made its K2 (Kendall Square) debut in 2011, it's been on countless top-pizzas lists both in Boston and across the country. Good PR team, sure. Better pizza makers, absolutely. Maybe it’s their pillowy, yet charred, crust made from a 12-year-old sourdough starter, or maybe it's their handcrafted cheeses that never seem greasy -- whatever it is, A4 has found a winning formula"

2. Emma’s Pizza | Kendall Square

"Thin, crispy, cracker crust -- that’s all we need to say about Emma’s Pizza. But we won't stop there. No, this iconic spot has been around since 1962, moving from Revere and West Cambridge before settling in Kendall Square. It's cozy, and there can be a wait, but it's worth it -- grab a glass of red wine, take a walk around the block, or just study the menu and decide if you're gonna mix-and-match The Kendall (roasted red peppers and caramelized onions) with the People's Republic (crispy smoked bacon and scallions)."

3. Ernesto’s Pizzeria | North End, Somerville

What you’re getting: Chicken ranch

"A perennial contender for best pizza in Boston's North End, this tiny hole-in-the-wall is tucked away on Salem St (although it's now also available at Assembly Row in Somerville) and plates ginormous slices -- like each slice is a quarter of an 18in pie. Locals rave about the authentic feel, chewy crust, and traditional toppings."

"Coming off of the 2014 50th occurrence of this historic race, 2015 marks the 51st annual Head Of The Charles Regatta, presented by BNY Mellon, the iconic two-day rowing race set along the banks of Boston's Charles River.

In addition to the exhilarating rowing action, the Regatta offers a number of family-friendly activities for all ages. Along the three-mile course, spectators can celebrate at the Regatta's rowing and fitness expo, take in all the action at the boisterous Reunion Village and indulge in some of New England's best fare from local chefs and restaurants."

About HOCR: "Since its origin in 1965, the Head Of The Charles® Regatta has welcomed the world’s best crew teams to the banks of the Charles River for the ultimate two-day rowing competition. Preparing for an event that attracts over 11,000 athletes and 400,000 spectators requires a great deal of preparation. The HOCR consists of a 15 member Board of Directors, 6 of which are in charge of race management and overseeing a nine-member race committee (including two race co-chairs). The race committee meets year-round to discuss the operational and logistical details of the event. They are assisted by 115 leading volunteers on 30 separate committees that begin meeting weekly in the fall. A full-time, professional staff of four, headquartered in the Cambridge Boat Club, works year-round to plan the event, obtain sponsorship and communicate with the rowing community."

Click here for more information. 

Join the ICA for tastings, artisan demonstrations, DIY workshops, and more every Friday from 5-8 PM in the Water Café.

This Friday October 16: Outside the Lines

"Bring a steady hand and we’ll supply the colored pencils! Sneak a peek at hit coloring book author Johanna Basford’s newest compilation, Lost Ocean, and find your zen, inside or outside the lines, as you explore her “inky underwater adventure.”

Admission to ICA after 5 is included in the regular admission price. 

Click here for more information on the ICA. 

Don't miss our October home buying class!

Presented by acclaimed experts in the Boston Real Estate Market from Charlesgate Realty Group, as well as local mortgage market experts, our Boston Home Buyer Class is your opportunity to learn the home buying process the right way - before you enter a transaction!  Get educated in a casual, fun setting and avoid the pitfalls that can cause financial and emotional problems during the buying process.

Attend our FREE Boston homebuying class to learn:

• Renting vs. Buying: Whether it even makes sense for you to buy right now
• Homebuying process and timeline: How long it actually takes to buy
• Working with a buyer agent: How it works and whether or not you really need one
• What mortgages are still available and how much cash you need to buy.
• Using neighborhood level data (like discount ratios and real time trend graphs) to value properties
• Negotiating 101: How to craft your offer to drive a hard bargain!
• Top 10 online resources to aid your home search

Is this class for you?  Well, if you’re looking for a fun, low key, and informal way to learn the Boston real estate market from the experts, then YES!  You’ll have a chance to ask any questions you want and get the straight scoop from us. Plus we’ll have pizza and beer!  How can you pass that up! 

Signing up is easy, just click the banner below!

"Don't miss the MFA’s annual free Fall Open House—and the Fenway Alliance’s 14th annual Opening Our Doors Day. This fall they celebrate both the 10th anniversary of the Heritage Fund for a Diverse Collection, and the arrival of our new Ann and Graham Gund Director, Matthew Teitelbaum. The program includes performance art by Sonya Clark as part of “Crafted: Objects in Flux”; a curatorial lecture on the impact of globalism; and art-making activities and tours for families and adults."

"Boston's fall foliage blazes across the city from late September through October - and often well into November.

Although you can see lots of gorgeous leaves on New England fall foliage tours, you can also enjoy spectacular leaf color by touring around Boston on your own. Check out these spots to peep some local foliage...

#1: Boston's Public Garden

Located in the heart of the city next to Boston Common, the Public Garden puts on a spectacular display of color throughout the fall months.

The Public Garden contains many densely planted trees and shrubs. Each species changes color at a slightly different time, making a constantly shifting tapestry of autumnal tones.

If you're curious about what types of trees you're admiring, look for brass labels under the trees.

For even more stunning views, walk onto the footbridge across the Lagoon.

In the distance, you can see Mallard Island, of Make Way for Ducklings fame - that it on the left in the photo below. On warm days, you'll usually spot a few ducks sunning themselves on the ramp leading down to the water.

Insider tip: Many of the wide variety of ornamental trees growing in the Public Garden change color early - so splashes of autumn color can usually be see first here.

#2: The Esplanade

The tree-filled Boston Esplanade, the long linear park along the Charles River across from Beacon Hill and Back Bay, turns into a sea of gold and orange in October when Boston's fall foliage begins to reach its peak.

You can walk, jog, or bicycle along the river paths and enjoy the dancing water reflections of the many-hued leaves. Bring your camera and capture the perfect photos of the colorful fall leaves along the river.

#3: Back Bay, Beacon Hill, & Bay Village

Spend 10 minutes walking randomly through any of these elegant neighborhoods and treat your eyes to a panorama of colorful leaves and varied textures.

In Beacon Hill, the narrow lanes and alleys blaze with color from the street trees. Look closely, and you'll see glimpses of color from almost-hidden gardens. A particularly lovely walk is up Mount Vernon street to tree-filled Louisburg Square.

In Back Bay, Commonwealth Avenue - a magnificent statue-filled boulevard with a long park down the middle - is spectacular.

Start at the Public Garden, walk down Comm Ave all the way to Hereford Street, turn right and walk another block, and then turn right again and walk back on Marlborough Street. Magnolias, so magnificent when blooming in the spring, now make a swath of gold.

The Southwest Corridor Park provides a perfect starting point for leaf viewing in the South End. From Back Bay Station, cross Dartmouth Street to the park's entrance.

Walk as far as you want, enjoying the colorful gardens and trees. Then either come back the same way or detour through the neighborhood's small streets, enjoying how the crimsons and maroons of the Boston fall foliage harmonize with the red brick Victorians."

"Today from 12-8pm, our Solar System is coming to Somerville! Bursting out over the entire span of Perry Park (355 Washington street) in massive interactive art-forms, all ages will be awed by a massive 30 foot sun, enjoy exploring the Earth and our sibling rocky planets, be able to walk inside of the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn, be dazzled by the ice giants Uranus and Neptune, and learn all about the dwarf planets that zing around the outer orbit.

Lose yourself in the amazing interactive exhibits inside of the International Space Station Maze or hop on a satellite-scooter and zip around the park to visit a giant meteorite! With dozens of creative and educational exhibits as well as the presence of great local organizations such as Knucklebones, Beautiful Stuff Project, Parts and Crafts, and the Somerville Public Library there will be more than enough fun-fueled learning and space for everyone! The event is free!

With support from the Neighborhood Children’s Foundation, the Somerville Art’s Council, and backers of the crowd-funding campaign, local artists have built these amazing structures, local students have helped with the programming, and now all we need is you to join in on the fun!

From 12-5pm teachers, high school students, and community members will educate you and your kids on the wild true facts about our solar system. If your kid is a space expert, we would be glad to have them join the crew for a day. Our event is an opportunity for learners and educators of all ages to share their knowledge and curiosity.

From 6-8 the event will be slightly adapted to entertain grown ups and young adults with music, socializing, and being wowed at the creations of these local artists.

INSTALLATIONS INCLUDE:

- A gigantic sun over 20 feet wide!

- All the rocky planets in large colorful scale, complete with cool factoids about their unique and strange properties.

- Gas giants so giant you can walk inside them! Yes that's right, even your 6 foot friend will feel totally comfortable walking right into Jupiter and Saturn where they will learn all about their surreal environments.

- An asteroid belt of zooming kids on satellite scooters!

- A giant comet spewing it's clouds of gas.

- Pluto and the Kuiper Belt objects will be premiered at the edge of the park- achhemm I mean solar system!

- A gigantic interactive labyrinth of the International Space Station! Don't worry, your kids won't get lost in the maze, but they may get lost in the world of cool facts and interactive stations!

- The Somerville Library is going to provide an awesome reading area for everyone to fill up on awesome space facts!"

Click here for more information.