365 Things to Do in Boston - New Tips Daily

When: Thursday, July 9th, 6:30pm

Where: Bell In Hand Tavern - 45-55 Union St, Boston, Massachusetts 02108

Cross “drinking beer with an astronaut” off your bucket list during Speakeasy Science, a casual and informative evening of presentations from a bonafide astronaut and a member of the International Space Station research team, followed by some Q&A.

 "NASA's international space station awareness campaign, Destination Station is designed to educate the public about research performed on the ISS, and how that research can impact our daily lives.

We've partnered with Destination Station and the Bell in Hand Tavern to host Speakeasy Science, celebrating science and research in an informal "atmosphere" (Get it?). During Speakeasy Science, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from NASA astronaut Karen Nyberg @AstroKarenN about life 240 miles above Earth. We will also have a discussion with space suit engineer Su Curley. So strap in for a rousing discussion on thermo regulation without convection. The event is 21+ and free to the public. Both presentations will be followed by a brief Q&A session."

Join the event by clicking here

Have a bad case of the Mondays? Head to La Brasa in Somerville for Micro Mondays July 6-27th:

"You can now look forward to Mondays with La Brasa’s microbrew feasts. This month, Rising Tide, Bantam, Aeronaut, and Cisco join the house team for unique three-course menus with pairings (available during regular dinner hours), and it’s only $40 per person. Pick your favorite, or all of them, and call 617.262.3023 for your seat at the table."

Happy 4th of July! If you're staying in the city this year, here are a few places for food and libations that are open on the 4th:

• Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro | Beacon Hill: "Serving brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with specials like watermelon salad, grilled chorizo with pepper relish, and crab cakes, as well as dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. with specials like barbecue braised pork shoulder. Regular menu available in addition to specials."
• Bistro du Midi | Back Bay: "Offering a special "714" menu (seven options, one prix fixe, four courses) from July 1 through July 14, including July 4, in honor of both America's and France's Independence Days. (Bastille Day takes place on July 14 in France.) $49/person. Vegetarian options available upon request."
• Frost Ice Loft | Downtown: "Boston's only bar made of ice will be open from noon to 10 p.m. on July 3 and 4, as well as noon to 8 p.m. on July 5, featuring new ice sculptures of "classic American heroes" like Captain America and Wonder Woman by sculptor Eric Fontecchio. Plus, there will be Independence Day-inspired cocktails."
• Flat Top Johnny's | Kendall Square: "Celebrating 'murica with burgers, wings, beer, and pool all day."

For the full article from Boston Eater, click here

"Celebrate ‘Merica’s birthday in style with dinner and a show at Restaurant Dante starting at 7:30pm. Chef/owner Dante de Magistris and Jack’s Abby Brewing team up for this not-to-be-missed five-course spread, followed by Independence Day fireworks viewed from Dante’s riverside terrace. Tickets are $100, call 617.497.4200 for reservations."

Check out Curbed Boston's list of the best places to watch the fireworks this 4th of July:

"This Saturday Boston looses its annual fireworks whiz-bangery along the Charles River and we've scoped out a dozen spots for you and yours to ooh and aww at the spectacle. The vast majority don't cost a dime, either. These include public parks such as Robbins Farm in Arlington and Prospect Hill in Somerville as well as the Harvard Bridge (a.k.a. the Mass. Ave. Bridge) and the Pru'sSkywalk Observatory. Feeling like dropping some money for the big holiday? We've got you covered there, too, with a couple of hotel roof decks as well as a canoe-on-the-Charles option. Go."

1. Charles River Canoe & Kayak

"Push off from both Boston and Cambridge locations in boats big and small, with guided tours available as well for larger groups. (The Boston location is at 1071 Soldiers Field Road.)"

2. XV Beacon

"The boutique hotel has an open roof deck"

3. Harvard Bridge 

"It will be right next to the barges launching the fireworks"

4. Bunker Hill Monument

"Go here and understand why the hill was fought over: It still offers fantastic views of the harbor"

5. Royal Sonesta Hotel

"The hote's Riverside Terrace hosts a barbecue buffet with views of the fireworks"

For the full article, click here

Don't let the rain keep you from enjoying your summer. There are plenty of ways to have rainy day fun in Boston. Here are three ideas, thanks to Boston.com:

1. Legoland Discovery Center | Somerville

"Catch a 4D movie at Legoland Discovery Center Boston in Somerville. After that, play on two rides, tour a miniland of Boston’s iconic buildings, and, of course, build things with Legos."

2. Museum of Science | West End

"Mingle with beautiful butterflies at the Museum of Science Butterfly Garden. One just might land on you."

3. Coolidge Corner Theatre | Brookline

"Catch a movie here. This historic theatre has been entertaining New Englanders since 1933"

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is one of the most largely-attended Independence Day celebrations in the nation. Every July this two-day event brings hundreds of thousands of patriotic Americans to the banks of the Charles River for concerts, food, and one of the best fireworks displays in the country. Past Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular performers include Jennifer Hudson and the Dropkick Murphys.

Here's the schedule for this year:

Friday, July 3rd Concert NO FIREWORKS | Gates open at 5 p.m.

Saturday, July 4th Concert & Fireworks | Gates open at 9 a.m.

"Setting up shop next to the ocean has made Bostonians pretty serious about their seafood, and there are tons of spots to choose from. But which are the best? Whether you’re looking for oysters, lobster rolls, or a giant bowl of chowda, these 3 restaurants should top your list."

1. Ostra | Back Bay

"Ostra (“oyster” in Spanish) is owned and operated by Chef Jamie Mammano, the culinary force behind Hub favorites Mistral, Teatro, and Sorellina. An in-house fishmonger guarantees that the seafood is always impeccable, whether it’s locally caught or flown in from the Mediterranean. Everything is tasty, but be prepared to drop a pretty penny, especially if you’re planning to spring for the exotic Israeli caviar ($155)."

2. Mare | North End

"Consistently voted among Boston’s best seafood joints, Mare offers quality seafood and a bright, sophisticated ambiance in the heart of the bustling North End. Roll with the shellfish tower for a dish piled high with oysters, clams, crab claws, lobster, and shrimp, and follow it up with an interesting twist on pan-roasted halibut that includes corn and clam chowder, saffron, littlenecks, and grilled andouille sausage."

3. B&G Oysters | South End

"Barbara Lynch’s tiny oyster bar stocks fresh seafood every morning, including six varieties of oysters from each coast, a selection of clams, and whole lobsters. Sit at the long marble bar to watch expert oyster-shuckers work their magic while you slurp down some shellfish and nurse a glass of wine with your date."

Check out the full list from Thrillist, here.

"Boston Harborfest, the largest Independence Day festival in the United States, celebrates Boston's colonial, Revolutionary War, and maritime history and heritage with fireworks, entertainers, historical reenactments, music, Harbor cruises, walking tours, and Chowderfest - plus a lot more!

"For more than 25 years, local radio stations have sponsored free concerts at Boston’s Hatch Shell. The official names of the programs are 100.7 WZLX FREE Summer Concerts and MIXFEST sponsored by Mix104.1. The series are a true public service, allowing hundreds of thousands of Boston residents to attend free performances of some of the greatest bands of all time."

Here are a few concerts coming up in July:

Friday July 3, 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm 
Boston Pops Orchestra Independence Day Concert 
Wristbands at Oval Usually Available at 9:00 am 
Wristband Oval Checkpoint Gate Opens at 5:00 pm
1812 Overture Played at 9:15 pm

Saturday July 4, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm 
Boston Pops Orchestra Independence Day Concert 
Special Guest Performers: TBA 
Wristbands at Oval Usually Available at 9:00 am 
Wristband Oval Checkpoint Gate Opens at 5:00 pm 
1812 Overture Played at about 10:15 pm 
Fireworks at 10:30 pm

Wednesday July 15, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
(Rain Date: TBA) 
Landmarks Orchestra 
Rhapsody in Green 
At the River by Francine Trester (world premiere) 
The Hebrides by Felix Mendelssohn 
And God Created Great Whales by Alan Hovhaness 
River’s Rush by Kevin Puts (new england premiere) 
La Mer by Claude Debussy