OPENS NOV. 21: HOLIDAY KINGDOM – DOWNTOWN’S NEW SEASONAL CELEBRATION

 Downtown Boston Business Improvement District(34 block area from Tremont to Congress Street) rings in the start of the holiday season with many family friendly, immersive outdoor holiday experiences. “Holiday Kingdom,” features striking new holiday decorations throughout the neighborhood along with a season’s worth of activities including the annual Macy”s Christmas Tree Lighting, a weekly holiday market that opens on Nov. 29, the annual Tuba Christmas event on Nov. 30 at noon, and so much more. On average, more than 1300, district-wide public performances are planned annually providing something happening almost every day, 7 days a week. Free Public Concerts and shows may appear at any of the parks, plazas, and squares throughout the BID area. For more details visit https://downtownboston.org/

NOV. 29 – DEC. 22: 9th ANNUAL SoWa WINTER FESTIVAL

                  New England’s Largest Indoor Holiday Marketplace, located at the SoWa Power Station on 550 Harrison Avenue in Boston is now opening their doors for seven days a week to celebrate the holiday season with copious opportunities to find fascinating and fun gifts for everyone on your list. Open Monday – Thursday (4pm – 8pm), Friday (4 pm – 9 pm); Saturday (10 am – 9 pm) and Sundays (10 am – 7 pm). The SoWa Winter Festival is a low-cost, family-friendly, accessible indoor holiday market that features over 100 of the region’s best craftsmen, artists, designers, and specialty food & beverage vendors.

 The entrance fee is $10 (kids under 10 are free). There are a number of craft workshops, photo opportunities, and with the return of the Holiday Lounge, adult guests can kick back and enjoy beer, wine, or a cocktail. The now famously anticipated event was originally created in 2016 to share the magic of the holidays. It has since expanded to provide opportunities to over 500 small businesses from Boston and throughout New England to display and sell their wares. From locals to tourists, the festival has attracted over 1 million visitors. “In 2024, we made the decision to open 7 days a week, giving visitors a greater opportunity to make the SoWa Winter Festival a part of their own holiday tradition,” says Mario Nicosia, Founder, SoWa Boston.

Providing shoppers with a wide variety of unique items including art, crafts, apparel & accessories, jewelry, home décor, gourmet foods, and holiday gifts, this year 22% of Vendors have been added to the roster. Statistically, 95% of vendors are New England based with 75% being female owned or proprietors of color. Some returning favorites are: Torre di Gamberaia, superior category extra virgin olive oil from Florence, Italy; Rachel Walters Collection of stylish womenswear; Julo Pottery, ceramics, clay creations; Smittens, handmade mittens & cashmere scarves; AllieCaps, handknit amd hand-sewn trucker hats inspired by the outdoors; and Lilly’s Bone to Pick, handmade pet accessories. Among some New Vendors are: Springdale Farm Creamery, artisan cheeses, cured meats from 4th generation Maine dairy; Olde Haven Farm, preserves, seasonal goods, preorders for holiday roasts; The Chocolate Pan, hand-crafted truffles, chocolate-covered cranberries, almonds, and espresso beans from Maine; Dulse and Rugosa, artisan soap and skincare; Live the French Way, contemporary European home décor, linens; Simply Chickie, organic cotton children’s clothing from New England; Beadorable, handmade jewelry,; Artschatz, paper star lights, glowing snowflakes, festive art; The Drift Collective, sustainable clothing from Portsmouth, NH; Paul Landry Co, New England-inspired winter apparel; and Studio Reta, botanical-inspired stationery, original prints, framed art.

 In addition. any great festival includes Food…Fabulous Food and great Libations to quench the thirst!  A few noted providers include: Eataly Boston, classic pasta dishes, holiday panettone, and more; Holiday Lounge on the Mezzanine, cocktails, mocktails and assorted beers; Samosa Man, including vegan, and vegetarian options; Springdale Farm Creamery ; State of Maine Cheese Company, grab-and-go charcuterie boxes; Sweetness and Honey Bakery, French macarons, gourmet pop tarts, specialty cake slices; Blackbird Doughnuts, artisanal doughnuts; Batter + Bloom, cupcakes and more; Kohi Coffee, seasonal beverages, pastries, pretzels; The Fat Cactus, hot chocolate; Native Colombian Coffee, specialty coffee; and The Half Cookie, cookies, with their holiday gift boxes. Not to be forgotten and a

 Weekend high point is The Weekend Food Truck Village located adjacent to SoWa at 500 Harrison Ave. They feature Mozilla’s Asian Street Food, Daddy’s Bonetown Burgers, Bon Me, Roxy’s Grilled Cheese, Zaaki’s Mediterranean, Paisani, Wanderlust Global, Mi Corazon Taqueria, North East of the Border and Gogi on the Block Korean. Hours: Fridays from 5 pm-8 pm, Saturdays from 12 noon-6 pm, and Sundays from 12 noon-4 pm. Opening Day on Nov. 29th they will be present from 12 noon – 6 pm.                                                Special related Events include: Saturday, November 30th from 1-3 pm when WMJX Radio’s Kendra and the Street Team will be on-site with holiday music, games, and prizes.                      “First Friday” Friday, December 6th, from 5-9 pm, allows an evening of art galleries and open studios on Thayer Street adjacent to the Festival.                                                                                  Crafts on the Mezzanine: On select Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, visitors can get crafty on the Mezzanine with some hand crafting experiences (cost: free – $65). These include ornament & wreath making, candle making, gemstone jewelry, and printmaking. Visit www.sowaboston.com for details and to register.                                                                                                                      Holiday Photo Ops on the Mezzanine also provide opportunities to capture some holiday memories.                                                                                                                                              D’s Keys, Boston’s dueling pianists, will again be performing Thursdays – Sundays while shopper can enjoy live music on weekdays and holiday caroling on weekends.                                                  SoWa Health + Wellness is sponsoring a Holiday Fun Run and an opportunity to obtain a free day pass. Visit www.sowahealthandwellness.com for more details.     Nearby T Stops are the Orange Line/Tufts Medical Center Stop or the Red Line/Broadway Stop (a 10 minute walk to SoWa). Onsite parking is available for $10 and are located at 540 Harrison Avenue, 365 Albany Street, 324 Albany Street, and 274 Albany Street. For more information surrounding this fun, annual holiday tradition for all ages, visit www.sowaboston.com

THROUGH JAN. 5: HARRY POTTER…THE EXHIBITION

Come one and all, young and old, and immerse yourself into the “Wizarding World” of the now internationally known character, Harry Potter!” This is one of the most extensive touring exhibitions ever created that surrounds the adventures of Harry Potter. The seven book series was written by J.K. Rowling and ultimately became a global sensation. They have all been turned into popular films. In addition, Rowling also created the prequel series of three of the Fantastic Beasts movies. Thus, this exciting, world-class exhibition features authentic props and costumes as seen and used in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. Through the use of some actual sets as well as digital images and audio recordings from the films, visitors become privy to numerous behind-the-scenes memorable moments. The exhibition is located at CambridgeSide, at 100 CambridgeSide Place in Cambridge. It is easily accessible and paid parking is readily available. Visitors initially are given a digital reactive bracelet and then guided to register their choice of  one of the  four houses at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. These are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Then, of course, one must choose his magic wand…although in the stories, the wands choose their owners. A guest also includes his email address, so memory images from their adventures can be sent to them. Then a picture is taken of you so when adventuring through the exhibit, a touch of the wrist band will identify you and allow you to participate in various activities such as receiving the witches hat, mixing potions, repotting a super sensitive Mandrake, also known as Mandragora, and other fun activities. This registration truly personalizes a guests journey through the innovative, awe-inspiring, and magical settings created with best-in-class immersive design and technology. After strolling through various ‘houses’ at Hogworts, visitors can enter a number of memorable classrooms. Truly fun is the cottage of the loveable giant, Rubeus Hagrid. They even come face to face with his pet dragon. There are delightful surprises at every turn, including the flaming phoenix flying over head.  Costumes as well as  accessories from numerous episodes that were originally worn by Harry and other characters are displayed throughout the various connecting rooms. To date, this exhibition has captivated over two million fans worldwide, enjoying the experience of the beautifully crafted environments that flow from room to room, honoring many of the unforgettable moments fans and audiences have loved for more than twenty years since Harry was first introduced. Easily, an average of 60 to 90 minutes may absorb visitors as they select their favorite Hogwarts house, practice their Quidditch skills, learn about magical creatures, engage with photo ops, and many more activities.  This exhibition also features costumes and props from the 2018 Broadway production. Titled, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” that captured six Tony® awards. Imagine Exhibition  and EventimLive, along with Warner Bros. and Discovery Global Themed Entertainment partnered in the creation and development of this stunning exhibition.  States Tom Zaller, President and CEO of Imagine Exhibitions, “Bring your loved ones or your fellow witch and wizard friends and get your tickets as they’re selling fast. Whether you’re a new fan, or have been a fan for decades, you will not want to miss this truly remarkable experience.” 

An extensive, onsite retail shop is  available for guests to celebrate their fandom or even to pickup a new magic wand. The shop features a collection of exclusive apparel, jewelry, along with edible treats such as Chocolate Frogs and bottled Butterbeer and more. The exhibition premiered in Philadelphia, February 2022. It since has since toured much of the world and is currently showing in New York City, USA, Macao, China, Munich, Germany, and São Paulo, Brazil. It  will also open in in Madrid, Spain, next month. This event boasts all sorts of fun things that will engage visitors as they tour authentic film props, note behind-the-scenes content, and enjoy the numerous interactive surprises. For tickets, visit https://harrypotterexhibition.com/locations/boston

THROUGH MAY 29: TITANIC: THE ARTIFACT EXHIBITION

No disaster seems to have attracted more attention since its tragic sinking over 100 years ago when the openly touted, “unsinkable” Titanic had its hull sheared by an iceberg on April 14, 1912 at 11:40pm. Within just 2 hours and 40 minutes, officially on April 15th, the missive ship broke in half and slipped into the icy sea. Of the 2,240 passengers and crew, only 706 survived. This loss was due to the often alleged egocentric arrogance of J. Bruce Ismay, the White Star Line’s managing director who was obsessed that the ship make headlines for speed and efficiency. He was rumored to have pressured Captain Edward Smith to maintain high speeds on the Titanic despite repeated iceberg warnings. Thus, the ship met its doom under the hands of these two men. Aesthetically, only 20 life crafts  were installed with just14 standard wooden lifeboats, 2 wooden cutters, and 4 collapsible canvas. The capacity of a standard lifeboat was 65 but due to the untrained staff many slipped into the water with as little as 12 passengers. Due to aesthetics the ship only had the 20 which still could have accommodated 1170 passengers but there was no lifeboat drill conducted nor crew that were trained as to what to do if the ship was sinking. Ironically Ismay managed to survive, taking the last escape vessel. While in maritime tradition, Captain Smith, who was found seriously at fault, went down with the ship. Eight English-language films have been produced including the famous 1958, heartrending version, “A Night to Remember” and the 1997 hit “Titanic” with Leonard DeCaprio and Kate Winslet. Now it is memorialized in a musical that opened on Broadway in 1997 and garnered 5 Tony awards that included Best Musical and Best Score. That musical is currently on stage at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. This exhibition includes nearly 250 authentic artifacts that have been extracted literally 2 1/2 miles deep in the North Sea from the site where the wreck of Titanic settled. They are on display at The Saunders Castle, a former armory as well as a designated National Historic Landmark, located at 130 Columbus Ave. at Park Plaza in Boston’s Back Bay. When entering the 15,00 square foot area of the exhibit, guests are initially presented with a replica White Star Line boarding pass. Each pass has an original  passenger’s name on it. As they proceed, they are greeted with a model of the amazing ship..

  Utilizing many remarkable photos of the remains from the vessel accompanied by numerous objects removed from the seabed, each visitor proceeds on a self guided journey of exploration as they may assume the role of the  unknown passenger they have on their boarding pass. Initially they are exposed to a model of the Titanic is displayed along with actual, gigantic cleats that came from Belfast, where Titanic was built along with other artifacts, such as the crows nest bell that probably sounded the warning when the ship hit the iceberg.  The visit continues along a carpeted hall way, lined with numbered doors to give a feel for what First Class passengers would have experienced going to their staterooms. Then guest transition to the living and social area, which boast one of the high points of the exhibition. This is the exquisitely expansive replica of the Grand Staircase where the likes of the Astors and the Vanderbilts could meet and greet. see and be seen. It is a wonderful point in the exhibition where guests can take pictures of themselves and with friends. This opulent area can actually be rented for posh events such as weddings and birthdays, etc.    As guests continue to explore the. various galleries, numerous items, such as luggage, a man’s suit including, pants, tie, collar and cufflinks are displayed. Apparently, at such an extraordinary depths, only items, such as leather bags, wallets, etc. were able to preserve items within their  confines. These included fabric as well as paper, such as money,…along with coins…,photos, post cards, and other such items.  Also hanging on the walls are large photographs of a number of the elite passengers that were on the ill fated journey. On tis journey back in time the exhibit has recreated some cabins that one can peer into to get a sense of the luxury experienced by passengers.

 Peering into glass cases containing numerous personal items that were recovered, guest can readily begin to embrace some of the numerous aspects of life aboard the Titanic. In depth copies of dinner menus for each class on the ship reveal the extravagance of choices offered the First Class passengers and a bit to the Second Class. But the Third Class received the one entre for the meal as indicated. Even live flowers resided on the tables of the First Class. An amusing fact surrounded the toilets. They were still shared except for two in room ones even by First Class. The ones in Third Class were automatically flushes as many of passengers in Third Class were not experienced with the use of toilets. The story of its construction and internal working components of the ship are also on display showing the inner workings of various aspects of the ship including images of men shoveling coal into the furnaces that turned the three massive propellers. There is also extensive information exhibited that surround the recovery process of so many items extracted to put on display at the various sites.. In addition, there is a replica of the submarine with its robotic arms that helps define how man eventually was allowed to go to such a previously unattainable depth and acquire so much.. Fascinatingly, there is even a modest replica in the shape of an iceberg that literally can be touched as it actually is permanently covered with ice.  All personal items on display have been carefully curated to provide this incredible collection of authentic Titanic artifacts . The conservation offers close attention to each items origin while demonstrating an honorable respect for those who lost their lives. on this ship.  These artifacts have become indispensable in helping educate as well as to relate the true stories of the ship’s passengers as well as crew members. For decades, the tragic story of the sinking of the Titanic has engaged generations seeking to hear the truth behind the many stories of heroism, love and fear, including some impossible decisions that were faced by some. Not the worst maritime incident on record but it none the less, left and an indelible mark on man’s history.. 

John J Astor and his new wife, Madeline Force Astor

Sad tales of lives lost as well as lives saved can be discovered as one journeys through the exhibition. Such was the loss of the wealthy John J Astor at age 47 and the survival of his pregnant wife, the 19 year old Madeline Force Astor. There is the heartrending love between Isidor and Ida Straus’, owners of Macy’s Dept. Store that occurred on the night the ship went down.   And guests will learn about the fascinating story of how the famed Margaret Tobin that fondly became known as the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown as she contributed to the saving of lives. ..

At the end of the exhibition, guests scan their boarding passes and the device tells them if the person they were given died or was a survivor. This exhibition has been brought to the city by The Gold Group in Boston. The  E/M Group and RMS Titanic, Inc. have allowed more than 35 million people worldwide to engage in the rescue of artifacts as well as recreation of  so much surrounding the TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition is one of the highest attended in history. Stated Gautam Chandna, Director of Business Development at E/M Group, ” Boston eagerly (anticipated) our Exhibition, which continues to set record-breaking attendance figures. The Exhibition’s continued success, as demonstrated in city after city, speaks to its broad appeal and exceptional quality.”  

Left; First Class China (fine bone china) and Right, Second Class China (Delft china). As well as life on board and the ultimate infamous sinking, the exhibit initially focuses on points surrounding the Ship’s construction. A miniature, actual frozen iceberg that visitors can touch is included. In addition, the exhibition covers the contemporary efforts to recover artifacts and conserve the wreck site for scientific analysis, historical preservation, and to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to admire, contemplate, and learn from the Titanic. RMST was granted salvor-in-possession rights to the wreck of Titanic and is the only company permitted by law to recover artifacts from the wreck site. RMST has recovered and conserved more than 5,500 artifacts since 1987 and is an affiliate of E/M Group. For more information and to obtain tickets for this fascinating as well as poignant exhibition, where one can easily spend several hours absorbed in all that is available, may be obtained at www.titanicboston.us

ONGOING: NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM WHALE WATCH

 The New England Aquarium, in partnership with Boston Harbor City Cruises (BHCC) in now offering another season of cruises that give guests an up-close experience with whales and ocean life off the coast of Massachusetts. New England Aquarium naturalists serve as guides onboard as the whale watch cruises in Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a feeding ground for many whale, dolphin, and bird species.

They share numerous facts about these marine animals and their behaviors. Backed with 7 years of experience at BHCC and a degree in Marine Biology, Linnea Mayfield starts the 2024 season in her new role as Head Naturalist. “I’m super excited to get back out to Stellwagen Bank and see familiar flukes,” she reports. “Each year, one of my favorite questions is how much do whales eat? My answer always gets wows because it’s 1 million calories a day! That’s the equivalent of a human eating 16 Oreos a minute, every minute, 24 hours a day!” Mayfield is available for expert commentary and trip guidance upon request.

Bob Lawler, BHCC’s General Manager and Regional Vice President stated, “The start of whale watching season is our favorite time of year here at BHCC. Together with the New England Aquarium, we’re thrilled to continue to provide the unique opportunity for Boston-area residents and visitors to see and learn about whales in their natural habitat. Each year, we welcome thousands of passengers aboard for an experience they’ll never forget….Out of a shared goal to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, long-time partners BHCC and the Aquarium delayed the start of the New England Aquarium Whale Watch until the right whales had migrated north out of Cape Cod Bay”. New England Aquarium President and CEO Vikki N. Spruill also stated, “At the New England Aquarium, we aim to inspire everyone to form a deeper connection to the ocean and take action to protect it. Education is at the core of our mission, and these whale watches provide a wonderful opportunity to experience the wonders of our blue planet first-hand.” The on high-speed catamarans with outdoor viewing decks and indoor spaces with large windows departs from Boston’s Central Wharf and runs about three to four hours. A full bar is available onboard along with light snacks for purchase. (BHCC has also taken steps toward reducing single-use plastics onboard whale watch vessels, including the removal of plastic water bottles.) BHCC will be running multiple whale watch cruises a day. To view the schedule and learn more visit the New England Aquarium Whale Watch on www.CityExperiences.com

BOSTON DUCK TOURS OPEN TIL END OF NOVEMEBER!!!

So get  your Quack, Quack, on because the Ducks will be hibernating soon and won’t be back until  Spring when they will return for an all new season.. The Ducks \love showing off the city.. Celebrating their 30th year taking guests from around the world to see our beautiful city while regaling riders with historical and fun facts about Boston. The Ducks safely carry approximately 500,000 Guests each season with tours available in multiple languages. A GPS activated system provides commentary in Spanish, German, Mandarin, French, Japanese, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Korean and Cantonese (available at its Museum of Science location). And,  most uniquely, this outstanding, one of a kind experience also splashes down and glides on the Charles River to provide an exquisite duck’s eye view of Boston’s panorama.

The company’s colorful fleet of 28 land/ amphibious annually transports guests on one of Boston’s most famous tourist activities. TripAdvisor.com (the largest travel website in the world  (with over 500 million user-generated reviews) named Boston Duck Tours one of the Top 10 Experiences in the entire United States. as well as the only attraction on TripAdvisor’s list in all of New England. Thus, Boston Duck Tours stands proudly with such other iconic experiences in the United States as the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour, The Hoover Dam Tour, The Washington DC Night Tour, Chicago Architectural Boat Tour and plantation tours in Louisiana. The original WWII vehicles were named “DUKW” corresponding to General Motors’ manufacturing code (“D” is “1942 model,” “U” is “amphibious,” “K” is “all-wheel drive,” and “W” is “dual rear wheels”). Soldiers just called them “ducks.”   Now, under the careful manipulation of their well trained and coast guard certified drivers, these “DUCKS” traverse Boston’s city streets while simultaneously pointing out historical and other noted spots of interest and frequently sharing amusing anecdotes about the city and its people culminating with a drive, plus, literally onto the waters of the Charles River.

  Cindy Brown, CEO of Boston Duck Tours stated, “Boston has been very supportive of our company, and has allowed us to share our amazing city with over 11 million guests…Our vehicles have carried championship teams, welcomed home returning military and carried students from all over the world throughout the years, all in the name of showing off our amazing, historical city. As a locally owned and run business, we are very proud of promoting Boston and supporting many local causes.” Ms. Brown continues, “It has been a wild ride these past 30 years and a milestone like this deserves well earned recognition. Our valued Duck crew and partners have been an integral part of our success and we celebrate not only 30 years, but those who brought us here. What better way to mark this season than with the beloved, local brand Life is Good. They too embody purposeful work while bringing smiles to those around us.” Life is Good co-founder John Jacobs, said, “Life is Good and Boston Ducks Tours are both passionate about our community and our causes, and we also enjoy blurring the line between work and play. Laughter, fun and optimism got us both rolling 30 years ago, and we’re thrilled to celebrate with our amphibious neighbors and the whole city all summer long.” Life is Good®  is the original positive lifestyle brand dedicated to spreading the power of optimism through art and message donating 10 percent of annual net profits to the Life is Good Playmaker Project that helps over 1 million kids in need annually. The hour and twenty minute adventure is as fun for locals as it is for visitors to Boston as they see what makes Boston a city of Freedom, Firsts and Fun. The “ConDuckTours” focus on providing all guests, young and old, with an amazing and memorable experience.  Departure locations are located at the Museum of Science, Prudential Center and the New England Aquarium.  For tickets to get your “Quack On” and enjoy a ride on one of Boston Duck Tours special vehicles, visit www.bostonducktours.com

ONGOING…THE ALL NEW BLUE MAN GROUP

The joyous, most uniquely entertaining and enduring venue in Boston, Blue Man Group, has had a proverbial face lift. They still have those vibrant blue faces but their popular show has recently been updated and reimagined with additional new acts that include an all new, unforgettable and awe-inspiring, mega-finale. They have been a theatrical sensation in Boston for close to 30 years, but this great show has become even more exciting with its spectacular transformation. Since its debut in 1995, the show’s home remains at the Charles Playhouse, located at 74 Warrenton St., a diminutive way that is located just off 201 Stuart St. in Boston. Although there have been various alterations in the program throughout the years, the magnitude of this new theatrical restructure is over the top wonderful. The program still retains the same quirky trio of blue bald men who manage to say so much without actually saying anything at all. They exude a sense of wide eyed innocence in their static faces, but, demonstrate, through their wild actions and absurdly funny activates, the abandoned curiosity reminiscent of young children left alone in their house. They hurl marshmallow into their mouths at mind boggling distances and at the audience. They also hurl paint balls across the stage that are caught in the mouth and used to spit/create a work of art.

Their love of paint results in colorful spin art or out and out messes as they enthusiastically beat drums that paint has been poured on them. They even spray paint people. They walk, unabashedly through the audience across the arms of the audience’s’ seats, showing no emotion, in search of unwitting candidates for their next on stage, hilariously funny scenario. 

Through music and perfectly timed subtle facial expressions, these guys manage to hone in on their topics. They are comedic geniuses that have mastered their art at crafting a uniquely fabulous, intensely ludicrous comedic performance. They continue to magically bring to the audience, without any verbiage, a state of understanding that easily defines the connection to the human condition. This is a technique the Blue Men have always been noted for. The best laughter is when we find ourselves laughing at ourselves. The Blue Men are still utilizing much of the fan favorite music and audience interactions that garnered their award-winning popularity. But, there are delightfully energetic new surprises to discover throughout this new adaptation. Gone is the electronic board that was utilized throughout the show that one had to read to understand what was going on. Now the Blue Men engage with a robotic voice along with fabulously colorful and high energy projections.

Original fans, are rapidly being joined with a whole new generation of all new fans who all find themselves captivated by the newly created score, pounded out with the traditional stellar accuracy by the Blue Men on their tuned PVC pipes. They are backed by an overhead trio of hot, rock musicians.  Managing Director, Jack Kenn stated, “Blue Man Group is thrilled (with) this revolutionary new show content…(as) we…transport audiences with new music and new visuals through our partnership with renowned creative agency Pretty Damn Sweet…(along with)…the all-new show finale…that… leaves crowds on their feet.” Blue Man Group debuted at New York’s Astor Place Theatre in 1991. Duplicate versions of the live show expanded to long lived residencies in Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, and internationally to Berlin, Germany. In addition, multiple North American and World tours have reached move than 50 million people worldwide.

The entire family can come get ‘blued’ as these guys  enchant young and Children in the audience are often enthusiastically heard anxiously responding, excitedly anticipating the next silly action by the Blue Men. Note: children under 5 will not be admitted. Since Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, an audience can always be guaranteed a truly especial experience. Tickets for this beyond belief engaging as well as electrifying, and extremely fun performance  may be obtained here by clicking on www.blueman.com/boston

ONGOING: SAMUEL SLATER EXPERIENCE

Come and be immersed in life as it once was. Feel the waves crashing on a boat crossing the Atlantic. Hear the strident sounds of massive machinery in the heart of a full-scale New England mill. And too, witness life on Main Street in Webster as it was at the turn of the 20th Century.     Situated in the former National Guard Armory building 31 Ray St. in Webster, MA, the building, built in 1935, has been completely rehabbed into a Historic American Industrial Revolution Museum replete with  state-of-the-Art 4-D digital Technology.  Four years in the making, the museum features more than twenty unique, immersive exhibits that transport visitors back to the early 1800s as the seeds of the American Industrial Revolution were being sown. Samuel Slater (1768 – 1835) is often referred to as the “Father of the American Industrial Revolution.”

      In 1811, Slater moved to Massachusetts and built new cotton mills as well as one of the first woolen mills in America, all powered by the French River and Lake Chaubunagungamaug, (now known as Webster Lake) in what was then called Oxford. The town was later renamed Webster after Senator Daniel Webster.  The exhibition  starts with a young and conflicted Samuel Slater and his immigration to America,. Guests can then  explore Slater’s positive impact on the local geography and his unique factory model that transformed manufacturing in America. Fast forward a century to a re-creation of downtown Webster in the early 1900s as it became a hub of commerce and industry.  Samuel Slater Experience founder Christopher Robert states, “It has been our vision to bring an interactive and dynamic experience that would engage students and families alike (and bring them) back to the roots of this town and area.“    Slater’s  innovations introduced the “factory system” to textile manufacturing which in turn attracted workers to the region and established the infrastructure that made Webster a thriving “boomtown. For more information and to obtain tickets visit  www.samuelslaterexperience.org

The Freedom Trail tour starts at the Boston Common and ends at the Bunker Hill Monument…but your self-customized tour would allow for a visit, just off the trail, to the Omni Parker House Hotel for a slice of authentic Boston Cream Pie, or find time to explore the Faneuil Hall area and pop into Daniel Webster’s favorite Union Oyster House for some oysters and maybe a pint.  You might decide to take it a step further and tour the inside of Paul Revere’s house (built-in 1680) or segue over and board the USS Constitution for a (free) look inside before the ambitious climb up the monument tower at Bunker Hill

ONGOING: BOSTON SEGWAY TOURS

The wonderful city of Boston, visited by at least 23 million people annually, provides so many interesting aspects to explore. First there is the hugely famous as well as multiple historical details of the city. One can spend hours, if not days, concentrating on Boston’s history. They can traverse the Freedom Trail on their own, with a tour guide, and or even with a GPS guided system. But Boston’s history is much more expansive. Its uniquely historical posh streets of Beacon Hill, the massive Brown Stones of Back Bay, Trinity Church in Copley Square, the Boston Common, the Boston Garden with the 150 year old Swan Boat rides. Then there is the Italian North End and Boston’s own China Town. A plethora of museums, a shopping mecca on upscale Newbury St. and famous foods and beers to sample from a kaleidoscope of things to do and places to go.  A visitor can explore some of the city with a Trolley Tour, a Duck Tour or a bus/van tour. And for the more athletic, there are bike tours as well as Walking Tours.  But how can one truly get up close and personal with the user friendly city of Boston as a whole? How can a visitor get an amazing overview of the numerous things to do to ultimately choose from? Plus, how can they do it in one or two hours without expending a lot of effort. BOSTON SEGWAY TOURS is the way to go!

Starting its 8th season operating in the city, a Segway Tour is the perfect opportunity to acquire a snap shot of ‘the lay of the land’. Gliding along the streets of Boston on a Segway device under the care of a certified Segway councilor provides an amazing overview of Boston. It affords an opportunity to see what the city has to offer as guides regale riders with stories connected with the city and simultaneously point out possible sites an individual may wish to visit. In addition, the knowledgeable guides often indicate noted restaurants and bars to try. Guests from 10 to 80+ have quickly adapted to operating these battery operated vehicles on wheels.

SAFETY is the #1 word for the staff at Boston Segway Tours. Adventure Captains, such as Thomson, pictured above, start each participant with a quick video and then spend up to 30 minutes utilizing patient and encouraging training for each individual before taking them outside the facility and onto the road. These highly trained guides also artfully maneuver the riders through any and all traffic areas while diligently monitoring all individuals within their group.  The city wide installation of bike paths have further solidified the security of riders as they travel from one area to another. Due to the exemplary professionalism of the Segway Guides, in the eight years of operation there has never been a traffic accident with any rider.

Since utilizing your own camera or phone presents a hazard while riding, the Segway guide insists that you tuck them away for your own safety. He takes pictures of guests throughout their tour and then makes them available on the company’s online photo server to download at no charge. Segwaying has repeatedly gained five stars with Tripadvisor’s seal of approval and garnered hundreds of positive reviews posted from past guests.

Tours leave from Boston Segway Tours’ central location at 199 State Street, across from the N.E. Aquarium. The office is also a quick stroll from Faneuil Hall Marketplace as well as the Aquarium Station exit of the MBTA.  Depending on what tour is chosen, riders can glide from one side of the city to the other and even over into Cambridge. With safety in mind, the maximum number of guests in a group is 8 while the minimum of riders is 2. But interestingly, guides will graciously acquiesce for smaller numbers in a group if participants would like to restructure what they would like to see. For a uniquely unforgettable experience, whether visiting the city for the first time or even a long time resident looking to further explore the city or just searching for a fun, out of the box activity to do with family or friends, then book a tour now by going online to www.segwayinboston.com

ONGOING: WEEKEND BRUNCH AT THE CITY WINERY BOSTON

 City Winery Boston, located at 80 Beverly St, between Haymarket and North Station in Boston has expanded their programming with a series of noontime weekend shows offering music, comedy, and a great way to start your weekend. This is an all new specially curated brunch buffet menu that features an array of tasty dishes available during weekend noontime shows. From grilled peach arugula salad and bread pudding French Toast, to corn waffles, and smoked salmon flatbread, there are options that cover a range of dietary restrictions and preferences. “We’ve got an impressive and eclectic calendar of shows that are great fun for a wide array of audiences,” said Scott Feldman, City Winery Boston’s marketing director.  “Some events are a great outing for friends to get together before the ‘Sunday scaries’ set in, while other events invite folks to revel in the music of their teen years.” The brunch buffet is $35/person (beverages are separate)  and not included with a ticket purchase. For more information for all shows and to obtain tickets, visit  www.citywinery.com/boston