Boston looks even prettier from the water. | Photo by @heidiyanulisphotography
Kayaking, canoeing + paddleboarding are great ways to explore the Boston area. But before we dive in, let’s get a lay of the land (er, water). Check out these unique factsabout our region:
TheCharles River flows80 miles from Hopkinton to Boston Harbor. It’s navigable for 10 miles, from Watertown to the harbor.
The Watertown Dam to Boston Harbor — the “Lower Charles” — is one of the busiest recreational river segments in the world, with jogging paths, sports fields + concert performance facilities.
Boston’s longest river is quite slow moving, averaging speeds of roughly 368 cubic ft per second. To compare, the Connecticut river flows at 16,180 cubic ft per second.
Next, we should talk about paddling safety, so you don’t capsize:
Be on the lookout for traffic on The Charles. Power boats, Duck Boats, sail boats + local rowing teams are out on the water too, so be aware of your surroundings.
And finally, here are a few local options for getting your feet wet:
🌊 Community Boating, 21 David G Mugar Way | Weekdays 1 p.m. to 30 mins before sunset + weekends 9 a.m. to 30 mins before sunset
Kayaks + paddle boards are available for rent at the Esplanade for two hours, at $34 per person. Enjoy the sites of Boston’s skyscrapers, the CITGO sign, and of course the occasional passing of the Red Line over the Longfellow Bridge.
Pro tip: bring your own lock + avoid the additional $5 fee for use of a day locker.
🌊 Paddle Boston, 15 Broad Canal Way | Hours vary by location
With rental units in Cambridge, Allston, Somerville, Newton, Medford + Waltham, you can paddle through nine out of the 10 mile navigable stretch. Single kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent starting at $30 for one and a half hours.
You’ll catch views of the Museum of Science, Zakim Bridge, and the campuses of MIT and Boston University.
Share this story with a friend you want to explore that Dirty Water with.
The Bachelorette Screening | Mon., Sept. 5 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Lamplighter Brewing Co., 284 Broadway, Cambridge | Free | Bring your own snacks or enjoy food in the back taproom while playing Bachelorette Bingo for a chance to win a free beer. 🥀
Tuesday
Wellness Series: Spin Class with JayBee Fit | Tues., Sept. 6 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Copley Square | Free | Sweat it out at this week’s wellness night, featuring a spin class by personal trainer Jay Bee. 🚴
Parks Summer Fitness: Family Zumba | Tues., Sept. 6 | 6-7 p.m. | Free | Bring the whole fam for this Zumba session which combines cardio, conditioning, and flexibility.
Wednesday
My Chemical Romance | Wed., Sept. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | TD Garden | $68+ | Get in touch with your punk side as you rock out to My Chemical Romance. 🎸
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*
Hike, swim, or relax on the 114-acre island. | Photo by BOStoday team
Hello Boston, City Editor Sara here. 👋 Did you know that 34 unique islands and peninsulas make up the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park?
I recently took the ferry to Spectacle Island and spent the day drinking in the views + local brews during a Spectacle Summer Night. Here’s what the experience was like and how you can Try This.
What we tried (with pricing):
After a quick ferry ride departing from Long Wharf North — located near to the New England Aquarium — I arrived early to squeeze in extra exploring before the event. Round-trip ferry transportationcosts $24.95 for adults, with discounts for children, seniors, students + military.
Additional shuttle servicelaunched on Friday to help riders navigate the Orange Line shutdown. Shuttles will run between Government Center, Chinatown + the Tufts Medical Center MBTA stops every 30 minutes from 5-1 a.m. 🚌 (NBC 10)
Arts
Applications are open for the 2022-2023 Boston Cultural Council grant program. These grants are available to organizations that offer community arts programming. The deadline to apply is Mon., Oct. 17.
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a watercolor painting workshop series this month. Mark your calendars for the classes, held in six different neighborhoods. Registration is required. 🎨
Featured
Newbury Streetwas featured on a list of the coolest streets in the world. Time Outpraised our shopping street’s designer stores, historic brownstones + boutique hotels. Experience the area at an upcoming Open Newbury event. (Boston.com)
Regional
The King Richard’s Faire has returned to Carver. Visit New England’s favorite Renaissance festival on weekends through Sun., Oct. 23 for psychic readings, axe throwing, artisan shops, and more medieval fun. Purchase thy tickets.
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Transit
Airports and Transportation
“Supercar” trolleys planned for MBTA’s Green Line
We’re going to have a sweet new ride in Boston. | Rendering via MBTA
In a few years time, Bostonians will be able to zoom around town on some pretty sleek looking Green Line trains.
These “supercars” are the new Type 10 fleet that the MBTA plans to roll out by 2027. The goal? To make the nation’s busiest light rail safer + more accessible.
Here’s what we know so far:
The MBTA signed a roughly $810 million contract with CAF USA Inc. for manufacturing + delivery.
Boston can expect 102 supercars in total.
These cars are 40 ft longer than current Green Line trolleys.
Four pilot vehicles will be delivered by spring 2026 + two additional cars will go into service each month until 2031.
Editor’s pick: If you’re like me, air travel is never any fun. That said, it might be more fun if our local airport adopted some of these suggestions, from rewarding star travelers with Toll House cookies to playing “Sweet Caroline” at the baggage carousel.
Let me know if you have a big idea for making Logan the place to be. ✈️
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