Culture

One year of BOStoday: A look back

Shout out to Cannonball Cafe for the birthday cake of our dreams. | Photo by BOStoday team

Can you believe it’s been one full year of BOStoday? 365 days, 200+ newsletter sends, and so many stories shared — it’s gone by so fast.

We decided to celebrate our first birthday with a look back at some of our favorite stories + moments in Boston.

For the history buffs

Our team stuck to the details of the Great Molasses Flood and penned an ode to Dunkin’ in the form of a history feature on the coffee chain.

We also broke down the history of the New England Patriots (previously the Boston Patriots) and the legacy of Boston’s north star, the Citgo sign.

Getting to know some locals

We’ve been lucky enough to chat with lots of movers and shakers, from the $1 portrait artist at the Common to a local food stylist + our fellow journalist pal, Matt Shearer.

Consider us your tour guides

Whether it’s how to explore Boston’s neighborhoods — including Chinatown, Beacon Hill, and Jamaica Plain — or dishing out the best spots for dollar oysters, we like to think we’ve helped our readers navigate the city.

Getting down to business

So, so many new businesses moved into town, from Ramsay’s Kitchen to the Next Door speakeasy and Beacon Hill Books & Cafe.

Speaking of the local business scene, we discussed the fastest growing companies in Boston + the four companies featured in TIME Magazine.

Some other highlights...

We shared your 2022 horoscopes. Did they come true yet?
Our team celebrated local beverages for a whole week during the inaugural Drink Up festivities.
Red Sox legend Big Papi made his way to the Hall of Fame.
Things got a little frosty when we showed off New England’s only ice castle.
We embarked on a taste test to answer the age-old question: Mike’s or Modern?

It’s been a whirlwind of a year + we can’t wait to see what comes next.

What should we cover next?

Help shape the next year of BOStoday coverage.

SHARE YOUR IDEAS

Click here to have your event featured.

Monday, Nov. 14

Write Science | Monday, Nov. 14 | 7-8:30 p.m. | MIT Museum, 314 Main St., Cambridge | Free | Register in advance to meet leading writers in science, technology + art.
Live at Brookline Booksmith! Sorayya Khan | Monday, Nov. 14 | 7 p.m. | Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St., Brookline | $29 | Celebrate the release of “We Take Our Cities with Us” with author Sorayya Khan, in conversation with Claire Messud.

Tuesday, Nov. 15

Somerville Pub Sing | Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 6-8 p.m. | The Somerville Community Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave., Somerville | Free | Sing along to sea shanties and drinking songs at the pub-style outdoor event.

Wednesday, Nov. 16

Youth-Friendly Park Cleanup | Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 2-4 p.m. | Back Bay Fens, 125 Fenway, Boston | Free | This free afternoon of service will help prepare the Emerald Necklace Conservancy parks for winter.
Thanksgiving Blooms and Booze | Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 6 p.m. | Love Child, 364 W Broadway, Boston | $95 | Make a centerpiece for your Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving table and taste + learn about delicious wines.

We have a monthly 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.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

46º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain

Closing

Cafe Madeleine is closing in the South End after more than eight years in business. Tomorrow will be the last day to visit the French patisserie at 517 Columbus Ave. (Boston Restaurant Talk) 🥐

Biz

The city will return “impact fees” collected from marijuana businesses since recreational sales began more than two years ago. Nine local marijuana companies will receive checks totaling $2.86 million. 💸 (Boston Globe)

Number

$17 million. That’s how much the city spent to support Humphreys Street Studios in Dorchester. Now, the studios are majority artist-owned and operated + the vacant back lot of the property will become below market, income-restricted housing.
4 million. The number of subscribers to Morning Brew, a free daily newsletter that covers the latest in business, finance, and tech. Morning Brew is 100% free and takes just 5 minutes to read (and thanks to its witty, fun tone, you’ll want to open it every morning).*

Development

More details are out for the upcoming Jack Kerouac Museum and Performance Center in Lowell. Plans include an educational center, bookstore, and cafe at a former church site. Find more information + see renderings.

Asked

We’re rounding up a guide to the best winter festivities in Boston, from holiday markets to special performances and New Year’s Eve parties. Let us know your favorite way to ring in the holidays (locally, of course). ❄️

Wellness

Oh hey, November. The key to keeping your spirits up and avoiding seasonal affective disorder this time of year? Sunlight. Magic up more sunshine indoors with a light therapy lamp. This glare-free mood light is height and angle adjustable, while this subtly designed lamp lets you adjust light warmth and brightness. ☀️*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

This year’s Tree for Boston 🎄

Boston’s annual holiday tree is heading to Boston Common

We can’t wait to see the tree all aglow. | Photo provided

The Boston Common will have a special guest arrive for the holiday season on Tuesday, Nov. 22.

This year’s evergreen tree marks the 51st anniversary of the Tree for Boston + 105 years of friendship between Nova Scotia and the City of Boston.

The 2022 official tree is a white spruce that stands approximately 45 ft tall and was donated by landowner Roddy Townsend of Christmas Island.

Save the date for the Official Tree Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 1. The annual free event will take place from 6-8 p.m. Pro tip: The tree will be lit at approximately 7:55 p.m.

MORE TREE-RIFFIC DETAILS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Sara.

Editor’s pick: November is pie month in my book, and I have a new mission: to visit each of the five best pie shops in New England. 🥧

I’m thinking my first stop will have to be Florence Pie Bar. For anyone who’s been before, is it worth the two hour drive?

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Bundle up, grab your holiday shopping lists, and head over to Snowport.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Jessica Burton, Sara Frazier, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Peter Baldassare | Advertise with us.

ADVERTISE | SHOP | CAREERS | ETHICS

Did a friend forward this free newsletter to you?

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY