Plus, learn about the Bostonhenge phenomenon.
6AM City In-house

You’re a Bostonian now 🏙️

Bostonian 101: Our guide to becoming a Boston resident
Icy Charles River and Boston city skyline under a bridge
We’ve got tips on everything from Boston winters to taking the T. | Photo by @andrewbluesteinphotography
Picture this: You just moved to Boston, Massachusetts and you need some help with the practicalities of life (we can’t just sit back and drink our Dunkin’ all day, unfortunately). That’s where we come in. Keep reading for Boston 101, our guide to all things Boston.

🗳️ Voter registration

Learn how to register to vote in-person, by mail, or online here. You can check your polling location and current voter registration status here, and preview upcoming state elections and sample ballots here.

🚗 Driver’s licenses and vehicle registration

New residents who want to transfer an out-of-state driver’s license to Massachusetts can apply online and bring the required identification to an RMV service center.

To register your car in the state of Massachusetts, you’ll need a completed Registration and Title application, proof of ownership, and proof of identity.

Bay State drivers also need to pass a yearly vehicle inspection. Learn more about the process and renewing your inspection sticker.

Person holding iced Dunkin' coffee in front of Dunkin' store

Now that you’re a Massachusetts resident, get ready to drink lots of Dunkin’.

Photo by BOStoday team

🚊 Know your way around the MBTA

No matter which part of the city you move to, getting an MBTA CharlieCard is a good idea. One trip on the T will cost you $2.40, and one bus ride is $1.70. You can also purchase a monthly pass for $90 if you’re commuting frequently. Find more tips on getting to know Boston’s transit system.

❄️ Stay prepared for snowstorms

If you’re moving here from a place with warmer weather, it’s time to prepare for harsh New England winters. From where you can park during a snow emergency to the right way to use a “space saver,” check out the City of Boston’s resources for when winter is coming.

Is there something you’re still left wondering about to get you properly established in Boston? Ask us your question and we’ll do our best to answer it for you, like a good neighbor.

Click the link below for the full guide, with everything from how to snag a library card to setting up your utilities.
MORE WAYS TO BECOME A BOSTONIAN

Speaking of driver’s licenses — it’s time to ‘fess up. How much were you sweating that test?

A. Not at all — even at 16 I was a pro
B. I was more worried about the line at the DMV
C. I didn’t sleep a wink the night before
D. I may or may not have had to take the test multiple times
LET US KNOW

Click here to have your event featured.

Friday, Feb. 10
  • Fanny’s Vegan Pop Up | Friday, Feb. 10 | 5-9 p.m. | Lamplighter Broadway, 284 Broadway, Cambridge | Price of purchase | Stop by for a craft brew and a vegan dog, courtesy of Fanny’s Food Fun.
Saturday, Feb. 11
  • Spread Love Market | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 12 p.m. | Time Out Market, 401 Park Dr., Boston | Price of purchase | Grab sweet treats, cards, accessories, and other gifts from this market with Black Owned Bos.
  • Paw Patrol Live: Heroes Unite | Saturday, Feb. 11-Sunday, Feb. 12 | Times vary | Boch Center, 270 Tremont St., Boston | $54-$184 | See this interactive production with the kids.
  • A Very Vinified Valentine’s Day | Saturday, Feb. 11-Monday, Feb. 13 | Samuel Adams Boston Brewery, 30 Germania St., Boston | $25 | Take this guided tasting centered around wine-inspired beer, paired with artisanal chocolates + cheeses.
  • I Heart Science | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 1-4 p.m. | Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge | Free | Let your inner scientist loose at this museum event where you’ll meet scientists, design an imaginary insect, and watch a live ice sculpture demonstration.
Sunday, Feb. 12
  • Upham’s Corner Heart Bombing | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 1-3 p.m. | Dorchester Brewing Company, 1250 Massachusetts Ave., Boston | Free | Join the Boston Preservation Alliance for the rescheduled beer and Valentine-crafting event, followed by a brief walking tour of the Dorchester neighborhood.
  • Big Game Tailgate and Watch Party | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 4-10 p.m. | Hub Hall, 80 Causeway St., Boston | $50 | Watch the big game at Hub Hall with complimentary drink tickets and prizes like Celtics and Bruins tickets.

We have a calendar filled with events and 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

7 common mistakes when hiring a financial advisor
An older woman with cropped silver hair, a black turtleneck, and horn-rimmed glasses looks calmly into the camera.
Choosing the right financial advisor is one of the most impactful decisions families make. | Photo by SmartAsset
Life should be a balance of adventure and relaxation — not finances. Enter: Working with a financial advisor. But choosing the wrong one could potentially wreak havoc on your retirement and investments.

Avoid these seven common mistakes when hiring a financial advisor so you can get back to the balance that matters most.

Pro tip: For simplicity, try this free tool to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area.*
GET YOUR FREE MATCHES

Weather
  • 58º | Cloudy | 10% chance of rain
Development
  • Massachusetts state regulators gave the green light for Encore Boston Harbor’s expansion plans to advance. Wynn Resorts, the casino’s parent company, plans to build a new property across Broadway with a poker room, sports betting parlor + a relocated nightclub. (NBC 10)
Civic
Coming Soon
  • Joe’s Pizza plans to move into the current Milk Bar space in Harvard Square. The Greenwich Village-based pizza shop will serve its classic cheese slices at 3 Brattle St. after the dessert company closes up shop on Sunday, Feb. 19. 🍕 (Boston Globe)
Biz
  • General Electric is moving its local office to One Financial Center in downtown from its current location in Fort Point. The new space is across from South Station, and employees will be relocating in the second quarter of 2023. 💼 (Boston Business Journal)
Active
  • There’s still time left to register to run, walk, or volunteer at the RACE Cancer Foundation’s “Super Sunday 5K” in Kendall Square. The race and pre-Super Bowl event culminates in a beer garden party at 650 Kendall with live bands + food trucks. 👟
Arts
  • Local college students are learning to kick like a Rockette, thanks to a partnership between the Radio City Rockettes + Boston Conservatory. The college course is the first of its kind, offering an inside look at the precision dance company. (Boston Globe)
Number
  • 233. That’s how many Boston Pops radio broadcasts are currently being digitized. The Boston Symphony Orchestra is working to preserve these recordings, which will be available for free public access starting Thursday, June 15. 🎵 (WBUR)
Seasonal
  • Here’s your reminder that Valentine’s Day is next Tuesday. Don’t forget to order that special someone a bouquet of flowers that will leave a lasting impression. Psst — check out Floom, an online marketplace that partners with florists that deliver locally. Shop Floom’s selection of special edition Valentine’s Day arrangements. 💐 *
Stat
  • 59% of our readers recently told us they plan on traveling to Europe in 2023. Babbel’s user-friendly app gets readers speaking one of 14 different languages in as little as three weeks. Want to try it out? Snag 55% off your subscription today. 🌏 *
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Secure those sunset snaps 📸

Local photographers set out to capture “Bostonhenge”
Bright sunset in between buildings in Boston's Back Bay
We can’t wait to see all the sunset photos this weekend. | Photo by @jackdarylphotography
If you happened to see a crowd of photographers around Boston on Wednesday night, you likely witnessed some attempts at capturing “Bostonhenge.”

The phenomenon’s name references “Manhattanhenge,” which itself was named after Stonehenge. It refers to the few times a year where the setting sun aligns perfectly with certain city streets.

While Wednesday evening’s sunset didn’t turn out exactly as planned, local photographer Jack Daryl thinks the next best chance of documenting it will be tonight and Saturday evening before sunset at ~5:10 p.m. After that, we can expect another prime photo opportunity in late October.

His favorite photo shoot location? The intersection of Arlington, Columbus, and Stuart streets in Back Bay.

Check out the hashtag #Bostonhenge on Instagram to see different sunset angles from talented local photographers. If you share your photos on social media, tag us (@bostoday) so we can admire Boston’s sunset glow with you.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Sara.

Editor’s pick: Remember when Ben Affleck broke the Internet by making an appearance at a Medford Dunkin’? Now we know what’s Ben brewing.

The coffee chain’s first ever Super Bowl commercial will feature the Cambridge native, plus a cameo from his wife J. Lo. I’m not too invested in the whole sports part of this Sunday’s game, but you bet I’ll be tuning in to watch this. ☕

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Learn about Bill Russell’s legacy and make plans to watch the new Netflix documentary.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Jessica Burton, Sara Frazier, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Peter Baldassare | Advertise with us.

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