06.28.2023

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Today’s Forecast

37º | Sunny | 6% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:12 a.m. | Sunset 4:28 p.m.

Prepare for summer without the Sumner

What to know about the Sumner Tunnel closure

Blue Line pulling into MBTA station in Boston

From the Blue Line to the ferry, here’s how to get to Eastie this summer. | Photo by @trainsfromboston

The Sumner Tunnel, which runs under the Boston Harbor and connects East Boston to the North End, will be closed to traffic from Wednesday, July 5-Thursday, Aug. 31.

Since ~39,000 cars usually drive through the tunnel each day, we’re here to help you navigate the situation without getting stuck in wicked bad traffic (hopefully).

The overview

During the two-month-long closure, traffic will be diverted through signed detour routes.

There are alternative routes for getting into East Boston, like the Callahan Tunnel or Ted Williams Tunnel. Leaving Logan Airport will be a bit trickier — here are the detours MassDOT recommends.

This isn’t the only time the tunnel will close. There will be another two-month shutdown next summer + weekend closures will continue starting on Friday, Sept. 8.

Map of Sumner Tunnel closure summer 2023 — The Callahan Tunnel will remain open for access into East Boston.
|
Map via Mass.gov

The restoration

The reason behind this traffic headache? The 89-year-old tunnel is in need of some major repairs.

This multi-million dollar restoration project first started in the spring of 2022. Once completed, we can expect improvements like a restored overhead arch, the addition of fireproof boards, and new utility conduits + cables.

Travel alternatives

The state is encouraging travelers heading to Logan Airport to “ditch the drive” this summer and take one of these transportation alternatives instead:

MBTA Blue Line — Free throughout the closure.
East Boston Ferry — Free between Lewis Wharf and Long Wharf.
Bus — Additional service on the SL1 (plus, the SL3 provides transportation to Logan).
Logan Express — $3 tickets from Back Bay + free ridership for kids under 17.

Whichever travel plan you choose, allot for plenty of time. The Massachusetts Port Authority is recommending travelers give themselves an additional two hours to get to Logan Airport.

Bonus: Utilize the updated Mass 511 website to see traffic updates in real time.

Events

Wednesday, June 28

Red Sox vs. Marlins | Wednesday, June 28 | 7:10 p.m. | Fenway Park, 4 Yawkey Way, Boston | $32-$159 | Catch the home game against the Miami Marlins at our city’s historic baseball park.
Crawfish Boil | Wednesday, June 28 | 5 p.m. | State Park, 1 Kendall Sq., Cambridge | $70 | Sample the flavors of Louisiana at this Kendall Square patio — a ticket includes ~one pound of crawfish and two drinks.
Community Yoga | Wednesday, June 28 | 6-7 p.m. | Urban Park Roof Garden, 325 Main St., Cambridge | Free | Classes are open to yogis of all skill levels.
Adult Queer Story Hour | Wednesday, June 28 | 7-8 p.m. | All She Wrote Books, 451 Artisan Way, Somerville | Free | The Assembly Row bookstore’s storytelling event will feature a diverse group of storytellers.

Thursday, June 29

The Superette Herb Garden | Thursday, June 29 | 4-6 p.m. | Superette, 131 Seaport Blvd., Boston | Free | Green City Growers will be in the courtyard snipping sprigs of fresh herbs every Thursday.
Harvard Art Museums at Night | Thursday, June 29 | 5-9 p.m. | Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., Cambridge | Free | Mingle with fellow art lovers in the Calderwood Courtyard.
City of Somerville Fireworks Celebration | Thursday, June 29 | 6-10 p.m. | Trum Field, 541 Broadway, Somerville | Free | Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne will count down to the fireworks display at ~9:15 p.m. — the rain date is Friday, June 30.

Friday, June 30

Vacation Sam Release Party | Friday, June 30 | 5-9 p.m. | Samuel Adams Boston Brewery, 30 Germania St., Boston | Price of purchase | Start Independence Day weekend at this beer garden party + sip the Vacation Sam brew.

Saturday, July 1

Stella’s 100th Anniversary Mobile Bistro Pop-Up | Saturday, July 1-Sunday, July 2 | Times vary | Old City Hall, 45 School St., Boston | Free to attend | The national food tour’s Boston stop will provide food samples and giveaways as part of a partnership with The Greater Boston Food Bank.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Beauty

Seriously, no one can mess up this minimalist beauty routine

The viral MERIT Signature Makeup Bag is free with every first purchase. | Photos by MERIT Beauty

10-step skincare routines and makeup tutorials may dominate our social feeds, but the reality? Most of us don’t have time for that.

For us, getting ready means a pared-back beauty routine that we can do on the go — which is exactly why cult-favorite, minimalist beauty brand MERIT created The MERIT Sets: curated routines that help you get everything you need (for less).

Plus, get their chic Signature Makeup Bag free with your first order.

We're looking at you, 'Five Minute Morning' set

News Notes

Biz

Amazon is launching a new delivery service network in Boston called Amazon Hub Delivery. Participating corner stores, florists, and other small businesses will receive ~30 packages a day to deliver to local customers. (Boston Globe)

Community

The Boston Public Library has launched video interpretation services at all library branches to connect visitors to ASL or spoken language interpreters. The service will be used for walk-ins or scheduled appointments with visitors who identify as deaf or hard of hearing.

Open

The Foxborough location of The Harp is now open at Patriot Place. Head south of Boston to sip beers and eat comfort food at the outdoor dining space, featuring views of Gillette Stadium. The restaurant is open seven days a week.

Drink

The Downeast Cider outdoor pop-up is open for the season Tuesdays-Sundays. Now that you know how to get to East Boston this summer, make plans visit the waterfront bar at 256 Marginal St. or head to the cider house for specials like Deep Spring.

Tech

MIT engineers have developed a more absorbent version of hydrogels, which are commonly found in disposable diapers. The material could be used to help communities facing droughts + make air conditioners more energy-efficient. (Boston.com)

Number

41. That’s how many local spots won Wine Spectator’s 2023 Restaurant Awards, from Yvonne’s downtown to Coquette in the Seaport. Browse the full list of Boston metro area winners.

Arts

Start your journey to Mars online from the comfort of home. You can sign up for the Museum of Science’s weekly newsletter, listen to the short form podcast series featuring a NASA Mars Explorations Program scientist, and more. Or plan a trip to the museum to experience the action in person.*

Eat

Experience live music at the Lifted Restaurant at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport. The restaurant has a live DJ on the weekend — plus, take advantage of the “Snap & Tag” promotion. Take a photo of the #GETLIFTED sign, post + tag them on Instagram to get a free dessert with drink or entrée purchase.*

Travel

Dreaming of a trip abroad this summer? Babbel offers lesson plans for 14 different languages spoken throughout the world. Prep for the trip of your dreams with bite-sized, 10-minute lessons that will help you start speaking a new language in just three weeks.*

Sports

🏒 Celebrating the Bruins’ eras

Boston Bruins 2023-2024 season announced

Inside TD Garden for a Boston Bruins game.

Grab your black and yellow gear, Boston. | Photo via @ag3nt_tranc3

The schedule has dropped for the Bruins upcoming 2023-2024 season, and our local NHL team has some exciting events planned for their Centennial year.

The season will begin with a special pregame ceremony before the home opener against Chicago on Wednesday, Oct. 11. Plus, the team is celebrating its 100-year milestone with a new anniversary crest for the jerseys.

The Bruins will also draw a little inspiration from Taylor Swift by hosting five “Era Nights.” Think: Celebrating players and teams from throughout Boston’s hockey history with guest appearances + special promotions.

Curious how the team defines its eras? Fans can expect an homage to “The Early Years” of 1924-1959, a nod to the current “Return of a Champion” era, and three other tributes during five home games.

Tickets for individual games go on sale today at 2 p.m.

See the full schedule

Shop

Travel

Wanna save 40-90% on flights? Sign up for Going — a free travel membership — and you can browse deals immediately (like a $300+ round trip to Barcelona).

Drink

On a water bottle hunt? Amazon’s No. 1 bestselling insulated bottle is the Owala FreeSip — it’s thoughtfully designed, leak proof, and keeps drinks cold.

Outdoors

Decorating tip: Show your patio some love with a cute and colorful area rug. We love this outdoor-friendly geometric green one.

Shop

Looking to support small businesses? Shop our online store, Six & Main, for all of your summer essentials.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Sara

From the editor

I know where my next slice of ‘za is coming from.

Newton’s da LaPosta was crowned the winner of the Boston Pizza Festival over the weekend, which feels like my sign to head over and try the La Campania pizza with broccoli rabe, smoked bufala mozzarella, and dry cured sausage.

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