This old whaling town on Martha’s Island transformed into the town of Amity. | Photo by @crispinhaskinsmvy
It’s almost Shark Week and there is plenty of shark activity off the coast of the Bay State.
Did you know you can help track shark sightings through the Sharktivity App? Public sightings submitted through the app are verified by the New England Aquarium and help increase awareness + promote safety.
While you may not spot any 25-ft mechanical sharks named Bruce, the iconic film “Jaws” wasn’t too farfetched for selecting Massachusetts as the set for the fictional town of Amity.
Rumor has it that Martha’s Vineyard was not the first choice to film “Jaws.” A ferry detour lead prevented the location scout from visiting Nantucket, and they discovered that the Vineyard is pretty jawsome.
The Edgartown Town Hall was built in 1828 and was the location for scenes in the blockbuster movie “Jaws.”
Here are a few fin-tastic facts about four filming locations.
Town Hall
The town hall in the film is the actual town hall for the town of Edgartown, where much of the film was set. It’s still in use today and is open to the public Monday through Friday.
American Legion Memorial Bridge
One of the most memorable “Jaws” locations is the bridge connecting Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. It’s actually referred to in real life as the “Jaws Bridge,” and is a popular location for visitors to jump into the ocean.
Chappy Ferry
This small ferry transports visitors from Edgartown to the island of Chappaquiddick, about 527 ft away. This is the same ferry in the “Jaws” scene where the mayor tried to convince Brody that there is no danger in the water.
Joseph Sylvia State Beach Of course, we had to include the location where all the action goes down. Visitors can brave a swim in the same location where the character Alex Kinter gets bitten by a shark.
Events
Wednesday, July 19
July Brewery Book Club | Wednesday, July 19 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Lamplighter Broadway, 284 Broadway, Cambridge | Free | This month, join the Cambridge Public Library to discuss the novel “How Far the Light Reaches: A life in Ten Sea Creatures” by Sabrina Imbler.
2023 Golf Course Concert Series: Jon Hollywood | Wednesday, July 19 | 6-8 p.m. | George Wright Golf Clubhouse, 402 West St., Hyde Park | Free | The live music kicks off at 6 p.m. to listen to this New England artist.
Thursday, July 20
Art on the Plaza | Thursday, July 20 | 6:30-9 p.m. | MassArt Art Museum, 621 Huntington Ave., Boston | Free | Listen to live music from Veronica Robles All-Women Mariachi Band and make paper lanterns.
Whiskey Saints | Thursday, July 20 | 7-8 p.m. | Boston Harbor Distillery, 12R Ericsson St., Boston | $15-$20 | Doors open at 7 p.m. to listen to this Boston-based rock and blues band.
Friday, July 21
Harvard Square Bastille Day Block Party | Friday, July 21 | 6-10 p.m. | Church Street, Cambridge | Free | This rescheduled block party will feature French wine, French food, and live music.
Saturday, July 22
Glitz & Glam Drag Brunch | Saturday, July 22 | 11 a.m. | Guy Fieri’s Boston Kitchen & Bar, 186 Tremont St., Boston | $30 | Watch performances by Gigi Glam, Sticky, and Jahnelle.
Monday, July 24
Celebrate Shark Week with Jaws at the New England Aquarium | Monday, July 24-Saturday, July 29 | 7-10 p.m. | Simons Theatre, Central Wharf, Boston | $10 | Catch nightly showings of “Jaws” at the New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre for one week only.*
The Parks and Recreation Department has released the 2023-2029 Open Space and Recreation Plan. The plan will guide the city’s open space-related work heading towards 2030 and will inform park improvement projects, expansion, programming, and ongoing policy work.
Theater
Shakespeare on the Common returns to the Boston Common today through Sunday, Aug. 6 for free performances of the classic tragedy, “Macbeth.” Check the schedule before visiting the Parkman Bandstand for a performance. Pro tip: There are VIP options available for purchase.
Closing
Turtle Swamp Brewing announced it will close its doors on Saturday, Aug. 19. Visit the Jamaica Plain taproom for one last pint and enter your visit on the BOStoday Brewery Passport.
Outdoors
The team behind the Emerald TuTu is hosting a behind-the-scenes look at the environmental infrastructure and the projects progress. Meet the researchers on Monday, July 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 172 Condor St., East Boston.
Plan Ahead
The 23rd annual GospelFest concert will take place on Sunday, July 30 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Leader Bank Pavilion. The free event will showcase national and local gospel talent, including Fred Hammond, Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, and the Mayor’s Gospel Choir.
Drink Up
It’s time to select your favorite sip of the summer. Voting is open to determine BOStoday’s Readers Choice in the Sling of the Summer competition. Visit any of the 10 participating locations and cast your vote by Friday, July 21.
Sports
Events
Now playing: Pickleball at Harpoon
The new Pickleball Social Club is located right outside of the Seaport beer hall. | Photo by BOStoday team
Pickleball has been trending in Boston for a while and now there’s a new place to dink while you drink. Visit Harpoon to take a swing on one of the four new pickleball courts inside the Pickleball Social Club.
The outdoor space can hold up to 400 people and features seating, yard games, and restrooms.
Stay fueled for the game with concessions from the Harpoon Kitchen. The pop-up stand offers pretzels, hot dogs, and pizza squares. Pro tip: Try the dill pickle flavored popsicle from WildPops. Of course, there is also plenty of beer available at the Harpoon draft container.
Bonus: More experienced players can check out the Juicer League for competitive matches.
Shop
Shop
Make sure your child’s wardrobe is upgraded this school year with Ducks & Drakes, a clothing company with tall kids at the heart of its designs.
Active
Contemplating an e-bike purchase? Upway — the No. 1 certified e-bike provider — sells top-quality electric bikes up to 60% cheaper than retail.
Eat
Slice and serve your favorite meats + cheeses on this sleek yet durable maple wood cutting board. Bonus: It’s preconditioned with beeswax, linseed, and lemon oil.
Travel
Don’t get stuck paying those pesky airline fees with a bag that exceeds the weight limit. Use this portable luggage scale to save time + money.
The personal papers and notes from the creator of the iconic doll, Ruth Handler, can be viewed at Harvard’s Schlesinger Library. The collection features 35 file boxes filled with handwritten letters, article clippings, drawings, photographs, and videotapes. The items were donated after she died in 2002 and no surprise here — there’s lots of pink.
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