Springing the clocks forward and the warmer temps have us in the mood for a bit of spring cleaning.
Every year Massachusetts residents and businesses throw away ~230,000 tons of usable textiles, including clothing, footwear, belts, hats, handbags, throw rugs, drapes, towels, sheets, and other linens. Did you know that 95% of these materials can be reused as clothing, repurposed for wiping cloths, or recycled into new fiber-based products?
Before you start that weekend project, remember the old saying: “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” and consider giving those gently used clothes or books a second life. Review this list of places to donate items before tossing everything out.
More Than Words, 242 E. Berkeley St.
Accepts: Books, clothes, movies, music, and video games.
St. Francis House, 39 Boylston St.
Accepts: Clothing, work wear clothing, shoes, and reusable bags.
Cradles to Crayons, 38 drop-off locations
Accepts: Clothing, books, arts and crafts, unopened diapers, and new personal hygiene items.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 1580 VFW Pkwy, West Roxbury
Accepts: Furniture, hardware, home decor, lighting, and building materials.
Rosie’s Place, 889 Harrison Ave.
Accepts: Warm hats, glove + scarf sets, cozy throw blankets, winter socks, and beauty products — including lotions, scrubs, and facial masks
Bonus: the city of Boston’s Reuse and Donation Directory provides a comprehensive list of businesses and organizations that accept reusable items or offer repair services. Recycling is also noted in some cases.
Dropkick Murphys | Friday, March 15-Sunday, March 17 | 7 p.m. | MGM Music Hall at Fenway, 2 Lansdowne St., Boston | Prices vary | Party with the “Shipping Up to Boston” band on St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Après Ski Patio Party | Friday, March 15 | 4-8 p.m. | High Street Place, 100 High St., Boston | Free | Don your Friday flannel or favorite gear, grab a drink from the ice bar, and dance to music by DJ J-Wall & DJ L’Duke.
St. Paddy’s Weekend Celebrations | Friday, March 15-Saturday, March 16 | Times vary | Samuel Adams Boston Brewery, 30 Germania St., Boston | Price of purchase | Order an Irish Nitro Stout or try a Black & Sam’s this holiday weekend.
Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away. | Friday, March 15-Monday, Sept. 2 | The Castle at Park Plaza, 130 Columbus Ave., Boston | $35+ | See the new exhibit on opening weekend.
Saturday, March 16
Stout Fest | Saturday, March 16 | 3-8 p.m. | Lamplighter Broadway, 284 Broadway, Cambridge | Free | This St. Patrick’s Day celebration will toast to dark beer styles and all things green.
Sunday, March 17
Jeff Jam | Sunday, March 17 | 11-11:30 a.m. | Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St., Boston | Free | Jeff Jam brings his guitar and tunes for kids of all ages in the Nook.
St. Patrick’s Day at Bow | Sunday, March 17 | 12 p.m. | Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville | Price of purchase | This family-friendly celebration starts with a 5K and continues with live music, face painting, yard games, and food specials.
Try This: All aboard Boston’s new high riding trolley tours
Presented by a BOStoday Partner
All tours start and finish at the Asylum CoLab in Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall. | Photo by BOStoday team + provided by Improv Asylum
City Editor Jess here — We’ve got the scoop on three new hyper local tours coming soon thanks to the Improv Asylum team. Buckle up, it’s a wild ride.
Beginning in April, the folks behind Improv Asylum are officially launching Asylum Tours, so hop aboard an old school trolley for The Massholes Comedy Tour, the Bliss Bus Cannabis Tour, and The Dragtacular Trolley. Each tour provides miles of entertainment, and trust us, you’ve never had so much fun sitting in Boston traffic. The tours are BYOB and each can accommodate large groups or be rented privately to keep all the laughs to yourself.
What we tried:
Donnie and Mickey from the Massholes Comedy Tour hosted a hilarious and surprisingly historical tour. Our city is teeming with rich history and these improv comedians are ready to show you and your friend the best of Boston, in a uniquely Boston way with wicked fun facts and a touch of sass.
Board the trolley just steps outside the Asylum location in Fanueil Hall Marketplace and go on a journey with the team of locals, from popular tourist spots on the Freedom Trail to Beacon Hill, and the North End to the Rose Kennedy Greenway.
Bonus: There is trivia with sweet treats up for grabs for your road snack. Brush up on your local knowledge, some of the questions even stumped me.
Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.'s new Fenway location is now open at 1 David Ortiz Dr. Plan a visit to try local brews, hard seltzers, and hard smoothies in the two story brewery + taproom. Watch our reel to see what you can expect.
Travel
JetBlue is offering a new direct flight between Boston and Dublin through the end of September. Check out our airport guide on your way to the the Emerald Isle. (WCVB 5)
Concert
“Made You Look” — Meghan Trainor is making a tour stop at the Xfinity Center on Friday, Sept. 20. Presales begin on Tuesday, March 19.
Health
Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women’s hospitals are planning to combine clinical services across its network that serves 2.6+ million patients a year. This process will take place over the next few years and will also create new, disease-focused institutes + help foster to more streamlined care. (Boston Globe)
Coming Soon
Taco John’s is planning to open in Downtown Crossing, into a space at 75 Summer St. This Mexican chain is known for serving tacos, nachos, quesadillas, burritos, refried beans, and Potato Olés — fried potato nuggets with spices and sauce. (Boston Restaurant Talk)
Watch
Waltham resident Mary Cardona-Foster and her father Chris Foster are part of the cast of the new season of “The Amazing Race.” Watch the trailer and see them compete on the reality series.
Shop
Norrøna is opening a 2,600+ sqft storefront at 349 Newbury St. next month. The family-owned Norwegian outdoor brand will serve as a hub for outdoor and mountain sports enthusiasts with an immersive shopping experience and various community events.
Finance
Pro tip: Consolidate debt to lower your payments. Pay off credit cards, medical debt, and more. Calculate your monthly payments.*
The Buy
The Buy 3.15.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
The ultimate car vacuum kit, which plugs right into your car’s 12v aux outlet. The mini vacuum + parts come in a compact case, so you can easily and neatly store them in your trunk.
One of my favorite parts of St. Pat’s weekend — besides visiting Irish pubs to grab a Guinness or two — is filling up on Irish fare. Send your recommendations for the best Shepard’s pie, fish and chips + corned beef and cabbage around the city.
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