Catch views of Boston Harbor from LoPresti Park. | Photo by @mpyoung11
After 13 straight Saturdays of rain, we might finally have a sunnier weekend in our sights. The forecast is currently calling for a mere 31% chance of rain on Sunday morning, with the rest of the weekend predicted to be “partly cloudy.”
We won’t hold our breath, but we will be ready to jump into one of these parks if the good weather sticks.
For harbor views
Piers Park, 95 Marginal St.
This Eastie park is located in the Jeffries Point neighborhood. There’s an amphitheater, an outdoor fitness system, a large playground, and a 600-ft walkway connecting two pavilions.
South Boston Maritime Park, 600 D. St.
Award-winning and located just off Northern Avenue. We love it for the shaded lawn, fountain, public art displays, and a seasonal daytime cafe.
For nature lovers
Alewife Brook Reservation, Alewife Brook Parkway, Cambridge
Take the T to Alewife Station for a day of fishing, hiking, and strolling this urban forest. The wildlife sanctuary is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway
This botanical research institution and museum of trees is the oldest public arboretum in North America. Learn about plants and mark your calendar for a talk on flowering trees this Sat., June 21.
We have Frederick Law Olmsted to thank for so many of our green spaces.
Back Bay Fens, 100 Park Dr.
This mix of formal and community gardens, ball fields, memorials, and historic structures is part of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy. Visit to see the Kelleher Rose Garden, and the “Victory Garden,” planted in 1941 to provide fruits and vegetables during the war.
Ramler Park, 130 Peterborough St.
Hidden in the Fenway neighborhood, this quaint green space has plenty of seating for a family picnic. There are also various trees, plants, and flowers to explore (read: home to lots of birds and wildlife).
Ready to visit these and 21 other parks? We’ve created this handy map. Plus, check out Urbnparks for even more local green spaces to explore.
Thursday, June 18 “Hello Dolly!” | Now through Sunday, June 22 | Show times vary | Lyric Stage | $66+ | See this local staging of the beloved 1964 musical.
Saturday, June 21 Born This Way (Lady Gaga Drag Brunch) | 11 a.m. + 2 p.m. | Citrus & Salt, Southie | $25 tickets + cost of purchase | Get ready to belt out your favorite Lady Gaga hits alongside Gaga-inspired cocktails and brunch tapas.
Sunday, June 22 Lo-Fi Sundays at Pepita | 8 a.m. | Lamplighter Broadway, Cambridge | Cost of purchase | According to the website, chill, ambient music sets the vibe.
Friday, June 27 Toronto Blue Jays vs. Boston Red Sox | Friday, June 27-Sunday, June 29 | Times vary | Fenway Park | $53+ | Don’t be late to Sunday’s afternoon game where the first few fans will receive a free co-branded Celtics and Red Sox basketball jersey that features No. 34, better known as David Ortiz.
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Rest stops across Massachussetts are undergoing repairs and renovations. MASSDOT has awarded a 35-year contract to Applegreen. See what people are asking for.(The Boston Globe)
Eat
3.3%. That’s how much the price of bananas rose in May, according to Consumer Price Index data. The good news is that it’s peach season anyway, and you can find plenty at local farmers markets. And it could be worse — remember the $6.24 million banana duct taped to a wall? (Axios)
Legacy
Nina Kucsik, who won the first official Boston Marathon women’s race in 1972, died on Wednesday. Unofficially, she ran in the marathon four times between 1968 and 1971. (WBUR)
Try This
McDonald’s is blending a new treat this summer: the Hershey’s S’mores McFlurry made with chocolate, graham crackers, marshmallows, and vanilla soft serve ice cream. If this isn’t what you’re craving, grab a bite at a local spot with $15 lunch deals.
Tech
1.1 million. That’s how many Nintendo Switch 2 units were sold in its first week, breaking the record for launch week video game hardware sales. If you weren’t able to get one, don’t worry, it’s not the only source of summer fun in Boston. (Game Rant)
Stat
Have you clocked in yet? According to recent data, 40% of people online at 6 a.m. are checking their work email. If that’s you, this is our gentle suggestion to put your phone down and come back after you’ve gotten some coffee. (Microsoft)
Number
$0. That’s how much it costs to post unlimited job listings on BOStoday’s Job Board. Try it now + get connected with top local talent.
Back Bay just got a little sweeter. Van Leewen is celebrating their newest location opening at Lyrik with $1 scoops, and @kw_bites was on the scene. The NYC-based ice cream chain has locations in 14 states — with a new Fenway location planned to open later this year.
See the traffic whizzing along the Zakim bridge from Paul Revere Park. | Photo by @thechrisdk
Picked your perfect park? Make the most out of your experience with our favorite items for a relaxing day outside:
Is there anything quite like sitting in the shade and enjoying a good book? Check out our guide to books by local authors to help choose your next great read.
The Kindle Paperwhite is a lightweight e-reader option that stands up to bright sunlight.
A good water bottle keeps you hydrated — we’re big fans of the best-selling Owala FreeSip + this insulated stackable tumbler from Asheville NC-based retailer Pirani.
These sunglasses from Nordstrom Rack are available at discount prices + have a style for everyone.
Keep it all together in a handy tote bag — these adorable tote bags are all crafted by small businesses and local makers.
The Buy
Tatcha’s top-rated serum stick. It visibly reduces fine lines, locks in moisture, and promotes healthier, more radiant skin. Bonus: Pair it with the brand’s best-selling and award-winning water cream moisturizer.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.