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JQ Louise

JQ Louise

Editor of Time Out Boston

JQ Louise is the Editor for Time Out Boston. 

As a lifelong New Englander, JQ has always been passionate about sharing her insider tips and tricks for visiting Boston and beyond. 

Prior to joining Time Out, JQ was a travel contributor for Forbes and the Food Writer for the Boston Herald. She is also the author of Boston Food Crawls (Rowman 2018).

She also loves bringing her followers around the world with her on social media, so be sure to follow her on Instagram @jqlouise

Articles (173)

Best holiday teas in and around Boston

Best holiday teas in and around Boston

Can you imagine a better destination than Boston to celebrate tea this holiday season? This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. We all know the story about the colonists tossing 340 chests of tea weighing over 92,000 pounds into Boston Harbor. But do you know the best spots to enjoy tea in town today? We’ve curated a list of spots for everyone who wants to don their holiday best and enjoy a spot of tea with scrumptious seasonal sweets from the top tearooms in and around the city. And perhpas afterwards you will be in a festive mood to check out the best Christmas lights in town or go ice skating and we have got you covered on those fronts as well! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

24 best restaurants with fireplaces in Boston to get cozy

24 best restaurants with fireplaces in Boston to get cozy

To say Boston can be brutal during the winter is an understatement. When the January winds are whirling, it’s easy to say “no way” to leaving your apartment for the blistering cold. But some of Boston's hottest restaurants are anchored by cozy, warm environments that include a roaring fireplace to warm up beside, and that’s enough to get us away from the couch. Here’s a roundup of some of the best spots to grab a seat by the crackling fire and enjoy a delectable meal. To find warmth without the flames, nestle into one of the best cocktail bars in Boston or best wine bars in Boston. For other spots worthy of wooing, try one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston or one of the best dessert spots in Boston. A cozy cocktail, hearty meal and decadent dessert await, as you sit out the chilly temps happily by the hearth. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

Best Boston New Year's Eve Events 2024

Best Boston New Year's Eve Events 2024

Prepped with cheers, bottles of bubbly, and a kiss at midnight, New Year’s Eve is all about new possibilities and the excitement of what’s to come. Beyond belting out a rendition of “Auld Lang Syne,” Boston will be buzzing with activities on December 31 all poised to help you ring in the new year in style. Take in one (or all) of the unique celebrations in the city tailored to every personality. From epic parties with live music to quiet romantic dinners with a champagne toast to early kid-friendly activities - we’ve found the best ways to put 2023 in your rear view and say hello to 2024. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to New Year’s Eve in Boston

15 best speakeasy bars in Boston

15 best speakeasy bars in Boston

Maybe it’s the history, rooted in the wild 1920s, behind speakeasies that make them seem so romantic and mysterious. Or maybe it’s the feeling of doing something a little bit naughty (even though Prohibition ended back in 1933) by knocking on a secret door and knowing a password. Whatever the reason, we love a good speakeasy! Luckily, our city has quite a number of discreet spots that serve legal drinks while replicating that speakeasy vibe. Below, find our guide to the best basements, nooks and hidden spots that welcome in-the-know imbibers.  RECOMMENDED: See the full list of the best bars in Boston

Where to order Thanksgiving takeout in Boston

Where to order Thanksgiving takeout in Boston

When it comes to Thanksgiving, adding in a little ease to the game is definitely something to be thankful for. Instead of popping out of bed at sunrise to pop the 20-pounder in the oven to be ready for mealtime, let the pros around Boston do it for you. If you don’t want to stress about dressing the bird, preparing a parade of side dishes, and baking a pile of pies, a number of restaurants around Boston are coming to the rescue with full Thanksgiving dinners to-go. Whether it’s a full feast or a la carte sides to supplement your spread, you can order these festive takeout from these local eateries ahead of time. Don’t want to celebrate at home? Dine out at one of the best restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner in Boston and check out the best ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Boston. Recommended: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

The best Boston Christmas lights

The best Boston Christmas lights

There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than elaborate displays of glimmering holiday lights, so let’s get jolly over festive decor! We found gorgeous lights displays, tastefully decorated trees and more all around The Hub and beyond. Get ready to drink in lights in town, or take a day trip to celebrate the sparkliest season! To complete your Yuletide experience, lace up at one of the best places for ice skating in Boston, warm yourself with a cup of the best hot chocolate in Boston, check out the best holiday markets in Boston—and then enjoy these beautiful holiday light displays. RECOMMENDED: See the full Christmas in Boston guide

The 12 best flower delivery services in Boston

The 12 best flower delivery services in Boston

Ahhh, that anniversary is around the corner. A day many actually forget – despite saying they never will. But we're here to remind you in advance, so why not celebrate your partner this year by sending them a bunch of flowers right to their door? Online flower delivery sites offer an array of arrangements that would be fitting for any occasion and personality. From local, sustainable shops to brands that offer nationwide shipping, below is a list of our favorite flower delivery services in Boston. And check out a list of our favorite florists in Boston if you'd prefer to pick them up in person. 💞 Full guide to Valentine’s Day in Boston💐The best online flower delivery services in Massachusetts This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The best Irish pubs in Boston

The best Irish pubs in Boston

Irish watering holes can be found in almost every city in the country, but historically speaking, Boston’s strong population of Irish immigrants and their descendants has meant that our city is better at it than everywhere else. We’ve got Irish pride – and pubs – to spare.  Not only do the best Irish pubs in Boston offer affordable pints of beer—properly poured—and a lively atmosphere, but some also double as the best sports bars around town, with TV screens that let you and your pals gather to down a few rounds as you watch the big game. Many also serve praiseworthy comfort food and host some of the best trivia nights or live music found throughout the Hub. Grab a friend or two, order a swig of whiskey and prepare yourself for a night of pure, unadulterated fun at these spots. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in boston

The best things to do in Boston this weekend

The best things to do in Boston this weekend

We are full steam ahead to the holidays. Looking for the best Christmas lights or the coziest restaurants in town? Well we have got you covered. But there are also plenty of fun things going on to keep us all busy this weekend in the city and nearby. But if nothing on this list sounds about right, check out the best cheap things to do or the best free things to do in Boston for fun all month long. When all else fails, rally up all of your friends for a boozy night out at one of the best bars in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

10 best Boston Christmas and holiday gifts

10 best Boston Christmas and holiday gifts

Shopping small and shopping local have come a long way in the last decade—and these New England creations are the proof. From practical to pampering, our list covers Boston gifts for even the hardest to buy for. Choose from sweet treats to facial treatments, even to a personal styling session. Keep reading for our best Christmas holiday gift finds in and around Boston. And if somehow nothing here strikes your fancy, you can always consider a gift card to one of the best restaurants in Boston or a membership to one of the best museums in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

The best places for snowboarding near Boston

The best places for snowboarding near Boston

When you can’t beat winter, join it—and a lot of Bostonians do, hitting the slopes and snowboarding during the colder months. With our city’s easy access to the rest of New England, there’s never a powder-covered peak too far away. Most of the best places to ski and snowboard near Boston are within a few hours away, perfect for just a day trip or for a full weekend getaway. These snowboarding spots offer options for all skill levels, complete with lessons for boarders who are just getting their bearings. To find more adventure this season, check out our list of the best winter day trips from Boston and your options for awesome sledding and tubing in our area.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

12 best wine bars in Boston

12 best wine bars in Boston

In a city with bars on every block, it can be tough to determine which spots are worth their weight. But when it comes to wine, Boston’s scene is thriving. It’s filled with unique, inspiring spots helmed by sommeliers who know their stuff and are eager to educate the rest of us. Many of the best restaurants in Boston proudly maintain notable, wine programs, and several offer bars and lounges where you can explore their wine lists without committing to a full dinner. But if cocktails are more your thing, check out our list of the best cocktail bars in Boston or perhaps for the craft brew lover, the best beer bars in Boston. For oenophiles, however, these wine bars and restaurants offer Boston’s best opportunity to taste great wine this season. RECOMMENDED: See the full list of the best bars in Boston

Listings and reviews (13)

Time Out Market Boston

Time Out Market Boston

Like some variety when you go out to eat? Time Out Market Boston has you covered. Boston's first contemporary culinary hub boasts a tantalizing variety of curated food offerings, two top-notch bars and lots more. There is plenty of seating—both indoors and on a roomy, sun-splashed patio with lots of heaters—and some of the biggest culinary names in Boston are delivering a varied assortment of delicious dishes and 'Gram-worthy bites. Housed in the 401 Park Drive building, an Art Deco masterpiece built in 1929 as a Sears, Roebuck and Company warehouse, Time Out Market Boston follows in the footsteps of the wildly popular Time Out Market Lisbon, which opened in 2014 and is now Portugal’s most visited attraction with more than four million visitors annually.

Table - Time Out Market

Table - Time Out Market

Table Caffé is a North End favorite for gelato and is the sweetest offering from founder Jen Royal. Chef-owner of TABLE Restaurant, Mercato & Caffé in the North End, Jen has continued to push the boundaries to offer people a place to come together over food. Table Caffé’s homemade gelato brings a little bit of the North End here to Fenway and it couldn’t be the sweeter treat. 

Fairmont Copley Plaza

Fairmont Copley Plaza

The Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston is truly a sight to behold. From the moment you step into the hotel's lobby, you are transported to another world. The stunning lobby is a true masterpiece, with its high ceilings, intricate molding, and sparkling chandeliers. One of the things that really sets the Fairmont Copley Plaza apart is the attention to detail. Starting in the lobby, its plush seating areas, gorgeous marble floors, and stunning artwork on the walls make it a grand place to start off any trip to Boston. Whether you're here for a business meeting, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, you'll feel instantly at home in this luxurious space. What's truly remarkable about the lobby at the Fairmont Copley Plaza is how it manages to strike the perfect balance between grandeur and warmth. Despite its opulence, the space feels welcoming and inviting, with a rare sense of intimacy in a hotel of this size. One of the standout features of the lobby is the iconic lobby clock, a beloved Boston landmark that has been a fixture in the hotel since it first opened its doors in 1912. The clock is a symbol of the hotel's history and its connection to the city, and it serves as a reminder of the timeless elegance that is at the heart of the Fairmont Copley Plaza experience. The rooms in the hotel are classic, yet bright. Opt for a room with a view of Copley Plaza and you will feel a part of the action. Also, make time to dine or at least grab drinks at OAK Long Bar + Kitchen. Often

St Patrick’s Day Parade Boston 2023: Date, Time, Route

St Patrick’s Day Parade Boston 2023: Date, Time, Route

Boston is basically the capital of Irish America... and Southie is the Irish capital of Boston. Thousands of people throw on anything green and head down to South Boston to celebrate St. Patrick’s each year. The day kicks off with a time-honored “St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast”, where politicians sing Irish drinking songs, recite limericks and roast their opponents. This local ritual sets the stage for one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the U.S., complete with floats, marching bagpipers and of course lots of politicians, many of whom actually have Irish blood in their veins. Pubs along the route and throughout Boston overflow with merrymakers and holligans all day long—so be prepared. Be sure to check out our list of other St. Patrick’s Day Events in Boston, keep our list of the best Irish pubs in Boston handy and peruse our list of the best burgers in Boston for a place to soak up everything up when the night comes to an end. When is the St. Patrick's Day Parade? Sunday, March 19, 2022 at 1pm. Where is the St. Patrick's Day Parade? The parade takes place in South Boston. It starts at West Broadway and Dorchester Ave, continues along West Broadway to East Broadway, then turns and heads back west, ending on Dorchester Ave. See the official map of the St. Patrick's Day Parade    Other tips *Will it be cold or warm? It's always a crapshoot. Wear layers and don’t forget your green! *Alcohol is not allowed along the route. Keep it at the bars or your house parties. Po

1928 Beacon Hill

1928 Beacon Hill

5 out of 5 stars

1928 Beacon Hill is a new hidden gem on Beacon Hill run by Chef Victor Valencia. Located half a block up from Charles St. on Mt. Vernon, this spot feels as if it has always been there, which is the key to the making of a new classic. The prohibition era cocktails served in a speakeasy-style space is just the place you will want to cozy up in every Friday night.

Faccia Brutta

Faccia Brutta

Chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette recently added an Italian-inspired restaurant to their fantastic local line-up (Coppa, Toro, Little Donkey), and we’re so glad they did. The seafood inspired menu utilizes fresh ingredients, including in-season produce from the Copley Square Farmers Market. The spacious Back Bay restaurant serves coastal delights including a half dozen crudos, grilled Scituate lobster and an excellent selection of spritzes.

Florina Pizza

Florina Pizza

4 out of 5 stars

Located at the foot of Beacon Hill, Florina serves up extra large pizzaa and sandwiches. Cheese pizza by the slice is $3.75 and a very hefty “That Sandwich”, which is made with breaded chicken, prosciutto, roasted red pepper & fresh mozzarella with white balsamic vinaigrette is $12.25. Barstool Sports, “El Pres,” said in his review on Barstool “it’s a very traditional” quality pizza and we have to agree. 

Ducali Pizzeria & Bar

Ducali Pizzeria & Bar

4 out of 5 stars

The North End is home to many pizza places, and we all have our favorites, but Ducali Pizza is especially worth a visit because they have a full cocktail list. So not only can you enjoy lots of delicious and creative pizzas, but you can also enjoy a spritz or two as well. Only downside is they don’t sell slices, you have to buy a full pizza, but there are small personal sized pizzas starting at $10 each and large pizzas starting at $18 for cheese. 

Next Door

Next Door

4 out of 5 stars

Next Door is another amazing speakeasy that opened this year in Boston. Located in Eastie, just a short walk from the Maverick T stop on the Blue Line, it is accessible no matter which neighborhood you live in. The entrance is just behind Pazza on Porter, and you must know the secret code to get in. Once you enter, you feel as if you have stepped back in time. The chic bar and over the top cocktails make it a wonderful place to spend an evening.

Wicked

Wicked

This is the last weekend that Broadway in Boston will present Wicked at the Citizens Bank Opera House. This classic cannot be missed! Please note that attendees are currently required to wear face masks except when eating or drinking. Show times: Friday 8PM Saturday 2PM Saturday 8PM Sunday 1PM

ICA Summer Sessions

ICA Summer Sessions

On select Fridays in July and August the ICA is hosting an evening of art and live music from 6-9PM. Admission to ICA Summer Sessions is included with a general admission museum ticket, and are always free for members to attend. And if you visit the museum during the day you can come back that evening as long as you keep your ticket!  This Friday July 22nd will feature music by Lilah! Get tickets here.

Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience

Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience

Boston Lights is an interactive experience at Franklin Park Zoo that is sure to impress visitors with more than 55 large-scale displays made up of hundreds of colorful lanterns. The lanterns create luminous scenes from the rainforest, whimsical ocean displays with creatures of the deep, glowing corridors of lotus and bamboo, traditional Asian lanterns and a stunning 66-foot-long rose corridor. There is even a stunning 82-foot-long “octopus tunnel” that is sure to surprise and delight guests of all ages.

News (315)

Snowport is officially open in the Seaport for the holidays in Boston

Snowport is officially open in the Seaport for the holidays in Boston

The holiday season is officially upon us, and one of our favorite Boston musts has returned as well. On Friday, Snowport returned to the Seaport, and it’s bigger and better than ever. What is Snowport? Every winter, the Seaport neighborhood is transformed into a winter wonderland with activities, a tree lighting celebration, trimmings and trees to take home and, of course, an enormous holiday market packed with everything you’ll need under the tree from local makers. You also might spot the Snowport’s resident mascot, Betty the Yeti! What can I buy at the holiday market? Just about anything you’d want! This year, Snowport’s market will offer over 120 vendors, with 60% of them being local to New England, and 71% being minority and/or women-owned. The market offers unique art, accessories, jewelry, home decor, gourmet treats and more.  Some vendors include hot sauce makers Hillside Harvest, handmade gifts from Wyllo Market, Norwood based leather maker Greylock, maple syrup from Maine by Crystal Rock Maple and more. You can find a full list of participating merchants here. What about food and drink at Snowport? There’s plenty to eat and drink at a 10,000-square-foot heated tent with beer garden-style seating and fire pits to cozy up to. There will be four holiday-themed bars available, including the bell-decked Jingle Bar and the Dizzy Dreidel, featuring spinning dreidel decorations. To eat, you’ll find favorites like Tuscan Kitchen serving pizza and meatballs, Baked Cheese Haus

8 holiday dishes with special family ties at Time Out Market Boston

8 holiday dishes with special family ties at Time Out Market Boston

The holidays provide a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and pass down cherished family food traditions across generations. Sharing these special dishes create lasting memories for all of us and at Time Out Market Boston our chefs are sharing the inspiration behind some seasonal dishes that we can enjoy this year. Union Square Donuts Strawberry Sufganiyot Photograph: Courtesy Christina Hickey, for Time Out Boston Union Square Donuts co-owners and brothers Josh & Noah Danoff grew up in Amherst, MA celebrating Hanukkah with their family. They have always looked forward to their favorite sweet treat this time of year: Strawberry Sufganiyot. This traditional jelly filled donuts tossed in snow-sugar were a staple on their holiday table to be shared with family and friends. When they launched Union Square Donuts as adults, this was one donut that was sure to make the menu. Josh & Noah are proud that they can share their sweet tradition with families across the Boston area and help new families carry on a beautiful Hanukkah tradition. So next time you are in the Market, save room for this sweet treat. Michael Schlow's Italian Kitchen Rasta Pasta Photograph: Courtesy Christina Hickey, for Time Out Boston Rasta Pasta is a dish that has been around for a while thanks to D'Angelo Doyle at Michael Schlow’s Italian Kitchen. But over the past few years, it has really gotten popular. Rasta Pasta brings back memories of home for Chef D'Angelo Doyle. He was born in Barbados where these s

Take a staycation in Harvard Square at the Charles Hotel this season

Take a staycation in Harvard Square at the Charles Hotel this season

With the weather cooling and the holidays upon us, it might be time to book a cozy staycation right across the river at the absolutely cozy Charles Hotel. Perched right in Harvard Square, the Charles offers a one-of-a-kind, uniquely Cambridge experience. Where is the Charles Hotel? Located roughly 15 minutes from Logan airport – Boston traffic permitting – the Charles Hotel is steps from the Charles river, John F. Kennedy Memorial Park and Harvard Square, along with all the dining, entertainment and culture in the area. Spend the day scouring book shops, poking into eclectic shops and strolling the quaint streets around Cambridge. What are the rooms at the Charles Hotel like? Photograph: Courtesy Charles Hotel Deceptively large, the cozy hotel has a total of 295 rooms, with 46 of them being suites. Recently redone, they’re furnished in modern shaker furniture with board and batten paneled walls, plaid carpeting and lots of windows. The beds are covered in super plush Frette linens, perfect for cuddling under with your special someone. The bathrooms feature walk-in rain showers and some have large marble soaking bathtubs, for a relaxing soak post walk about town. Photograph: Courtesy Charles Hotel Dining at the Charles Hotel While there are dozens of highly rated restaurants and bars in Cambridge, you absolutely do not need to leave the Charles for a meal. The recently opened Bar Enza, helmed by chef Tony Susi, is one of the top restaurants in the greater Boston area, and

Colonnade Boston offering pictures with Santa for your pet

Colonnade Boston offering pictures with Santa for your pet

Here's a way to support local animal adoptions, and get a cute photo with your pet at the same time this season in Boston.  Spoiling pets like they are our children is the way for many Bostonions, so why wouldn’t they get a photo with Santa? The Colonnade Hotel is making that easier this year, by bringing back a timeless, pet-friendly holiday tradition this December season with "Picture Your Pet with Santa." The best part? Proceeds from the jolly photo sessions will go to the MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center. Can I get a picture even if I’m not a hotel guest? Yes! Anyone is welcome, just reserve a spot. Just get your dog on a leash or your kitty in a carrier (this would be a bold move!) and head over. The event is open to hotel guests, neighbors and anyone else who wants to get a photo of their companion animal with St. Nick. Where and when is the pet photo session? The photo sessions will take place Friday, December from 12 to 2pm, at the Colonnade Hotel in Back Bay, which is a pet friendly hotel that offers a VIPets program for visiting dogs and cats. The cost is a $20 donation to the MSPCA, and can you secure your spot in advance here, or walk in that day.  Photos will be available digitally via email and in print – this one should be a framer! – that day, so no need to wait for anything to come in the mail. Are there treats for my pet during the photo session? The Colonnade’s restaurant, Lucie Drink + Dine, will be serving hot chocolate and sweets for the humans who

The Friends coffee shop is open on Newbury Street in Boston

The Friends coffee shop is open on Newbury Street in Boston

Here’s something we wouldn’t have predicted happening in Boston: A Friends-inspired Central Perk coffee house opened on Newbury Street. Yes, a coffeehouse inspired by the iconic New York City based show will be serving a selection of traditional coffees, cold brews, and specialty drinks made with artisanal coffee blends from Central Perk Coffee Co. to coffee-loving Bostonians.  What does Central Perk look like? Photograph: Courtesy Brian Nevins The 2,600 square foot space was designed by award-winning architecture and interior design firm Glen & Company, and features a modern version of the iconic orange couch, outdoor seating (that you may have spotted if you’ve walked down Newbury lately) and plenty of other Friends inspired spaces to take fun photos and videos. The shop will also feature nods to the series and your favorite characters,  such as artwork and coffee cup sleeves featuring iconic quotes from each of the six Friends. On opening day, Central Perk Coffeehouse will use a Chandler Bing “Can I Interest You in a Sarcastic Comment” sleeve on all coffee served, in honor of the life of cast member Matthew Perry. The company delayed their opening after Perry's death in October.  What does Central Perk serve? Photograph: Courtesy Brian Nevins The shop's menu will be very familiar to fans of the show with coffee from the Central Perk line, and feature names that play on lines from the show. How You Doin’?, a medium roast blend; Pivot Blend, the medium to dark roast; the

Chef Michael Schlow and Mighty Squirrel Brewing Company team up for a special dinner

Chef Michael Schlow and Mighty Squirrel Brewing Company team up for a special dinner

Chef Michael Schlow and Mighty Squirrel Brewing Company are teaming up for a special dinner next week at Time Out Market Boston. The pair are hosting a beer dinner in support of the Greg Hill Foundation on November 16 6:30-9:30pm. According to the team at Mighty Squirrel, "Mighty Squirrel is thrilled to partner with our friends at Time Out Market Boston, and we are honored for the opportunity to work with Chef Michael Schlow to bring folks a special beer pairing experience.” Photograph: Clark DouglasMimi's famous meatballs   The dinner will feature a 4-course menu from Michael Schlow's Italian Kitchen, with beer pairings for each course from local craft brewer, Mighty Squirrel Brewing Company. “Experience four exciting courses carefully curated by Chef Michael Schlow accompanied by our hand-crafted beers brewed locally at our brewery & taproom in nearby Waltham, MA. Taste styles will range from Belgian-inspired, to a refreshing and fruity sour, a hearty pumpkin ale, and a couple of our juicy and aromatic New England IPAs. You won't want to miss it!" says the team at Mighty Squirrel. Time Out Market Boston is hosting these special beer dinners each month where one of our talented chefs crafts a 4-course meal paired with our favorite local brews. And the best part is that each dinner supports an amazing cause, the Greg Hill Foundation, which is a local charity that "responds to immediate requests for assistance, to improve the lives of local families touched by tragedy". Seat

Lord Hobo and J.P. Licks team up for an ice cream beer

Lord Hobo and J.P. Licks team up for an ice cream beer

What do Bostonions love more than beer and ice cream? J.P. Licks and Lord Hobo Brewing are hoping it’s both at the same time, in two new chocolate and mint creations. The two beloved brands have come together to create a limited-edition beer that recreates the flavors of chocolate mint ice cream. The collaborative brew is a rich stout infused with lactose for a velvety, full-bodied experience. They brands promise the brew has bursts of refreshing mint and chocolate and creamy vanilla undertones. Courtesy If a chocolate mint beer doesn’t get you excited, there’s more good news! The ice cream maker will be releasing their new chocolate mint ice cream in celebration of the collaboration at all 17 of their locations. The indulgent ice cream combines rich chocolate with a refreshing mint, and we’re not above trying them both at the same time. If you’d like to do the same, head to Lord Hobo’s Woburn Taproom on November 17th, running from 5 to 11pm. They’ll be serving  beer floats featuring the chocolate mint ice cream stout and the chocolate mint ice cream and offering complimentary ice cream tastings. They’ll also host a raffle, and by J.P. Licks' beloved cow mascot, Clementine, is set to make an appearance. Courtesy Both Lord Hobo and J.P. Licks are locally owned businesses, with Lord Hobo headquartered at their 400 seat brewery in Woburn. You can also enjoy Lord Hobo at their newer location in the Seaport. J.P. Licks has 17 locations making homemade ice cream in Massachusett

MBTA announces we can no longer recharge CharlieCards online

MBTA announces we can no longer recharge CharlieCards online

We’re not really sure why it seems as though the MBTA is the most frustrating public transit system in the country, but their latest move seems to cement that status. On November 15, after 8am, the MyCharlie site, which many Bostonians use to reload their CharlieCards from home, will be shut down.  MBTA is shutting down the MyCharlie website This is according to the MBTA’s official website, which explains that the MyCharlie site will be shutting down and a new site will relaunch that  they claim will be “more accessible and easier to use.” The new site does promise some great features, and you’ll be able to: Register multiple cards and see them all in one place, protect your CharlieCard balance against loss, theft, or damage (no details on how that works yet), quickly request replacement cards and sign up for automatic payments. Also, if you have a MyCharlie account the information will be transferred to the new site but you’ll need to sign up for auto-pay if you want to continue recurring payments.  Where can I reload my CharlieCard? What you can’t do is reload your CharlieCard. Commuters expressed their frustration on social media, making very good points. A poster on X, formerly known as Twitter, wrote “You can’t buy/add value to a CharlieCard online, at home, anytime. But you can wait in line, at a machine, fumbling with physical cards. Just in time for winter. We pay people to make decisions like this?”  Here’s where you can go on the T and more While this move, and rece

What is on the Massachusetts 2023 ballot?

What is on the Massachusetts 2023 ballot?

Today is election day in America and in Boston we have lots of important races. So keep reading to get all your information on how to vote, where to vote and what the ballot questions are all about in Massachusetts so you can be informed and have your voice heard today and all year long.  When is election day 2023 in Massachusetts? General election day is on November 7 across the country. Photograph: Shutterstock Are there any Massachusetts ballot questions? This year there are no ballot questions, because in Massachusetts there are only questions on the ballot every other year.    Where can I vote? For more info on how to register to vote, where to find your polling place and more information on voting in Massachusetts head to Mass.gov. What do I need to bring to vote? First time voting in Boston or in Massachusetts in general? You do not need to bring anything with you to vote. If you are registered to vote, you just show up give your name and address to the volunteer at the desk checking people in, they hand you a ballot and you vote! It is as simple as it gets. In many polling places there will be separate tables to receive you ballot based on the street name of where you live, for example street names from A-M at one table and N-Z at another table. But you do not need to bring anything with you to vote.  How late do the polls stay open in Boston? Polls are open from 7am-8pm on November 7. So there is still plenty of time to vote today. Where should you go to celebrate

Boston finally has a Topgolf

Boston finally has a Topgolf

Despite winter’s upcoming chilly temps and whipping winds, avid golfers can now breathe a sigh of relief. Topgolf is finally open in Canton, giving visitors a way to work around New England’s nasty weather and improve their swing for the spring, and all not too far from Boston. Where is the new Topgolf near Boston? The brand new golfing complex is the franchise's first location in Massachusetts and the second in New England (there’s a Topgolf location in Cranston, R.I.). "There's been a ton of excitement within the Topgolf family about this venue opening, and we're so excited to see it come to life," Topgolf's chief operating officer, Gen Gray, said in a statement. Everything to know about Topgolf Whether you bring your own or you use their complimentary clubs, the three-story facility has something for every golfer of every level - kids included. For those who prefer to simply practice their swing, the location includes 90 climate-controlled heated hitting bays, with HDTVs in every one. More than just the traditional ranges, Topgolf also allows players to earn points by aiming for giant targets for more realistic play time. Bonus: the high-tech micro-chipped balls score themselves, and Toptracer technology allows you to see a real-time trace of your ball's flight path as well as insights into speed, distance, angle and accuracy. The venue also boasts a sports bar and restaurant inside, along with a 28-foot video wall and 100-plus HDTVs throughout. The menu is full of shareab

How to take an MBTA Commuter Rail train to a Patriots game at Gillette Stadium

How to take an MBTA Commuter Rail train to a Patriots game at Gillette Stadium

Heading to Gillette Stadium for a Patriots game, concert, or any other event? Sidestep the hassle of driving and arrive hassle-free in Foxboro by taking an MBTA Commuter Rail train to Gillette Stadium. We have gathered all the information that you need to know to make your trip a breeze if you are planning on heading to a game in person, but if you want to stay closer to home check out our guide to the best sports bars to watch the next big game. Which train do I take to get to Gillette Stadium? The station you want to get off at is “Foxboro”, which is located within the grounds of Gillette Stadium. There are two options available in terms of trains to take: taking the Franklin/Foxboro Line, a regular Commuter Rail service with multiple stops along the way, or opting for an event train to Foxboro station, otherwise known as the ‘Patriots Train’. What do I need to know about the Franklin/Foxboro Line? The Franklin/Foxboro Line is a regular Commuter Rail service, which leaves from South Station in Boston and has lots of other stops along the way. One-way tickets from South Station to Foxboro station are $8.75. You can purchase tickets through the mTicket app or at a fare vending machine in Boston. The $10 Commuter Rail Weekend Pass and Commuter Rail Monthly Pass can also both be used on this line. How can I take the special ‘Patriots Train’? Also known as ‘events trains’, the Patriots Trains are timed to match up with the game times, so sometimes these are better options than t

Boston’s best chocolatier comes to Fenway

Boston’s best chocolatier comes to Fenway

Hilliards Chocolates has launched at Time Out Market Boston. So, if you are still trying to satisfy your sweet tooth even after Halloween, swing by the Market to check out all their goodies. Hilliards Chocolates is among New England’s leading makers of artisan chocolates and specialty candies. Founded in 1924, the family-run business upholds a century-long tradition of crafting chocolates by hand using top-notch ingredients. Hilliards offers classic favorites along with an ever-evolving selection of innovative confections that embrace culinary trends and satisfy a more adventurous sweet tooth.  Photograph: Courtesy Hilliards Today, the founders' great granddaughters, Maegan and Erin, carry on this sweet legacy, and we are lucky to have a taste of Hilliards Chocolates here at the Market.  According to Erin Hilliard, “My sister and I had such a blast doing the pop-up at Valentine’s Day earlier this year. The space has such a great energy, and the customers loved our product, so when another opportunity came up, we knew we had to jump on it. The customers are already going bananas for our caramel apples!” The Hilliards pop up will be open at the Market through Valentine’s Day 2024 and offers seasonal chocolate gifts, small batch caramels, copper kettle fudge, gummy candies, toffees, brittles, artisan truffles, chocolate bars and more. Photograph: Courtesy Hilliards   Right now, the favorites are the caramel apples, pumpkin fudge and turkey chocolate lollipops! But we can’t