by Eric H.
HiddenBoston.com offers a great dining resource service by listing cheap places to eat in the Boston, MA, area. What gives these listings a unique edge is that these restaurants are not that well-known outside their regions, but, nevertheless, offer some truly great food at a good value. Hidden Boston also features more expensive restaurants, but in alignment with this blog's theme we recommend checking out the "Cheap Eats" first.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Free Movies at the Hatch Shell in Boston This Summer
WBZ-TV in conjunction with DCR presents Free Friday Flicks -- classic and popular movies -- will be shown Fridays through Aug. 31, approximately 8 p.m. (at sundown), at the DCR Hatch Shell on Storrow Drive in Boston, MA. Due to copyright issues, movie names cannot be shown but WBZ-TV lists some "hints" on its Web Site. Sounds like a great way to spend a family night out in Boston!
Farm Stays at a Low Price
Farm stays, often costing around $100.00 a night for a family of four, is a great way to save money when seeking accommodations for your New England vacation. Breakfast is usually included, as well as farm activities -- if applicable -- making this type of lodging a nice rural way to spend a vacation. There's a terrific resource for affordable farm stays in Vermont on the Vermont Farms Association Web Site. It might be a nice way to spend a summer country vacation, be near fall foliage in autumn, or close to skiing in the winter!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Building 19: An Ugly-Looking Store With Attractive Bargains
by Eric H.
In the past, Building 19's motto said it all: "Suffer a little, save a lot." Perhaps our favorite place to buy a foam mattress bed and malted milk balls at the same time, Building 19 is a disorganized mess that mixes junk merchandise with some truly amazing, high-quality bargains. Whether furniture, furnishings, clothing, toys, sporting goods, grocery items or just about any other retail item known to mankind, you have to be really patient to find your bargain in this maniacal, crowded, oversized warehouse. Chances are you will find something worth buying, with the chances even greater that you'll be saving a lot of money. In these days of economic challenges, Building 19 is becoming more and more appealing! It might be the ugly duckling of retail shopping, but the deals sure are attractive.
Building 19 has several Massachusetts locations. Check out the Building 19 Web Site for an organized tour of this disorganized but oddly wonderful store!
In the past, Building 19's motto said it all: "Suffer a little, save a lot." Perhaps our favorite place to buy a foam mattress bed and malted milk balls at the same time, Building 19 is a disorganized mess that mixes junk merchandise with some truly amazing, high-quality bargains. Whether furniture, furnishings, clothing, toys, sporting goods, grocery items or just about any other retail item known to mankind, you have to be really patient to find your bargain in this maniacal, crowded, oversized warehouse. Chances are you will find something worth buying, with the chances even greater that you'll be saving a lot of money. In these days of economic challenges, Building 19 is becoming more and more appealing! It might be the ugly duckling of retail shopping, but the deals sure are attractive.
Building 19 has several Massachusetts locations. Check out the Building 19 Web Site for an organized tour of this disorganized but oddly wonderful store!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Low Admission Prices at the Capron Park Zoo
by Eric H.
The initial attraction of going to the Capron Zoo in Attleboro, MA (near Providence, RI), was, admittedly, not having to pay an exorbitant amount of money to see a few caged animals. The visit to this small zoo ultimately resulted in more than saving money: we experienced an extremely clean, well-kept, easy-to-navigate zoo with a mix of familiar and unusual animals.
For just $3.75 an adult (13+) and $2.75 for children (under 13), senior citizeins and members of the military, the Capron Zoo proves that "big things do come in small packages," as stated on its Web Site. The zoo is set up to educate not only on animals, but also to inform on the importance on our environment. With a knowledgeable staff and entertaining and informative exhibits, this is not the type of depressing "unhappy-animals-in-small-cages-zoo-with-a-miserable-staff" we sometimes grew up with. The Capron Park Zoo features summer and school vacation programs, educational programs for adults, home school programs and story time activities, to name of few of its attractions that go beyond the norm in this type of attraction.
Of course, you'll see animals in a cage as well as those allowed to roam on more extensive grounds. Animal exhibits include North American river otters, lions, black and white ruffed lemurs, Indian crested porcupine, sloth bears, Indian flying foxes, red kangaroos, snow leopards and much more.
Surrounded by beautiful grounds that include a park with an amazing playground, you could make a day of it at Capron Park Zoo, and at a very affordable price.
Capron Park Zoo, 201 County Street, Attleboro, MA.Tel. 774-203-1840
The initial attraction of going to the Capron Zoo in Attleboro, MA (near Providence, RI), was, admittedly, not having to pay an exorbitant amount of money to see a few caged animals. The visit to this small zoo ultimately resulted in more than saving money: we experienced an extremely clean, well-kept, easy-to-navigate zoo with a mix of familiar and unusual animals.
For just $3.75 an adult (13+) and $2.75 for children (under 13), senior citizeins and members of the military, the Capron Zoo proves that "big things do come in small packages," as stated on its Web Site. The zoo is set up to educate not only on animals, but also to inform on the importance on our environment. With a knowledgeable staff and entertaining and informative exhibits, this is not the type of depressing "unhappy-animals-in-small-cages-zoo-with-a-miserable-staff" we sometimes grew up with. The Capron Park Zoo features summer and school vacation programs, educational programs for adults, home school programs and story time activities, to name of few of its attractions that go beyond the norm in this type of attraction.
Of course, you'll see animals in a cage as well as those allowed to roam on more extensive grounds. Animal exhibits include North American river otters, lions, black and white ruffed lemurs, Indian crested porcupine, sloth bears, Indian flying foxes, red kangaroos, snow leopards and much more.
Surrounded by beautiful grounds that include a park with an amazing playground, you could make a day of it at Capron Park Zoo, and at a very affordable price.
Capron Park Zoo, 201 County Street, Attleboro, MA.Tel. 774-203-1840
Vermont Fuel Your Vacation Sweepstakes and A Word on Stowe
We noticed that VermontVacation.com has a tremendous travel savings incentive on its Web site entitled Vermont Fuels Your Vacation. This program offers weekly drawings for $100 in gas vouchers redeemable at all Jiffy Mart and other participating locations in Vermont. This travel incentive runs until Sept. 30, 2008. For more details, please visit the VermontVacation.com Vermont Fuels Your Vacation page.
For the uninitated, Vermont is a beautiful place to vacation, with its beautiful countryside, gentle, tall green mountains, quaint villages, and wonderful small cities like Burlington and Montpelier. We especially like Stowe, with its 200-year-old quintessential New England village (with some modern elements combined) beautifully situated at Mt. Mansfield (Vermont's highest peak). The scenery is just splendid in Stowe and there's many fine dining (the Shed offers affordable lunch and dinner items), lodging and recreational offerings. The 5.3 mile bike path is free, starting in the Village and meandering through some beautiful Vermont countryside. Also, It's always especially nice stopping at the famous Trapp Family Lodge for an afternoon tea!
The feeling of Stowe is laid back and full of fresh mountain air that can only be experienced and not fully described. Although it has become more commercial over the past several years, Stowe remains an authentic classic mountain resort community that forces one to relax. Check out GoStowe.com for more information on this storied village.
Last but not least, Stowe does offer affordable lodging, at this writing, with three such examples:
Commodores Inn
Stowe Motel
Northern Lights Lodge
For the uninitated, Vermont is a beautiful place to vacation, with its beautiful countryside, gentle, tall green mountains, quaint villages, and wonderful small cities like Burlington and Montpelier. We especially like Stowe, with its 200-year-old quintessential New England village (with some modern elements combined) beautifully situated at Mt. Mansfield (Vermont's highest peak). The scenery is just splendid in Stowe and there's many fine dining (the Shed offers affordable lunch and dinner items), lodging and recreational offerings. The 5.3 mile bike path is free, starting in the Village and meandering through some beautiful Vermont countryside. Also, It's always especially nice stopping at the famous Trapp Family Lodge for an afternoon tea!
The feeling of Stowe is laid back and full of fresh mountain air that can only be experienced and not fully described. Although it has become more commercial over the past several years, Stowe remains an authentic classic mountain resort community that forces one to relax. Check out GoStowe.com for more information on this storied village.
Last but not least, Stowe does offer affordable lodging, at this writing, with three such examples:
Commodores Inn
Stowe Motel
Northern Lights Lodge
Morin's: A Dining Bargain in Attleboro, MA
by Eric H.
Every time we go to Morin's in Attleboro, MA (near Providence, RI), we not only look forward to the delicious food but also the chance to save some money.
Realizing that the chain restaurants aren't really a bargain anymore, we've stuck with Morin's because it is a "real" neighborhood restaurant with personalized service and the perfect mix of "old time classics and today's most popular items." In business since 1911, Morin's consists of a traditional diner, a bar area and more dining rooms in adjoining buildings. The back room is particularly pleasant with its brick look, high ceilings, two-level dining and dim lighting. It has a former factory building look that has been transformed into something cozy and quaint.
The breakfast, lunch and dinner items are phenomenal and at great prices. An original "Charlie Burger," consisting of a single all beef pattie, with bacon, tomato, pickles and American cheese costs, at this writing, $3.65. A homemade meatloaf luncheon plate comes in at $7.55 and baked Atlantic schrod at $8.25. The prices for these dishes and others go up slightly at dinner, but it's still a bargain. The real attraction at dinner, however, are the "theme buffets." Thursday night is the prime rib buffet at $14.99 per person, Friday night seafood buffet at $12.99 per person, and the Sunday morning brunch at $8.49 per person. We've also enjoyed special theme buffets like "comfort food night" and "Oktoberfest night" in October with some wonderful German foods.
Morin's is ultimately the perfect place to enjoy a meal within a comfortable down-to-earth atmosphere, support local business, and leave with your stomach and wallet full.
Morin's Hometown Bar & Grill, 16 South Main St., Attleboro, MA. Tel.: 508-222-9875
Every time we go to Morin's in Attleboro, MA (near Providence, RI), we not only look forward to the delicious food but also the chance to save some money.
Realizing that the chain restaurants aren't really a bargain anymore, we've stuck with Morin's because it is a "real" neighborhood restaurant with personalized service and the perfect mix of "old time classics and today's most popular items." In business since 1911, Morin's consists of a traditional diner, a bar area and more dining rooms in adjoining buildings. The back room is particularly pleasant with its brick look, high ceilings, two-level dining and dim lighting. It has a former factory building look that has been transformed into something cozy and quaint.
The breakfast, lunch and dinner items are phenomenal and at great prices. An original "Charlie Burger," consisting of a single all beef pattie, with bacon, tomato, pickles and American cheese costs, at this writing, $3.65. A homemade meatloaf luncheon plate comes in at $7.55 and baked Atlantic schrod at $8.25. The prices for these dishes and others go up slightly at dinner, but it's still a bargain. The real attraction at dinner, however, are the "theme buffets." Thursday night is the prime rib buffet at $14.99 per person, Friday night seafood buffet at $12.99 per person, and the Sunday morning brunch at $8.49 per person. We've also enjoyed special theme buffets like "comfort food night" and "Oktoberfest night" in October with some wonderful German foods.
Morin's is ultimately the perfect place to enjoy a meal within a comfortable down-to-earth atmosphere, support local business, and leave with your stomach and wallet full.
Morin's Hometown Bar & Grill, 16 South Main St., Attleboro, MA. Tel.: 508-222-9875
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Five Relatively Affordable Boston Hotels
by Eric H.
If you're going to spend a lot of time in Boston, MA, you'll certainly not want to spend a lot if you're a budget conscious individual. The best way to cut down on costs is to start with your lodging choice. After all, imagine how much you could save spending half the price for your hotel room! Here are five Boston hotels that won't break the bank during your stay in Boston:
Best Western Terrace Inn
Chandler Inn Hotel
Farrington Inn
Midtown Hotel
Boston Days Inn
There are many great hotels in Boston. If you have the money, by all means, splurge a little at some of the more upscale hotels for a memorable lodging experience. But if you're looking to save a lot of money in these economically challenging times, know that there hotel prices can vary greatly in a city like Boston. The hotels mentioned in this article just might allow you to vacation in this great city, given their relatively inexpensive prices.
If you're going to spend a lot of time in Boston, MA, you'll certainly not want to spend a lot if you're a budget conscious individual. The best way to cut down on costs is to start with your lodging choice. After all, imagine how much you could save spending half the price for your hotel room! Here are five Boston hotels that won't break the bank during your stay in Boston:
Best Western Terrace Inn
Chandler Inn Hotel
Farrington Inn
Midtown Hotel
Boston Days Inn
There are many great hotels in Boston. If you have the money, by all means, splurge a little at some of the more upscale hotels for a memorable lodging experience. But if you're looking to save a lot of money in these economically challenging times, know that there hotel prices can vary greatly in a city like Boston. The hotels mentioned in this article just might allow you to vacation in this great city, given their relatively inexpensive prices.
A Childrens' Museum That Exhibits Affordability
The Children's Museum in North Easton, MA (near Brockton, south of Boston) might not have the variety nor polish of nearby renowned Boston museums, but the bottom line is that it keeps a child's interest just as well -- and for a much lower admission price. Located in a former fire station in this histroric village it costs only $6.00 per person admission en route to experience hands-on educational, social and cultural elements. Best for children ages one to eight, the Children's Museum in Easton features a firepole to climb, a performance center, the woodsy cabin 'n camp, a fishing boat with toy lobsters, a doctor's office, a woodshop and an outdoor learning center.
This bright yellow building indeed houses some fun activities at an affordable price!
The Children's Museum in Easton ,The Old Fire Station, 9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton, MA. Tel. 508-230-3789
This bright yellow building indeed houses some fun activities at an affordable price!
The Children's Museum in Easton ,The Old Fire Station, 9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton, MA. Tel. 508-230-3789
East Bay Bike Bath is "Wheel" Affordable
by Eric H.
The 14-plus mile East Bay Bike Path spans from Providence, RI, to Bristol, RI, with some amazing coastal views along the way. A great example of million dollar views free of charge, the East Bay Bike Path is truly a nature's paradise for bicyclists, joggers, in-line skaters and walkers. The path is 10-ft. wide and is well-maintained. It's especially nice in Bristol where the path meets up with Colt State Park, one of New England's finest with its 464 acres and sweeping panoramic views of Narragansett Bay. Bristol is truly one of America's great small towns, tree-lined with a American flag median strip downtown and some really great "local" restaurants and shops by the coast. On the other side, Providence is perhaps New England's second greatest city next to Boston -- a historical yet modern city that has undergone an incredibly ambitious revitalization in the past several years. The brownstone, laid back feel of College Hill (home of Brown University), the Italian flavor of the Federal Hill neighborhood, a mile of historical homes on Benefit St., and the modern Providence Place tri-level shopping mall are just a few of the attractions that make this mid-sized city so special. The East Bay Bike Path connects you to these two great communities -- as well as nice towns like Barrington and Warren -- and offers the benefit of exercising in a perfect coastal location.
The 14-plus mile East Bay Bike Path spans from Providence, RI, to Bristol, RI, with some amazing coastal views along the way. A great example of million dollar views free of charge, the East Bay Bike Path is truly a nature's paradise for bicyclists, joggers, in-line skaters and walkers. The path is 10-ft. wide and is well-maintained. It's especially nice in Bristol where the path meets up with Colt State Park, one of New England's finest with its 464 acres and sweeping panoramic views of Narragansett Bay. Bristol is truly one of America's great small towns, tree-lined with a American flag median strip downtown and some really great "local" restaurants and shops by the coast. On the other side, Providence is perhaps New England's second greatest city next to Boston -- a historical yet modern city that has undergone an incredibly ambitious revitalization in the past several years. The brownstone, laid back feel of College Hill (home of Brown University), the Italian flavor of the Federal Hill neighborhood, a mile of historical homes on Benefit St., and the modern Providence Place tri-level shopping mall are just a few of the attractions that make this mid-sized city so special. The East Bay Bike Path connects you to these two great communities -- as well as nice towns like Barrington and Warren -- and offers the benefit of exercising in a perfect coastal location.
Free Concerts at Longy Bring "Music To Peoples' Ears"
by Eric H.
Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) create much of the cultural mecca in Cambridge, MA, located across the Charles River from Boston. Cambridge's culture goes well beyond those two renowned institutions, however, with an always growing -- and changing -- arts and music scene. The Longy School of Music has served as an integral part of the Boston area's music scene since 1915 with a dedicated mission to classic conservatory education. What that means for you is many free concerts with established and on-the-rise musicians. Some concerts are not free, however, but still are at a reasonable price. Check out the Longy calendar for one of its grand concerts.
Longy School of Music
1 Follen St.
Cambridge, MA
Tel. (617) 876-0956
Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) create much of the cultural mecca in Cambridge, MA, located across the Charles River from Boston. Cambridge's culture goes well beyond those two renowned institutions, however, with an always growing -- and changing -- arts and music scene. The Longy School of Music has served as an integral part of the Boston area's music scene since 1915 with a dedicated mission to classic conservatory education. What that means for you is many free concerts with established and on-the-rise musicians. Some concerts are not free, however, but still are at a reasonable price. Check out the Longy calendar for one of its grand concerts.
Longy School of Music
1 Follen St.
Cambridge, MA
Tel. (617) 876-0956
Major League Savings With Minor League Baseball!
by Eric H.
McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, RI, is home to the Triple A Pawtucket Red Sox, as well as a great bargain. At this writing, general admission for adults is a cheap $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for children 12 and under and senior citizens. What's more, you get to see one of the best farm systems,as the Boston Red Sox organization has really scouted recent players well. Over the past few years, players like Jonathan Papelbon, Jon Lester, and Dustin Pedroia have graduated from Pawtucket to Major League Baseball star status, with another nucleus of potential starts on the way (like Clay Buchholz and Justin Masterson). The stadium is beautifully laid out with not a bad seat in the house (10,031 seating capacity) and a terrific concession stand, including Papa Gino's pizza and Del's Lemonade (and of, course, peanuts and crackerjacks...and beer)!
Pawtucket Red Sox, Ben Monor Way, Pawtucket, RI. Tel. 401/724-7300.
McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, RI, is home to the Triple A Pawtucket Red Sox, as well as a great bargain. At this writing, general admission for adults is a cheap $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for children 12 and under and senior citizens. What's more, you get to see one of the best farm systems,as the Boston Red Sox organization has really scouted recent players well. Over the past few years, players like Jonathan Papelbon, Jon Lester, and Dustin Pedroia have graduated from Pawtucket to Major League Baseball star status, with another nucleus of potential starts on the way (like Clay Buchholz and Justin Masterson). The stadium is beautifully laid out with not a bad seat in the house (10,031 seating capacity) and a terrific concession stand, including Papa Gino's pizza and Del's Lemonade (and of, course, peanuts and crackerjacks...and beer)!
Pawtucket Red Sox, Ben Monor Way, Pawtucket, RI. Tel. 401/724-7300.
Gas Prices That Won't Give You Indigestion
by Eric H.
We found a valuable Web Site called BostonGasPrices.com that reports the lowest gas prices in the Boston, MA, area. Today, we read on its Web Site that Tiger Petroleum on Centre St. in Roslindale was offering gas starting at $3.87 a gallon. Of course, the prices change seemingly every day, so we recommend checking out this Web Site regularly for the latest information to save on gas. Of course, cheap gas prices today aren't really cheap when we think back in comparison to a few years ago, but every penny saved is a necessary plan in these tough economic times!
We found a valuable Web Site called BostonGasPrices.com that reports the lowest gas prices in the Boston, MA, area. Today, we read on its Web Site that Tiger Petroleum on Centre St. in Roslindale was offering gas starting at $3.87 a gallon. Of course, the prices change seemingly every day, so we recommend checking out this Web Site regularly for the latest information to save on gas. Of course, cheap gas prices today aren't really cheap when we think back in comparison to a few years ago, but every penny saved is a necessary plan in these tough economic times!
A Lobster Roll For Under $10.00!
by Eric H.
The Red Wing Diner in Walpole, MA (southwest Boston suburb), at this writing, offers lobster rolls for $9.95. The quality and quantity of the lobster meat is very good and it comes with cole slaw or some delicious, crsipy french fries. In this day of age, the Red Wing is to be commended for keeping its prices down while not compromising its quality. It's a cozy, little informal restaurant with a 1993 Worcester dining car incorporated into the restaurant as a bar. Other standout dishes; fried clams, pizza, fresh roast turkey and an amazing clam chowder!
The Red Wing, 2235 Providence Highway, Route 1, Walpole, MA. Tel. (508) 668-0453
The Red Wing Diner in Walpole, MA (southwest Boston suburb), at this writing, offers lobster rolls for $9.95. The quality and quantity of the lobster meat is very good and it comes with cole slaw or some delicious, crsipy french fries. In this day of age, the Red Wing is to be commended for keeping its prices down while not compromising its quality. It's a cozy, little informal restaurant with a 1993 Worcester dining car incorporated into the restaurant as a bar. Other standout dishes; fried clams, pizza, fresh roast turkey and an amazing clam chowder!
The Red Wing, 2235 Providence Highway, Route 1, Walpole, MA. Tel. (508) 668-0453
The "Free"dom Trail in Boston
by Eric H.
Sometimes the best attractions don't require great expense. Take the Freedom Trail in Boston as one such "revolutionary" example. In the good weather you get the following for free: a nice walk and a history lesson in one of the country's great cities. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile red brick walkway where you can tour historic churches, meeting houses, and museums including the Boston State House, Old Corner Book Store, Park St. Church, Old South Meeting House, site of the Boston Massacre, the Paul Revere House and Faneuil Hall.
You can find more budget-saving Boston attractions here
Sometimes the best attractions don't require great expense. Take the Freedom Trail in Boston as one such "revolutionary" example. In the good weather you get the following for free: a nice walk and a history lesson in one of the country's great cities. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile red brick walkway where you can tour historic churches, meeting houses, and museums including the Boston State House, Old Corner Book Store, Park St. Church, Old South Meeting House, site of the Boston Massacre, the Paul Revere House and Faneuil Hall.
You can find more budget-saving Boston attractions here
Free Admission at Blueberry Fiddle Festival, Aug. 8 and 9
VisitNH.com reports that admission is free at the the Sixth Annual Richmond Blueberry Fiddle Festival, August 8-9, 2008, in Swanzey, NH, at the Cheshire Fairgrounds. This sixth annual event offers great performers, music workshops, fiddle and picking contest, dancing, traditional folk games and races, blueberry bake-off, auction, car show and other events. There is a $5 parking fee. For more information, call 603-239-6495, or visit its Web Site at www.blueberryfiddlefestival.com
Fun Pass Offers Discounts to New England Attractions
Beth, at Breathe New Hampshire, (formerly the American Lung Association of New Hampshire), tells us that its organization is offering a "Fun Pass." This coupon book virtually pays for itself with discounts to more than 100 New England travel attractions. In most cases, the coupon is worth a free submission for a child under 12 with a paying adult. It includes coupons for StoryLand, Canobie Lake Park, 13 ski resorts, museums, theater, sporting events and more. Visit Breathe New Hampshire's Web Site for more information.
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