Things To Do In Concord

Pizza is one of the most beloved foods out there—and one of the most debated. Luckily, Boston is on somewhat neutral ground. Although the city has no signature pizza style of its own, it’s not hard to find Chicago-style deep dish and New York–style thin crust, as well as brick-oven, classic Italian, and innovative gourmet pies scattered across town. Here are a few of the restaurants that define Boston’s pizza scene: For Traditional Pies and Boston Flavor: Santarpio’s Pizza Santarpio’s Pizza (111 Chelsea St.) is located in East Boston, affectionately known as Eastie, and has been slinging crisp-crust pizza since 1903. In true Boston spirit, the restaurant isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s brimming with Boston accents and attitudes but also incredible pizzas and house-barbecued sausages and lamb. The pizzas have a satisfying crunch and tremendous flavor, and locals know the crust only gets better when you request it “well done.” The toppings are not fancy, but they include simple, Old-World classics like garlic, onions, or pepperoni. For Brick-Oven Perfection: Regina Pizzeria Regina Pizzeria is not to be overshadowed, though, especially the original North End location (11 1/2 Thatcher St.). Regina’s opened in 1926, when Italian immigrants were starting to establish their presence in the area. Its founders brought their traditional brick ovens over from the old country. These ovens fire each pie until it has a chewy crust rich with flavor; the pizzas are also piled with tangy tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and satisfying toppings. Imported meats and fresh veggies are in supply at Regina’s multiple restaurants, ensuring every person in your party gets exactly what they want. Lines can get long at the original location, but the experience is well worth it. For a Simple Slice: Ernesto’s Pizza The North End is also home to Ernesto’s Pizza (69 Salem St.). Since 1984, Ernesto’s has embraced the classic tradition of pizza, hand-making its dough and sauce. Its gigantic slices—cut from 18-inch pies—are delightfully chewy, with a clean-pure tasting crust and freshly grated cheese. Everything on these pies melds in harmony, making it the best vehicle for my favorite topping, spicy and tangy banana peppers. For a Modern 'Za: Otto Of course, no roundup of pizza spots in Boston would be complete without mentioning Otto. Otto has embraced the “new” style of pizza that emphasizes fancier toppings adorning a thin crust. Native to Portland, Maine, Otto has taken the Boston area by storm, opening three locations in just a couple of years. Its crunchy crust (also available in a gluten-free version) is the backdrop for red sauce or no sauce at all, assorted meat and vegetarian toppings, and melted goat’s-milk or cow’s-milk cheese.  My favorite combination here is butternut squash, ricotta cheese, and cranberry, which creates an unconventional masterpiece of sweet, tangy, creamy, and acidic flavors. Otto specializes in creating topping combinations such as these, and each is done to perfection. Photos by Fiona Coxe

Whether you’ve been with your sweetie for years, months or weeks, dreaming up new and exciting date ideas can be tough.  There are always the standbys of heading out to dinner, or catching a movie.  After a while though it becomes a little “ho hum” and well, not special as a good date ought to be.  The really wonderful thing though is that Boston is chock full of fantastic activities to keep us all entertained and happily in love. (Discover even more things to do around Boston.) During those winter months when it seems too cold to spend time outside, why not laugh in the face of mother winter, bundle up and put blades to ice at the Boston Common Frog Pond?  All winter long the Boston Parks department takes care to create a beautiful ice rink for friends, families, and dates to spend an afternoon or an evening gracefully skating, or clinging to the sides and each other as they try to find their footing.  Whether you are a practiced skater, or a novice, feeling the chill in the air, linking arms with your honey and giving it your best shot is a wonderful way to renew your bond.  Of course, it’s also a great way to work up an appetite and luckily, the Common area has tons of options no matter your budget or desire.  Are you feeling like sharing a pastry and a cup of cocoa?  Then head on over to The Thinking Cup for a relaxed snack.  Wanting something more substantial?  Silvertone Bar and Grill, located just off the Common has a great menu filled with delicious comfort foods like Mac and Cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and Shepard’s Pie, all at affordable prices and perfect for shaking the chill off.  Of course, if you are looking for a spot a bit fancier, Troquet on Boylston street is one of the most underrated restaurants in the downtown area, offering delicious French inspired food utilizing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Perhaps however, enjoying the crisp chill of the outdoors isn’t your favorite thing to do, then how about revisiting your childhood and heading over to the Museum of Science?  An evening spent in the planetarium, watching the stars glitter above you, is beyond romantic.  Of course what can beat running up and down the keyboard steps and quite literally making beautiful music together?  Close out your evening with more gorgeous evening views with an amazing look at Boston from ArtBar located in the Royal Sonesta in the Kendall Square are of Boston.  ArtBar’s menu offers a unique approach to refined dining, with a hope to allow their guests to discover new local ingredients and cooking methods.  They also make a powerhouse cocktail utilizing their own homemade juices and sodas.  Or, head over to historic Charlestown to extend your evening of exploration.  There the Warren Tavern, the oldest tavern in Massachusetts (est. in 1780!) will welcome you in and feed you some pretty fantastic pub grub that will take it easy on your bank roll.  Definitely check out their burgers and their lemon pepper wings! Of course, one of my all-time favorite ways to change things up and have a blast on date night is to hit up the Improv Asylum.  Located nicely in the heart of the North End, and with multiple shows almost every night, it’s a highly convenient activity and one that is completely hysterical.  Each time I’ve attended a show I walk out with my sides hurting from gales of laughter and my cheeks sore from smiling.  The best part is that you are then surrounded by all sorts of tasty dinner options.  From Gennaro’s 5 North Square, or Monica’s Vinoteca, to a perfect slice of pizza and a Dixie cup of wine from Galleria Umberto, or a freshly made cannoli from Modern Pastry – there is something for every taste, and every wallet. No matter what your date nights entail, the most important part is spending that quality time with that special someone.  So put down the phones, abandon Instagram for the evening and enjoy the company of your sweetie, and, of course, whatever awesome part of Boston you choose to go to.

This week is all about funk bands, boats, and beer. Check out the live music and free boat rides in the Charlestown Navy Yard, and drop in to an epic beer festival showcasing New England’s best craft brewers. Don’t forget to check Groupon first for more things to do in Boston. The Berklee Navy Yard Concerts Presents Charlie the Most Thursday, July 17, at 6 p.m. | Charlestown Navy Yard Mid-July is the perfect time to get out by the riverfront—especially when it happens to be Charlestown Week. A waterside performance by 10-person funk band Charlie the Most continues the weeklong celebration. Be sure to bring your own chair or blanket and get there earlier to snag primo seats. (Charlestown Navy Yard, 1 First Avenue; free) Whaleboat Rowing from Courageous Sailing Friday, July 18–Monday, July 24 | Charlestown Navy Yard There will be plenty of family-friendly activities during Charlestown Week, but this one might just be the coolest. Thanks to Courageous Sailing, visitors will have the chance to board a 30-foot whaleboat and try their hand at rowing. Experts will be on hand for demonstrations and educational talks. Courageous Sailing is also sponsoring free 30-minute sails around Boston Harbor. (Pier 4 at Charlestown Navy Yard, 1 First Avenue; free) Drink Craft Beer Summerfest Friday, July 18–Saturday, July 19 | Boston Common Drink Craft Beer, a 9-year-old beer blog, is celebrating New England’s hottest summer brews during this two-day festival. Visitors will have the chance to try more than 90 beers from 25 local craft brewers. Among the samples will be beers brewed specifically for this event, so stop by early to snag these exclusive sips. (Space 57 at the Revere Hotel, 200 Stuart St.; $50; buy tickets here)