Probablemente durante estos últimos días alguien le ha preguntado si saldrá de vacaciones por acción de gracias o que planes tiene para esta fecha. Mañana se celebra uno de los días favoritos de Estados Unidos, el Día de Acción de Gracias. Si todavía no conocen muy bien las costumbres americanas se imaginarán a una familia alrededor de una mesa comiendo pavo y celebrando este último jueves del mes de noviembre por todo lo alto. Sin embargo, pero la pregunta es: ¿De donde procede esta tradición?

Esta fiesta se comenzó a celebrar con los primeros sucesos de la colonización inglesa durante el año 1620. Un grupo de conquistadores cristianos, conocido como los peregrinos,  viajó a America y desembarcaron en el mes de noviembre, casualmente aquí, en la costa de Massachussetts. Los colonos se propusieron como objetivo formar una colonia llamada la Colonia de Plymouth. Sin embargo, el terrible inviernos les pilló por sorpresa y estuvieron expuestos a unas temperaturas extremadamente bajas, ocasionando la muerte a más de la mitad de los peregrinos. Aquellos que lograron sobrevivir fue gracias a la ayuda y alimentos que los nativos de la zona, los indios Wampanoag, les proporcionaron.

Asimismo, en el año 1621, después de que los peregrinos que lograron sobrevivir recogieran la cosecha que recolectaron durante el invierno, organizaron una gran cena e invitaron a los Wampanoag a que la disfrutaran con ellos. Desde entonces el gobernador de la colonia proclamó "un día de dar gracias al Señor para que podamos de una manera regocijarnos después de haber recogido el fruto de nuestro trabajo".

La tradición como tal, sería establecida en el año 1789 con el presidente George Washington, festejando está celebración el último jueves del mes de noviembre. Fue él quien estableció el día oficial de la fiesta de Acción de Gracias. Años más tarde Abraham Lincoln sería el que declarase este día como fiesta nacional en Estados Unidos.

Respecto con el menú, no se sabe muy bien de donde procede la costumbre del pavo. De hecho se cree que los indígenas llamaban "pavo" a todo tipo de animales. Es por ello, que con el paso del tiempo al final  el pavo se ha convertido en la comida clave del día de acción de gracias.

El tiempo de Boston a veces puede ser una traba tanto para el turista que decide venir a pasar unos días como para el propio residente de la ciudad. El clima puede cambiar en décimas de segundo, es por ello que existe un dicho común entre los habitantes de esta metrópoli que dice: "si no te gusta el tiempo de Boston, espera un día."

En Boston International Real Estate nos preocupamos para que escojan adecuadamente el vestuario y los bártulos que deben traer dependiendo del clima, pues venir sin abrigo a -5 Cº es un motivo de resfriado. Sin más dilación, aquí les proporcionamos una ligera idea de las diferentes temperaturas en los diferentes meses del año.

Enero es un mes donde el clima varía mucho. Normalmente, encontrarán temperaturas entre 4 y 5Cº, alcanzando máximas entre -7 y 15 C°. Las noches son bastante duras ya que el clima suele alcanzar los -6 C°. El cielo, por lo general, está cubierto de nubes en su mayor parte del día. Además, es muy fácil encontrarse con algún día de nieve.

Febrero también es un mes frío, pueden encontrarse con temperaturas diurnas entre 6  y 7 Cº a principios de esta etapa, en cuanto a finales de mes lo común son 8 o 9 Cº.  Las temperaturas durante la noche se asimilan bastante a enero, pues llegan a alcanzar máximas entre -4 y -5 Cº. El cielo de febrero se encuentra nublado la mayor parte del tiempo. También durante este punto del año la nieve puede ser algo común en la ciudad.

Marzo es frío pero bastante menos que los dos meses anteriores. Durante los primeros días de este período las temperaturas suben entre 12 y 14 Cº. A finales de mes, sin embargo, el clima mejora notoriamente alcanzando temperaturas entre 17 y 18 Cº. Durante la noche las temperaturas bajan bastante y se establecen entre 6 y 7 Cº. Es un mes donde el cielo está cubierto en su mayor parte por nubes pero también se puede disfrutar de días totalmente despejados. De lo que no se librarán será de la lluvia; en marzo aún continúan los chubascos.

Abril es un mes donde las temperaturas suben mucho, especialmente durante el día, estas llegan a alcanzar a principios de mes los 13 y 14 Cº, y a finales de mes lo común son los 17 y 18 Cº. El cielo todavía está bastante nublado pero se pueden encontrar días despejados. En cuanto a la lluvia, hay un dicho que dice: "en abril agua es mil," por eso todavía deben mantener un paraguas a mano; para evitar terminar empapados a causa de un chaparrón.

Mayo llega cargado de "grados," durante el día las máximas temperaturas alcanzan los 26-27 Cº.  Las noches son un poco más frías, 14 y 15 Cº es la media común. Este mes cuenta con un 20% de cielos totalmente despejados y un 15% de lluvia. Aunque este nublado y haya días con chubascos pueden empezar a plantearse actividades al aire libre pero sin olvidar que "en mayo todavía no han de quitarse el sayo," pues hay días fríos que pueden jugar malas pasadas.

Junio es un mes bastante cálido, de hecho se podría decir que empieza oficialmente la época de verano. Las temperaturas durante este mes alcanzan los 30-31 Cº durante el día y los 18-19 Cº  durante la noche. A pesar del calor y la humedad de este mes, pueden encontrarse en algunas ocasiones con el cielo de Boston cubierto de nubes. Pero sin duda alguna podrán disfrutar  en manga corta de los parques de y de las áreas más bonitas de la ciudad.

Julio y agosto son de los meses más calurosos, las temperaturas de ambos periodos rondan durante el día los 30-32 Cº, y por  la noche estas los suelen bajar a  25 Cº. Son meses donde el cielo esta totalmente despejado en su mayor parte del tiempo pero la humedad sigue predominando. Es la época perfecta para disfrutar de Boston si les gusta caminar, caminar y caminar...

En septiembre durante los primeros días las temperaturas pueden variar entre 27-28 Cº, sin embargo a mediados de este mes hay una fuerte caída en el ambiente y el clima se enfría alcanzando temperaturas entre los 17-18 Cº. Boston por lo general, suele estar soleado, pero también podemos encontrar algún que otro chubasco.

En octubre las temperaturas continúan disminuyendo, alcanzando los 17-18 Cº durante el día y los 11-12 Cº  durante la noche. El cielo esta nublado en su mayor parte aunque también cuenta con días bastante despejados. Por otro lado, aunque el viento este ausente por norma general,  la brisa puede alcanzar los 25-26 Km/h en determinadas ocasiones.

En noviembre las temperaturas oscilan entre 4 y 15. Durante este mes se puede disfrutar tanto de días soleados y maravillosos como de días donde la lluvia y el viento son los protagonistas. Es un mes frío en el que ya deben comprar un paraguas y un buen abrigo porque el invierno está llegando a la metrópoli.

Diciembre  cierra el año con temperaturas que oscilan entre 2 y -3 Cº, es un mes helador con el cielo cubierto por nubes en su mayor parte del tiempo. Durante este mes también se pueden encontrar algunos días de nieve, lluvia y viento. Aunque de vez en cuando diciembre les puede sorprender y mostrar su mejor cara dejando que algunos rayos de sol se asomen por los recovecos de Boston.

Existen domingos en los cuales los planes interesantes escasean, pues está nada más que de paso en la ciudad o no encuentra la aventura perfecta para disfrutar con su familia. Así que pone un par de rebanadas de pan dentro del tostador y se aferra a la televisión esperando encontrar algún canal que le suscite algo de emoción. Al no emitir nada interesante, inconscientemente, se vuelve a quedar dormido en la sala de estar. Horas más tarde, cuando despierta, se da cuenta de que ha desperdiciado todo el día y piensa..."¿Y si me despertarse un día y tuviese la oportunidad de conocer una ciudad pasando por lo puntos históricos más famosos?" ¡Pues es posible! Deje el mando de la tele, prepare esos molletes con mantequilla y mermelada para coger la energía suficiente y diríjase a conocer: "El Sendero de la Libertad" o "The Freedom Trail."

Esta espectacular actividad ofrece un tour por los dieciséis sitios más conmovedores de la ciudad de Boston. 2.5 millas de distancia y una línea roja pintada en el suelo lograrán que quedemos cautivados por el encanto de esta metrópoli. Museos, iglesias, centros de reunión y mucho más son algunos de los lugares que predominan dentro de esta visita guiada. Y además eso no es todo, podrán encontraste con Paul Revere, Charles Dickens, John Hancock y muchos otros personajes históricos de los siglos XVII y XVIII hablando de la revolución americana, ya que muchos de los guías se ciñen a un papel realmente sorprendente para dar vida a estos protagonistas que un día cambiaron el transcurso de la historia."El Sendero de la Libertad" o "The Freedom Trail" comienza en: 139 Tremont Street, Boston, Ma 02111. No se lo piense más y haga ya su reserva en:http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/book-tour/

*Si busca el apartamento de sus sueños llame al (617) 505-1781 o escribanos a: info@bostonire.com y concrete una cita con nosotros. ¡Le facilitaremos el comienzo de una nueva aventura!

Like any other major city in the United States, the past five years hasn't been easy on the local economy. The financial crisis that triggered the country's worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1920's left most Americans under the threat of fiscal instability. Boston, being the sixth-largest economy in the country, and 12th-largest in the world, was not spared from this hurdle; lots of jobs lost, families relocating, and properties left padlocked.

But now that the economy is healing, and housing is back on the rise (literally), Boston is experiencing its strongest job growth it has seen in years, primarily driven by none other than its backbone industry: real estate. In fact, all of the developments happening right now in the Metro Boston area totaling to $288 million as of 2012, are fueling jobs and stimulating the local economy. A joint study by the National Apartment Association and the National Multi Housing Council have unearthed that

the apartment industry [in Boston] remained a positive economic force, contributing to the nation's economic recovery with every dollar spent by the businesses that build and operate apartments and renters.

Talk about housing! This comes at the heels of nationwide apartment spending in 2012 that totaled to $1.1 Trillion, made by 35 million residents whose housing falls under the apartment category. To paint you a prettier picture of how housing is contributing to Boston's bottom line, more than 3,600 jobs have already been created due to the numerous developments under way in the city and its nearby suburbs. This comes as developers are rushing to deliver new units to quench the rising demand for apartments and condominiums. Apart from job creation, these developments are also creating opportunities to transform suburban areas and extend public transport and services to districts that are otherwise overshadowed by the more popular neighborhoods.

Needless to say, the primary reason why Boston's apartment scene is so busy is because majority of residents who seek or reside in apartments are young adults, who may or may not still be in school, undergraduate and graduate alike. These individuals who, for the longest time, were considered as "transients" only here for a degree, are staying put and finding employment within the state. Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino's recent dealings with developers to cultivate outlying areas near the city and its suburbs (the Innovation District and Waterfront areas, for example), are definitely responding to the demand this trend is creating.

And although Boston isn't quite at the very top of the list of cities that have contributed the most to the trillion dollar apartment industry, the important thing to remember is that it is high on the list, contributing more than double that of the other major metropolitan cities. Boston is as crucial to the nationwide housing industry as it is equally important locally to students, professionals, families, and workers who depend on the thriving property sector for their livelihood and lifestyle.

The first long weekend of the year is coming up, do you have any plans? Although MLK weekend is traditionally celebrated with people tuned into their television sets for the Presidential Inauguration, it might be a good idea to skip this one and pamper yourself while the weather is still warm-ish. There's also a good chance that you're still perhaps fresh out off the holiday daze, with the season having been barely three weeks ago. If that's the case, then we have just the thing for you - escape the hustle and bustle of the city (without actually leaving its confines) and get some much-needed rest with these rest & recreation hushspots:

A "Smart" Escape If it's been a while since you've gotten lost in our fair city, it's probably a great idea to take a little tour somewhere that will actually "freshen up" your view. Go to Wellesley College, where a brisk walk around a quiet woodsy pond might give you the relaxation you're rearing for. The College welcomes tourists anytime of year to hike their well-worn paths and trails - and if you muster up some appetite, there's always the dining halls where you can dive in to an open-to-all, cheap, eat-all-you-can meal deal.

OM is for "Open Meditation" If hiking doesn't quite fancy your feet, then meditation might tickle it. Shambhala Meditation Center in Brookline offers free meditation programs, with introductions to Buddhist-inspired practices and meditations. The audience is quiet targeted, catering to the LGBT community under 30, people in recovery, or just laypeople with an interest. There are also good yoga and and tai chi classes and art seminars.

Masterpiece Museum If you're the artsy type looking to relax and unwind with masters of classic artworks, then you would be glad to know that there's a hidden gem tucked deep into the heart of Back Bay. Not only does the Boston Public Library have one of the largest collections of books, but it also has a relatively unknown collection of masterpiece artworks ranging from Rembrandt to Goya to Picasso. Looking for these pieces is an adventure itself, since they're scattered throughout the library and its different research rooms.

Hookup With A Hookah Since speakeasys tend to be a good place to relax and just lounge, the underground setting of Stanza Dei Sigari should be a great place to relax and smoke a hookah or two. Not only does its laid back ambiance take away those tensions, it also offers a quiet and cozy place to mingle and just chill with friends.

Urban Oasis Off a quiet street on Beacon Hill is a quaint and largely unknown park that's a respite from the downtown Boston crowds. Decorated by the Beacon Hill Garden Club, the little space called the Peter Faneuil House Gardens, beside the former Peter Faneuil School, was once an abandoned playground. Red benches sit in the shade of tall birch trees and walkways fringed with high shrubbery weave their way around stone-lined garden patches. There's even a half basketball court, also flanked by benches for spectators, though there usually aren't any.

Not Your Ordinary Cafe If you're sick of all the Starbucks lying around the city, and seeking for a restive respite, then Berkeley Perk Cafe is the right place for you. Off the beaten path across the Berkeley Street bridge from Back Bay, their offerings are unique and pleasing to the palate. They have several varieties of hot chocolate too, perfect for the winter season.

If you're looking for something to do but not freeze out during this already-wintery start of the month, look no further. We've assembled a list of New England holiday house tours, open for everyone's enjoyment and exploration, all while in the comfort of being indoors. And whether you're just an open house enthusiast, or would just like to see what Ye Olde Christmas in the Bay state is all about, there is a wealth of these holiday houses sprawled out throughout the state that's ready to welcome you and your family with some warmth and holiday cheer.

These holiday house tours have long been welcoming individuals and families alike during the holiday season, gifting its visitors the pleasure of satisfying their yuletide yearnings; it's also an enjoyable road trip for everyone. Additionally, going on these open houses is a great way give back to the community, as the admission price on most of these houses go to charitable institutions and organizations. The tour also gives its guests the chance to gather up some inspiration for their own homes, and even how to improve them off holiday season.

Fitchburg House Tour Saturday, December 1, 2012 - 11 am to 4 pm Fitchburg Historical Society

Stockbridge Holiday House Tour Saturday, December 1, 2012 - 11 am to 4 pm Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas

Plymouth Holiday House Tour Saturday & Sunday, December 1 & 2, 2012 Pilgrim Hall Museum

Shrewsbury Holiday House Tour Sunday, December 2, 2012 - 1 to  5 pm Shrewsbury Garden Club

Preservation Holiday Stroll, Worcester Sunday, December 2, 2012 - noon to 5 pm Preservation Worcester

Belmont Holiday House Tour Saturday, December 8, 2012 - 11 am to 4 pm Belmont Garden Club

Concord Holiday House Tour Saturday, December 8, 2012 - 11 am to 4 pm Concord Museum

Newburyport Holiday House Tour Saturday, December 8, 2012 - 10 am to 4 pm Custom House Maritime Museum

Seashells and Jingle Bells Inn and Home Kitchen Tour, Rockport Saturday, December 8, 2012 - 1 to 5 pm RHS DECA

New Bedford Annual Holiday House Tour Saturday, December 8, 2012 - 4 to 8 pm (Candlelight Tour) and Sunday, December 9, 2012 - 1 to 5 pm New Bedford Preservation Society

Sandwich Holiday Home Tour Sunday, December 9, 2012 - noon to 4 pm Sandwich Holly Days

Norwood Holiday House Tour Sunday, December 9, 2012 -  2 - 6 pm Norwood Historical Society

If you're one to celebrate All Hallow's Eve (aka Halloween), then this list is for you. Boston and the rest of the Bay State is known to have haunted locations all over, given its abundance of antiquated buildings, and richness in history as the state is one of America's oldest settlements. Beantown's cobblestones, which date back as far as the early 1800's, are a sign of the city's dated past and have been witness to a lot of happenings, both commercial and creepy. Most of the homes built then were intended to house multiple families and have been home to many generations that some say still hasn't left its premises.

Charles Gate Hotel, Back Bay Sitting in Boston's Back Bay on Beacon Street, this hotel was built in 1891 by John Pickering Putnam, his architectural influence was derived from his interest in Nationalism. Frequented by the wealthy until the 1920's, the Charlesgate quickly became a boarding house for ladies of the night and it was linked to the Mafia. The Hotel is now filled with multiple condominiums complete with visitors from the other side. Apparitions in the form of Flappers have been spotted by several dozen workman and visitors, and the basement, once a stable has had quite a few sightings of ghost horses.

Omni Parker House, Downtown Boston The ghost of Harvey Parker, who opened the Parker House in 1856 and died in 1884, allegedly roams the hotel's 10th floor annex. During his life, Parker was "a perfectionist who kept his hands in every detail of his restaurant and hotel operations," says the Omni's website, so his apparitions "hardly come as a shock." Other encounters include shadows, mysterious rocking chair noises -- especially strange because the hotel has no rocking chairs -- and orbs of light. Elevators also mysteriously come to the third floor, where Charles Dickens lived for two years, without being called.

Lizzie Borden House, Fall River Although she was acquitted of the gruesome murder at her 1845 Victorian home, the ax-wielding Lizzie Borden never shook her "forty whacks" claim to fame that she killed her father and stepmother on Aug. 4, 1892. In addition to her chop-chop notoriety, Borden apparently had an intimate relationship with actress Nance O'Neill. There's also a theory that she had a torrid love affair with the housekeeper, Bridget Sullivan. Currently a bed & breakfast and museum, the Borden house is open for curiosity seekers to spend the night where the murders took place.

Cutler Majestic Theater, 219 Tremont St. The theater was built in 1903 and opened and closed on many occasions before Emerson bought and restored it in the 1980s. "Every theatre major at Emerson must do tech work at the Majestic, and most have experienced something," according to a write-up on Massachusetts Paranormal Crossroads. Some say the ghost of a former Boston mayor, who died during a performance, still sits in his seat, while others believe a couple and their daughter hang around the building's upper balcony.

Hammond Castle, Worcester Inventor John Hays Hammond, Jr. who built the medieval-style castle in the late 1920s had an odd desire to be reincarnated as a cat. Many believe the black feline who roamed the grounds and sat in his favorite chair in the library was Hammond himself. Henry Davis Sleeper, the legendary designer who is rumored to have had an unrequited love affair with his Red Roof neighbor, Abram Piatt Andrew Jr., designed the inventor's favorite spot, known as the "whisper room," where people have heard disembodied voices from beyond.

If you're still unsure of your plans for the weekend, The South End Historic Society is having its 44th South End House Tours on Saturday, October 20. The event offers participants a unique glimpse into the private homes of Bostonians residing in this sophisticated neighborhood. Most people living in the city are fans of the South End, as its brownstone buildings offer a quaint break from the busyness of Back Bay.

The South End Society (SEHS) is a non-profit community organization that was founded in 1966. They task themselves with preserving and revitalizing the neighborhood, as it was declared a Historic site in 1972. Click here to learn more about SEHS and purchase tickets to the event on Saturday.

Regardless of whether you're new to the area or a veteran of Boston, here's a surefire list of South End staples that will complement your Saturday stint at the neighborhood.

Sites To See:

The Cyclorama - an impressive and historic venue located in the stylish South End neighborhood of Boston. Surrounded by the largest collection of Victorian brownstones in New England and representing the height of urban industrial chic, the Cyclorama offers inspiration and limitless possibilities for all kinds of events.

SOWA - The famed South of Washington area is best known for its open markets during the weekends. Stop by on Sundays to see the numerous merchants lined up and get some retail therapy.

Succulent South End Staples:

South End Buttery A bakery famous not only for their goodies, but also for sandwiches and soup, this cozy cafe will surely re-energize you for more exploration of the South End.

B&G Oysters While you're in the mood to explore, try some New England oysters from nearby B&G Oysters who South End residents swear to its succulence.

Toro Best known for their tapas and Spanish selections, Toro is your destination for unique finger foods for the famished. Experience Castilian flavors in the midst of brownstone settings.

Like many of its neighboring cities and states in New England, Boston is known for its seafood scene, as well as its chowder cuisine. Most places in the the Upper East corridor of the country pride themselves with the best catch of lobsters and the like, leaving little elbow room for cities to make a name out of their cuisine. But what differentiates Boston is not its Baked Beans, but its dining scene.

Take a tour of these five most iconic dining rooms in town to get a feel of what it's like to dine in a city where you have the unique combination of skyscraper buildings, a seaport district that overlooks the Atlantic, and a quaint charm that won't quit.

TOP OF THE HUB The Prudential Center

This proverbial dining spot at the Pru provides so much more than great food. It serves as the viewing deck for the City of Boston. Sitting high atop 52 floors of concrete, there's sure to be more than enough food, both for your belly and your eyes.

SOUTH STREET DINER Leather District

Open almost 24 hours everyday, South Street Diner is known as the place to go to for cheap eats after a night of partying, this permanent resident of the leather district offers diner fare, complete with the cheeky but not-so cheesy look.

BOND The Langham, Financial District

If you're into glamorous, sophisticated dining and cocktailing, then Bond is the right place for you. Their distinct mix of contemporary and modern American fixtures will definitely be a treat for those who are looking for an in-between of Boston then and now.

OAK LONG BAR + KITCHEN BackBay

Old America has never been this bountiful. This Back Bay bar and lounge offers not only good eats, but also a stunning ambiance that can't be said that of any other. Located in the heart of the city, you're sure to sip, savor, and swoon in style.

EMPIRE GARDEN Chinatown

If you have a flare for theatrics and Chinese food, then this is the place for you. Situated within a orchestra theater style complex, this Chinatown destination will please you both with its delicacies, as well as its dimensions.

View Eater.com's full list of Boston's Most Iconic Dining Rooms here.

If you're still reeling from the slew of outdoor fun this past summer season offered, then you shouldn't fret about fall. Outdoor activities are still a plenty even this time of year, you just have to really know where to go. And as the season heads towards the holidays, here's a list of festivals you can head over to, to make these final days before the snow settles in really count.

Southington Apple Harvest Festival Oct 5-7, Southington Conneticut

Not only does this event include apple pie baking and eating contests, but this Southington festival also features a concert as well workshops on what to do with an apple, given that there's going to be surely plenty of it this coming holiday season. Interestingly though, this fall marks the event's 44th year running.

Framingham Food Truck Festival October 6, Framingham

20 popular food trucks will descend upon Shopper's World in Framingham from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. for a day of tasting, live music, and children's activities. Tickets are available in increments of 10 ($13 for 10 tickets and $25 for 20 tickets). They're available for advance purchase or on site. Some trucks scheduled to appear include Bon Me, Grilled Cheese Nation, Captain Marden's Cod Squad, and Mei Mei Street Kitchen.

Boston Local Foodfest October 7, Rose Fitzgerald Greenway

Local farmers, chefs, and brewers will get together on the Greenway for a full day of celebrating the the many different healthy food options in the area. Vendors will include Blue Heron Farm, Bug Hill Farm, and Taza Chocolate.

Keene Pumpkin Festival October 20, Keene County N.H.

It's not just trying to set a world record for most lit pumpkins--although there's that, too--the annual Keene Pumpkin Festival also features hayrides, a pie-eating contest, and a seed-spitting contest.