Whether you want to cut your own tree or purchase a precut tree, BIRE has your covered. The following is list of places to find the perfect holiday decorations and Christmas trees. Cutting your own Christmas at a local farm offers a family activity that can become a tradition spanning decades.

 

Places to Cut-your-own Christmas Trees

1.     Smolak Farms

315 S Bradford St
North Andover, MA 01845
Phone: (978) 682-6332

Website: http://www.smolakfarms.com/trees

Hours: 8:30AM-4:00PM

 

Although Smolak Farms is about a 45 minute drive out of Boston, it is definitely worth the trip. They offer a program called Choose N' Cut, where all size trees are priced at $69. Smolak Farms recommends that you come early to cut your own tree, as they tend to sell out each season.  That's a pretty good deal. You can also purchase a Pre-cut tree. They have a large selection of freshly harvested firs to choose from with prices starting at $48 and go up to $140, depending on the size that you are looking for.

 

2.     Maple Crest Farm

102 Moulton Street
West Newbury, MA.
Phone: (508) 641-5955

Website: http://www.maplecrestfarm.biz/index.html

Hours: 9AM-4PM Friday- Sunday: November 27, 28, 29^th & Saturday and Sunday: Dec 5-6th & December 12-13^th and by appointment

Maple Crest Farm is a 45 minute drive out of Boston, but with the beautiful coastal scenery, it is well worth the drive. The farm offers a fun family experience complete with complimentary wagon rides, hot chocolate, and marshmallow toasting. They also provide complimentary saws and twine and will bale your tree. Maple Crest prices their trees at $60 apiece and only accepts cash or local check.

Places to Buy Pre-Cut Christmas Trees

3.     Boston Christmas Trees

22 Harvard Ave

Allston, MA.  

(Across from Model Hardware and The Draft)

Phone: (617) 510-0866

Website: http://bostonchristmastrees.com/

Hours: 8:00AM - 10:00PM, seven days a week, from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Boston Christmas Trees is a great and convenient place to find the perfect Christmas tree, and they have ample free parking, which is a luxury in Boston. This is a one stop shop where you can purchase everything from Wreaths: Plain and Decorated, four sizes and types of Christmas tree stands Garland, Mistletoe, Mantel Pieces & Table Baskets. They offer Balsam Fir and Fraser Fir Trees: From 3? to 12? ranging from$10 to $125.

4.     Allandale Farm

259 Allandale Road

Brookline, MA 02467

Phone: (617) 524-1531

Website: http://www.allandalefarm.com/home.html
Hours: Weekdays 9am-7pm, Weekends 9am-6pm. Closed for the season December 32rd
 

Allandale Farm has a variety of fresh cut balsam and Fraser fir trees are arriving weekly from Nova Scotia and North Carolina. They also have a great selection of wreaths, garland, winterberry, holiday plants, and evergreen centerpieces.

 

5.     Beverly Tree Farm

300 Dodge Street

Beverly, MA 01915

Phone: (978) 810-4178

Website:  www.beverlytreefarm.com/

Hours: 9AM-3PM November 27^th,28^th, 29^th & December 5^th, 6^th or While Supplies Last

 

 

What type of tree do I choose?

At this point your probably asking yourself, what is the difference between all of these trees and which one should I choose?! Well no need to worry, here are descriptions of the trees types mentioned in the guide above to help you understand what you're searching for.

Balsam- A very traditional tree, the Balsam has short, flat, dark green needles that won't fall off the branch right after you get it.

Blue Spruce- A unique coloring, the blue spruce can range from dark green all the way to powdery blue. The stiff branches on the spruce are great for heavier ornaments.

Canaan Fir- Though a less common variety, the Canaan Fir is very similar to Fraser Fir and Balsam varieties. The medium-strong branches and deep green color make for a traditional Christmas feel.

Douglas Fir- A full-bodied pyramid shape, the Douglas Fir lasts a long time when cut and has anywhere from blue to dark green needles. These needles, when crushed, emit some of the best Christmas tree scents of any variety.

Fraser Fir- With a deliciously pine-y scent and bicolor needles (green on top and silvery white on the bottom), this tree is the epitome of holiday spirit. The space between branches is also great for ornament placing.

Tips on Selecting your Pre-Cut Tree:

·       Measure your space

o   Be sure you know what size (height and width) you need before heading to the retail lot. Measure the ceiling height in the room where the tree will be displayed. The trees in the field look small when the sky is the ceiling. Don't overbuy. Measure the width of the area of the room where the tree will be displayed. Most trees on tree farms are trimmed to an 80% taper. So a tree that's 10' tall will be 8' wide at the bottom. A tree that will fit in the room vertically may be entirely too big horizontally.

• Do a branch/needle test for freshness
  • Run a branch through your enclosed hand - the needles should not come off easily. Bend the outer branches - they should be pliable. If they are brittle and snap easily, the tree is too dry.

 

• Look for other indicators of dryness or deterioration

Indicators might include: excessive needle loss, discolored foliage, musty odor, needle pliability, and wrinkled bark. A good rule-of-thumb is, when in doubt about the freshness of a tree, select another one. If none of the trees on the lot look fresh, go to another lot.

Finally - the sun is out and temperatures are slowly tapering off; signs that spring really is just around the corner. So, before the spring and summer buying and selling season hits, you have time to enjoy what's left of the "hibernation" months. Don't just sit inside your home and wait for flowers to bloom and temperatures to drop. Instead, why not have some decent good old fun outside your home and banish those winter woes? Here are some of our picks for you to do in and around the city for the remainder of the month, just until Spring is officially here:

555 Gallery Inaugural Exhibit March 6-16, Innovation DistrictIf you're into contemporary fine art and photography, then this will be worth your while. Nestled in one of Southie's upcoming pockets, this gallery promises to showcase provocative pieces from established and emerging artists. Located in a 2,000 SF renovated 1950s manufacturing plant, 555 Gallery is on the edge of South Boston's old industrial and new residential neighborhoods and blocks away from the Seaport and Innovation Districts. Call (857) 496-7234 or visit www.555gallery.com for more details

Boston Ballet's 'Cinderella' March 13-23, The Boston Opera House With choreography by Sir Frederick Ashton, and music from Sergei Prokofiev, the Boston Ballet will premiere "Cinderella," in a three-act ballet. The classic fairytale weaves magic and enchantment into a story about a young girl who wants nothing more than to spend an evening at the ball. http://www.bostonballet.org/cinderella

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations March 15-17, Citywide St. Patrick's Day is upon us. So whether you're looking for a music fix or a parade run, you have a couple of option to get your Irish on. For audiophiles out there, the Dropkick Murphys will be performing at the House of Blues on March 13-16 - perhaps these guys will be as close to real Irish rock you'll get in the city. And for those longing for a more serene evening out, the Sanders Theatre will host "A St. Patrick's Day Celtic Sojourn" on March 15-16, featuring authentically Irish performers, with Keith Murphy as musical director. As always, South Boston will again be hosting the St. Patrick's Day parade on March 16th starting at 1PM. Expect this one to be huge this year, as organizers co-celebrate the Irish day with the election and installation as mayor of one of its own, Marty Walsh.

Dine Out Boston (formerly Restaurant Week) March 16-21 and 23-28 Formally known as Restaurant Week, Dine Out Boston has been rebranded to offer versatile pricing and a larger variety of menu options from participating restaurants in the Greater Boston area. Dinner will be available for $28, $33, or $38, and lunch for $15, $20, or $25. Each restaurant will choose one of the price points, and then design a menu to highlight their cuisine. Each restaurant has been carefully screened so that you can get the most satisfying gastronomic experience, all without the high price tag. www.bostonusa.com/visit/dineoutboston/restaurants-search

Spring Beer Festival March 23 from 12-10PM, Boston Cyclorama Are you a self-confessed beer bum? A concoction connoisseur, perhaps? Well, if you are, come celebrate the start of spring by grabbing your beer passport and taking a trip around the world to sample blends from different breweries at the Spring Beer Fest. Plus, all guests will be entered to win prizes just for attending. Tickets are limited and early birds get $10 off the regular ticket price of $29 until tomorrow, March 7. www.bostoneventguide.com/spring-beer-fest

16th Boston Underground Film Festival March 26-30, Brattle Theatre (Harvard Square) Whether you're into mainstream mega blockbuster movies, or into deep indie flicks, you've got to check this one out. Running on it's 16th year, the festival strives to promote independent and experimental filmmaking. This year's festival will feature works include the thrillers "All Cheerleaders Die" and "Blue Ruin", the live-action and animation fusion film "The Congress," and more. Movie mavens will agree that a lot of good movies have come out of this once-little film fest, including choice picks of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck for their film production collaboration, Project Greenlight. www.bostonunderground.org

By now, as the holiday rush winds down and Christmas draws closer, you probably are in need of some de-stressing. What better way to get away from all of the season's stresses and still have some quality time with your family or friends than to take a look around the city for some wonderfully decorated holiday homes. Perhaps take some queues on how to dress up yours next year, when you make that move to purchase your own.

For some reason, Christmas lights always brightens up one's day. They're at the very heart of the season, bringing brightness into the longest, coldest, darkest nights of the year. Some are inspired by the Christian faith, some are purely decorative. But whether you're moved by "Peace on Earth" or a holly jolly Christmas, below are nine must-see electric yuletide displays from Dorchester to Saugus' incredible Lynn Fells Parkway that will warm your cold New England heart and melt it away... and if you see a property you like along your drive, remember to keep us in mind - it might just be up for sale and the perfect gift for yourself next Christmas!

16 & 22 Lynn Fells Parkway, Saugus

The Amsden and the Guarino families, who share a driveway, are behind this show-stopping display--one of the many light extravaganzas along Lynn Fells Parkway in Saugus. This dual display includes a penguin popping out of an igloo, a manger scene, pink flamingos and a life-sized Santa riding in a sleigh pulled by a little red-nosed Rudolph.

 

26 Norton Street, Readville

The couple who owns this Ginger-bread like home have been decorating it for over 40 years. The lights, if you get out of your car, come along with festive music to cheer you along as you marvel at the over 2,000 lights that are decked out on its halls. Adams Street, Fields Corner Hoa Nguyen and his father, Trong Nguyen, light up Boston's Fields Corner neighborhood with an animated spectacle of electric snow, hovering angels, blinking Christmas trees and what seem to be LED fireworks.

Otis Street, Somerville

John Ragno, the owner, has been doing the decorating on his house for almost 30 years now. He decorates three houses he owns in the neighborhood as well, two side by side, and one across the street. The joke is that he started off with a manger outside, a small manger on the porch. And it grew to what it is now - a massive Christmas medley of decorations.

Bainbridge Street, just west of Rockwell Street, Malden

Over the past decade, Maryann Spinney and her daughter and son-in-law Evelyn and Mark Anzalone have lit up houses down the lane from each other on Malden's Bainbridge Street. Several neighbors have also gotten into the act, so that it's become a whole glowing holiday neighborhood.

The Charles River Esplanade Hatch Shell & Longfellow Bridge

You might be wondering who's boat that is along the Charles that has a Santa riding in it. Well, the answer is it's Community Boating Inc.'s holiday hello to everyone passing over the Charles bridge. It's a pretty nifty sight to see especially when you're crossing over to Cambridge.

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.

Dicen que las noches inolvidables son aquellas donde los buenos amigos están presentes. Es por ello que una noche que empieza bien son las que comienzan con una cenita donde podréis charlar con vuestros colegas antes de ir a bailar.

En Newbury Street existen una amplia variedad de restaurantes que ofrecen una cocina completamente diferente dependiendo de los gustos de cada individuo. Podréis encontrar desde las típicas hamburguesas americanas, hasta con meticulosas delicatesen como son los productos que ofrece Snappy Shusi, un restaurante japonés

situado en el número 108 de la calle Newbury. Si preferís la comida de otro continente os podrías declinar por un italiano, Papa Razzi, situado en el numero 159 de Newbury Street, es una buena opción para conocer la cocina europea ydegustar sus sabores más placenteros.

Una vez que hayáis terminado de cenar podéis ir a tomar una copa a diferentes lugares que os dejarán muy buen sabor de boca. Algunos de estos sitios son: Strega Waterfron, además de ofrecer otros servicios como el de sala de baile, cuenta con unos cocktails estupendos dirigidos a aquellas personas que les guste experimentar sabores explosivos. Por otro lado, Haru es un lugar que se especializa tan sólo en el servicio de cocktelería e incluye una amplia lista con bebidas de este tipo; está situado justo debajo de Prudential Center. Cuchi Cuchi también se encuentra entre los lugares más demandados, este lujoso y glamuroso establecimiento trabaja duro para ofrecer sus mejores servicios y, por supuesto, bebidas.

También están aquellas personas que prefieren algo más tranquilo y "precopear" en sus propios domicilios. En este caso la ciudad de Boston ofrece un exclusivo servicio llamado Party Bus. El "Autobús Fiesta" es utilizado para transportar a sus clientes desde sus domicilios u otros lugares de interés a la puerta de cualquier discoteca, pues como ya sabéis... ¡Si bebéis alcohol, no podéis conducir!  Además, el Party Bus es una diversión asegurada ya que es una discoteca dentro del propio autobús donde se puede bailar, beber y pasárselo bien mientras este os traslada allá donde vayáis.

Y como no, una de las mejores opciones para acabar bien la noche es ir a una discoteca para pasarlo en grande y bailar hasta que los pies no den más de si. Boston cuenta con numerosos clubs para elegir, todos y cada uno de ellos están diseñados de una manera diferente y proporcionan una fiesta asegurada gracias a su buena música, su buen ambiente y el buen rato que os harán pasar. Aquí están algunas de las discotecas más reconocidas por los jóvenes: Royale 279 situado en Tremont Street, Cure Lounge en 246 Tremont St., Bijou Nightclub & Lounge que está en el 51 de Stuart St., Venu 100 en Warrenton St., y The Estate 1 en boylston place.

 

 

 

 

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.

Memorial Day, and in some states, July of 4th weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer, and the start of grilling season. Across the nation people will dust off their grill and invite their neighbors over for a good old-fashioned backyard barbecue. While many cities are known for their barbecue restaurants, chances are this weekend most people will be grilling at home; so which cities can lay claim to having the best backyard gatherings?

Out of 22 major metropolitan areas nationwide, Boston came in third to be the most BBQ-friendly city that plays host to grillers out there. The analysis was done by looking at the percentage of single family homes for sale with large yards (defined as lot sizes between .25 and four acres), decks, and built-in barbecues - all the features needed to host the ideal summer celebration. Philadelphia came out on top, with the perfect combination of all three.

HAPPIEST CITY FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Alongside this distinction, Boston was also recently named by Forbes Magazine as one of the happiest cities where young professionals would want to reside. Backed by 45,000 employees who have less than 10 years of work experience, the survey concluded that Boston ranks 10th in a list of 25 Metropolitan areas where the youth enjoy working and living in. There were ten factors considered for this work happiness index, including working relationships, compensation, growth opportunities, company culture, company reputation, and daily tasks. Additionally, parameters for the city were weighed by looking at walkability, lifestyle, and community culture. The top two spots belongs to California addresses - namely San Jose, and San Francisco, where not coincidentally - majority of the younger generation in the country currently resides.

TOP METROPOLIS FOR NEW GRADUATES

To top it all off, Beantown also is on top of the list of twenty five urban metro areas where new college graduates comfortably fit in and set up shop. Taking into consideration employment, cost of living, wages, and the number of rental listings available, the study also highlights Boston's youth scene to be one of the most vibrant in the country, only second to New York City. Job prospects also make Boston attractive to young individuals who are recently out of college, as the number of start-up firms, as well as established companies, continue to increase putting them in an excellent position to jumpstart their professional careers.

In celebration of today's President's Day holiday, we're taking you on a tour of six Presidential homes found in the New England states. And even though Massachusetts is only the third country to have produced the most number of US Presidents, their homes found here are the quaint and quintessential American foursquare that we're so used to seeing in movies and biographies.

First up, did you know that aside from the town being named after them, the homes of John Quincy Adams and John Adams are only steps away from each other? The second and sixth US Presidents, respectively, lived in what is now aptly known as Qunicy, Massachusetts. Both of their homes now are part of the 11-structure park dedicated to the memory of the family. One of the features of the latter son's home is a library called 'Stone Library', that features four generations of Adams family writings as well as 14,000 leather-bounded manuscripts of novels, poetry, and the like. And like most New England homes, the Adams property has a sprawling garden that includes in it a little chapel where the Presidential family held service.

The Fourteenth President of the Union, Franklin Pierce was born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. Now called the Franklin Pierce Homestead, this federal-style home is a great example of post-Colonial architecture and classicism. Bare stenciled walls and French furniture influences most of the furnishings in this home. Pierce, being an avid fan of owning real estate, also had a small mansion built outside his town in Concord, NH. Called the FP Manse, the property is sublimely different that the President's original home in Hillsborough, featuring traces of Greek Revival architecture.

The fifth son of a poor Irish preacher, Chester A. Arthur is a native of Fairfield, Vermont. Just like his family's modest lifestyle, their home was of a modest built and featured the most basic of necessities, and served the family purposefully. What was once the site of a humble cottage (hard to believe it was the site where a US President was raised),  is now home to a plaque, reminding passersby of its original place in history. Perhaps aside from the textbook history reminder, the plaque also serves as an inspiration to the town, reminding everyone that no matter where you come from and how humble you seem, great things can come about from everywhere.

Just past the borders of Brookline and Boston is a small square named after one of America's greatest statesmen, President Calvin Coolidge. The thirtieth president, he was known to be a practical and thrifty man with great integrity. He was born in Plymouth Notch, New Hampshire and would later retire to the same site. His family had very deep roots in New England, with ancestors having been the original settlers in Watertown, Mass. His family's home, being very colonial and New England, is reminiscent of houses along the coastal parts of the Northeast.

Born, raised, and residing in Texas, only a handful of people know that the families of Presidents George W. Bush and George Bush Sr. enjoy summers in their retreat home in Kennebunkport, Maine. Enclosed within the confines of its own compound, the Presidential Summer Home known as 'Walkers Point' is visible to tourist plying the murky waters of the town. Built as a cabin, the retreat home features stone slabs and wooden finishings, mixing together that New England charm and Southern spirit.

Last but not least, the most popular of the US Presidents residing in New England, John Fitzgerald Kennedy whose life, family, and legacy remain in the Commonwealth. The Kennedy compound, located in Hyannisport, Mass. is primarily accessible via boat and private land transfers, affording the fabled family privacy and detachment form the rest of the world. The main mansion where John's parents, Rose and Joseph raised them, is a sprawling four-floor family home, completed with fourteen bedrooms and twelve baths - all designed in colonial New England fashion. And although the Kennedys are best remembered for their home in Hyannis, only few know that JFK was born in a three-story home in Brookline, where his parents first lived as a married couple.

 

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If you're like any other Bostonian, you're probably used to the winter months being cold, harsh, and dead. And with an impending snowstorm on the horizon, it's easier to accept that weekends will probably be spent indoors, in the comfort of your home. And even though it's easier and most definitely cozier to lounge in the warmth of your living space, it will be something that's easy to get over once spring and summer set in in a couple of months when the sun's out, and when you should be too. Luckily, the Boston Globe is offering Bostonians the chance to see (and plan!) for when that day comes.

The Boston Globe Travel Show this weekend at the Seaport World Trade Center promises to give Bostonians a reprieve from Friday's significant snowstorm. With over  300 exhibitors showcasing your dream vacations - complete with dressed up booths, activities, and shows - this snowstorm weekend will surely won't be your typical one.One of this year's activity highlights is the Northeast Beer Craft Pavilion, featuring beer brews from 20 of the region's best breweries! And if your palette isn't a tuned to beer, then try one of the culinary stations that feature exotic foods of the globe, prepared by none other than the city's top chefs. Got kids? Drag them with with you, as sea critters from SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Zoo cheer you on as you navigate your way around the show.

For those seeking some advice on where to take their vacation this year, worry not - travel experts and authors from Frommers and the highly-acclaimed book 1,000 Places To See Before You Die will be giving talks and advice on how to customize your vacation to your liking. And to top it all off, the Globe is hosting a raffle draw for attendees, with a vacation package for two to Capetown up for grabs!

So see, even if the snow is piling up outside, there's no reason to hideaway and  sulk until it's gone - Boston has lots to offer outdoors. And if all else fails, there's always the sled to take you down that bunny hill.

Boston Globe Travel Show Seaport World Trade Center www.bostonglobetravelshow.com February 9, 12PM to 8PM February 10, 9AM-4PM

If you're one of the hundreds of millions of people who follow the Super Bowl, then this article is for you. Even if our beloved Patriots didn't make it to this year's big game, it doesn't mean that you won't be glued to the boob tube come Sunday night as the Baltimore Ravens battle it out with the San Francisco 49ers. Here are some neat ideas on how you can spruce up your space for Sunday's Super Bowl game event:

Who's Going?

It always nice to have a few friends over, Super Bowl or not. The first thing you'd want to determine if you're throwing a game day party is your guest list. Seriously. There's no need to be all formal about it, rather going through who you're inviting, who's coming and who's not going to show up will give you an idea of how crowded it will get in your living room. This also makes it possible to plan your food and beverage needs, because the worst thing that could happen is that your party goes dry, and that's it for you and your buddies!

The Atmosphere

Setting the ambiance doesn't necessarily mean transforming your living room into something else it isn't. Having the right "small" accessories makes a big difference. For instance, put up some of those collegiate team flags and banners you have in storage, they might be of old teams past, but they're still sure to enliven the sports mood in your living room.  Another simple thing you can do is to go and grab some Super Bowl themed paper plates, and cups from your local grocer - just get them the same time you grab grub for snacking, saves you a lot of time.

Lastly, what Super Bowl Super crib is complete without a football? Keep one lying around, and it's sure to be used at one point in the evening. Have past NFL magazines? Bring them out, it'll be good to browse during those downtimes.

Putting the "Bowl" in Super Bowl

Now that you've got your place all set-up, the next thing you need to do - and probably most important thing next to the game itself - is to figure out the food. Your place might be all decked out, but if your snacks and dishes aren't, then forget it. There isn't anything scarier than a hungry mob of supercharged football fans. A tried and true trick is to focus all your efforts towards the snacks.

If you have time to spare, try making an original nacho recipe from scratch. Those without the free time can simply mix sour cream, salsa, and grated cheese together for a great dip. Other great snacks include cheese poppers, honey-roasted peanuts or anything that fits into a bowl and can be eaten by hand. But, if all else fails, there's always take out and delivery. Though, if you are indeed planning to order make sure that you have a) ordered enough, and b) order ahead of time, giving an hour lead time. Whichever you do decide to do, remember that a buffet setup is the best way to go - camaraderie and culinary all in one table.

Odds, Ends, and Betting

One sure-fire way to entertain is by organizing betting pools. Ideally, these games are done in a way that even the guests who don't know a thing about football can join in. For instance, you can bet on who will score the next touchdown, what the score at the end of each quarter will be or even who'll win the coin toss. Make charts or grids so that the wagers are clear and keep the pot low so that no one blows their wallet.

Depending on the people and the atmosphere you intend to create, keep the following details in mind. If it's a real manly, poker-night type of shindig, pass cigars around. Make sure there are enough chairs for everyone to sit on. Provide a side room for those who came for the food and atmosphere, and not the actual game.

Organizing and hosting a Super Bowl party doesn't have to be time-consuming or stressful. Do it right, and you'll be able to watch the whole game, enjoy some great food and relax with your friends. Just remember; if you do it too well, people will be lining up outside your door for Super Bowls to come.

BUT if you find that hosting is just not your gig, then head on over to these nearby sports bars that offer crowd pleasing specials come this Sunday's big event:

Champions Copley Back Bay, (617)927-5304 

Watch the game on the bar's 12-by-24-foot viewing screen or on one of the 40 other TVs throughout the Boston branch on the second floor of the Boston Marriott Copley Place (left). At the Cambridge location, there will be 50-cent wings all night and a free buffet during halftime, in addition to specialty menu of rival dishes.

Clery's South End, (617)262-9874

Enjoy all your football favorites at Clery's, including 5-foot subs, wings, and drinks. There will also be a wing-eating contest featuring the first five people to sign up. The winner will receive a football prize pack and their name on the wing trophy. Purchase tickets in advance at Clery's or at

The Atlantic Beer Garden Seaport District, (617)357-8000

Atlantic Beer Garden will be airing the game on 23 HD TVs and two projection screens. They will be hosting a corn hole tournament at half time with the chance to win Jameson prizes including tabletop corn hole games.

Game On! Fenway, (617)351-7001

According to its website, Game On prides itself on providing fans with "a better view than a 50-yard line seat" with their 90 HD TVs. They will be offering special menu discounts on items such as buckets of wings and two cheese pizzas for $15. The Fenway bar will also be giving away three pairs of Red Sox monster seat tickets at halftime.