Field Guide to Boston

A collection of stories from our ongoing series, Field Guide to Boston. The series at wbur.org/fieldguide offers guides and public service journalism focused on how residents can better connect with each other while exploring the city's neighborhoods and rich culture.

The Giant Hood Milk Bottle beside the Children's Museum on Fort Point Channel. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

What it's like to work inside the Hood Milk Bottle

The 40-foot Hood Milk Bottle is one of Boston's most iconic — and unique — structures. Here's how it got to the Seaport in the first place and what it's...

Local Coverage

Aug 16, 2024

A view of “Portraits From Boston, With Love,” an exhibition running through Sept. 8 in the Fenway Gallery at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. (Courtesy Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum)

Found family and a celebration of queer identity in 'Portraits From Boston, With Love'

An exhibition of works by queer artists highlights the beauty of their chosen families, self-discovery and love. The show runs through Sept. 8 at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Arts & Culture

Aug 15, 2024

Samantha Barnes and Jack Mullen as Lise Bouvier and Jerry Mulligan in “An American in Paris” at the Reagle Music Theatre in Waltham. (Courtesy Neil Scott/Reagle Music Theatre)

5 things to do this weekend, including 'An American in Paris' and Immigrant Small Business Day

Plus, an interactive whale learning experience and baby-friendly screenings at Coolidge Corner Theatre.

Arts & Culture

Aug 15, 2024

A great white shark swims close to the Cape Cod shore in Chatham, Mass in 2016. (Wayne Davis/Atlantic White Shark Conservancy via AP)

Quiz: How much do you know about Massachusetts' sharks?

Great whites are far from the only shark species cruising through Massachusetts waters. WBUR's Katie Cole joins The Common to give a rundown of the state's various shark species, and...

The Common

27:02Aug 15, 2024

A woman swings in a field of wild flowers and lavender at the SummitWynds Lavender Retreat. (Stan Grossfeld/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

5 farms where you can pick your own flowers in Massachusetts

Zinnias, sunflowers, dahlias and more are in season. And at these Massachusetts farms, visitors are welcome to select a bunch fresh from the fields.

Local Coverage

Aug 9, 2024

Medford voters cast their ballots in 2022. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

Massachusetts voter guide: Your 2024 state primary breakdown

The primary is set for Sept. 3 and features a variety of races, including GOP contests for U.S. Senate and House, as well as elections for state Legislature seats. Here's...

Local Coverage

Aug 9, 2024

Parts of Miles Howard's urban trail through Boston, like this section near McLaughlin Playground, don't feel urban at all. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

Wizards, bear dens and puddingstone: The Common takes a hike through Franklin Park

A 27-mile route called the Boston Walking City Trail winds through the city's most immersive green spaces. Team Common hikes a section with the trail's founder, Miles Howard, and hears...

The Common

29:17Aug 8, 2024

Attendees of a previous FunkFest dancing. (Courtesy Luis Cotto/FunkFest)

5 things to do this weekend, including FunkFest and 'Waitress: The Musical'

Plus, interactive improv and a jazz festival in Milton.

Arts & Culture

Aug 8, 2024

A Murph's Molly Dog, with crushed Doritos, cheddar cheese and bacon. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

A frank discussion about Massachusetts' hot dog hotspots

Central Massachusetts is something of a hot dog hotspot, with four well-known stands within close(ish) proximity of one another. Here's how they measure up, according to WBUR's Lisa Creamer.

Local Coverage

Aug 8, 2024

Chris Mutty and his wife having quite the eventful first dance. (Courtesy of Chris Mutty)

For better or worse: Our readers' most memorable wedding stories

Our readers really dove for the bouquet on this one, sharing memorable moments of matrimony, from the funny to the cringeworthy.

Local Coverage

Aug 5, 2024

One of The Amazing Acro-Cats during a performance in Portland, Maine. (Courtesy Katie Day)

5 things to do this weekend, including acrobatic cats and an outdoor writing workshop

Plus, Boston’s Future Fest and a Queen Elizabeth II impersonator.

Arts & Culture

Aug 1, 2024

Scenes from across New Hampshire. (New Hampshire Public Radio)

Day trips in New Hampshire: Ideas for beer lovers, foodies, family trip planners and more

Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime Granite Stater looking to explore a bit more, read on for ideas on how to make the most of your visit...

Local Coverage

Jul 26, 2024

A group performs at the 2023 Cambridge Jazz Festival. (Courtesy Mutsuko Ohnishi)

5 things to do this weekend, including the Cambridge Jazz Festival and a 'Wizard of Oz' art exhibit

Plus, Lowell Folk Festival and “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” in concert.

Arts & Culture

Jul 25, 2024

Sue McGrew, of Tacoma, Washington, works on her sand sculpture during the International Sand Sculpting Festival at Revere Beach on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, in Revere, Mass. (Michael Dwyer/AP)

5 things to do this weekend, including the Revere sand sculpting festival and a poetry slam

Plus, Festival Betances in the South End and a pop-up roller disco in Cambridge.

Arts & Culture

Jul 18, 2024

A picnic set up by Hola Picnic Boston in Cambridge's North Point Park. (Photo courtesy of Hola Picnic Boston)

How to picnic in Boston like a pro, from serene spots to basket essentials

Melissa Gutierrez, owner of the luxury picnic service Hola Picnic Boston, shares some tips for planning a proper picnic. Plus, we’ve gathered local recommendations for the best picnic sandwiches, snacks...

Local Coverage

Jul 12, 2024

Peter Franklin, who invented the Cool Dog, has saved one box of the prepackaged treat — from around 2009 — in his freezer. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

The rise and fall of Cool Dogs, Ayo Edebiri's favorite hot dog-shaped ice cream treat

Ayo Edebiri shouted out Cool Dogs on a talk show. But the quirky ice cream novelty, once served at Fenway Park, is now nowhere to be found.

Arts & Culture

04:59Jul 12, 2024

A NASA image shows Hurricane Beryl from the International Space Station on July 1, 2024. (NASA via AP)

A hot hurricane summer: How Massachusetts residents can prepare

Atlantic hurricane season is well underway. And while Massachusetts residents rarely batten down the hatches like southern East Coasters do, experts say it's a good idea for them to better...

Environment

Jul 11, 2024

A side-by-side comparison of the two types of hot dog buns. (Meghan B. Kelly/WBUR)

How New England split with America over hot dog buns

Here in New England, the split-top hot dog bun reigns supreme. You might recognize it as the iconic breading used for lobster rolls. Almost everywhere else in the U.S., people...

Local Coverage

Jul 11, 2024

Boston Women's Market will pop up one Saturday every month through October to showcase work by nearly 30 small businesses, makers and artists. (Courtesy Boston Women's Market)

5 things to do this weekend, including the Boston Women’s Market and a jazz festival on the Charles

Plus, an author salon in Arlington and screenings of "Jaws" at the New England Aquarium.

Arts & Culture

Jul 11, 2024

Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra performing "The Stars and Stripes Forever" at the 2023 Fireworks Spectacular. (Courtesy Michael Blanchard)

What to know about the Boston Pops' Fourth of July concert

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular returns to the Hatch Memorial Shell. Here's what you need to know ahead of the Independence Day celebration.

Arts & Culture

Jul 3, 2024