what to do in Boston (nov 22 - nov 24)

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My goal is to report and curate news on Boston’s restaurants, new attractions, events, and find unique ways for you to spend your weekend — no matter if you’re a local or just visiting.

I’ll also be running features the way I do on savorroam.com with destination guides, travel inspiration, travel trends, and more. These will be clearly labeled, so if those aren’t your bag, you can just stick to what to do.

My focus will mainly be on quick trips with a wellness angle in New England, like how to spend 36 hours in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. But I’ll also throw in a cool destination you have to — and probably wouldn’t have thought to — hop on a plane to (like Lubbock, TX). Or, I’ll show you a different side to a well-traveled destination, like why Nashville is the perfect place for a wellness weekend.

So, you can expect a special edition coming out next week with Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals specifically tailored for New England travelers.

And I’ll try to use photos I’ve taken around the city or at events whenever possible. That means, unless an image is embedded or is credited otherwise, chances are you can find the print for sale in my Etsy or Society 6 shop.

P.S. If you have an event, new attraction, new hotel, or restaurant opening you’d like me to cover, don’t hesitate to reach out. My e-mail is [email protected].

Table of Contents

• boston food news

• travel news

  • air travel

  • abroad

• unique things to do in Boston: Nov 22 - Nov 25

  • reoccurring events

  • saturday, nov 23

  • sunday, nov 24

boston food news

East Boston’s EBO Grocery is hosting the annual EBO Caviar Tasting on Thursday, December 5. From 4 - 7 p.m., you can taste every tin on the EBO Caviar menu. The goal? “You will taste through the caviar rainbow so that you can make educated purchases throughout the holiday szn & beyond.” Tickets ($30) are on sale now and are expected to go quickly.

A “very moody, very sexy” (Boston Magazine) new bar opened this week in Boston’s Back Bay. D16, a new venture from Glynn Hospitality Group (Central Warf, The Black Rose, Granary Tavern), can be found at 955 Boylston St, the old Boston Police Department Division 16 police precinct.

That’s not the only cocktail bar opening in Boston this week. Loyall Counting Room, inside the InterContinental (510 Atlantic Ave), is now taking reservations for its truly Bostonian take on a speakeasy. With meat pies on the menu and a long list of delicious-sounding craft cocktails, I won’t be surprised when the Counting Room becomes everyone’s favorite cold-weather hangout.

Foodie favorite Row 34 is coming to Kenmore Square. Time Out Boston reports that Chef-owner Jeremy Sewall will open the new location in the old Island Creek Oyster Bar home in Hotel Commonwealth on Commonwealth Ave. The current anticipated opening is the summer of 2025.

travel news

The best traveler is the most prepared traveler. Every week, I’ll be reporting on and rounding up the biggest news effecting travelers.

air travel

Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy on Monday, Nov. 18. However, CNN reports services will not be interrupted, and customers can keep booking future flights. The company will be restructuring and plans to exit Chapter 11 by next year.

As if you needed another reason to be envious of First Class flyers, Delta Airlines will serve Shake Shack on long-haul flights out of Boston Logan beginning December 1.

Meanwhile, American Airlines is on a mission to end gate lice. According to The Points Guy, the airline's new tech debuted last month in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Tucson, Arizona, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Now, AA gates at over 100 airports will deny entry to anyone trying to board before their group is called.

abroad

If you’re heading to Rome soon with plans to make a wish at the Trevi Fountain, you’re going to be disappointed. Afar’s Rome correspondent reports there is now scaffolding and elevated walkways around the iconic landmark thanks to an intense renovation project expected to last into December.

Don’t worry; CNN reports a creative substitute has been set up for tourists still looking to toss coins. And, of course, they’ve turned into a tourist attraction of its own.

Meanwhile, Ollolai — a village on the Italian island of Sardinia — has an offer Americans looking to get out of the country for the next four years (or more) might not want to refuse. Not only are there properties starting at $1, but Mayor Francesco Columbu promises a “fast-tracked” application process for interested Americans.

unique things to do in Boston: Nov 22 - Nov 25

There’s never not something to do in Boston. Here, I’ve gathered a handful of events that are off-the-beaten path and hidden gem events.

This might be your last chance to experience something, like seeing the blooming chrysanthemums at Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum, or a reminder something is still happening, like The Holiday Market at Snowport. I’ll be sure to include reoccurring events in each edition of what to do.

reoccurring events

This is your last chance to see the annual blooming chrysanthemum installation at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Book your tickets in advance, though; they can sell out quickly, and availability/entry is not guaranteed.

Historic Holiday Strolls, guided tours among the holiday lights, and decorated trees on Boston’s Freedom Trail kick off on Friday, November 22, and will continue on select Fridays and Saturdays (including No 23) until December 28. Walks are one hour long and are led by guides dressed in 19th-century Dickensian costumes. For tickets and more information, visit the Freedom Trail’s website.

If you need somewhere else to stroll through or want to get a jump on holiday shopping, head to Seaport to wander through their annual Holiday Market at Snowport. Open seven days a week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day), there are over 120 vendors, plus great food options, cocktail bars, live music, activities (like curling), and more. East Boston favorite Petrova Chocolates (creator of those viral Dubai Chocolate Bars) has a booth, so be sure to stop by!

To literally warm up after a Snowport visit, book a table at Deck 12’s heated outdoor bar (Yotel’s rooftop). Like previous years, there is an Apres theme, complete with heaters, fondue, chair lifts, gondolas, and more. Reservations are strongly recommended.

For something completely unique, visit Do Portugal Circus, whose Big Tent is currently pitched in East Boston (305 McClellan Hwy). The circus leaves town on December 1, which means this is your last chance to see what promises to be a magical performance.

saturday, nov 23

Just in time for temperatures to drop and the weather to turn, the Museum of Illusions Boston doors are opening. To celebrate the grand opening, the Museum of Illusions Boston will open at 9 AM on November 23, and tickets are 20% off; a discount is automatically applied to checkout. For more information on the Museum of Illusions and updates on the opening, visit moi Boston and follow the Museum of Illusions Boston on Facebook and Instagram.

Labyrinth Choir will perform at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (258 Concord Street, Newton Lower Falls) on Saturday, November 23, at 4 p.m. for the annual Music for Food concert to benefit the Centre Street Food Pantry. Guests can expect to hear an eclectic blend of contemporary, Broadway, classical, and gospel music. This is a pay-what-you-can event, with the suggested donation being $40.

sunday, nov 24

For an extra side of fabulousness with your Sunday brunch this week, gather your girls and head to Nash Bar & Stage. Starting at 1 p.m. (doors open at 11 a.m.), you’ll find a Friendsgiving drag brunch hosted by local drag artist Doriann Blonch. Tickets are $20 and do not include food or drink.

If you look like Tom Holland — or want to be around a bunch of people who look like Tom Holland — there is a lookalike contest on Sunday, November 24, at 1 p.m. in Boston Common. Meet at the Parkman Bandstand.

1  If you’d like to submit your event or destination for consideration, or invite savor + roam to attend for coverage, please e-mail [email protected].