Sometimes even a noted tourist spot in Boston is a Great Escape. When I go to New Orleans I make sure to go to the revolving night club 360 for a cocktail and get a bird’s eyeview of the Big Easy. You can do that in Boston at the Prudential's  The Top of the Hub. My husband, David, and I enjoyed a walk through the Boston Public Garden and took the elevator up to the 52nd floor and had a lovely lunch on our wedding anniversary.  It was far less touristy than you would imagine; the food was fantastic and the atmosphere was quite festive.  There are Jazz nights in the lounge with a lounge menu, …

How many times have you heard the same story from your spouse?  Don’t get me wrong, there are some great ones coming from my significant other, but, I’d love to hear some new ones.  Well how about going off together to hear stories and to perhaps tell some.  Everyone has a story, and the story slams that Massmouth puts on at Doyle’s Café (new location in JP) once a month on a Sunday evening are a hoot.  I’ve told and will tell again.  The stories have to be true, personal stories that you hone down to 5 minutes with a 1 minute grace period.  Last Sunday the place was filled with new people …

We live in a hub of activity and we may not have the late night zaniness of New York City but we have some serious talent here in Boston. If you have a hankering for some jazz, we have several hip joints that will fit the bill. Grab your honey and your beret or porkpie hat (the one you just bought at Salmagundi’s) and beat it over to the South End to Wally’s Jazz Café  or  The Beehive.  Both spots serve up some serious local jazz. You may have some budding musicians from the local schools or some old school cat dishing out his wares. There’s also Slades Bar and Grill, which offers up some R&B…

When’s the last time you headed over to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston? I bet you only escape there with out-of-town relatives, friends or the kids. Shed the extra baggage and go with your special someone and escape into the creative world of art.    If you haven’t been to the MFA in a long time you’ll be wowed by the recent renovations and additions of the fabulous: “Art of the Americas Wing.”     Having spent hours in the galleries as a guard in the late 80s I was blown over by the architectural drama of the wing as well as the four floors of american art - from early American to …

Part of a real escape is finding a quiet place to walk and talk or just enjoy nature while still living in a very busy Boston neighborhood.   Escaping for a few hours can create just the right amount of time to rejuvenate your soul. In the 1840’s a group of Transcendentalists decided to make the greatest escape of their lives and created a commune right here in West Roxbury.   Located off Baker Street in West Roxbury are 179 acres that include: rolling hills, wetlands and woods, known as: The Brook Farm Historic Site. It is one of the first sites in Massachusetts to be listed on the National …

‘Tis the season to take whatever time you have left and make it summerlicious and what better a way to Escape, just the two of you, then to spend the day in Provincetown.  A quintessentially quaint and hip Cape Cod town with good sightseeing and people watching: Galleries, shops, restaurants, outdoor cafés, cobblestones, wooden piers, cocktails, and beaches - what more could you ask for in a summer great escape?  The high-speed Provincetown ferry is set to leave everyday at 8:30 a.m. and will return at 4 p.m. from Provincetown in time for you to be home for dinner. If you choose Thursday …

New England summers aren’t complete without a clambake; and you don’t have to organize one or wait for an invite.  Jasper White’s Summer Shack has partnered with the Harbor Islands to provide a perfect sunset cruise to Spectacle Island for a clambake and a view of Boston’s beautiful skyline.   Thursday Sunset Clambake on Spectacle Island has two more Thursday dates and a special full moon cruise this Friday, August 12.   The cruise starts at 6:15 p.m. and leaves from Long Wharf. Click on the link and make your reservation. The Summer Shack's Clambake Dinner includes: creamy clam chowder, a …

Many cities have their signature “ride.” Boston has the Swan Boats. New York City has the horse drawn carriage ride, and Venice has the Gondola ride. The trip to Venice may not be in the picture, but you could take a gondola ride, right here, in Boston.   Boston Gondola has three packages and is a very romantic date; if you have a special occasion to celebrate or just need a romantic “boost,” this is the escape for you. Escape to a slower pace with a private gondola ride with your own gondolier and take in the gorgeous views of Boston while on the Charles River. To add to the romance and …

Tired of Taco Tuesday or Meatloaf Monday? It’s time to expand your meal options at home by taking a class together. Expand your options for meals at home by taking a class. If you love food and wine, here’s an escape that will leave you knowing a little bit more. The Boston Center for Adult Education has a load of one-time evening classes that last about 3 hours that produce a meal and teach you something about the cuisine. You could learn about: Spanish Paella and Sangria on Tuesday, Aug. 3  or  “Join Chef Diane Manteca and Formaggio Kitchen wine and cheese guru Adam Centamore for a hands-on…

Escape outdoors again and enjoy some free concerts.  I’ve sent you outdoors a lot lately, but why not? We only get about three solid months of good outdoor weather.  Despite the heat, by evening we usually have a decent breeze and it cools off a bit making evenings delightful.  So, take advantage of the situation and find things to do outdoors.   Grab your lawn chair, your picnic basket and go hear some live music.  There is music of all genres and every day of the week. We have the trusted Hatch Shell location by the Charles River, which is easily accessible by the T and there is a series of…

Each Friday, Mary Hannon's "Great Escape" column offers parents one idea to give you a much deserved break from the kids. Sure, you probably laugh a lot watching the crazy antics of your own children, but getting out and hearing a good comedian can be a great night out. Did you know that there are huge benefits to laughter?  That’s right, not only improving your physical health, but laughter may be the best escape you can find, from your daily grind, to bring you closer to the one you love. And we have world class comedians right here in Boston: Jay Leno and Dane Cook, to name a couple of …

You spent last weekend dragging the kids to the beach, forcing sun screen on them and telling them, “yes, we’re almost there”  while you sat in traffic on the way. When you were at the beach, you broke up the fights with the toys and worried about the kids drowning in the rolling waves. How relaxing. Now it’s your time away. Although a trip to the beach without the kids is fun, spending two hours in the car is a drag. Perhaps you’d like to just sit by a pool and take an occasional dip and sip a cocktail or an ice cold beer. The hippest spot, right nearby, is the Colonnade roof top pool. With …

Last week I suggested you escape your kitchen; this week I suggest you escape your entire home.  I’m not suggesting you head to a hotel or a local B & B.  Getting away from it all, doesn’t mean you have to book a flight or fill the gas tank and drive off into the sunset.  There are other options.  If you’ve never heard about “Home Away” you probably have no idea that your neighbor might be taking advantage of the extra apartment in their two-family home.  There are quite a few apartments in Jamaica Plain to choose from as well as downtown. They book early so you do need to plan ahead. Leaving…

Escape the kitchen, escape the mess, escape the “same old, same old” and go have a meal while someone waits on you. Thank goodness, real summer will be here and dining out,  alfresco style, is a welcome change to the typical dining experience. The trend for outdoor seating is a welcome and popular one, and you don’t have to go to Newbury Street  to experience it; you can find a place close to home. More and more restaurants are requesting permits for outdoor seating — and Boston is granting them.  Here are a few restaurants that offer outdoor dining  to consider when you are heading out:     …

While walking around Jamaica Pond the other day, I found the boat house open with a new schedule. The rowboats were actually in the water and the flag was flying high in the windy weather and there were a few people at the front desk. Hmmm, sailing, it sure has been awhile. Studies have shown that you can keep your marriage alive by sharing new experiences; especially ones that have a bit of excitement in them, and novelty can help create a closer bond. That said, jump on your bikes and find your way to Jamaica Pond where you’ll find one of the Courageous Sailing programs and plenty of …

Your teens are holding a car wash at the high school Saturday. The grandparents volunteered to take the younger children to a movie Sunday afternoon. Your tweens take tap on Wednesday evening.  It’s your time. Take it. Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot easier. For a fun and competitive night out with the chance to win some great prizes, gather a group of friends and head out for an evening of trivia. Also commonly called Stump Trivia, this game is played most frequently at bars, pubs and …

Beer aficionados can rejoice – the American Craft Beer Fest will take place in Boston next week, June 3-4 at the Seaport World Trade Center. This will be BeerAdvocate’s 4th annual American Craft Beer Fest, hosting more than 100 American brewers and more than 500 craft beers to sample this year. It is the largest celebration of it’s kind on the east coast, and sure to expand your beer palate beyond the scope of Bud Light or Miller (not that there’s anything wrong with those two). This is an opportunity to sample many handcrafted brews in varieties ranging from American Pale Ales, pilsners, …

Your teens are holding a car wash at the high school Saturday. The grandparents volunteered to take the younger children to a movie Sunday afternoon. Your tweens take tap on Wednesday evening.  It’s your time. Take it. Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot easier. Have you ever wanted to learn how to knit or crochet? Do you dream of being able to sew some of your own clothes or make a beautiful quilt? Or maybe you already have some experience with knitting or sewing but you crave the company of …

Your teens are holding a car wash at the high school Saturday. The grandparents volunteered to take the younger children to a movie Sunday afternoon. Your tweens take tap on Wednesday evening.  It’s your time. Take it. Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot easier. If you are an architecture or history buff or just love getting out to learn more about your local surroundings and neighborhood, then a Jamaica Plain walking tour might be right up your alley. Run by the Jamaica Plain Historical …

This Sunday may be Mother’s Day, but it is also the 103rd Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum, an event that happens only one day a year. An annual tradition in Boston, the Arboretum is open for all to see the large and colorful variety of lilacs in full bloom alongside live entertainment and activities. This is a great escape to honor and spend time with Mom, so you may just want to bring along the whole family for this one. Starting at 10 a.m., there is an entire day’s worth of events that will conclude around 4 p.m. though the Arboretum is open from dawn until dusk. Some of the highlights…