I hope for you that this Christopher Columbus holiday means a day off from work and an excuse to explore your own city. After all, Boston is full of things to do and for some reason, it’s always more fun to drink, eat and play on a weekday. But if you weren’t able to catch the Christopher Columbus Day parade yesterday in the North End — no worries. There is still plenty of time left to celebrate the discovery of America. Here’s how to celebrate (this somewhat controversial holiday) in Boston today.
Brunch at Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant
How often do you get to enjoy a weekday brunch? Probably never. But today’s day off from work, is the perfect excuse to celebrate part two of your weekend brunch excursions. So throw on your yoga pants and ball cap, and head to Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant to get your get your mimosa and egg fix. According to the restaurant’s Facebook page, they are having a special Columbus Day brunch today from 11am – 3pm.
Columbus Day Celebration at Christopher Columbus Park
From 10:45a.m. to 3p.m., stop by the Christopher Columbus Park to pay tribute to the great explorer. The Friends of Christopher Columbus Park will be celebrating a free Columbus Day Celebration with a kids parade in the morning followed by a “ceremony at the Christopher Columbus statue, including a wreath laying ceremony led by Mayor Thomas Menino and Italian Deputy Consul Luigi Munno,” according to the North End Waterfront website. There will also be entertainment throughout the day including performances by “Jenny the Juggler, Peter O’Malley the Magician, Boris the Pennyfarthing Bicyclist and T-Bone the Interactive Pied Piper.” And if you enjoy patriotic music, the park will be hosting a performance by the North End Music & Performing Arts Center.
Go Shopping and Take Advantage of Columbus Day Deals
Do any of us really have time to shop during the week? Definitely not. With our very busy schedules, it’s hard enough juggling our work schedule and our social lives. Shopping usually takes the back burner – but not today. Stores like Gap, Urban Outfitters and H&M (among others) are offering up great deals, sales and discounts in Boston, perfect for those looking to update their fall wardrobe. Today is without a doubt one of the biggest shopping days of the year — so take advantage of the sales here.
The Rose F. Kennedy Greenway Park Celebrations
Today from 11a.m. to 1p.m., the Greenway’s new Carousel will also be celebrating Columbus Day Weekend by promoting a buy one ride, get one ride free for Massachusetts residents. And from 9a.m. to 2p.m., you can check out the “Rings Fountain to the Max” show. The Greenway staff will be celebrating Columbus Day by blasting water from the Rings Fountain “to the maximum” for the first time ever. It should be quite a show, so make sure you stop by sometime before 2p.m.
“Play Me, I’m Yours” Street Pianos
Today is the last day to play street pianos throughout the Boston area. So if you haven’t gotten around to playing one of these street pianos yet, you still have the rest of today to get in touch with your inner Mozart. And a day off from work is the perfect excuse to find a street piano near you. Check out one of the locations in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville or Brookline.
Celebratory Spanish Cocktails from Tapeo
Christopher Columbus’ journey was financed by the Spanish King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in 1492. To celebrate his journey in true Spanish fashion, it’s only appropriate to end your Columbus Day weekend with some spanish-inspired cocktails. I recommend trying the Cava Sangria or Spanish Margarita from Tapeo on Newbury Street. Sip em outside if the cool weather allows or inside the tucked away restaurant.
How do you plan to celebrate your day off? Let us know in the comments below.
