November brings crisp blue skies, falling leaves and annual traditions that everyone looks forward to — football games and tailgating, apple picking and pie baking and gatherings with family and friends.
Enjoy an end-of-season bike tour or harbor cruise on an Indian summer day. And while native corn are out of season you can still shop at one the many farmers markets for root vegetables, cider and pumpkins. Most are open right up to week of Thanksgiving. Speaking of Thanksgiving, why not take a short road trip to Plimoth Plantation, home of the first Thanksgiving, the Mayflower II and the Wampanoag Homesite.
Speaking of food, how about a Culinary Walking Tour — where food expert Michele Topor reveals the best pasticcerias, salumerias and enotecas in Boston’s North End. The Chinatown Market Tour unlocks the mysteries beyond the Gate, concluding with a Dim Sum luncheon. There are also decadent Chocolate Walking Tours that would even impress Willie Wonka.
The arts season is well under way. The Boston Ballet opens its season with the timeless classic “Romeo and Juliet.” Herman Melville’s classic tale of a mythic sea monster and the vengeful Captain Ahab will have you riveted in your seats at the Paramount Center from Nov. 7-12. The Boston Lyric Opera performs the psychological, political and supernatural “Macbeth” from Nov. 4-13.
Comedy more to your liking? Then catch veteran SNL comedian Dana Carvey at the Wilbur Theatre on Nov. 6. Storyteller extraordinaire, Garrison Keillor entertains on Sunday, Nov. 13, at Symphony Hall as part of the Celebrity Series, while virtuoso violinist, Itzhak Perlman also performs on Nov. 20 at Symphony Hall.
Not to rush the season, but the Christmas Craft Festival featuring more than 300 master craftsmen is at the World Trade Center from Nov. 4-6. Get a head start on some shopping and don’t miss the crowd favorite — the Gingerbread House competition. The eighth annual Mayor’s Holiday Special kicks off Nov. 1 with half-price tickets for 78 holiday shows and special restaurant discounts across the city. So take in a show or two and enjoy a dinner out, all while supporting local artists and small businesses.
Soon the city will be dressed for the holidays. The first Lighting Ceremony takes place on Saturday the 19th at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The Nutcracker Ballet opens the day after Thanksgiving for 40 performances through Dec. 31. And the annual Tree Lighting in Harvard Square is scheduled for Nov. 26.
And remember when giving thanks this November be thankful that you live in (or near) Boston!
Visit our website, www.bostonusa.com, for more details and great deals and enjoy being a Boston Insider in your own backyard.
-Pat Moscaritolo is President and CEO, Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
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