September Events: What to Do This Month in Boston

September is here and fall is just around the corner! And just because summer is coming to an end, doesn't mean the events in the Boston Metro Area will be too. In fact, the month of September will host many local festivals and celebrations in the city, from a carnival in Cambridge to a music festival in Jamaica Plain to the South Boston Street Festival. 

The following events are all FREE and just a few of many ways to welcome in the new season in Boston:

Jamaica Plain Music Festival
Saturday, September 6, 2014; 12 PM to 7 PM
Pinebank Field at Perkins St and Jamaica Way
Jamaica Plain

The fourth annual Jamaica Plain Music Festival kicks off this Saturday with 21 bands on two stages. What's more, this is a truly local event as at least one member of each band has to have lived or worked in Jamaica Plain. Attendees can expect great music, food trucks, local vendors and businesses, and even activities for the kids.

Cambridge Carnival
Sunday, September 7, 2014; 12 PM to 7 PM
Parade will end on Main St. between Vassar and Ames
Cambridge

This local event will go on rain or shine to celebrate its 22nd year. The Cambridge Carnival was originally started to celebrate African traditions and this year will feature family-friendly activities like face painting, story telling, arts and crafts and a special costume parade.

South Boston Street Festival
Saturday, September 13, 2014; 11 AM to 5 PM
East Broadway between I and L Streets
South Boston

Another great music festival including performers from the local Woods School of Irish Step Dance in South Boston. Not only is this event free, but the Southie Shuttle will be giving away free rides to and from the festival. 

Boston Local Food Festival
Sunday, September 14, 2014; 11 AM to 5 PM
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway
Boston

This annual free outdoor festival showcases local restaurants, food trucks, farmers and organizations specializing in healthy food from New England. There will be food samples, cooking demos, and tips on eating locally. The Boston Local Food Festival is geared toward healthy lifestyles and will be a zero-waste event, recycling and reusing 90 percent of their waste.

Contact me today for more recommendations in the Boston Metro Area and to chat about the local real estate market!

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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What to Do in Boston: Summer Beach Trips

There is still plenty of summer left to enjoy in Boston and around the city, you'll find numerous chances to spend the day on the beach or at least, on the water. As your Boston real estate expert, I'm here to share everything from homebuyer tips and home seller advice to recommendations for exploring this great community. 

Summer is the perfect season to take in all that Boston has to offer, so be sure to mark a staycation or day trip to the beach on your to-do list. You can start with these Boston waterfront locales:

Carson Beach
Carson Beach has been called the best beach scene in Boston, with tons of sand to relax upon and great city views to soak up. Aside from the beach, Carson Beach also boasts bocce courts and chess tables to pass the time. Other perks include free parking, a lifeguard on duty, shady spots for resting, public restrooms, and access to the MBTA.

Castle Island/Pleasure Bay
One of the most popular destinations for Boston residents, Castle Island has opportunities for both recreation and historical learning. The island is home to Fort Independence, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Pleasure Bay is one of the city's treasured swimming and picturesque beach destinations. Boston residents can enjoy the park around the fort for a summer picnic or take a dip in the calm, enclosed lagoon of Pleasure Bay.

Spectacle Island
With five miles of walking trails and two sandy beaches, Spectacle Island is a must-visit this summer. The island is part of the Boston Harbor Islands and also offers a vast array of activities for Boston families, no matter the ages. This island is just a short ferry ride away (from Long Wharf) and also easily accessible via public transportation. The pebble beaches, boat docks and visitor-friendly concessions make Spectacle Island the perfect beach trip for Bostonians. 

Charles River Esplanade
Boston residents don't have to travel far to enjoy this idyllic summer locale. The Charles River Esplanade features beautiful views of the city and on July 26, will host a community swim. 3 local organizations will cohost the second annual Charles River Community Swim (one was also held on July 12) and allow people to swim off the dock near the Hatch Shell (30 people at a time, for 30 minutes at a time). 

Ready to make Boston your permanent home or sell your current property and move up to a new space? Contact me today!

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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Celebrate the 4th of July in Boston

The Fourth of July is almost here and many Boston area residents are planning their activities for the big day. Whether or not you decide to venture into the city to attend one of the many holiday events this year, Boston is a great place to spend Independence Day! From fireworks displays to live music and celebrations on the harbor, here's what is happening around the city on July 4 this year:

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
July 3-4, 2014
The Hatch Shell
Boston, MA

This highly-anticipated annual event will kick off with the national anthem and flyover at 7:30 PM on July 4 before commencing its firework show over the Charles River. One of the best fireworks displays in the country (over 10,000!), the Boston Pops Spectacular also includes entertainment with this year's lineup boasting the Beach Boys, Megan Hilty, the Phantom of the Opera, and the Boston Children's Chorus. 

Boston Harborfest
July 2-6, 2014
Boston, MA

Boston Harborfest is a well-known celebration of the colonial heritage in Boston, including reenactments, concerts, historical tours, and more. Harborfest is now in its 33rd year and has grown to span over 4 days as the largest patriotic celebration in the country. There will be over 200 activities during the festival, so don't miss it!

Fireworks Cruise on the Boston Harbor
July 3, 2014; 7 PM
Odyssey Cruises
Boston, MA

What a great way to start off the Fourth of July weekend in Boston. Join Odyssey Cruises for a sail around Boston Harbor in addition to dinner and a fireworks display.

Fireworks Sail and Constitution
July 4, 2014; 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Moakley Federal Courthouse Dock
Boston, MA

This lunch and sail takes place alongside the USS Constitution as it pulls into Boston Harbor to Castle Island's Fort Independence for a 21-gun salute. In addition, a Fireworks Sail will also be offered for those wishing to watch fireworks from the deck of the Roseway as it pulls in Charlestown. Great for getting out of the city and watching fireworks from aboard a landmark boat!

Uncharted July 4th Fireworks Shindig
July 4, 2014; 7 PM
Coalition Space Boston
Boston, MA

Boston Uncharted is co-hosting this holiday event with Coalition Boston at their new space which has an incredible 19th story view of Boston and the Charles River! A great opportunity to watch a fireworks display from 19 stories up!

Boston is truly a remarkable city to spend Independence Day with unparalleled events for guests and residents alike. Watching the city come together to celebrate the stars and stripes is not something to miss! If you are considering a move to another home in Boston or are ready to move into the Boston Metro, I would be happy to hear from you!

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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Summer Events to Visit in Greater Boston Area

Summer is a great time to get out and try new things, visit new areas of the city, visit new events, explore Greater Boston. Whether you've just moved to the area or are planning to relocate to Boston this year, events are one of many ways to get involved in your community. Below are a few events happening this weekend to mark on your calendars:

Fork in the Road Food Truck Festival
Saturday, June 14, 2014; 12 PM to 10 PM
Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
Boston, MA

Boston has a long legacy of fine food and this is another opportunity to experience and enjoy the local fare. This first-ever Fork in the Road Food Truck Festival will bring together Boston's most popular food trucks and Harpoon Brewery favorites, as well as feature live music.

Legends of Boston Comedy
Saturday, June 14, 2014; 8 PM
Citi Performing Arts Center, Wang Theatre
Boston, MA

For one night only, this comedy event will include Boston comedy stars like Lenny Clarke, Don Gavin, "The Undisputed King of Boston Comedy," "The Funniest Man You've Never Heard Of," Kenny Rogerson and Tony V. These men were a part of the golden age of Boston comedy and are coming together for one more night of laughs.

Boston Festival of Bands
Saturday, June 14, 2014; 11 AM to 6 PM
The Great Hall, Faneuil Hall
Boston, MA

Come out and enjoy the 26th annual Boston Festival of Bands this weekend at Faneuil Hall, presented by the Metropolitan Wind Symphony. The event will be held at 1 Faneuil Hall Square, next to Quincy Market and bands will play varying genres from Broadway tunes to classic music. Something for everyone here, with great musical variety!

Father's Day on the Spirit of Boston
Sunday, June 15, 2014; 11 AM
Entertainment Cruises
Boston, MA

Treat Dad this weekend to a family day aboard the Spirit of Boston and take a lunch cruise around the Boston Harbor. This special Father's Day cruise will include a festive lunch, entertainment, and historic view of the harbor.

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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Explore Boston Comic Con 2013!

Vampires, and zombies, and super heroes, oh my! Get ready because New England is gearing up for the re-scheduled Boston Comic Con event in just a couple of short weeks. On August 3^rd and 4^th, comic and gaming enthusiasts will gather at the Seaport World Trade Center for two days of events including a costume contest, a film festival, Q & A sessions, trivia, and a whole lot more. If you’re a fan of comics, video games, art, film, or anything that falls under the umbrella of what Comic Con celebrates, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

So, what can attendees expect out of this year’s Comic Con? The weekend schedule is chock full of artist panels and events that will appeal to a variety of fans from anime to Superman. Test your knowledge with trivia games and get the inside scoop about how to become a comic book artist. Panels such as, “So You Want to Be a Comic Book Artist,” “Female Creators,” “All Age Comics,” and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” are just a sampling of the events one can attend over the course of the weekend.

Part of the fun at Comic Con is arriving dressed in style. In the style of your favorite comic book character, that is. The annual costume contest will be held from 3:00pm-4:45pm on Sunday, August 4^th in the Waterfront Room. Another not-to-miss event is the Boston Comic Con Film Festival. Movie buffs and film geeks can catch scheduled screenings of features, shorts, and music videos all weekend long in the Cambridge Room. Don’t forget about the Boston Comic Con Zombie Fest on the 4^th!

While there’s too much planned at Boston Comic Con to cover in this blog post, I have to mention the celebrity guests who will be in attendance. Fans of The Walking Dead will have a chance to meet Laurie Holden, who will be signing autographs and talking about her role as Andrea on the show. Kristen Bauer van Straten will also be at this year’s event, who plays Pam in the HBO series True Blood. Last but not least, Aidan Turner and Dean O’Gorman will make a rare appearance at Boston Comic Con to sign autographs and chat about their roles in The Hobbit movies.

Living in a large city like Boston grants us unique opportunities to explore interesting hobbies, passions, and interests. Boston Comic Con is no exception! Part of what I love most about my job as a Boston real estate agent is showing newcomers all of the amazing events and sites to explore throughout the city. Whether you’re just visiting for a few days to begin your home search or need to buy a home in Boston in the very near future, please contact me. I’d be thrilled to help you find a property you’ll be happy to call “home.”

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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Boston's Best: Ice Cream Shops

When the temperature in Boston soars to the mid-90s like it has this week, there’s only one thing cools you down from the inside out. Ice cream! Luckily, our city is chock full of great little spots to satisfy your sweet tooth and provide some respite from the summertime heat. Once you buy a home in Boston and settle into your new neighborhood, it’ll only be a matter of time before you start frequenting your favorite ice cream shop. Whether you seek a traditional flavor or an unconventional concoction, I’ve compiled a not-so-complete list of the best places to indulge in a scoop (or two) this summer in Boston.

Savin Scoop – Dorchester
107 Savin Hill Ave
Dorchester, MA 02125
Try this neighborhood ice cream shop on a hot summer night. Located right next to the Savin Hill T stop, Savin Scoop easily accessible if you don’t live in the neighborhood. Added bonus: they have ice cream for dogs, too.

Pinkberry – Back Bay
288 Newbury St
Boston, MA 02115
Amidst the boutiques, spas, and coffee shops along Newbury Street, Pinkberry beckons the hot and weary with delicious frozen yogurt and fresh toppings. Stop by to refuel before continuing your errands!

Mike’s Pastry – North End
300 Hanover St
Boston, MA 02113
As you may know, Boston’s North End is often referred to as “Little Italy.” While many visit Mike’s Pastry to sample a delicious cannoli, the Italian ice cream is top notch as well. Tip: Try the pistachio flavor!

JP Licks – Beacon Hill
150 Charles St
Boston, MA 02114
Whether you prefer ice cream or frozen yogurt, JP Licks has a huge variety of flavors from plain old chocolate to “beer and pretzels.” With a rotating seasonal menu, the adventurous soul will always have something new to try.

If you end up buying a home in Boston this summer, you’ll have to let me know once you’ve found your favorite ice cream shop. Although my primary goal is to keep my clients up-to-date on the Boston real estate market, I also love to give newcomers recommendations on Boston’s best restaurants, beaches, theaters, parks, and other hidden gems. Ready to kick off your home search? Contact me and I’d be happy to show you a selection of homes that fit your budget!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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Explore Your Creative Side in Boston

With how fast-paced life has become nowadays, do you ever find yourself so wrapped up in your daily routine that you forget to step outside of your comfort zone? As a Boston real estate agent, I'm constantly required to flex my creative muscles. Whether I'm helping a buyer craft the perfect offer or I'm developing a strategic marketing plan to help a seller move his or her home quickly. If you've found yourself seeking inspiration as of late, there are plenty of ways to explore your creative side in Boston. 

Take a cooking class

The Boston Center for Adult Education offers a ton of interesting cooking classes whether you're an aspiring chef or just want to pick up a few kitchen skills. From pasta making, to tapas, to ice cream, to tacos, you're sure to find a class that pleases your palate. For the sweet tooth, BCAE also offers baking classes. How satisfying would it be to serve your very own summer tarts at your next BBQ?

MFA Boston adult art classes 

With classes offered seven days a week and in the evenings, there's no excuse not to fit an art class at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston into your schedule. Perfect if you're seeking a creative challenge, you can choose from several art forms like drawing, sculpture, photography, and more. This is a great way to improve your technique and meet other Bostonians with similar interests!

Learn to play an instrument

If playing music is more up your alley, consider picking up a new instrument. The Boston School of  Music Arts offers beginner classes to students of all ages. Learn to play piano or guitar in one of their 4-week introductory classes in a small group setting. This is a great option if you want to learn a new skill but don't want a long term commitment.

Exercising your creative side once in a while is key to success in both your professional and personal lives. Who knows, maybe you'll even discover a new passion or shift your career path as you explore everything Boston has to offer! The opportunities are truly limitless when it comes to how you can break out of your normal routine and get a little bit creative. If you have any particular questions or would like a recommendation on where you can take a class in something specific, please reach out to me! Even if I don't have the answer, I'll ask around so I can point you in the right direction. 

Though my primary passion is helping buyers and sellers have positive experiences in the Boston real estate market, I also enjoy helping newcomers get acquainted with our vibrant city. When you're ready to begin your home search, allow me to be your trusted guide. From selecting the perfect home to making a dinner reservation at one of Boston's top restaurants, I know this city like the back of my hand. Contact me when you're ready to get started!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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Stay Active Outdoors this Summer in Boston!

Well, I think it’s safe to say that the gorgeous weather has finally arrived in Boston! This time of year, warmer days are something to celebrate as we peel off our winter and spring layers and soak up the sun outdoors. If you commute downtown and spend a majority of your week in a frigid office building, you know how fantastic it feels to spend your free time in the fresh air. Luckily, Boston offers us countless ways to spend the summer months outdoors enjoying the balmy temperatures. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or are new to town, these summertime activities will keep you entertained from Memorial Day to Labor Day and beyond.

Sea Kayaking

Enjoy a perspective of Boston less traveled as you paddle your way through the city. A starting point at the P&G Gillette Floating Dock gives you a spot to launch your kayak into the Fort Point Channel and you’re on your way. Head towards the outer islands of Boston Harbor and make sure to stop at Little Brewster Island or Calf Island for a leisurely walk. It’s the perfect way to escape the city for a few hours while remaining so close!

Golfing

If the hustle and bustle of city life has you yearning for a bit of peace and quiet, reserve an early morning tee time at one of Boston’s two magnificent golf courses. Golfers of all skill levels are welcome to play at George Wright Golf Course at Franklin Park and William J. Devine Golf Course in Hyde Park. From tee to green, these challenging courses have kept golfers at their peak for decades.

Sailing

Living on the water affords us the opportunity to view Boston in a new light. If you’re looking for a new hobby this season, sailing will connect you with a surprising number of like-minded individuals. There are a handful of learn-to-sail programs for adults and children in Boston that will get you on the water in no time. To get a taste of what you’re in for this summer, check out Boston Sailing Center’s Free Sailing Open House on June 29th.

Biking

Whether you’re looking to “green” your commute the office or want to sneak in some exercise on the weekends, biking is a fantastic way to get outdoors in Boston. If you have your own bike, map out a route for a sunny Saturday and plan a picnic along the way. Don’t have your own? Boston’s bikeshare system allows residents and visitors access to a regional bike system with more than 1,000 bikes to rent for just as long as you need one.

I hope the rising temperatures have you interested in emerging from your home and exploring the great outdoors in Boston. Are you thinking about selling your home in the area this spring? The Boston real estate market is buzzing with activity as buyers search for the perfect property to call their own. As a Boston real estate agent, I have years of experience helping folks buy and sell homes in the area. Please let me know if I can assist you in your journey!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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