Maria Olia: I am a free-lance writer and the author of the "Little Black of Boston" (Peter Pauper Press). My favorite museums in Boston include the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Institute of Contemporary Art. Hanging out in Cambridge is one of my favorite pastimes. Like most travel writers, I love to eat out- I have a strong preference for ethnic(especially Italian and Middle East cuisine) and/or chef-owned restaurants . And of course, I am a huge Red Sox fan! I am an active free-lancer. Currently, I am the "Fun-To-Go" editor for the monthly parenting publication "Parents and Kids of Massachusetts". I also recently revised "The Little Black Book of DC" (Peter Pauper Press) - DC is fast becoming one of my US favorite cities! My travel and parenting articles have appeared in many national publications including the Boston Globe, the Christian Science Monitor, Woman's Day and Parents Magazine. Follow me on Twitter @thebostonguide

Halloween Family Events

Gather your little goblins for lots of frightful fun. Here are two low-key Halloween activities for families to enjoy together this weekend. Always one of Franklin Park Zoo’s (1 Franklin Park Rd., Dorchester)(Map) most well-attended events, Zoo Howl(October 30 and October 31; 11 AM-3PM) features a haunted maze, face painting, entertainment from Radio Disney and a trick-or-treat trail. The highlight of the day though, has to be watching the animals play and demolish their pumpkins! How about...

October 24th, 2010 | Boston | Read More

October Destination: Salem, Massachusetts

Although a major seaport city for three centuries, it is the Witch Trails of 1692 that have made Salem, Massachusetts famous. But there is nothing quite like visiting Salem, aka “Witch City”, in October- if only for the over-the-top Halloween atmosphere. But beware: many of the city’s haunted attractions in Salem are little more than hokey tourist traps. Here is a guide to Salem’s sights that are worth checking out. If you have kids in tow, The Witches Cottage (The Griffen...

October 19th, 2010 | Boston | Read More

The Boston Common

If you are planning to follow the footsteps of America’s Founding Fathers, then you must start at the very beginning. Almost as old as Boston itself, the Boston Common (bordered by Beacon, Park, Boylston and Tremont Sts.) (Map) is located in the heart of downtown. The Commons, as it is called by Bostonians, is the nation’s oldest public park; as far back as 1634 it was used for grazing cattle, as a “trayning” ground for militia and as a place for public hangings. Today the...

October 8th, 2010 | Baby Boomers, Boston | Read More

Review: Bus Stop At The Huntington Theatre

The Huntington Theatre opens its 2010/2011 season with a fine production of William Inge’s 1955 romantic comedy “Bus Stop” which chronicles the events at a Kansas diner that becomes the overnight shelter for a mix of characters stranded during a blizzard. It is romance and pathos deftly mixed – an engaging character study of lonely, lost people that still manages to be both enlightening and funny. Director Nicholas Martin has assembled an exceptionally strong ensemble cast...

September 29th, 2010 | Boston | Read More

Massachusetts’ Cranberry Harvest

In Massachusetts, fall not only ushers in the apple and pumpkin season, but the cranberry harvest season as well. Head south of Boston to follow the Massachustts Cranberry Trail (self-guided) through the towns of Carver, Wareham and Kingston. Get an up-close look at the harvest as the cranberry bogs are flooded with water and the crimson berries are corralled before being pumped from the beds. Peak cranberry harvesting usually coincides with the Columbus Day weekend . Here are a couple...

September 28th, 2010 | Boston | Read More

Lively Dining at Pairings Boston

Forget your preconceptions about hotel restaurants. Pairings (50 Park Plaza, Boston)(Map) is both contemporary and welcoming, serving nearly all-day dining at the Park Plaza Hotel. The space is stunning- a sophisticated mix of seating, creative lighting, an uber-hip curved bar and floor-to-ceiling windows/doors that overlook a pretty sidewalk space. In the evening, mixing and matching a spread of hot and cold small plates really makes for a fantastic meal. Some standouts include the sumac crusted...

September 25th, 2010 | Boston | Read More

Old Sturbridge Village

Go back in time at Old Sturbridge Village,(1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge)(Map) a re-creation of rural New England life in the 1830′s. Just as in the old days, fall is an especially busy time as the village celebrates the harvest and prepares for winter. As you tour at you own pace you will see characters-farmers, craftspeople and town folk- interpret and demonstrate everyday tasks such as butter making, blacksmithing, weaving and baking. Kids can dress up in 19th century clothes,...

September 23rd, 2010 | Boston | Read More

New England Fall Things To Do Guide

Fall in New England means harvest time . Wine tastings, apple picking, and leaf peeping outings are great side trip ideas for visitors to Boston at this time of year. Enjoy the country air, the changing of the season, and the pleasure of eating a crisp, red apple picked fresh from the tree. Nashoba Valley Winery (92 Wattaquadock Hill Rd., Bolton)(Map) This hillside winery orchard also makes award-winning wines like blueberry merlot and a Pinot Gris. On weekends informative tours of the wine making...

September 20th, 2010 | Boston | Read More

The Freedom Trail: A Walking Tour of American History

No visit to Boston is complete without touring the historic Freedom Trail, Boston’s signature attraction. The 2 1/2 mile red brick (sometimes red-painted) path wends its way throughout downtown and links 16 sites, covering three-plus centuries of American history. To see all the sights without rushing, you really need a full day. But you can see the Freedom Trail in half a day if you skip a site or two and focus on what really interests you. Most of the Freedom Trail sites are free-only...

September 1st, 2010 | Boston | Read More

Shopping the Champs Elysees in Paris

My husband and I flew to Paris to celebrate our wedding anniversary — without our four teenagers. Our three-day long weekend turned out to be cool, dark and rainy. It didn’t matter. After all, almost every couple can use a little Paris after more than 20 years of marriage. Our pied d’terre was the Hotel Francois Premier (7 Rue Magellan, Paris) (Map), an intimate boutique hotel just steps away from the Champs Elysees, the city’s most famous avenue. The comfortable jewel-box...

August 23rd, 2010 | Baby Boomers, Paris | Read More

Stephi’s On Tremont-A New Neighborhood Favorite

Stephi’s on Tremont the sister restaurant of the much-loved Stephanie’s on Newbury Street. Opened just last year in a prime South End location, Stephie’s has become a hit- attracting a sophisticated crowd- an interesting mix of the neighborhood’s coolest residents, couples on dates, and locals already familiar with owner Stephanie Sokolve’s cuisine. This is comfort food with enough edge to pique your interest- and not terribly expensive either. Stephie’s...

August 22nd, 2010 | Boston | Read More

Family Fun in Gloucester, Massachusetts

Lighthouses, scenic beaches, a historic working harbor and a thriving artist’s colony. Recently, my crew — my husband and I, and our four teens (sons ages 21, 19 and 17 and our 14 year-old daughter_ — set off for an overnight trip to Gloucester, 35 miles northeast and less than an hour’s drive as the gull flies from Boston. Located on Cape Ann, dubbed “Massachusetts’ other Cape”, Gloucester is a find, jam packed with everything a family needs for a beach...

August 21st, 2010 | Boston | Read More

Tea At The Four Seasons

After a strenuous day of sightseeing and/or shopping, the Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel is a pleasant place to take afternoon tea. Overlooking the Public Garden watching the beautiful people stroll by on their way over to Newbury Street, the soothing setting of the Bristol Lounge is the scene for tea for two- or three-or four or more every afternoon. Afternoon tea ($28) at the Four Seasons is appropriately swank and includes a pot of tea, warm scones, and a selection of tea sandwiches...

August 9th, 2010 | Boston | Read More

Say Goodbye To Summer

Now that it is August, it is time to plan all the things that you just “got to do” in Boston before Labor Day and the end of summer. Hit the beach one last time. Massachusetts boasts some spectacular coastline. The top New England beach pick for all-around fun? The 40- mile Cape Cod National Seashore which stretches from Eastham to Provincetown Head to the islands-the Boston Harbor Islands -that is. Explore Georges Island, home to historic Fort Warren- an abandoned Civil War-era...

August 8th, 2010 | Boston | Read More

Free Othello on the Boston Common

Othello, is one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies- a story of love , jealousy, deceit and murder against the backdrop of war . Free Shakespeare on the Boston Common is presented annually by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company and is a beloved Boston summer tradition. This year’s show is an exceptionally clear and well-acted production which has some real star power- Seth Gilliam from HBO’s “The Wire” plays the title role and James Waterston of “Six Feet Under”...

August 7th, 2010 | Boston | Read More

A Vacation in Greece for the Budget-Minded

With a wealth of holiday experiences that include some of Western civilization’s most important sites, sun-drenched Aegean islands and picturesque hillside villages, Greece is a world-class vacation destination that annually attracts millions of international travelers. You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a memorable vacation in Greece. Cheap holidays in Greece are especially plentiful this year, in part because of the country’s current financial crisis. Whatever your interest,...

August 7th, 2010 | budget travel | Read More

The British Are Coming-To The Boston Common

One of the best by-products of a visit to Boston is the wealth of things kids can learn about Revolutionary American history. This summer, the Freedom Trail Foundation will sponsor a British Encampment Reenactment on the Boston Common (Map). From 1775-1776, the Boston Common served as a campground for British troops during the Siege of Boston . This summer, from Friday, August 13-Sunday, August 15, 2010 the Boston Common will transform into a living history site transporting visitors to a traditional...

August 2nd, 2010 | Boston | Read More

Lunch in the Seaport District at 606 Congress

With star attractions like the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Children’s Museum bringing throngs of visitors, the Seaport District is one of Boston’s great neighborhood destinations. After a morning of museum hopping, stroll along Seaport Boulevard for a late lunch at smart and stylish 606 Congress in the Renaissance Hotel. Drawing as many locals as guests-always a good thing for a hotel restaurant- the kitchen is helmed by Chef Gregory Griffie. The cuisine at 606 Congress is...

July 30th, 2010 | Boston | Read More

The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum

“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch-we are going back from whence we came.” The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum overlooking Dorchester Bay is the official library of the 35th U.S. President. Set on a 10-acre park, the Kennedy Library is housed in a dramatic glass and white concrete building that evokes the imagery of a ship . Whether you remember the 1960′s or consider the Camelot years as history, a visit...

July 29th, 2010 | Boston | Read More

The Silver Line- Quick To and From Logan Airport

Isn’t a trackless trolley really a bus? Boston’s MBTA Silver Line is a rapid transit bus service that is especially convenient for traveling to and from Logan Airport and to the hotels in the South Boston Seaport District and South Station areas. The SL1 bus services each of the terminals at Logan. The dual-mode bus runs on electric power as it travels through the dedicated underground tunnel portion of the route from South Station to Silver Line Way and then converts to diesel power...

July 26th, 2010 | Boston | Read More