“I believe in the Church of Baseball. I've tried all the major religions, and most of the minor ones… I've tried 'em all, I really have, and the only church that truly feeds the soul, day in, day out, is the Church of Baseball.” (Annie Savoy, Bull Durham)
For those who consider baseball a religion, surely Fenway Park is the old, beloved and highly respected “Grand Cathedral.” Here are a few tips to for your trip to Fenway Park.
Directions
Of course, the best place to start is “How Do I Get There from Here?” This link will provide you with directions via automobile, subway, commuter rail, and bus along with parking information.
Game Day
If you’re going to a game, my best advice – GO EARLY!! Yawkey Way is closed prior to games, providing a unique atmosphere one will not find at any other ball park. Check out the Red Sox Team Store where you will find the largest selection of Red Sox souvenirs and memorabilia. Find someone who is signing autographs at Autograph Alley. Dance in the street to the Dixieland sound of the Hot Tamale Brass Band, who have performed before every home game since 1999. Catch the pre-game Dennis & Callahan show at the NESN Stage. Do it all, and even more.
History
Have your picture taken with the “Teammates” statue of four Red Sox Hall of Famers - Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Dom DiMaggio, and Johnny Pesky. You could have your picture taken with the Ted Williams Jimmy Fund statue which depicts Williams with bat in hand, placing his hat on the head of a boy with cancer. This statue is a fitting tribute to the legend and the Jimmy Fund, which is the official charity of the Red Sox. Both statues can be found outside the Gate B entrance at the corner of Ipswich and Van Ness Streets.
Have a favorite player? Commemorative bricks of players past & present can be found at Gates B & C. This link will provide you with the locations.
Want to really get to know Fenway Park? Check out the official Fenway Park Tour. The tour lasts about an hour and your stroll around the park may include a visit to the Hall of Fame, the Press Box, the Right Field Roof Deck, the Green Monster Seats and even the warning track. Bear in mind that the stops are subject to availability. Fenway Park Tours are conducted year round. They begin at the top of the hour (9-5). On game days, the tours are conducted only up to 3 hours prior to game time. Know the game schedule when planning your tour.
Food
Hungry? Maybe you are a traditionalist – hotdogs, Cracker Jacks, and beer? Of course you can get that at Fenway. Fenway’s cuisine has come a long way! You will find clam chowder (Legal Seafood), lobster rolls, tacos, meatball subs, cotton candy, kettle corn and even vegan choices! Not a beer fan? How about wine or frozen margaritas? For the chillier games, you will find the line at Dunkin’ Donuts is longer than the beer line. This link will provide a list of the concession stands at the park.
I hope you enjoy your day at the ballpark and can come to appreciate all that Fenway Park brings to Boston history and baseball history!
Otherwise known as “the Launch at Hingham Shipyard,” this little treasure is worth checking out and getting to know. Despite the far distance from my house, I make the journey at least once a week.
History
During World War II, 227 warships were made at the Shipyard for use in battle. Recently, Samuels & Associates began developing at the shipyard and have transformed it into an outdoor mall rivaling the Derby Street shops.
What it has to offer
If I went through all of the stores and options open at the Shipyard, this would be either a boring list or a shadow of their website, so I’ll go through what brings me to the shipyard.
Red Mango
The first store that ever sparked my interest was Red Mango. I had never had frozen yogurt before, but when friends brought me to this new dessert experience after a trip to Nantasket beach, I was instantly hooked. Not only does it have excellent flavors, the store is self-serve (priced by weight). Red Mango is the #1 reason I drive the 12 miles and 30 minutes to Hingham.
Wahlburgers
What better precursor to Red Mango than a restaurant owned by the Wahlberg family? As soon as Wahlburgers opened up I could tell it was a hit; mainly by the hypnotic smell and the line of people out the door. Moderately priced, the burgers are fine quality, the shakes taste great, and the fries are the reason I keep going back.
Panera
Need I say more? Before Wahlburgers sparked my interest, Panera was my restaurant of choice. Good options, fast service. Superb choice if you have picky eaters or vegetarians in your party. Not much to say about this South Shore classic.
Although I’ve never actually seen a movie here, I’ve heard it’s a great option for dinner and a movie nights. On the topic of movies, what is remarkable to me is that the Shipyard hosts free outdoor movies every Thursday night in July and August. Here is the program of events.
The Moorings
If you don’t live in Hingham/Weymouth and don’t want to commute all the way to this shopping mecca, why not move there? There are homes for sale right in the middle of the plaza. And what is convenient is the commuter ferry to Boston right at the Shipyard. Now this location is like a double edge sword when it comes to insurance. Not only is it condominiums, it coastal too. Check with your independant insurance agency to make sure your home is fully protected at the best price.
Shopping
There are many stores like Bed Bath and Beyond, CVS, and Eastern Mountain Sports that people might be interested in. I have never gone shopping there so I can't really offer a complete review.
Overall
The Shipyard is a great place to go to get some shopping done, go out for a bite to eat, and spend time with friends. The parking situation is exponentially better than at Derby Street Shops. There’s always spots open and if not, there is a nearby parking lot waiting for your car to rest. Traffic is a minimum.
Every time I make the trip, it is worth it.
