Month: April 2017

Blackbird Doughnuts a Local Favorite

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Located at 492 Tremont St, in Boston’s South End is a local favorite serving up fresh donuts and coffee.

If you love your morning Joe paired with a fresh donut then this is the place for you. Blackbird serves up unique gourmet donuts from scratch with all natural and local ingredients. It’s signature fluffy texture comes in a variety of flavors including Vanilla Glazed, Chocolate Sprinkle, Boston Cream, and more. If you’re more of a cake lover try one of their cake donuts. My favorites include The Blackbird, Blueberry Cake, and Mocha Chip. You can find the full menu here!

What’s really unique about Blackbird is they are a true Boston brand as they create special donuts around Boston holidays and sport’s teams. All while serving up their traditional flavors.

If you’re a die-hard foodie then this is a must stop location as Blackbird’s menu includes doughnut ice cream sandwiches. Yes, you read right – DOUGHNUT ICE CREAM SANDWHICIES! Customers can choose from any of the day’s doughnut selection then add vanilla, chocolate or swirl ice cream! Talk about the ultimate Instagram pic, right?!

Open daily Monday – Friday 7 AM – 6 PM and Saturday – Sunday 8 AM – 6 PM.

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Guide to Martha’s Vineyard

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Summer home to several past presidents, Martha’s Vineyard makes you feel a world away with its whimsical charm and simplistic beach lifestyle. From its gingerbread neighborhood to the cliffs of Aquinnah to the famous Black Dog Tavern. I love Martha’s Vineyard!

Each summer I love taking a day to enjoy and explore the Vineyard. I usually rent a moped, as it’s the easiest way to get around and always end my day with a mudslide from Nancy’s before hopping back on the ferry to Cape. But what do I do with the rest of the day? As the Vineyard can be overwhelming for first-time visitors I’ve rounded up some of my favorite must-see attractions and restaurants for your vineyard adventure.

Tina Tips:

Rent a moped or bike: With the island being small and congested with traffic during peek season, why no see the island on bike or moped? Allowing you to see more without having to take the time to find parking. Making it more convenient rentals are less than a five-minute walk from the ferry.

Take the first ferry out of Falmouth: Don’t wait until mid morning. Hop on the first ferry. After you park on Palmer Ave. in Falmouth a bus shuttles you down to Woods Hole where the ferry leaves. The drive to Woods Hole can take an additional 30 min on top of the 45-minute ferry – be sure to leave early. Although you may feel you arrived early there are some great breakfast choices once on the Vineyard. I’ve recommended a few below!

Breakfast:

Espresso Love: From sandwiches to bagels to salads, to coffee and more Espresso Love will not disappoint.

Biscuits: Looking for a sit-down breakfast joint? This is the place to go. Don’t be surprised if you wait 40 minutes to an hour – but trust me it’s worth it!

Lunch/Dinner:

The Black Dog Tavern: A popular tourist destination with a beautiful view. Don’t forget to grab some Black Dog merchandise on the way out!

Nancy’s: Best mudslides and seafood. Grab a drink and watch the sunset on the dock.

Attractions:

 The Flying Horse: Test your luck on The Flying Horse. Maybe even have a friendly competition to see who can grab the most rings!

The Gingerbread houses: A whimsical, quite neighborhood. Makes you feel like you’re in a children’s book. Don’t forget to snap an Instagram picture.

The Cliffs of Aquinnah: The Cliffs of Aquinnah is a must see on the Vineyard. Take some time to observe the view, another great photo opportunity.

Jaws Bridge: Take the plunge, just do it!

Vineyard Haven: Shops, beaches, eats.

 Oak Bluff: Touristy shops, beaches, restaurants, bike and moped rentals.

Edgartown: Very upscale, shopping, beautiful homes and more.

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Guide to Fenway Park

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DSCN0766With opening day only days away, Fenway Park is getting ready to open their gates to fans for the 2017 season. Whether you like watching from behind home plate, at the Budweiser deck, living the high life in the EMC Club or just like to hang at one of the many bars in the Fenway area here’s your guide to Fenway Park!

Don’t have tickets but want to catch one of the first games of the season? Looking for last minute seats? Ace Ticket is located right at the park. If you’re a planner you can buy tickets on SeatGeek or StubHub up to two hours before game time.

You have tickets but don’t know where to begin? If it’s your first time at Fenway I recommend entering through Yawkey Way to experience a true Bostonian pastime. Don’t forget to grab some street meat and Red Sox gear in the pro shop. However, if you’re a season ticket holder or a veteran to the games skip out on Yawkey Way and grab a beer at one of the local bars surrounding the park (Cask n’ Flagon or Bleacher Bar) . Tina tip: enter from “Gate C” this is towards the back of the park allowing easy and quicker access into the park.

 What if I don’t live in the city? Tina tip: do not drive into the city! With limited parking and garage prices through the roof, it’s best if you leave your car a few miles out of the city and utilize public transportation. If you’re coming from the east park at Riverside (D line) T stop in Newton and get off at Kenmore. Coming from the South Shore drive to Braintree and hop on the red line going inbound get off at Park Street and jump on the green line going outbound to Kenmore. And if your coming from the north hop on the commuter rail to North Sation then switch to the green line going outbound to Kenmore. If you plan to take the commuter rail be sure you give yourself time to travel as the commuter rail runs on a schedule, unlike the T.

I’m in, now what? I recommend grabbing food before you find your seats. If you’ve never been you obviously have to try a Fenway Frank. If you don’t like hot dogs the park offers a variety of other options such as steak and cheese, bacon-and-chicken kebabs, loaded baked potatoes, lobster rolls, bbq, a Boston favorite Tasty Burger and more. But be prepared to pay as prices run steep for both food and drinks.

What if I want a picture with Wally? If you’re not lucky enough to catch Wally as he’s making his rounds around the stadium no worries if you venture over to “Gate K” fans will find life like statues of Wally and sister Tessie for that perfect Instagram pic.

Looking for the best seats? Honestly, the park doesn’t have a “bad seat” or “the best place to watch.” I’ve sat everywhere except the green monster and I’ve never had a bad experience or a poor view. However, I recommend sitting in the bleacher seats, this section is always filled with people looking to have a good time. It’s near a lot of the popular concessions, the Budweiser deck and you get the ultimate view of the Fenway without paying an arm and a leg. Tina tip: if you’re sitting in the grandstands and happen to be in front of one of the poles, go to will call and they can assist in finding new seats if the game’s not sold out!

 Interested in the history? Being one of America’s oldest ballparks, Fenway Park is filled with history. If you’re looking to learn more about the history of Fenway take a tour during off hours. You’ll have an opportunity to see some hidden gems the park offers, stand on the green monster and if you’re lucky you may even see a player or two!