A surfer rides the waves at Nahant Beach. (Photo by Elijah Radoncic/Boston Surf Adventures)

Fall is the best season for surfing in Massachusetts. Here's a guide

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, here’s a guide to where and when to surf around Boston and Massachusetts.

Local Coverage

Oct 4, 2024

A cyclist rides along the current painted bike lane on Commonwealth Ave near the intersection of Pleasant St. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Gear up for a good ride: How and where to safely bike around Boston with pals this fall

Before you put on your helmet or unlock that BlueBike, these Boston-area cycling experts offer tips to help you feel safer and more confident on two wheels.

Local Coverage

Sep 28, 2024

A promotional image for North Atlantic Ballet's "Dracula." (Courtesy Finn Bamber)

For your autumn enjoyment: 5 picks from the WBUR 2024 fall arts guides

WBUR's 2024 fall arts guides preview the music, performances, exhibits and more that have local arts scene buzzing this season. Here's each guide at a glance, along with a few...

Local Coverage

Sep 20, 2024

New food at The Big E. (Photo courtesy of The Big E)

Clydesdales, crazy burgers and Ludacris: Here's what's new at The Big E this year

Here’s a breakdown of what’s new at the 2024 Big E fair in West Springfield — from eclectic food to high-profile musical performances to attractions you won’t want to miss.

Local Coverage

Sep 13, 2024

A woman eats her lunch while surrounded by a gaggle of Canada geese feeding along the banks of the Charles River in Cambridge. (Charles Krupa/AP)

The history — and hunt — of Canada geese in Massachusetts

Since 1995, Massachusetts has held a September hunting season to help curb the overabundant Canada goose population. MassWildlife biologist David Scarpitti explains the state's history with these birds and shares...

Local Coverage

Sep 6, 2024

Deb Becker's signature orzo salad. (Screenshot via WBUR's Instagram)

Bonus: Hosts Deb Becker and Darryl C. Murphy talk shop, signature recipes and secret ingredients

If you're hungry for more after listening to The Common's kitchen interview with Deb Becker, we've got some bonus content from the episode (and an extra recipe).

Local Coverage

Aug 23, 2024

The Giant Hood Milk Bottle beside the Children's Museum on Fort Point Channel. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

What it's like to work inside the Hood Milk Bottle

The 40-foot Hood Milk Bottle is one of Boston's most iconic — and unique — structures. Here's how it got to the Seaport in the first place and what it's...

Local Coverage

Aug 16, 2024

A woman swings in a field of wild flowers and lavender at the SummitWynds Lavender Retreat. (Stan Grossfeld/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

5 farms where you can pick your own flowers in Massachusetts

Zinnias, sunflowers, dahlias and more are in season. And at these Massachusetts farms, visitors are welcome to select a bunch fresh from the fields.

Local Coverage

Aug 9, 2024

A Murph's Molly Dog, with crushed Doritos, cheddar cheese and bacon. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

A frank discussion about Massachusetts' hot dog hotspots

Central Massachusetts is something of a hot dog hotspot, with four well-known stands within close(ish) proximity of one another. Here's how they measure up, according to WBUR's Lisa Creamer.

Local Coverage

Aug 8, 2024

Gabby Thomas celebrates after winning the women's 200-meter final during the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Team Trials Saturday, June 29, 2024, in Eugene, Ore. (George Walker IV/AP)

20 athletes from Massachusetts to watch at the Paris Olympics

Twenty athletes from Massachusetts will represent four different nations across 14 sports at the 2024 Summer Games. Here's when and how to watch them in action.

Local Coverage

Jul 26, 2024

A picnic set up by Hola Picnic Boston in Cambridge's North Point Park. (Photo courtesy of Hola Picnic Boston)

How to picnic in Boston like a pro, from serene spots to basket essentials

Melissa Gutierrez, owner of the luxury picnic service Hola Picnic Boston, shares some tips for planning a proper picnic. Plus, we’ve gathered local recommendations for the best picnic sandwiches, snacks...

Local Coverage

Jul 12, 2024

A Tuesday evening Zumba class at Boston's Hatch Memorial Shell. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

Boston on a budget: Free, fun things you can do this summer in the city

Here's a guide to the free museum days, fitness classes and music festivals happening around Boston this summer.

Local Coverage

Jun 28, 2024

The Arlington Reservoir. (Courtesy of the Town of Arlington Dept. of Recreation)

5 freshwater swimming spots around Boston you can get to on the MBTA

Looking for someplace to take a quick dip, but don't want to drive out to the ocean? Here are five freshwater swimming spots you can visit this summer in Greater...

Local Coverage

Jun 21, 2024

The Juneteenth flag flies in front of Boston City Hall in 2021. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

7 Juneteenth events happening around Boston this week

Boston will be bustling this weekend and on Wednesday with events honoring Juneteenth, from Franklin Park to the Museum of Fine Arts to WBUR's CitySpace.

Local Coverage

Jun 14, 2024

A Photuris firefly in hand. Firefly expert Richard Joyce says females in this genus trick males of other firefly species by mimicking their flash patterns — only to kill and eat them. (Richard Joyce/Xerces Society)

Want to spot fireflies this summer in Massachusetts? Here’s when and where to find them

Hoping to spot fireflies this summer? You don’t have to travel far to see them. Here are some tips on the best spots and times to find fireflies in Massachusetts.

Local Coverage

03:10Jun 7, 2024

People march in the 2023 Pride parade in Boston. (Michael Dwyer/AP)

6 ways to celebrate Pride in Boston this June

Throughout the month, there will be all sorts of ways to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride in the Boston area, from dance parties and boozy brunches to concerts and historical tours.

Local Coverage

Jun 1, 2024

Reporter Ally Jarmanning stands with collector Justin Capps and his skull, Victoria.

A 'Postmortem' postmortem: A behind-the-scenes look at the making of WBUR's latest podcast

WBUR reporter Ally Jarmanning, the host of the "Postmortem" podcast, gave us a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like producing the five-part series on human remains — and the...

Local Coverage

May 24, 2024

A woman waves a Haitian flag in the air during a rally at Boston City Hall Plaza in 2021. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Boston's Ruthzee Louijeune on Haitian pride, from flag to food

May 18 is Haitian Flag Day. To mark the occasion, WBUR spoke with Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune — the city's first Haitian-American elected official — for a quick...

Local Coverage

04:02May 17, 2024

A person browses at a booth at SoWa Open Market. (Photo courtesy of SoWa Boston)

Boston's open-air market season has arrived. Here are 3 you can't miss

This weekend marks the seasonal debut of some of Boston’s best open-air artisan markets and free local festivals, from Seaport to SoWa to Back Bay.

Local Coverage

03:03May 10, 2024

A mock MBTA sign for the fictitious "Camberville" T stop is displayed at WardMaps in Cambridge. (Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

The best Boston-area shops to find unique gifts for your mom, dad or new grad

Looking for a present for Mother's Day, Father's Day or an upcoming wedding or graduation? These eclectic Boston-area shops will make your search easier — and maybe more enjoyable, too.

Local Coverage

04:20May 3, 2024

The Weekender: Boston's Saturday Morning Newsletter

Fall is the best season for surfing in Massachusetts. Here's a guide

Gear up for a good ride: How and where to safely bike around Boston with pals this fall

For your autumn enjoyment: 5 picks from the WBUR 2024 fall arts guides

Clydesdales, crazy burgers and Ludacris: Here's what's new at The Big E this year

The history — and hunt — of Canada geese in Massachusetts

Bonus: Hosts Deb Becker and Darryl C. Murphy talk shop, signature recipes and secret ingredients

What it's like to work inside the Hood Milk Bottle

5 farms where you can pick your own flowers in Massachusetts

A frank discussion about Massachusetts' hot dog hotspots

20 athletes from Massachusetts to watch at the Paris Olympics

How to picnic in Boston like a pro, from serene spots to basket essentials

Boston on a budget: Free, fun things you can do this summer in the city

5 freshwater swimming spots around Boston you can get to on the MBTA

7 Juneteenth events happening around Boston this week

Want to spot fireflies this summer in Massachusetts? Here’s when and where to find them

6 ways to celebrate Pride in Boston this June

A 'Postmortem' postmortem: A behind-the-scenes look at the making of WBUR's latest podcast

Boston's Ruthzee Louijeune on Haitian pride, from flag to food

Boston's open-air market season has arrived. Here are 3 you can't miss

The best Boston-area shops to find unique gifts for your mom, dad or new grad