Boston is a storied city with a rich Irish heritage. This weekend, Bostonians will celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in a variety of ways.
Among the most popular are the Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the annual Dropkick Murphys concerts at House of Blues. These are both great ways to get into the spirit of the holiday!
Lookout Farm
One of the oldest working farms in the United States, Lookout Farm invites visitors to pick their own fruit. Located in historic South Natick, the farm is a great destination for families.
Established in 1680, Lookout Farm is a family-owned apple and peach orchard. The farm is certified organic and offers a variety of fruits from June through October.
It also boasts train rides, farm animals and a hay pyramid. The farm is also home to a brewery.
This year, the Belkin family is hoping to make Lookout Farm a bigger part of Boston’s food scene. The company filed a proposal for a 340-unit tower at 2 Charlesgate West, which would feature a farm-to-table restaurant and deli that will serve produce from the Lookout Farm in Natick and hard cider made on site by Jay Mofenson, son-in-law to Trans National Group founder Steve Belkin.
With a new pasteurization system that makes the cider unrefrigerated and without chemicals, Lookout Farm is aiming to expand its distribution across the state. It’s also releasing seasonal pumpkin cider this fall, and Mofenson is working on several specialities to complement its lineup of Farmhouse, New England IPA and sour beers.
Harpoon Brewery
Located on the South Boston waterfront, Harpoon Brewery hosts its annual St Patrick’s Day Festival, featuring live music and beer taps. Designated drivers receive free non-alcoholic beverages during the two-day event.
Dan Kenary founded the company in 1986 and has been integral to its growth. He has expanded the company’s brewery portfolio, opened a second location in Windsor, Vermont, and established an employee-owned company.
He has also been a driving force in making Harpoon a recognized name throughout New England. His efforts have earned him several awards, including the American Craft Beer Award for Best Overall Brand in 2013.
From Kenary’s office, it’s a short walk to the brewery’s newly renovated Beer Hall, filled with long tables and bright overhead lights. A pint of local brews awaits, along with freshly baked pretzels and pizza.
Irish Heritage Trail
Boston is a city that celebrates its Irish heritage every year. The city is home to a number of key locations in the city’s history, many of which are located along the Irish Heritage Trail.
The trail is a self-guided walking tour that highlights key sites in the city’s Irish-American history. The trail is divided into 20 stops and includes landmarks in downtown Boston as well as neighborhoods like Charlestown, South Boston, Dorchester and Jamaica Plain.
It is also a place to learn about the role of the Irish in the United States and how they shaped the city. Visitors can explore a variety of historical sites that include monuments to famine victims, industries that were founded by immigrants and seaside destinations that offered relief from the heat of the city.
Cohasset is a key stop along the trail. The town is home to the memorial bench outside the Cohasset Central Cemetery that commemorates those who lost their lives in the 1849 Brig St. John shipwreck; the Celtic Cross Monument and the Cohasset Maritime Museum.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics have a long history as one of the most successful teams in basketball. They’ve won 17 National Basketball Association championships, which makes them the most successful franchise in North American professional sports history.
They’ve had a storied rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, which dates back to the 1960s, and they’ve made a few memorable appearances in the NBA Finals over the years. You can catch them at TD Garden, where they’re known for their family-friendly atmosphere and a thriving youth program.
Their name and mascot, Lucky the Leprechaun, are also a nod to their home city of Boston. Their logo, designed by their legendary coach Red Auerbach in the 1950s, features a leprechaun wearing shamrock-patterned clothing.
The Celtics have also had a number of notable players in their history, including Bill Russell and Bob Cousy. They’ve won 11 of their 13 National Basketball Association championships since 1957 and have made it to the NBA Finals on eight occasions, a feat that is the longest streak in league history.