Boston Explained
The context locals want: how the city works, why it looks the way it does, what changed.
Featured
The mythology of the BU Bridge
The BU Bridge can put a boat beneath a train beneath a car beneath a plane. The arrangement is real. The claim that it happens nowhere else is not.
Latest stories
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Order a milkshake in Boston and you might be missing the ice cream
A milkshake in Boston is traditionally milk and syrup, blended until frothy. The ice cream belongs in a frappe.
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Why North Station and South Station have no direct train
North Station and South Station sit about a mile apart. A train that arrives at one cannot continue to the other.
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What the colors of the Zakim Bridge lights mean
The Zakim Bridge lights mark holidays, public celebrations, and awareness campaigns. To work out a particular night’s color, start with the date.
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Weird, Boston squares are almost never squares
Boston squares can be parks, crossroads, neighborhood centers, or memorials. Four equal sides are apparently optional.
More stories
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How the Irish saved Halloween in Boston
Puritan Boston was not into Halloween at all way back when. Then the Irish brought in their celtic stories, spooky costumes, glowy lanterns and a little mischief to help it all take…
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If you think Bostonians are unfriendly just ask them for directions.
In this town, don't expect enthusiastic howdies from strangers like other place. But ask that same stranger for directions and they will literally drop everything.
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Bostonians are generous and loyal but it goes both ways
Go to a bar with a real Bostonian and you’ll notice the first one is usually on them. The next one better be on you or you won’t be asked back.
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Boston’s streets make absolutely no sense
Boston’s streets follow old shorelines and property lines as well as planned grids. Blaming the cows leaves out most of the story.
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Why Bostonians say “wicked” so much
Bostonians say wicked to mean very or extremely. Knowing where it belongs in a sentence is more useful than trying to sound like a movie character.
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Boston’s weather beacon has a special signal for the Red Sox
Boston’s weather beacon uses red and blue lights to communicate a forecast. Baseball and a few major events have given the colors other meanings.
