Boston Farmer’s Markets 2018

It's that time of year that the farmers markets in Boston, MA are starting to produce fresh local vegetables and the weather is finally perfect for strolling the markets. All around our beautiful city you can find farmers markets brimming with local, affordable produce, fish, meat, cheeses and other locally Boston-made small batch products like jams and jellies. I can't think of a better way to explore around our city than to visit these markets. Farmers markets are more than just a chance to grocery shop, they are also a great gathering space for the community to get together. Here are a few of the offerings Boston, MA has to offer.

Downtown

The Copley Square Farmers Market is one of the largest markets in Massachusetts. Its mission is to partner with farmers, consumers, and communities to foster, enhance, and sustain farmers markets in Massachusetts to improve regional farm viability, consumer nutrition, and community social and economic development. Along St. James Avenue, Dartmouth Street & Boylston Street through the end of November, Tuesdays, and Fridays, 11am-6pm.

Jamaica Plain/Mission Hill

The Jamaica Plan Farmers Market is a small neighborhood market highlighting produce from Stillman's Farm and is open now through November. It is held at the Bank of America parking lot on Centre Street Tuesday 12pm-5pm and Saturday 12pm-3pm. You can locally-raised meats, bakery, and honey, in addition to the freshest produce.

Dorchester/Roxbury

The ReVision Urban Farm stand is a community-based urban agriculture project that grows produce in its own fields and provides access to affordable, nutritious and culturally appropriate food to residents of the ReVision Family Home and the extended community. Produce is sold at the Revision Urban Farm Stand, 1062 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester, Fridays July – October, 3-7pm, DotHouse Farmer’s Market, 1353 Dorchester Ave, Tuesdays, 11:30am-1:30pm, July – October, ReVision @ Longwood, 477 Longwood Avenue, Thursdays, 4-6pm, Thursdays June – October, and Roslindale Farmers’ Market, 1353 Dorchester Avenue, Saturdays June – September.

I hope you take the time to visit one or more of these markets and fill your pantry with locally grown, sustainable food. Should you have a question on a Boston, MA neighborhood such as South End, Fenway, Beacon Hill, or any other, please contact a Boston, MA real estate agent. I thoroughly enjoy getting prospective residents familiar with new neighborhoods and exposing them to the best of everything Boston has to offer. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Watch Your Energy Consumption in Boston, MA

The average Boston, MA household spends $2,200 annually on energy bills. A good portion of those utility bills is the electric bill due to the various electronic devices and computers we rely on. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has reported that: “Consumer electronics and computer equipment now represent 15 percent of global residential electricity consumption.” Whether you’d like to save on your utility bills or you are hoping reduce your carbon foot print there are some steps you can take to reduce your energy consumption across the board. Luckily you don’t need to get fancy to start saving money and energy. There are some simple hacks that could help you start saving energy right away. 
 
Energy audit. Many utility companies will offer this service for free. They perform a checkup of your home to determine where you may be losing energy. 
 
New appliances. New appliances will not only upgrade the value of your Boston, MA home, it will also allow you to get Energy Star certified models which are held to higher standards of energy efficiency. 
 
Clean vents. Clean HVAC vents and ducts regularly and replace the filters to allow your HVA to run at its peak performance. Vacuum the coils at the bottom or underneath of the refrigerator too.

Turn down the water heater. The factory setting on most water heaters is 140 degrees Fahrenheit which is way too hot. Turning it down to 120 degrees helps conserve energy and will keep you from scalding your skin. 
 
Turn off appliances. Turn off appliances that no one is using and make sure to not rely on the screen saver on your computer – it doesn’t save any energy. Put the computer to sleep or just turn it off between uses. 
 
I hope that these energy-efficient tips will help you save some money on your monthly expenses! If you are currently renting but looking to purchase your dream home contact an experienced Boston, MA real estate agent. I am committed to providing you with the highest quality buyer service. I hope to speak with you soon! 
 

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA July Fourth Festivities 2018

It is finally warming up here in Boston and now the next big summer event is the Fourth of July! Boston, MA is the perfect place for celebrating our nation and partaking in some Fourth of July festivities. If you don't have plans yet I have compiled a list of some Boston favorites for you to explore for the holiday.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. If anyone knows how to do fireworks right, it's Boston, MA! The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is a two-day celebration on July 3^rd and 4^th featuring musical performance on both days plus the spectacular fireworks show on July 4^th. This year's headliners along with the Orchestra is Rachel Platten, the popular American singer. Two other artists featured during the event are Rhiannon Giddens and the Indigo Girls. It really can't be beat, come celebrate with Boston on the Esplanade!

Boston Harborfest. A favorite yearly destination by locals and tourists, the 37^th Anniversary celebrations start June 28^th and continues through July 4^th. The festival showcases the colonial and maritime heritage of the cradle of the American Revolution: the historic city of Boston! Several activities and tours are planned daily at Boston Harborfest, including a parade on the fourth.

In addition to the festivities I have listed above, there are numerous other festivals throughout the summer. Once you buy a home in Boston and get acquainted with your neighborhood, you’ll find all of the hidden gems that the locals rave about and return to year after year. Summer is a fantastic time to buy a home in Boston. All your new neighbors come out of hibernation and are outdoors, making it easy to develop new friendships. If you’d like a personal guide to help show you around the city, please contact a Boston real estate agent, it’s my pleasure to show newcomers what a great place Boston is to settle down.

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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