A Glimpse Ahead to the Fast-Approaching Winterfest

As the New Year is throwing the Northeast with it coldest winter punches, New Englanders could use a reminder of the positives occurring in the cold months.  Luckily for us, Winterfest is just around the corner.  On Friday, February 22nd from 5-10pm and Saturday, February 23rd from 11am-10pm, there will be opportunities for folks of all ages to enjoy the festivities together. 

---

Musicians

Winterfest is known for bringing something new to the city every year, and this year will be no exception.  There will be a mix of fresh tunes to hear this February.  The Squires of Soul are a Lowell-based funk and soul band who implement unique instruments into their songs, such as the harp and vox egg.  Lily Black is bringing their talents from Boston to Lowell and introducing the city to their very own genre, punk/pop indie dance. 

There will also be fresh spins on old classic songs performed by cover bands, such as the “call out of work the next day” band, Hal Holiday & The Tones.  To wind down from the excitement of Hal Holiday, the Evan Goodrow Band will be soothing the crowd with their soulful pieces. It’ll be quite the challenge for you to not feel good or sing along with this years musician lineup! 

---

Food + Drink

Your taste buds will be as pleased as will your ears at Winterfest.  Food vendors will line the streets with comfort food and other delectable eats.  The soup competition will also be making its annual appearance at the event, with anticipated flavors such as sweet coconut and savory chicken.  Judges, who have a great love for the city, and for great flavor, will be coming together to determine the year’s best soup.  There will also be beverages available for all ages!  

---

Family Fun

There are also plenty of activities queued for familial fun and for younger event-goers.  Face painting and games will be readily available, and the fan-favorite carousel will be taking riders for a spin.  In terms of “spinning”, the outdoor ice rink on JFK plaza will also be back to allow people of all ages to show off their skating skills.  After taking a whirl on the ice, families will get to meet with special royalty and character visitors. Families can also hop aboard the hay wagon ride at Larkin Park any time between 12-3pm on the 23rd.

---

The Tangible and Intangible Take-Away

With an extensive line-up of jewelry, snacks, and accessories at the winter market, you will definitely want to bring your wallet to grab one of these special products.  Rosie’s Cafe can offer your palate a feel-good, breakfast food experience. For those looking to get their hands on something exceptional, Environerd Studios offers eco-friendly games for everyone to enjoy. While you’re snacking and playing, you mustn’t forget about your furry friends! Your four-legged loved ones can peruse items from Morgan’s Dogdana. 

Amidst the endless shopping available to you, what is priceless and most important are the lasting memories and fun you’ll experience by stopping in at Winterfest.   

Lowell Folk Festival: A Summer Must-Do

It's that time of year again! The 32nd Annual Folk Festival will be will be returning to downtown Lowell with a full lineup beginning with the parade of flags from Lowell's City Hall Plaza to Boarding House Park on Friday July 27th, at 6 PM and then continuing with the finest in traditional music, craft and food throughout the weekend. There is so much culture to be shared and even more memories to be made; this is a summer festival you won't want to miss! 

The Music

First and foremost, Folk Fest is a showcase for music from all different cultural backgrounds. The festival features five stages of traditional music, from Africa, Hawaii, Columbia, France, Cape Verde and much, much more! Check out the list of this year's performers on the Folk Festival website which includes a map and more information on what to expect! 

---

The Food

There will be over a dozen different ethnic groups sharing their delicious cuisines. From Polish to Greek, Asian, Latin, Burmese and everything in between,  all the different aromas will be guiding you on a trip around the world without having to leave Lowell! The food booths will be set up in various locations so you are able to ignite not only your taste buds, but all your other senses while enjoying the art and music all around you.

---

The Local Culture

Make sure you stop by Destination Lowell along Merrimack Street! Destination Lowell presents Lowell's vibrant culture and highlights why Lowell is a great destination to enjoy history, art and creative activities all within feet of each other. It's no secret that our Canalway Cultural District is lively and the perfect destination for a summer day. Come check what this year's Destination Lowell has to offer and experience for yourself why "There's a Lot to Like about Lowell!"

---

The Artisan Crafts

The Lowell Folk Festival in collaboration with the Brush Art Gallery & Studios, presents Art in the Courtyard: an arts and fine crafts marketplace. This exciting collaboration will provide an opportunity for visitors to view and purchase some of the finest art and craft works being produced.

Art in the Courtyard takes place on Saturday, July 28, noon - 7:30 pm and Sunday, July 29, noon - 6 pm in the shaded, brick-lined courtyard between the National Historical Park Visitor Center and the Brush Art Gallery. 

---

The Fun

Festival-goers are in for great fun along Shattuck Street with numerous interactive opportunities.The Lowell National Historical Park Staff will be organizing interactive crafts for all ages. Everyone is invited to try out the traditional games offered by the Recreation Department, which will include ring toss, bean bag toss, muffin tin game, and the ever popular box hockey which was invented in Lowell.

---

If You Love Pizza, Lowell is Your Place!

Nothing is as satisfying as a hot pizza fresh from the oven when you're hungry. Whether you prefer a classic or gourmet pie, the oooey gooey cheesy deliciousness of pizza is hard to beat. Thankfully, Lowell, with its many spots, doesn't disappoint. In fact in Lowell we make pizza an art form. Warning: mouth watering content ahead! 

For a directory of pizza places in Lowell please click here! 
 

---

Tremonte Pizzeria

Tremonte Pizzeria is a casual Italian spot specializing in Neopolitan thin-crust, hand-tossed pizza cooked in a stone hearth oven at over 700 degrees. This method produces a thin crust that's strong enough to hold classic toppings such as roasted peppers, onions, and sausage. If you prefer something a little bit more gourmet they have plenty of choices - from shrimp scampi and meatball & ricotta to cheeseburger. (Yes, a cheeseburger with all the fixings on a pizza.) 

---

UnchARTed Gallery

You don't expect your mouth to start watering when you walk into an art gallery, yet this is exactly what happens when you set foot inside UnchARTed Gallery on Market Street in downtown Lowell. While their menu offers a delicious variety of sandwiches, soups and salads, the pizza really stands out from the rest. The Mushy Goat comes topped with marinated mushrooms, spinach, goat cheese and garlic olive oil. Another great choice is the Evil Piggy. A spicy pizza topped with pulled pork, ham and bacon, drizzled with cilantro and avocado buttermilk ranch. Can't go wrong.

---

Fabiano's Pizzeria & Cafe

Fabiano's Pizzeria and Cafe is a cornerstone in the Lowell community and has been recognized for its outstanding Pizza cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff. The Prosciutto Arugula (a pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto and baby arugula) is a must, but so are the calzones and house specialties. The casual seating area is perfect for a quick bite, but if you want pizza to-go, order online and pick up a fresh pie in store. 

---

Espresso Pizza

Espresso Pizza is a Lowell institution. This family-owned pizza joint serves an amazing variety of pies and slices including breakfast pizza, Hawaiian and meat pie. They still continue to use the original recipe for the pizza dough and pizza sauce since first opening the doors in 1962, which is what makes Espresso so unique. The combination of the "sweet" tomato sauce and the saltiness of the cheese makes for an incredibly tasty pizza, a favorite of locals and visitors alike.

---

Phoenix Rising Pizza

Serving Lowell and the surrounding areas, Phoenix Rising Pizza is a family owned and operated wood fired mobile pizza truck that turns out delicious Neapolitan-style pies. They make all of their pizzas with traditional ingredients such as tomatoes, flour, olive oil and cheese all from Italy. The wood fired oven gives it that signature crispy, bubbly texture, perfect to pile on a load of specialty toppings. Their hours and locations are always changing so please follow them on Facebook to get the weekly schedule.

---

Lowell Fall Dining Guide 2017

By Life As A Maven - It seems that as soon as Fall arrives we all want soup, a nice warm drink and comforting food. Throughout the fall and winter in New England the flavors go between pumpkin to maple to peppermint to sage and any other myriad of seasonal combinations you want to make. In dining out, many restaurants come up with a fall/winter menu that compliment the flavors of the season and this makes it exciting for me as a food writer/blogger because I love trying new ways the flavors can be incorporated into new dishes.

---

Take a Bite Out of Local Flavors
 

What makes the Canalway Cultural District a dining destination? The history in Lowell is rich and along with eating a great meal you can take in some of the surrounding sites such as the Whistler House Museum of Art, The New England Quilt Museum or the National Streetcar Museum. Because Lowell is a walkable city the restaurants and things to do around them make for a great day outing or a full weekend trip. 

Some great new restaurants have opened up recently and with this in mind I wanted to share a dining guide of my favorite spots (both new and old) to check out in the Canalway Cultural District of Lowell.

Let's get started!
 

---

Cobblestones of Lowell is a historic restaurant that brings American classics to life while also providing modern takes on favorite dishes. 1981 Ramen Bar is Lowell's only Ramen spot. It offers big bowls of savory broth, noodles & toppings, great drinks & a fun atmosphere that makes for a great dining experience.

---

Fabianos Pizzeria & Cafe is not just a pizzeria - they take American classics like pizza, burgers, pasta and more to a different level by incorporating Peruvian flavors. Mandarin Asian Bistro  offers delicious sushi, as well as hot dishes that make this spot ideal when you can't make up your mind - they also have great drinks and live music on the weekends.

---

El Potro Mexican Bar & Grill  serves fresh, delicious Mexican food in a welcoming environment. Everyone is friendly and there is always something yummy to eat. Same is true for Lowell Burger Company which is new to the food scene in Lowell. LBC takes burgers and makes them exciting - and that special sauce is to die for! 

---

Fuse Bistro is a delightful restaurant that makes delicious, unique dishes while incorporating local flavors. Their drinks are interesting, delicious and the atmosphere is always warm. Same holds true for Lowell's other new place, Warp & Weft which cooks up international comfort food. With a complete redesign of their restaurant it makes this the new go-to.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

As the third largest city in Massachusetts, visitors and residents alike are drawn to Lowell for good food, abundant culture, and year-round festivals and events.  A hive for outdoorsy folk that have a soft spot for the arts and culinary exploits; Lowell is quickly becoming a favorite weekend getaway for everyone.  We invite you to take a walk on the wild side with us and discover all that's to like about Lowell.

---

Arts & Culture

Art lovers will find true beauty in the wild side of Lowell's art scene. From ever changing exhibits in art galleries like Uncharted or the Arts League of Lowell, one of the largest artist communities in the country at Western Avenue Studios placed in an old mill, there's a lot to like about art in Lowell. A well curated (and ever growing) Public Art collection that's accessible to everyone and plenty of galleries, make Lowell a perfect weekend [art] exploration.
For more about Art & Culture click here!

---

Events & Happenings

What do you [not] do in a city that has over 2,000 events every year? It sure gets wild when artists like Sun Ra Arkestra take the stage at the largest free folk festival in the country every July, or when neighbors unite for their summer neighborhood block parties. There really is an event for everyone in Lowell. Some even refer to us as Festival City #1!
Click here for more info on events in Lowell or here for our event calendar!

---

Food & Drink

So you love food? We do too! Lowell is home to over 200 restaurants. From super casual to super fine dining, Lowell has that amazing selection of authentic ethnic foods that will make you want to come back every day to try a different place! 
For a directory of restaurants in Lowell please click here!

---

Outdoor Fun

The "dog days of summer" are above us and there are plenty of things to explore that are part of Lowell's wild side. From Kayak and SUP rentals at the Bellegarde Boathouse to over 4 miles of beautiful river and canal walks waiting to be explored! Make it your family challenge to visit and experience one, or all, of the over 80 public parks Lowell has to offer.

Six Things to Do in Lowell That Your Kids Will Love

By Allison Lamey - Lowell’s rich history, compact size, and diverse mix of festivals and events make it a great city to explore with kids. I asked my kids (three boys aged 9, 6, and 2) what they like to do most in Lowell. Here are some of their favorites.

1. Music, Art, Theatre, Oh My! 

There’s no better place to cultivate an appreciation for the arts in your kids than in Lowell.
The Cultural Organization of Lowell maintains a calendar of exhibits and events that are sure to please kids of any age.  Some of our favorites include the Lowell Summer Music Series free concerts at Boarding House Park and the many community events organized by Made in Lowell.  For the budding artist in your home, many galleries in Lowell offer youth classes and you can watch artists at work during first Saturday of each month at Western Avenue Studios.  My six year old is particularly fond of the glass blowing demonstrations at Mill City Glassworks!  

2. Free Movies

Our go to spot on a rainy afternoon is the Magical Mystery Movie Club at the Luna Theatre in Mill No. 5.  Every Sunday at 11:30 a.m. they show free movies, rated G or PG, that are unannounced until the start of the show – hence the “mystery”!  House lights are kept a bit brighter than normal and you’re free to come and go so there’s no pressure to keep active kiddos confined to a seat for 90 minutes.  As an added bonus the seats are so comfortable your little one (or you) may get in an unexpected nap.  

3. Trolleys

Trains are a big favorite in my house so the National Park Service trolley rides are a go to activity for us.  They offer free rides between the Visitors’ Center and the Boott Mills Museum throughout the day.  For a longer, more educational experience NPS offers several guided tours, for a small fee, that delve into the history of the canals and mills that shaped Lowell.  When you’re done your little ones can make believe they’re a trolley conductor on the child-size replica at Mack Plaza.  

4. Picnics on the Waterfront

Lowell offers several great spots to lay down a blanket and picnic along the Merrimack River.  Our favorite spots include the Vandenberg Esplanade along the VFW Highway, Sheehy Park on Pawtucket St. near UMass Lowell South Campus, and the Riverwalk behind the Tsongas Arena.  All three locations have walking paths that are stroller, bike, and pet friendly.  The Esplanade and Sheehy Park are also a great spot to watch rowers and kayakers.  

5. The Lowell Spinners 

Lowell proudly boasts its minor league baseball team, the Lowell Spinners, and it affiliation with the Boston Red Sox.  The stadium offers great views from any seat, fun entertainment between innings, and a kids’ play area if your little ones get restless.  The affordable prices mean you can bring the whole family and still have money for peanuts and cracker jacks. 

6. Eat!

Lowell’s growing reputation as a cultural food hub means there’s something to please everyone no matter how sophisticated their taste buds may be.  Lowell has a great variety of restaurants offering classic American cuisine and ethnic dishes representative of Lowell’s diverse population. While we have our favorites in every neighborhood our kids love to eat downtown where they can people watch until their meals arrive.  You can check out the great variety of restaurants here.  My nine year old wants to make sure I also mention that after dinner you can pick up a yummy treat from one of several downtown shops including Sweet Journey, Little Delight’s Bakery, or Sweet Lydia’s. Dessert is healthy for you when it’s made local, right?  

Let's Talk About our "Sister" and Food!

Like Lowell, There's a Lot ALike about Saint-Dié-des-Vosges

Lowell's sister city since 1989, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges is located in the northeastern corner of France.  Like Lowell the town is bisected by a river, the Meurthe, and has a rich history. Although much older, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges has a lot in common with its younger sister.

Image Credit: https://transvosges.com

Created between the 12th and 13th centuries, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges has seen its share of challenges including wars, fires and economic decline but has always bounced back and rebuilt itself over the years, indeed centuries.  Saint-Dié, like Lowell, was an industrial center in the 19th century and its economic history includes textile manufacturing along with metalwork, machinery and the manufacture of hosiery.  Today it's a center of services, education and tourism.  The Institut universitaire de techologie provides programs in robotics, electronics, computing and graphic design.
 
Historical landmarks include a Gothic cloister and medieval and Renaissance cathedrals including one built of pink sandstone.  Other landmarks are the Claude and Duval factory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by famed architect, Le Corbusier; and the Tower of Liberty, originally built to celebrate the bicentennial of the French Revolution that now serves as an exhibition hall and museum.  Other museums, cultural events and public markets, including a Christmas Market and parade of St. Nicholas, beckon residents and visitors alike.
 
Like Lowell, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges has a diverse menu of restaurants-Asian, Indian, Italian, Turkish, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian and, of course, French.

Click here for more information on Lowell's older "sister".

---

The World On Your Tastebuds.
 

When it comes to international cuisine, Lowell is also home to a whole variety of restaurants and eateries. The city has local favorites, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, sophisticated dining and so much more. Each neighborhood features eateries with flavors that reflect the city's diverse culture.

Here you can find Asian, Mexican, Latin, Mediterranean, Egyptian, Greek, Italian, African, Portuguese, Caribbean and classic American food. This is in addition to many food trucks, diners, donut shops and bakeries. Lowell is a city with a growing coffee culture and our coffee shops and cafés are definitely places to go for a delicious roast. 

Our new dining directory allows for easy exploration of Lowell's food culture. Search either by food type or by neighborhood. A restaurant's phone number, address, website and a brief summary of their menu is included. 

Please keep in mind that the directory is continuously updated. If there is an eatery not included in our directory, please let us know! You can discover Lowell's restaurants here.

3 great reasons to kick off the Holiday Season in Lowell

The next 6 weeks (give or take) of this season that comprise "the Holidays" offer an exciting flurry of of activities! Between shopping, family time and cooking large meals, time flies by and before you know it, it's over and you'll be kicking off the New Year. 

As the month of November wraps up and we enter into the "official" start of the Holiday Season, we invite you to start shopping in Lowell and discover why There's A Lot To Like especially for the Holidays!

1. City of Lights Holiday Parade & Celebration

Ring in the holidays in Lowell and join us for this year's City of Lights Parade and Holiday Celebration! Take the afternoon to stroll the city streets and enjoy live performances, holiday shopping, photos with Santa, and more! The daytime fun leads to the nighttime extravaganza -- The City of Lights Parade and City Hall Lighting -- which marks the City's official start to the holiday season!
Free parking is available in all downtown Lowell parking garages from November 25 through 27.

Here are some of the highlights from this year's City of Light celebration:

Hot Chocolate Competition

A fun and tasty way to get into the Holiday Spirit is our 8th Annual Hot Chocolate Competition happening Saturday, November 26th from 2 to 4pm. Taste delicious hot chocolate samples at locations throughout downtown Lowell and vote for your favorite! 

Children's Shopping Day

Enjoy one-stop shopping at the Pollard Library! Select from hundreds of donated, gently-used items ranging from $1 to $5 and have your kids take advantage of a special gift wrapping service! Everyone is invited.

City of Lights Parade

Don't miss the Merrimack Valley's largest and only nighttime Holiday Parade. Get your spot along the parade route in the Canalway Cultural District of Downtown Lowell. With over 50 parade entries from classic cars and marching bands to a variety of festive floats, our parade will surely lift your spirits up!

Festival of Wreaths - Contest and Raffle

Join The Brush Art Gallery & Studios for this year's Festival of Wreaths. View and win one (or more) of over 25 beautifully decorated wreaths donated by local organizations and individuals. 

Holiday Craft Market

New in 2016, join Made In Lowell on the corner of Lucy Larcom Park and Merrimack Street for a Holiday Craft market. Enjoy locally made arts and crafts, food trucks, games and entertainment. 

---

2. The Canalway Cultural District

This Holiday Season discover the Canalway Cultural District in the heart of Downtown Lowell. Experience performances and entertainment at a dozen venues, or shop local at over twenty local shops. Find that special gift at over a dozen art galleries, and celebrate at one of over 40 restaurants and coffee shops.

3. Dine Out Lowell

Give your taste buds a world of flavors. From November 26 through December 4, Dine Out Lowell will showcase the many flavors that make up Lowell's Culinary scene. Enjoy a variety of restaurants and eateries in the Canalway Cultural District, Downtown Lowell and other neighborhoods. 

Some restaurants will offer special menus and discounts.

Happy Hour Parking is available after 5pm in selected downtown parking garages.