Jess Burton in a blue shirt and gold necklace

Jessica Burton

Senior City Editor

Jess is based in Boston, MA and when she isn’t creating content, you’ll find her at one of the local breweries, walking her dogs on the Esplanade, or attending a concert. After graduating from the University of Florida, she moved to Columbia, SC where she worked at various nonprofit organizations + was a City Editor for COLAtoday before relocating to launch BOStoday in 2021.

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The new Mighty Squirrel biergarten outside of Quincy Market.
Culture
Mighty Squirrel opens two biergartens
These seasonal biergartens are the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy a local brew or two in the sun. Pro tip: Both are dog-friendly.
July 31, 2023
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Jessica Burton
The new Fenway venue will host the awards ceremony.
Events
Plan Ahead: Concerts in Boston
As we welcome August, we’re ready to rock out at these concerts happening across our city over the next ~30 days.
July 31, 2023
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Jessica Burton
The Charles River on a sunny day
Culture
ICYMI: July Crossword Puzzle
It’s been a busy month, Boston. Take on our challenge to complete a monthly recap crossword puzzle.
July 28, 2023
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Jessica Burton
A sand sculpture of an angel on a beach.
Events
Build your weekend plans around the Sand Sculpting Festival
The Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival returns on Friday, July 28-Sunday, July 30. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
July 27, 2023
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Jessica Burton
Looking up at the buildings in downtown Boston.
City
24 businesses receive $2.8 million from SPACE Grant program
The first round of grant recipients will receive $2.8 million to support their businesses needs over the next three years and drive traffic to major neighborhoods, like Downtown Boston.
July 26, 2023
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Jessica Burton
The Boston Harbor walk at sunset.
City
Thriving Together at the NAACP Convention
The national convention is returning to Boston for the first time in over 40 years. Here’s what to expect and how to get involved.
July 25, 2023
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Jessica Burton
A Ward Eight cocktail next to a BOStoday glass.
Culture
The story behind the Ward Eight cocktail
Pull up a stool, we’re shaking up the story on Boston’s signature cocktail — the Ward Eight.
July 24, 2023
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Jessica Burton
Sail boats on the dock on the Charles River.
Culture
Listen to “Dear Summer Vol. 1"
Turn up the volume on the City of Boston’s first mixtape that celebrates 68 songs and mixes from 17 artists and six DJs from the Greater Boston area. Happy listening.
July 19, 2023
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Jessica Burton
Black bike standing under green canopy.
City
🚲 It’s just like riding a bike
The City of Boston wants to make sure all of Bostons’ kids have the opportunity to learn to ride a bike safely by third grade.
July 19, 2023
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Jessica Burton
The entering Edgartown sign on a sunny day.
Culture
4 “Jaws” filming locations in Massachusetts
“We’re going to need a bigger boat.” Learn how to track sharks and about a few of the local filming locations for the movie “Jaws.”
July 18, 2023
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Jessica Burton
The new pickleball courts and outdoor space at Harpoon Brewery.
Events
Now playing: Pickleball at Harpoon
Make your reservations to play on one of the four courts at the new Pickleball Social Club at Harpoon.
July 18, 2023
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Jessica Burton
A cup of beer at the Sam Adam Boston Brewery.
Food
Raise a glass to Boston’s breweries
From the New England IPAs to the Porters, there’s no shortage of delicious local beer in Boston. Here’s your guide to Boston’s breweries.
July 17, 2023
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Jessica Burton
A red Summer Sling sitting on a bar.
Food
BOStoday readers choice: Summer Sling cocktail competition
We need your vote on your favorite Summer Sling in this friendly competition among some of Boston’s best bartenders. Here’s how to get involved this week.
July 16, 2023
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Jessica Burton
A rendering of the future grand staircase in the Fenway Corners development.
City
BPDA to play ball with Fenway Corners development
This new development will bring eight new buildings to the historic Fenway neighborhood.
July 14, 2023
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Jessica Burton
A rendering of the Dorchester Bay City.
City
Dorchester Bay City development moves forward
The $5 billion development project received approval from the Boston Civic Design Commission. Here’s what needs to happen next to make this project a reality.
July 12, 2023
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Jessica Burton
A boxed Barbie doll outside the Coolidge Corner Theatre.
Events
Come on Barbie let’s go party in Boston
Save the date of one of these five Barbie-inspired events happening around Boston from drag shows to trivia nights.
July 12, 2023
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Jessica Burton
Clouds reflecting in the Charles River in front of the Zakim Bridge and TD Garden.
City
Boston’s arts and culture investment
The City of Boston is investing $7.35 million in 11 arts and culture organizations making a difference in our communities. Get to know three recipients.
July 11, 2023
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Jessica Burton
The view of Boston City Hall.
City
3 City of Boston updates
Mayor Wu and the City of Boston have announced several new programs this month. Here’s what you need to know.
July 10, 2023
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Jessica Burton
The bar inside the South End's Atlantico.
Food
Atlántico’s guest bartender series kickoff
The South End bar Atlántico is shaking up its bar program with a guest bartender from 5 to 9 p.m. Cheers to summer cocktails from the Atlántico team, plus guests from the from The Wig Shop and J.M. Curley.
July 10, 2023
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Jessica Burton
Rolling waves on the Nahant Beach shore.
Culture
Answered: What’s the best local beach?
We’re ready to enjoy the sun and the surf at the best local beaches in the Bay State. Here are your tips and tricks for the best local beaches.
July 6, 2023
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Jessica Burton
West Roxbury view at sunset.
City
West Roxbury Centre Street’s road diet
The City of Boston’s Complete Streets program will focus on improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety with a new road diet design.
July 6, 2023
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Jessica Burton
Multiple kayaks on the Charles River with Boston in background
Travel and Outdoors
How to explore the Charles River in Boston
We’re giving you a lay of the land (er, water) when it comes to the Charles River. Plus, we’re sharing two local companies that provide kayak and paddleboard rentals.
July 4, 2023
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Sara Frazier
A rainbow painted Duck Boat on the road in Boston.
Culture
Your ultimate guide to tours of Boston
Explore Boston through its history, food, drink, and art on these tours.
June 29, 2023
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Jessica Burton
A small wave on Spectacle Island.
Culture
Asked: What’s the best local beach?
We’re ready to seas the day at the best local beaches in the Bay State. Tell us which local beach is your favorite.
June 28, 2023
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Jessica Burton
A look at the Rose Room inside Prima in Charlestown.
Food
5 summer restaurant openings in Boston
Summer has arrived, and the new season will bring new restaurants to our city.
June 26, 2023
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Jessica Burton
Quincy Market in downtown Boston on a sunny day.
Food
Boston’s best breakfast competition featured on “Good Morning America”
The owners of South Street Dinner and North Street Grille will battle it out to see who has the best breakfast. The winner will head to New York with “Good Morning America.”
June 23, 2023
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Jessica Burton
Three photos of cows placed around Boston in the Cow Parade.
Culture
Cows for a cause in Boston
Have you spotted cows popping up across the city? Here’s why 75 decorated cows have been placed around Boston for the CowParade and how you can get involved.
June 22, 2023
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Jessica Burton
A sushi boat and selection from Ebi Sushi in Somerville.
Food
Where to get sushi in Boston
Grab your chopsticks. Here are a few places rollin’ up some of the best sushi in our city, plus a few reader recommended spots.
June 20, 2023
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Jessica Burton
A sunburst during the sunset behind the Zakim Bridge.
Culture
3 summer solstice events in Boston
The summer solstice will bring Boston the longest day of the year, with sunrise at 5:07 a.m. and an 8:24 p.m. sunset. Here are a few local events to make the most of the 15 hours of daylight.
June 20, 2023
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Jessica Burton
The Bunker Hill Monument at dusk with the spotlights.
Groundbreaking public housing development in Charlestown
The Bunker Hill project will transform 1,110 units of public housing into a 2,699 unit mixed-income community after eight years of collaboration in the Charlestown community.
June 16, 2023
 · 
Jessica Burton
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