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Comfort Zone

In this together

During the coronavirus pandemic, Comfort Zone is a place to find ideas and tips for keeping ourselves, our kids, our minds entertained, or at least distracted.

Book fests in Massachusetts and Vermont feature literary luminaries, writing workshops
Jill Lepore, Celeste Ng, and Andre Dubus III are among the writers who will appear at the Concord Festival of Authors and the Brattleboro Literary Festival.

COMFORT ZONE
4 candy shops for sweet family field trips
These stops feature everything from international treats to old-fashioned confections.

IN THE FAMILY WAY

When can my child go to school? A COVID-19 primer

Two of the Boston area’s top experts (and parents) weigh in.

Boo hoo? How to have a safer Halloween

We shouldn’t strip kids of normalcy, experts say. Here’s how to trick-or-treat, pandemic-style.

COVID-19 is forcing women out of the workforce. Transparency and openness is the only way forward

Now is the perfect time to establish new norms at work and at home.

As we adjust to a new normal, lessons in grief and gratitude

It’s natural to mourn for the lost rhythms of daily life, but gratitude helps us move forward. Here’s how.

Former White House photographer Pete Souza goes in front of the camera in new documentary
The Obama White House’s chief photographer and Massachusetts native steps out from behind the lens in “The Way I See It,” airing Oct. 16 on MSNBC

‘Keep Moving’ offers words of hope for troubled times
Maggie Smith's new book is about using anger and grief as fuel to keep going.

Poet Jane Hirshfield on bearing witness to the beauty of an imperiled world
With "Ledger," Hirshfield mates the emotional with scientific fact.

Why this business owner is closing her shop during the busiest season of the year

Sofi Madison says shuttering during the holidays — her busiest, most profitable season — is not an easy decision, "but everything about 2020 is different."
HELP DESK

What to do when a thief hacks your eBay account

IN THE FAMILY WAY

When can my child go to school? A COVID-19 primer

10 cool events for kids at libraries, zoos, and science museums

There's no shortage of great science, music, and public art programming for all ages.
NAMES

Liam Neeson and the cast of ‘Honest Thief’ on Boston accents, pandemic life, and their fondness for filming in Worcester

Neeson said it felt a bit like “being back home in Northern Ireland.”

News anchor says she was fired for appearing in new Adam Sandler movie

Alaina Pinto said she was "deeply disappointed and saddened" by the decision by WHDH Channel 7 News Boston.

most read

He’s famous for being ‘the mask man,’ has fond memories of Whalom Park, and promotes politeness

Exploring the many colors of Connecticut’s Last Green Valley

Old and new blend at the White Barn Inn

A Cambridge hotel bravely debuts in an uncertain market

MORE LIFESTYLE HEADLINES

FOOD

Tacos come to the Fenway, tapas arrives in the South End, and a meal deal from Coppa

Restaurant news you can use.

TRAVEL

He’s famous for being ‘the mask man,’ has fond memories of Whalom Park, and promotes politeness

We caught up with Dorchester resident Leonard Lee, founder of Masking the Community, to talk about all things travel.

No kissing, no grilled cheese

What's your take on this Love Letters problem concerning grilled cheese?

QUICK BITE

Ring of fire: I tried the new ghost pepper doughnut from Dunkin'

These days, even desserts hurt.

DiCaprio, Streep, Chalamet join cast of Netflix project set to start filming in Mass. next month

Early casting on the film was starry indeed, with Jennifer Lawrence, Cate Blanchett, and Rob Morgan landing major roles. But that, apparently, was only the beginning.

1,800-pound pumpkin descends on Boston Public Market

The Public Market has hosted giant pumpkins in fall every year since it opened in 2015. But this year’s heavyweight is a beast like no other.

TRAVEL

Exploring the many colors of Connecticut’s Last Green Valley

Here are just a few of the many notable destinations in the area.

CHRISTOPHER MUTHER

Would you like added peace of mind with your hotel room? That will be $30 please

A Boston hotel is the first in the country to offer UV protection against COVID-19 for guests, but it comes at a price.

CHRISTOPHER MUTHER

Would you like added peace of mind with your hotel room? That will be $30 please

A Boston hotel is the first in the country to offer UV protection against COVID-19 for guests, but it comes at a price.

TRAVEL

Like the oystercatchers search for clams, we searched for oystercatchers on North Monomoy Island

The 7,600-acre Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is an important sanctuary for migrating and breeding birds.

TRAVEL

Hotel charged a cleaning fee for smoking — but couple does not smoke

When Red Roof Inn charges Mindy Haggerty a cleaning fee for smoking in her room, she refuses to pay. Why? She doesn’t smoke. Can she find justice?

GETTING SALTY

He’s worked in the Northeast’s top kitchens, but nothing could have prepared Justin Urso for opening a hotel restaurant during COVID-19

The Dial at Cambridge’s 907 Main serves a global menu, even while the world feels small.

TRAVEL

Planning ahead for ski season, renting cottages in Florida, and refilling hand sanitizer bottles

Travel news you can use.

Bird sightings on Cape Cod

Recent sightings as reported to Mass Audubon.

Midlife crisis tears family apart

Advice from Amy Dickinson.

DINING OUT(SIDE) | DEVRA FIRST

At Thistle & Leek, small plates in a brave new world

A Newton Centre gastropub serves up what we need right now: comfort, normalcy, and lamb meatballs.

Ask Amy

Train gift may derail one relationship — or another

Patient friend becomes ‘comfort bot’

Midlife crisis tears family apart

Kindhearted husband has nagging problem

Spouse’s spending creates a debt trap