Garages are for quitters
February 7, 2010Time for some parking tough love. You are wasting money and I am here to turn you around. One garage visit per week could run you over $750 per year! Doesn’t that make you sick? Wouldn’t you rather spend that cash on a fabulous trip, a new bag….anything else other than renting a concrete spot for a few hours?
I am so jealous of the car-less city dwellers that can walk, hop the T or cab to their destination! These people are almost always on time, while I can be delayed by parking/93/storrow woes. However, my years of hunting for street parking in the city have paid off.
So here on C&C, I present my Boston parking guide. Of course I’ll be doing this in installments – because of COURSE I want you to keep coming back, my lovely readers.
I’m starting with one of the toughest areas for parking: the North End. Can I get an amen? Parking-wise, this area (or the South End) makes me cringe! WHY must the best dining areas be surrounded by such awful parking situations? Gross. Well, instead of complaining about the problem, here are some solutions:
1. Hanover. Yes really. Do not dismiss this street just because it is the epicenter of the North End. Half of the spots are valet but the other half are meters!! $1/hour before 8pm. There are commercial spots free after 7pm. FREE. Just as long as you check your signs, your night just started off that much cheaper. If Hanover has nothing open, don’t try the side streets – they are a lost cause.
2. Find a visitor spot. My North End resident readers are probably laughing right now, as these are few & far between. If you find one, buy a lottery ticket right after. But in all seriousness, SOMEONE has to be parked there, and it may as well be you! And there is a cluster (like 5!) of them on Clark street. You’re welcome.
3. Or, do what I do – don’t even try. Park in Faneuil/Haymarket at a meter and cross the street. Sounds simple but it has saved me hundreds over the years. Try Union Street, Surface Road or beyond Haymarket on North Washington.
Yes, there are special occasions/bad weather/time crunches that totally warrant valet or a garage, but I’m talking about parking for everyday life. For 2010, save yourself some cash and invest some time & quarters in driving around a few blocks. Garages are for quitters!
Happy hunting!
Zoe
