As 2016 winds to a close, it's tempting to heave your shoulders, let out a loud sigh, and toss two middle fingers in the air – by many accounts, this past year's biggest news stories weren't ones to be overly proud of. And while we're not disagreeing there, it wasn't all bad. On the contrary, there's lots to love – or at least remember – about the past 365 days.
We are by no means a comprehensive record of all of Boston's biggest stories, but we've rounded up the lifestyle articles from 2016 we think cleared the bar as the year's most influential. Here, in chronological order – from parking space savers to Red Bull Flugtag, a City Hall Plaza skating path to a local fight over "bad beer" – are BostInno's 25 lifestyles headlines you read most from 2016.
Enjoy; we'll see you next year.
Here are Yelp's Top 50 Restaurants in Boston Proper
"It's the first time we've taken a look at a single year's stack ranking of local favorites in Boston," Yelp Boston's Damien Smith told BostInno. "Based on the quality of the featured restos, it's no surprise to see any of them on the list. What's wonderful and very Boston is to see casual spots like Tenoch and Wheelhouse sharing top honors with finer dining establishments like Ostra and Island Creek Oyster Bar. A great representation of recent openings (Josephine, Yvonne's) and institutions (Cafe Polonia, Toro) shows old and new alike are getting loads of Yelper love."
There Are 123 Breweries in Massachusetts – We Mapped All of Them
"Sure, America is massive. But this rate of growth is unprecedented. In fact, for the first time since 1873, we've eclipsed more than 4,000 breweries nationwide. And without a doubt, the New England craft brewery scene is a major contributor to that – thanks in large part to what's cooking right here in Massachusetts."
Should Every Boston Neighborhood Just Ban Parking Space Savers?
"The Great Boston Parking Space Saver Debate wages on, as contentious as ever. Depending what side of the fence you're on, saving a space you've dug out is either a God-given right or a laughable reservation of public property to which you have no claim."
Cobble Hill Is Named One of Boston's 'Hottest Neighborhoods of 2016'
"Homebuyers are more focused on proximity to public transportation, affordability and charm than ever before. Which makes sense, especially here in Boston. But one thing that sparked my interest above all: Where the hell is Cobble Hill?"
Trillium Was Just Named a Top 100 Brewery in the World
"Other New England representatives include: Portland's Allagash Brewing Company and Maine Beer Company; and Smuttynose Brewing Company out of Hampton, New Hampshire."
Red Bull Flugtag Is Coming to Boston for the 1st Time Ever
"I'm sure you've seen the highlight videos: People in wacky costumes hurl themselves off a giant ramp, with only a flying contraption of their own creation standing between them and a three-story drop to water. Many fail spectacularly; few can claim anything close to actual flight."
Late-Night MBTA Service Is Done This March
"Due to the overall fiscal situation of the MBTA, the T must prioritize investment in core services; accordingly, the T cannot continue to subsidize Late-Night service to such a significant extent due to the failure to attract both significant third-party funding and high ridership."
I Was Hit By a Car While Biking to Work in Boston
"To address the immediate: I am OK, but If I'm being honest, I'm pretty banged up. The front end of my bike is totaled. The driver was nice and apologetic. When the dust had cleared, the Jeep's front tire was resting squarely in the middle of mine. I was wearing a helmet."
The 3 Hottest Boston Neighborhoods for Millennials in 2016
"Millennials are a booming demographic in the city; the cranes seen littering the skyline are largely producing housing only the most well-off among us could ever afford; Mayor Walsh has required portions of new builds be designated as "affordable," but that feels like a pittance compared to demand, and a long way off, to boot; and as a result, a populace that strives to work and play in and around Downtown can't actually afford to live anywhere near there."
A Former Boston Uber Driver Is Launching a Ride-Share App for Women Only
"Chariot for Women will launch nationwide, according to the company’s website, on April 19 – and men need not apply, as customers or drivers." [Update: It never actually launched.]
Boston Beer Co. Launched a Line of Hard Seltzer Water Aimed at Female Drinkers
"The inspiration to experiment and develop Truly Spiked & Sparkling stemmed from two significant trends in the beverage world—growth in the consumption of carbonated bottled water in the U.S., which nearly doubled since 2012, and an overall interest in low-calorie alcoholic beverages as drinkers seek ways to make their calories work harder for them. Truly Spiked & Sparkling provides a delicious solution to enjoy both."
Boston Calling Is Leaving City Hall Plaza Come 2017
“Since 2013, we have enjoyed three successful years and six festivals at City Hall Plaza," said Brian Appel, co-founder and CEO of Crash Line Productions and Boston Calling. "We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to call City Hall the festival's home. This change of location will allow us to expand and enrich Boston Calling while still keeping it proudly located in Boston."
The South End Market Gets a New Name & Consolidated Location
"After 13 years serving as New England's largest open-air market, the South End Open Market – colloquially known as SoWa, but now its own entity – is consolidating to a new single-block location in the South End."
Sam Adams' Long Path Back to Craft
"Sam Adams is falling out of favor with the very palates it helped hone. Sam released Boston Lager back in 1985, sparking a craft beer wave that today has produced more American craft breweries than in any point in history. On the one hand, that's a source of pride for founder Jim Koch. He's a visionary, a revolutionary like his company's namesake. On the other hand, he's in a precarious position."
Is It Time to Legalize Happy Hour in Massachusetts?
"While the thought of a 5 p.m. beer special might have your mouth watering, it might not be a one-size-fits-all solution for local bars and restaurants trying to remain competitive."
GE Unveils Full-Blown Renderings of Forthcoming Fort Point HQ [Photos]
“We want our campus to be a global epicenter of innovation, a place to foster relationships among our employees and the greater community,” said Ann R. Klee, head of Boston Development and Operations for GE. “Our headquarters is designed to engage and leverage the talent, technology and work ethic of Fort Point and greater Boston, while also giving back to the community through investment, rehabilitation and an inviting public space.”
Night Shift Brewing Is Having Its Day in the Sun
"Night Shift has grown from humble beginnings in 2012 to become one of Massachusetts' most well-known craft breweries. Ask a bartender or liquor store cashier which brand among their many sells the most, and they'll tell you in the same breath, without hesitation, it's Night Shift."
Here Are 10 of the Wealthiest Restaurateurs in Massachusetts
“I think the most interesting ones are the two guys who own almost all the Dunkin' Donuts in the Northeast; Sal Lupoli, Massachusetts’ pizza king; John Cronin who owns a ton of bars but also real estate; and then this Tim Hannah guy, whose family has made a fortune licensing the name 'Ken's Steak House' for salad dressings."
Michael Phelps Is Leading a Run Along the Charles River Tuesday Morning
"Michael Phelps is in town for the Forbes Under 30 Summit. And since he couldn't possibly just hit the hotel gym like a normal person, he'll be leading a run with hundreds of young global entrepreneurs attending the conference, Forbes editor Randall Lane and Mayor Marty Walsh's chief of staff Dan Koh."
Inside Clover Food Lab's High-Tech Journey to 1,000 Restaurants
"On paper, fast-casual chains like Clover aren't supposed to work like this. Consistency is the name of the game at those places, not constant and obsessive trial and error. Sure, Taco Bell might experiment with a waffle taco every now and then, or Papa John's might pile Fritos on a pie, but they're chasing trends. Clover is approaching the industry from an entirely different angle. They're not reinventing the breakfast sandwich so much as making their own, different, version of the classic."
This Giant Outdoor Skating Path Opens on City Hall Plaza in December
"Open to the public seven days a week, Bostonians and visitors alike will be dazzled by the winter activities, holiday shopping from a mix of local and international vendors, an eclectic array of hospitality experiences at the Urban Lodge, Vinopolis Interactive Wine Experiences, The Chocolate Story, and attractions including Santa’s House and a pedal-powered Holiday Tree."
Eataly Boston's Opening Day, By the Numbers
"It's one of the biggest restaurant openings the city has seen in a long time, no question. Which makes sense, seeing how celebrity chef Mario Batali is behind it and it took the place of the Prudential Center's entire food court. This is a big deal. And we Bostonians turned out in droves to prove it."
Uber Is Sending Out Free Ugly Sweaters on Thursday
"Also, demand for this will be really high, so don't get your hopes up. (I'll just come out and say it: I'd definitely rock this sweater on the regular.) Inventory will fly faster than Saint Nick and his reindeer, so get on it early and don't give up until you get what you want."
Renderings: Reebok Unveils Plans for its Goliath Seaport HQ
"The shoe company announced it will be taking over 220,000 square feet of space in The Innovation & Design Building on the Seaport's Black Falcon Cruise Terminal. Amenities will include a two-floor, 30,000-square-foot gym; an in-office CrossFit Box and boxing gym; a farm-to-table cafe; and an 8,000-square-foot Reebok FitHub retail store. To cap it off, there will be a one-mile running track ringing the entire facility that will be open to the public."
'Bad Beer' Battle Threatens to Pull Apart Boston's Biggest Craft Brew Chain
"More telling is what's happening within the CBC ranks itself: A group of Massachusetts franchise owners feels the mandates being handed down here are not about business, but are more personal. They'll lose money, some tell me, if forced to adhere to the list of brands they must, and cannot, sell. Some fear it could cost them their businesses."
