In the Office

Ask the MassDrive Agent: Favorite Small Business In Massachusetts?

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twin donuts

In honor of Small Business Saturday, we wanted to feature some of our agents’ favorite small businesses in the Bay State!  As a small business ourselves, we appreciate when people make an effort to shop local and support members of their own community.  If any of these businesses are in your area, be sure to stop in and tell them MassDrive sent you!

Al’s Cafes – If you’re looking for the best sub in Boston, look no further!  With two locations in Boston, this cafe has perfected the commotion of the lunch time rush and frequently serves lines out the door in a quick, timely manner that won’t make you late on your way back to work after your lunch break.  Our sales rep, Jeff, loves their steak and cheese sub but their chicken salad sub also gets rave reviews from other member of our team.  Jeff says it’s great how organized they are even though there always seems to be a long line and their food never disappoints!

Catracho Restaurant – Located in Chelsea, this is a favorite eatery of our sales rep, Teresa.  Serving up family style international cuisine, it’s a great stop if you’re looking to try something different and unique.  They feature authentic Honduran food, which is a regional variation of Mexican food so you may see some of your old favorites on the menu with a new twist.  The staff is always pleasant and their food is fresh and homemade, it can’t be beat if you’re looking to try something new and exciting.

Crompton Collective – This shop is a favorite of our sales rep, Christine.  It’s a warehouse in Worcester filled with different vendor booths of handmade antiques, vintage items, jewelry, and more.  They also offer free DIY nights and classes for young business people.  The warehouse is open Wednesday – Saturday from 11 AM – 6 PM, Thursday from 11 AM – 8 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM – 5 PM.  Stop by if you’re in the area and check out some of the unique items and pieces that Crompton Collective has to offer!

Twin Donuts – This donut shop is in Allston and does not exclusively sell donuts, they have an extensive breakfast and lunch menu that includes classic pastries as well as breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, deli sandwiches, soups, salads, and more.  Our customer service rep, Chrissy, loves their home fries and breakfast sandwiches.  She describes it as “reasonably priced with a very nice staff”.  If you have your heart set on a donut make sure you get there early, they are a popular commodity and often sell out early!

Union Square Donuts – Our sales agent, Shawn, can’t get enough of this donut shop!  He said their maple bacon donut is “the best thing on Earth” and describes the atmosphere as very eclectic.  He also says they have great customer service and it’s always a pleasure stopping by.  Right now they’re selling kits for making doughnut bread pudding and doughnut stuffing, just in time for the holidays!  Located in Somerville, the shop also has many other unique creations that have earned them a solid fan base and reputation as one of the best donut shops in the Bay State.

As you can see, we’re big food lovers in this office, and we love supporting small businesses in Massachusetts!  In honor of Small Business Saturday, stop by one of these local spots or another small business in your area and buy local!

Photo By: David Salafia

 

Tis The Season To Celebrate!

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Tis the season to celebrate!  We’re celebrating the start of the holiday season by giving away two tickets to see “A Christmas Story, The Musical” at the Wang Theatre in Boston! This 2013 Tony Award Nominee for Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book is sure to be fun for all ages.

Entering is easy!  All you have to do is “Like” our post on Facebook, and comment with your own favorite holiday tradition or story to enter.  The tickets are for a matinee showing on Saturday, December 7th at 2 PM and are valued at $200.   Don’t forget to share the post so that friends and family can enter too!

Post by MassDrive.

Official Contest Rules:

  1. Entry Instructions:  Each person may enter by clicking “Like” on the MassDrive Facebook page and comment with your favorite holiday tradition or story. You may also enter the Contest by sending us the requested information by a postcard or letter addressed to “Christmas Story Contest” to our mailing address at 241 A Street, Suite 400, Boston, Massachusetts, 02110. Please include your submission and how to contact you by phone, email and mailing address.  These complete Contest Rules may also be obtained by sending us a request at our address, above.
  2. All entrants must be Massachusetts residents and age 18 or older.
  3. Only one entry per person. No purchase of any MassDrive product is necessary and will not increase the likelihood of winning.
  4. Entrants may not submit content that contains any elements that violate a third party’s copyrights or trademark rights; or depictions of any individuals that have not granted permission to appear in the entry.
  5. The contest will begin on Wednesday November 6, 2013  and will end at 11:59 PM on Thursday, November, 14th.  The contest winner will be selected by MassDrive based upon each entrant’s creativity and unique value and it will be judged upon adherence to our contest rules.  The winner will be announced in a post on our Facebook page the following day.  The winner can inbox us with their address and we will mail the tickets to them.
  6. The contest winner will be mailed two tickets for the Saturday, December 7, 2013 2 PM performance of “A Christmas Story, The Musical” held at the Wang Theatre in Boston.  These tickets are valued at $200.
  7. Employees and family members of MassDrive or Next Generation Insurance Group LLC are ineligible to enter.
  8. MassDrive reserves the right to cancel, modify or suspend the Contest, if in its sole discretion any problem prevents the Contest from running as planned.  All entrants must agree to release and hold harmless MassDrive from any claim by the entrant associated by entrant’s participation in the Contest.  MassDrive is not responsible and cannot be held liable for technical errors or other things that may prevent the promotion from running as planned.  MassDrive also reserves the right to substitute the contest prize with another prize of equal or greater value if the advertised contest prize is not available.
  9. These Contest Rules shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, excluding its conflicts of laws provisions.
  10. All entrants must agree to release and hold harmless Facebook from any claim by the entrant associated by entrant’s participation in the Contest. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Best of luck to all participants!

 

Ask The MassDrive Agent: What’s Your Favorite Spot To Watch A Red Sox Game?

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If you live in Massachusetts, odds are you love the Red Sox, and if you ask us, there’s no better spot to watch a game than in Boston itself.  If you’re not from the area, you may not know where some of the best spots are, so our agents have some tips!  Of course Fenway is the top choice, but if that’s not an option there are tons of spots to catch a game in the Boston area!  Our agents have narrowed it down to a few of the best, so if you’re in the area be sure to stop by one (or all) of these fun local bars!

Brighton Beer Garden – This is a favorite spot of our customer service rep, Chrissy.  They have darts and pool tables so you can play some games and socialize while you watch the game.  Their beer menu is huge and Chrissy says their pub food is amazing.  Another great plus is that they have tons of TVs so you  don’t have to crane your neck to see what’s going on.  Every Monday they have all-you-can-eat wings for $6.99, so if you plan on stopping by for game 5 tonight make sure you take advantage of that awesome deal!

Cambridge Brewing Co. – Located in Kendall Square, this is a frequent stop for our sales agent, Shawn.  He said they have awesome food and drinks, and they have a wide variety of both standard and experimental beers that are all their own original brews.  They pride themselves on using local ingredients and their beer is always fresh and brewed on site.  Whether you’re an expert on craft beer or not, you’ll definitely appreciate the taste and quality of their brews and the fun atmosphere.

Jerry Remy’s – Our sales agent, Christine, enjoys taking in a game at Jerry Remy’s, it’s located right next to Fenway Park and if you sit on their roof deck, you’ll be overlooking Fenway’s right field wall!  Two massive 6.5 x 11 foot TVs, along with many other 36 inch hi-definition TVs, make this the perfect spot to take in a game, and you’ll never miss a second.  Their American food is served with a creative twist and there are tons of options to choose from.  This is the ultimate game watching experience, and it’s so close to Fenway you may feel like you’re actually there!

Stats Bar and Grille – Located in the heart of South Boston, Stats is a favorite stop of our sales agent, Jeff.  It’s a popular spot for younger crowds, and on game days it gets crowded pretty quickly, so make sure you get there a little early unless you don’t mind standing.  There are 22 flat screen TVs throughout the bar, so wherever you are you’ll never miss a play.  They have a menu full of classic bar food including pizza, burgers, fish & chips, and much more! Stats is a guaranteed good time whether you’re there for the game or just for a quick bite.

Yard House – Our sales agent, Teresa enjoys catching a game at Yard House right near Fenway.  They have extensive food and drink menus ranging from typical food options such as pizza and burgers, to steak, Mediterranean food, multiple taco varieties, and much more.  Their beer menu is one of the largest around, and don’t miss out on drinking one out of their 3 foot tall glasses!  Before and after the game, enjoy their classic rock playlist with friends and late night happy hour!

Wherever you plan on watching the game, make sure you have a plan to get home safely.  If you’re going to be drinking, make sure to always use a designated driver!  Whether you’re driving or just a passenger in a vehicle, make sure you always fasten your seat belt.  Even if you’re driving perfectly and obeying the rules of the road, others may not be, so drive defensively and do your part to ensure that yourself, and others stay safe!

Photo By: acme401

We Love Fort Point!

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We’re back with another “We Love Fort Point” blog!  We can’t stop raving about our neighbors here in the Fort Point section of Boston, there are so many great bakeries, restaurants, shops, and more, all in the same neighborhood as our office!  Our awesome sales agent, Teresa Dillon is here to tell us about a few of her favorite spots in the area:

Barlows Restaurant – We’ve definitely featured Barlow’s in this post before, but they’re so good we can’t get enough!  Not only is this convenient (it’s located in the same building as our office) but they also have a diverse menu with tons of options that are all amazing.  Teresa loves their appetizers that are half off during the work week, and also enjoys the fact that there’s live entertainment every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night!  It’s convenient for a quick lunch, drinks after work,  or even dinner and is definitely a favorite spot of everyone in the office.

The Institute Of Contemporary Art – Only a short walk from our office, this museum is right on the water and is open until 9 PM on Thursdays and Fridays, and is a fun place to visit if you want to see something new.  They have many exhibits to view, ranging from paintings to sculptures to cartoons. Admission is very affordable, only $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $10 for students.   One great perk is that every Thursday from 5 PM – 9 PM during ICA free Thursday nights, admission is free for all!

Mrs. B’s Cafe – Whether it’s for a quick snack, or a hearty breakfast or lunch to get you through the day, you won’t be disappointed by Mrs. B’s.  Just make sure you get there early, all of their ingredients are fresh and once they sell out you won’t have nearly as many options to choose from.  Teresa says they’re great for a morning coffee as well, and loves the location because it’s “a relaxed neighborhood feel in a corporate setting”.

Sagarino’s Market – This gourmet convenience store is only a short walk from our office, and we definitely take advantage of the location.  Not only do they have your typical items for sale like soda, snacks, gum, and coffee, but they also sell paper goods, Italian wines, breads, cheeses, and gourmet treats that aren’t in your typical convenience store.  It has a unique local feel and is perfect for stocking up for after work parties!

Sportello – This is one of Teresa’s favorite lunch spots in Fort Point.  While they do offer sit down breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, she prefers their lunch boxes which are perfect for a quick lunch if you need to head back to the office.  Their $11 lunch box comes with home made chocolate chip cookies, chips or popcorn, and a sandwich and drink of your choice, and trust us, their sandwiches will not disappoint even the pickiest eaters!  Made with fresh ingredients, they have so many options you may need to keep coming back until you’ve tried everything!

With so many awesome neighbors in the area, it was hard to narrow it down to just a few!  Be sure to watch for our next “We Love Fort Point” post where we’ll reveal a few more of our favorite spots in the area!

Photo By: Bosc d’Anjou

 

 

Ask The MassDrive Agent: What’s The Best Scenic Drive In Massachusetts?

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Now that it’s officially fall, the leaves are starting to turn and we’re starting to see some beautiful foliage across the Bay State.  During this time of year, the brightly colored leaves and crisp weather don’t last too long, and taking a scenic drive is the perfect way to enjoy a gorgeous fall day!  There are so many different options to choose from, so we’ve asked our agents what some of their favorite drives are across the state to narrow down the list.

Route 2 – This historic drive goes through the back roads of Massachusetts, and is a favorite of our sales agent, Teresa.  It runs from Lexington and Concord all the way to the Berkshires, and is about 3 hours from beginning to end.  Not only does it have beautiful foliage during this time of year, it’s also much less congested than main roads in the area.  There are amazing mountain views that make the drive totally worth it, especially on a warm, clear day.

Chickatawbut Rd – This road is part of the Blue Hills Reservation Parkways and runs through Milton, Quincy, and Braintree.  Our sales agent, Jeff, loves the mix of country and city.  The road runs through the Blue Hills so there are beautiful views of fall foliage, and even a great view of the Boston skyline along the route.  Another great perk?  You’ll get to miss all the traffic on I-93!

Mount Auburn Cemetery – Our sales agent, Christine, loves going for a ride through Mount Auburn Cemetery in the fall.  This 72 acre cemetery is also an experimental garden, and features historical monuments, structures, art, and a wide variety of plants and wildlife.  It is located in Cambridge and Watertown, and has spectacular views of the city but also makes you feel like you’re getting in touch with nature.  It’s a nice spot to drive through, or even stroll through if you have the time.

Memorial Drive – Located on the north bank of the Charles River in Cambridge, this road is a favorite spot of our sales agent, Shawn.  It’s also known as U.S. Route 3 for its entire length, and Massachusetts Route 2 over the portion west of the Boston University Bridge.  He said the view of the Boston skyline is especially amazing on a clear night, and not to be missed if you have the chance to take a ride over there.  If you can find a parking spot, he recommends stopping to take a walk along the river.

Milestone Rd – Our customer service representative, Chrissy, love taking a ride down Milestone Rd in Nantucket.  She says it’s very quaint and secluded, you get to see the fall foliage and the beach on the same drive.  It’s also in the middle of a wildlife sanctuary, so you may see some animals if you’re lucky.   Taking a ride through Nantucket would be the perfect way to enjoy this beautiful weather we’ve been having!

These different roads will bring you by the beach, city, historical monuments, art,  and of course by some beautiful fall foliage.  Pack up the car, grab some friends, put on our road trip playlist, and enjoy!

Photo By: kimberlykv

We Love Fort Point!

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At MassDrive we love having our office in the Fort Point section of Boston, and we’ve been getting a lot of new neighbors lately!  We love trying new places, and supporting our friends in the area!  There are lots of great spots for lunch, a quick caffeine fix, and even plenty of spots for those of us with a sweet tooth!  To show our neighbors some love, our sales representative, Shawn Harris, has named his 5 favorite spots in the area!

Bee’s Knees Supply Co. – This one-stop shop is only a short walk from our office, and carries everything from flowers, cheese, chocolate, deli meats, beer & wine, local produce, and much more!  Their New York style deli carries fresh, local ingredients and they also have a huge selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, pastries, shakes, and ice cream.  There’s also a cafe where you can choose from a large selection of drinks to get you your caffeine fix in the morning. It’s great whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a filling lunch, or even some groceries to make dinner with.

Flour Bakery and Cafe – Shawn said this has to be his favorite lunch spot in the area, and that they make a “killer” BLT.  In addition to their regular menu, they also have daily lunch specials and even vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, and wheat/gluten free options.  Their fresh, made to order lunch options will definitely keep you coming back, and their pastries include options such as raspberry crumb bars, biscotti, midnight chocolate cake, carrot cake, milky way tart, and much more!  Once you visit, the cozy atmosphere, amazing smells, and not to mention delicious food will have you hooked.

Momogoose Food Truck – Food trucks are all the rage here in Boston, especially for a quick, affordable, lunch and Momogoose is one of Shawn’s favorites.  This Asian fusion food truck is only a short walk from the office, and is right across from South Station.  Shawn loves their bulgogi beef with noodles, and says its a great option if you want to switch it up from the typical sandwich options in the area.  Their quick and friendly service is a plus, but just be sure you have cash because they do not accept credit cards.

Pink Berry – If you’re looking for a refreshing afternoon pick me up, this is the place to be.  Their handcrafted fro-yo comes in a variety of flavors, but Shawn is a big fan of their lime.  You can choose your own toppings from their topping bar which has only the freshest options including seasonal fruits, granola, chocolate chips, almonds, and many more.  The closest stand to our office is located right across the bridge in South Station, and they are constantly updating their flavors and toppings so there’s always something new to try.

Starbucks – In the Dunkins vs. Starbucks contest, it’s clear who the winner is in Shawn’s eyes.  Even though Starbucks is a huge chain and there are many locations across Boston, they just recently opened one right near the Broadway T Station, which is only a short walk from our office.  Shawn says he loves stopping for a chai tea latte in the morning, and there are definitely a few others in our office that are excited about the recent opening, especially since it’s right in time for fall and all things pumpkin!

If you’re in the area, definitely check out some of these awesome local spots!

 

Our Twitter Lists Are Up And Running!

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For those of you that are big Twitter fans, such as ourselves, we have an exciting announcement; our Twitter lists are up and running!  If you’re new to Twitter or haven’t heard of Twitter lists, they are basically groups of Twitter users that you can categorize based on your preferences.  Lists are very useful if you’re looking for a certain type of information or account quickly.  We’ve made quite a few of them that list a ton of different resources, attractions, restaurants, and even public officials in the Bay State so be sure to check them out!

Massachusetts Resources – This is just a great list of resources for residents of Massachusetts, with members including the Mass DOT, MBTA Alerts, Visit Massachusetts, the many colleges and universities in the Bay State, and many more!

Cars – Pretty self-explanatory, this list features accounts that have anything and everything to do with cars, including dealerships, reviews, tips, and accounts that will update you on the latest technology for your car.

Insurance Resources – Whether you need an insurance quote or just want to hear the latest news in the insurance industry, this list has you covered.

Mass Entrepreneurs – Looking for updates from some of the brightest minds in Massachusetts?  Check out our list featuring some local entrepreneurs!

Fort Point Neighbors – Our office is located in the Fort Point section of Boston, if you’re in the city be sure to check out our many neighbors in the area!

Massachusetts Restaurants – Looking for something to eat? Look no further than our Massachusetts Restaurant list! Scroll through and find the spot that’s right for you, whether you’re looking for a quick bite, after work drinks, or something a little more formal.

Massachusetts Towns – Looking for information on a specific town? This list has all of the accounts from different towns across the state.

Massachusetts News – This is your list for all news sources whether they’re local or national, on TV or in print.

Massachusetts Attractions – Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a seasoned local, there’s always something new to do and see in Massachusetts!

Massachusetts Pets – If you’re looking for a doggie daycare, animal shelter, cute new boutique for your furry friend, pet insurance quote, or just want to follow some fun pet accounts on Twitter, definitely check out this list.

Massachusetts Sports – Check this out for all of your Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and many more team updates.

MA Local Businesses – Who doesn’t like to support local businesses?  Check out these around the Bay State.

Massachusetts Families – From mommy blogs, to local schools, find anything and everything you need for your family.

Massachusetts Charities – Want to find a great organization to donate to or volunteer with? Check out our list of Massachusetts and National charities.

Public Officials – Information from the President, Governor, police departments, mayors, senators, representatives, and many other national and local public officials.

We’re always following new accounts and adding to these lists so be sure to check back!  Is there anyone we might have missed? Let us know in the comments!

 

 

 

 

We Need Your Vote!

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To all of our friends, family, staff, and valued customers, we need your vote!  We’re competing in the Boston Business Journal’s Social Madness Competition! This contest ranks companies based on their social media engagement and after the first round the top eight companies will advance to round two!  Right now we are currently in the top eight, but the rankings change quickly and we need your vote to help us advance.  To vote you just need to click here and create an account, and then you can vote daily until the first round ends on June 17th!

If we win, in addition to bragging rights we will get to donate $10,000 to the charity of our choice!  We have selected My Brother’s Keeper, a local organization in Easton that delivers food and furniture to families in need.  Voting is quick and it is very simple to make an account, you can even link it to one of your social media profiles which makes it that much faster to sign up!  Every vote counts and if we win it would make a big difference to many families in need across Massachusetts!  Once you vote, be sure to share it on your social media profiles and ask your friends to do the same!

Ask The MassDrive Agent: Who Makes The Best Coffee In Massachusetts?

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You know you love it, you may even need it to get through your day, and now thanks to our agents, you can find the best cup of Joe in the Bay State! We’re big fans of coffee over in the MassDrive office, our agents come in early, and leave late all so they can serve our customers and find them the best deal possible.  As you can imagine, this leads to A LOT of coffee drinking, so they’re pretty much experts when it comes to this.

Barismo – Located in Arlington, this coffee shop is sure to impress any connoisseur with their fresh made brews from around the world.  They literally grind and brew the coffee right in front of you, and the company is both locally owned and eco-conscious! You can be sure you’re getting the freshest cup in the state when you visit this popular local stop, they have a wide variety of coffee from Central and South America as well as Africa.  The only downside to this spot is that since there are more steps to preparing the coffee, it takes a little longer.  It usually takes about 10 minutes to get a cup of coffee but if you have the time it’s worth the wait!  – Teresa Dillon, Sales Representative

Ula Cafe – If you’re in the area of Jamaica Plain, this spot is not to be missed.  They have an extensive menu filled with unique items including vegetarian options!  The staff is very friendly and the food is always fresh.  I highly recommend the  New Orleans Iced Cafe or the Thai Iced Coffee.  Both of them give you that kick you need in the morning and taste great.  – Shawn Harris, Sales Representative

L.A. Burdick Chocolate Shop and Cafe – Located in Boston and Cambridge, this popular cafe is the perfect place to stop after dinner for coffee and dessert.  They have a great drink menu including cappuccinos, frappes, hot chocolate, teas, and even espresso.  Their Luxembourgers (French Macaroons) are AMAZING! – Christine Tuccelli, Sales Representative

MaryLou’s Coffee – If you’re on the south shore, you’ll probably drive by a MaryLou’s, their bright pink signs are hard to miss!  This si a south shore favorite, you should definitely stop if you have the chance!  With flavors like Peanut Butter, Milky Way, Twix, and many more, their coffee’s are more like desserts.  Once you try it, you’ll be hooked.  The iced ones are great for the summer, and they have other breakfast items like muffins, bagels, and donuts if you’re hungry.  – Jeff Shea, Sales Representative

There you have it! Now you know where you can find some of the best coffee in the Bay State.  Take our word for it, our agents come from all over and are coffee fanatics so if they say it’s the best, it’s the best!

Photo By: epSos.de

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