This weekend is the unofficial start to summer, of course, which means plenty of Cape and mountain getaways, BBQ's, and some general yard work if you're up for that sort of thing. (And based on my lawn, I suppose I should be.)

Memorial Day weekend also signals the Boston busy season, when throngs of tourists will fill the Boston streets, filled with history, beauty, and yes, many, many Duck Boats. Summer in Boston gives tourists a chance to explore our fine city, sure, but it also gives locals a chance to get out in the city's finest season, when it shines differently than at any other point of the year, and enjoy what the Hub has to offer.

So, whether you're new to Boston, just visiting for a few days, or haven't gotten out to visit some of the city's top attractions, here are 10 can't-miss things to do in Boston this summer, including the Boston Harbor Islands (right) the Swan Boats, and Boston Harborfest.

Lawn not included.

Traffic nationwide is down? Tell my morning commute.

A new study done by INRIX, a national provider of traffic information claims that traffic in America has "plummeted" 30 percent overall, and that Boston was only the ninth-worst city for congestion. The report claims that Boston saw a 32 percent drop change from a year ago, and that commuters spend an average of 35 hours sitting in traffic each year. No. 1 on the list was Honolulu, where drivers wasted 58 hours in traffic.

"The declines in traffic congestion across the U.S. and Europe are indicative of stalled economies worldwide," INRIX president and chief executive officer Bryan Mistele said in a statement. "In America, the economic recovery on Wall Street has not arrived on Main Street. Americans are driving less and spending less fueled by gas prices and a largely jobless recovery."

Maybe. It still seems no matter what hour drivers try and commute into the city, things are as difficult as ever. You can check out the rest of INRIX's findings here.

Photo © Texas Transportation Institute

A full free day of music is on tap for Saturday, when the annual Radio 92.9 Earthfest takes place at the Hatch Shell, featuring a slate of popular acts.

Here's the lineup:

11:30-:11:50 a.m.: Twin Berlin

Noon-12:45 p.m.: Eve 6

1:15-2 p.m.: Switchfoot

2:30-3:15 p.m.: Spin Doctors

3:45-4:45 p.m.: Third Eye Blind

Yes, that reads Spin Doctors. It's been a while, hasn't it?

Earthfest, of course, is held in part to raise awareness of global responsibility, and will have a number of earth-conscious vendors, and a strict recycling program on hand for the expected 100,000 attendees. With perfect weather on tap for the weekend, that number could be conservative.

For complete information, including finding out how you can volunteer for the event, visit www.myradio929.com/earthfest.aspx.

It's a sad day for Boston independent radio and the local music scene in general as news came down this morning that venerable station WFNX has been sold to media conglomerate Clear Channel, a sale sure to instill a significant void on the radio landscape.

Since its inception in 1983, WFNX was always a cherished source for alternative playlists, and a haven for discovering local acts. That appreciation flowed from disappointed fans on Twitter all day, all tossing their support to the staff who lost their jobs today, as well as disappointment that another independent Boston radio station will soon be no longer. Stephen M. Mindich, founder of station owner Phoenix Media, announced the sale in a letter to the Boston Phoenix this morning.

Clear Channel also released a statement this morning, saying in part, "WFNX will remain on the air during time it takes to complete the FCC approval process, and events and concerts -- such as the Best Music Poll (June 13th) and the Seaport Six (June 14th) -- will take place as scheduled."

As for 'FNX itself, there is speculation that the station could live on in some sort of online capacity, but its days as a beloved destination on the dial are soon to be over.