Fresh Baguettes and Kouign-Amann Land in the Center
Arlington, MA · November 8, 2026
Rain is tapping against the glass this morning, but runners are already out along Summer Street for the annual Turkey Trot.
The Lead
A fresh wave of flour and butter has arrived in Arlington Center. Colette Bakery is now open at 681 Massachusetts Avenue, converting the former Symmes Mini-Mart space into a 20-seat French café. The family-run business—started in Medford by Toulouse natives Nathalie and Franck Beddiar before adding shops in Melrose and the South End—chose the location across from Robbins Library for the foot traffic and community rhythm. Behind the pastry counter, French bakers work with stone-ground flour from Grands Moulins de Paris and imported Normandy butter to turn out naturally leavened loaves, brioche, and caramelized kouign-amann alongside coffee from North Shore roaster Atomic. Rather than setting up for quick takeout, the storefront intentionally omits customer Wi-Fi to foster neighborhood conversation. Early birds line up at 8:00 AM on weekends before the morning pastry trays empty.
Local Pulse
Crosby Courts Reopen for Fall Play Parks Resurfaced tennis and pickleball courts at Crosby are open on a first-come basis for the remaining season.
Police Offer Free Child Seat Inspections Safety Certified officers now provide monthly inspections at department headquarters to ensure child car seats meet state safety laws.
Today's Outlook
- High 54°F · Low 43°F — Rain (83% chance of precipitation)
- Keep an umbrella handy today as steady showers and cool air settle across town.
What's On Around Town
Today
Arlington EATS Turkey Trot 5K Hill's Hill Field (422 Summer St), 8:00 AM · $35 Annual 5K run and walk raising funds for local food security.
Mystic Brass Ensemble: Musicians' Choice First Baptist Church of Arlington (819 Massachusetts Ave), 3:00–5:00 PM · Free Ten-year season celebration showcasing brass masterworks across four centuries.
The Old World Meets the New Regent Theatre (7 Medford St), 3:00–5:00 PM · $22–$36 Scottish fiddle, folk guitar, and live ceilidh dancing on stage.
Community Sing Robbins Library (700 Massachusetts Ave), 3:00–4:00 PM · Free All-ages communal singing session in the community room.
Tomorrow
- Passim Discovery Series: The John Sisters Club Passim (47 Palmer St), Cambridge, 8:00 PM · $20
- Traditional Irish Music Session The Burren (247 Elm St), Somerville, 8:30 PM · Free
Tuesday
- Pokey LaFarge with Cicada Rhythm Arts at the Armory (191 Highland Ave), Somerville, 6:30 PM
- Kelsey Waldon Club Passim (47 Palmer St), Cambridge, 8:00 PM · $35
Spotlight & Story
- Arlington Center for the Arts
- Founded in 1988 by local artists, writers, and educators, ACA operated for 27 years out of the old Gibbs School before establishing its permanent home at 20 Academy Street. Today, its community classrooms, ceramics studio, and gallery host over 250 programs annually.
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