Visiting Concord, Massachusetts
Located about twenty miles northwest of Boston, Concord is a community with a long and varied past. In colonial times it gained fame because it provided the scenic backdrop for one of the great dramatic scenes of American history. In the mid- 19th century it served as hometown to some of the greatest literary minds of the time. In the 20Th century it held off the onslaught of developers and maintained its natural treasures for residents and visitors to enjoy. Today much of the varied history of this unique town has been preserved and memorialized and is open for active viewing by vacationers throughout the year.
For historians or simply those who love history visiting the Old North Bridge is a must. Young and old alike can put themselves in the spot where simple farmers stood their ground in the face of British regulars. In their minds they cannot help but hear the echo of that “shot heard round the world” which initiated that pivotal encounter on April 19, 1775. A nearby visitors center and on site park rangers provide easy access to the full story of this famous encounter. On the second floor of the center young people can take a step back in time as they try on items from a wonderful collection of period costumes and accessories. But nothing beats just standing on the Bridge ( the fourth reproduction of the original) or listening to your own footsteps as in your mind you go back in time.
For those who couple an interest in history with a penchant for literary achievement, Concord is a destination that will please you twice over. You can begin with a stop to tour the building and the grounds of the Old Manse one time home to the Emerson family and Nathaniel Hawthorne and his new bride. Or perhaps your taste in literature will lead you to Orchard House home to Bronson Alcott and his daughter Louisa May, author of Little Women. For bad weather days you can easily occupy your both curiosity and your imagination with a visit to the Concord Antiquarian Museum with its 17 rooms of period antiques or the Thoreau Lyceum which holds a collection of memorabilia drawn from the life and works of Henry David Thoreau. To gather in a sense of the greatness that once filled this town take tour at your own pace the knolls of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery pausing for a close look at the memorial stones of Emerson, the Alcott’s, Hawthorne, Thoreau and other luminaries on Authors Ridge.
For many vacationers the combination of historic and literary venues might be sufficient to hold one’s attention. But there’s more. Concord also is home to a diverse natural beauty and public areas where it can be enjoyed at no cost. For example you might decide to sample the life of the resident of Walden by taking following the mile and a half dirt loop that circles Walden Pond. Don’t miss the chance to step briefly off the trail to visit the site of Thoreau’s cabin or to mark your own visit by placing a stone on the memorial rock cairn nearby.
Leave time too to explore Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. free and open to the public dawn to dusk year round, this beautiful slice of Concord can meet most demands for exploring and exercise. You can get acquainted with the meadows and perhaps some of the residents by making the climb to the top of the observation tower which provides a commanding view for birders or simply the curious. The refuge provides a perfect retreat for the reclusive and a marvelous spot for sharing a picnic lunch with family or friends.
For the more adventuresome Concord provides canoing facilities. Check in at the South Bridge Boat House on Main St. just beyond the center of town and rent a canoe for a leisurely paddle along the Concord River. If you need to test yourself there are 50 miles of navigable waters at your disposal. You can bring along a lunch and put in at Old North Bridge or along the banks in Great Meadows at a spot of your own choosing.
Lodgings and dining facilities in the area between Concord and Boston are abundant and diverse. But if you want to truly immerse yourself in the spirit of Concord try to arrange to stay and dine in the town itself. While accommodations are limited, it is well worth the effort to reserve a room in advance at the Colonial Inn or one of the local bed and breakfast establishments in Concord.
The town of Concord stands as a national treasure to be experienced and enjoyed why not do so on vacation?
