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Concord, Massachusetts Travel Guide | |
The pretty town of Concord, 19 miles (31 km) west of Boston Common, is a popular destination for patriotic Americans, and for those wanting to get out of Boston for a day. | ||
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Concord, Massachusetts is historic, having been founded in 1635, the oldest European-settled town beyond tidewater in New England. It was in neighboring Lexington that the first shots of the American Revolutionary War were fired on April 19, 1775, the day now commemorated as Patriots Day in Massachusetts. But the first American victory was at Concord's Old North Bridge, an easy 15-minute walk from Monument Square, the town center (map). More... You can easily spend a whole day or two in Concord, or you can visit the most important sights in a somewhat rushed morning or afternoon.
What to See & DoConcord is a popular excursion destination for visitors in Boston, and even for Bostonians wanting to "get out into the country" for a day of walking, biking, sightseeing, boutique-shopping or even canoeing. Old North BridgeThe restored bridge, site of the first American victory in the Revolutionary War and now part of Minuteman National Historical Park, is a place of pilgrimage for every patriotic American. More... Concord Authors
Concord's authors are as famous as their town, including Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau and others. The Wayside and Orchard House, homes of the Alcotts, and Emerson's house are open to visit, Thoreau's famous cottage on Walden Pond has been replicated, and Thoreau's birthplace restored and opened to the public. You can also visit these authors' graves on Authors Ridge in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, a few minutes' walk from Monument Square. More... Patriots DayThe most time of the year in Concord is Patriots Day, April 19th, when the battle at the North Bridge is re-enacted and commemorated with parades, costumes, musket and cannon volleys, cheers and speeches. More...
West ConcordWest Concord, on the southwestern side of MA Route 2, 2.7 miles (3.5 km) from Monument Square (map), is Concord as non-touristy real life, with a great selection of cafés and restaurants. More... Where to Stay & DineIts fine inns, B&Bs and hotels allow you to stay the night comfortably if you wish. With more than two dozen restaurants, it can satisfy your appetite, from a simple cup of coffee or a picnic to a gourmet repast. More... You can get to Concord MA by car, bike or train for a day of walking, biking, swimming or shopping. More... TransportationHere's how to travel from Boston to Concord by car, train and bicycle. Photos of ConcordFor photos of Concord, see the NETP Concord Photo Gallery. —by Tom Brosnahan
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Above, Concord's Old
North Bridge, site of
the first American military victory
(1775) in the Revolutionary
War. Orchard House, a must-see for anyone who loves Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. |