Explore Concord

n Begin your Concord visit at

the Concord Museum, home of

Paul Revere’s famous lantern,

the treasures of Thoreau and

Emerson and a remarkable

collection of Concord antiques. Don’t miss the award-winning

film “Exploring Concord.”

n Visit Orchard House, the home

of “Little Women” author Louisa

May Alcott, as well as those

of Ralph Waldo Emerson and

Nathaniel Hawthorne.

n Enjoy lunch in Concord cen-

ter, where you’ll find a variety

of dining options including

the historic Concord’s Colonial

Inn, a favorite among visitors.

Take time to browse the many

boutiques lining Main Street for

one-of-kind gifts and souvenirs.

n Take time to enjoy the natural landscape and historic

headstones of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery—burial place of the

Concord authors.

n Visit the North Bridge where “the shot heard ‘round the

world” was fired during the Battle of Concord. Enjoy views

of the Concord River and see the famous Minute Man Statue

created by Daniel Chester French, designer of the statue of

Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.

n Finally, take a walk (or a swim) around Walden Pond, inspi-

ration for Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden.” See a replica of

Thoreau’s cabin and stop into the Thoreau Society’s shop for

unique books and gifts.

s a m p l e i t i n e r a r i e s

istory was made here on April 19, 1775, when the Minute Men set out to defend their

homes and farms by challenging the British Redcoats in what would become the Battles of Lexington

and Concord – the beginning of the American Revolution.

More than two centuries later, the Lexington Battle Green, home to the country’s oldest war

memorial, still evokes that historic battle. Visit

the Munroe Tavern – the headquarters for

Brigadier General Earl Percy on April 19, 1775 –

where you’ll find the Museum of the Redcoats.

See a bullet hole from the firing of a British musket

at the Buckman Tavern, and visit the Hancock-

Clarke House where Paul Revere stopped to warn

the townspeople that the Regulars were coming.

Much of the area has been preserved as part of Minute Man National Historical Park, includ-

ing sections of the famous Battle Road, which retains many of its original buildings, stone walls,

woods and farmland. Concord’s North Bridge, the place where “the shot heard ‘round the world”

was fired, is hallowed ground.

Many of the historic houses that witnessed the famous battle still stand. Displayed in the

Concord Museum, among other priceless pieces of Americana, is the lantern that hung in the

steeple of Boston’s Old North Church on the night of Paul Revere’s famous Ride.

In Concord, the homes of authors Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel

Hawthorne have been maintained and are open to visitors. Walden Pond, the inspiration for Henry

David Thoreau’s “Walden,” is as idyllic today as it was 150 years ago.

Lexington and Concord are also home to several state parks and forests, providing oppor-

tunities for hiking, biking, fishing and canoeing. Cross-country and downhill skiing are available

nearby, along with several golf courses that are open to the public. Visitors can also take advantage

of the many lovely shops and restaurants located in the two towns. Your visit to Lexington and Con-

cord need not be limited to one day. Several fine inns and hotels call the area home, offering accom-

modations for every taste and budget.

Whether your visit is for a day or a week, these historic towns offer year-round enjoyment

for visitors of all ages. Discover for yourself the birthplace of American liberty.

HExplore Lexington

n Begin your Lexington adventure

at the Lexington Visitors Center,

across from the famous Battle

Green, where you’ll see a diorama

of the Battle of Lexington and

gather information about their

daily programs.

n Tour the Battle Road and other local historic sites on the

Liberty Ride, a comfortable hop-on, hop-off trolley tour led by

an educated guide in historical dress.

n Enjoy lunch in Lexington’s town center, choosing from a

variety of dining and shopping options.

n Tour the Buckman Tavern,

Hancock-Clarke House and

the Munroe Tavern, three of

Lexington’s most historic homes,

all of which played important

roles in the Battle of Lexington.

n Visit the Minute Man National

Historical Park Visitor Center,

where you can view “The Road to

Revolution,” walk along the Battle Road Interpretive Trail and

watch costumed interpreters demonstrate colonial crafts.

n End your day by relaxing at the

aloft Hotel’s w xyz bar with a deli-

cious cocktail. Stay overnight for

an opportunity to experience more

of what Lexington has to offer or

to visit nearby historic Concord.

The Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors

Bureau represents Lexington, Concord and 19 other

cities and towns. We invite you to visit our picturesque

valley, just a 30-minute drive northwest of Boston.

Our corner of New England is a popular year-round

destination for visitors. We offer an abundance of

cultural and historical activities and attractions, sporting

events, outdoor attractions, museums, and fine shops,

hotels and restaurants.

For visitor or membership information call The Greater

Merrimack Valley CVB at (978) 459-6150 or (800) 215-

9805. Visit our website at www.merrimackvalley.org.

The City of Lowell played a pivotal role in the American

Industrial Revolution, sparked by the 19th century textile

mills that flourished along the banks of the Merrimack

and Concord Rivers. Lowell’s just a 15-minute drive from

Lexington and Concord. Today, the Lowell National

Historical Park includes renovated mill areas, old-time

trolleys and canal boats. The city is a haven for artists and

is home to a wealth of cultural attractions and activities

as well as many fine restaurants, shops and museums.

Visit www.merrimackvalley.org for event information.

Funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.

Photos by James Higgins except British Red Coats, courtesy MOTT PHOTOS.

Historical Engravings courtesy of Historic New England.

British Redcoats,

Minute Man National

Historical Park, Concord

On Patriots Day, in April,

the start of the American

Revolution is reenacted in

Concord and Lexington.

Lexington&

ConCordLexington

&ConCord

birthplace of the american revolution

Visit the region where freedom

began...

J. Quality Inn & Suites -Lexington440 Bedford St.781.861.0850 www.qualityinn.com (Lexington, MA) The hotel has more than 196 rooms, including 2 room suites and executive rooms, featuring new pillow-top mattresses. Com-plimentary Hot American Break-fast with freshly made waffles. Computers with Internet access, and a refreshing outdoor pool. Local tradition has it that guests have been awakened by Paul Revere riding by, just before his capture down the road!

“...rich in historic significance...and much more” L E x I n g t o n

1. Buckman tavernOpposite Battle Green781.862.1703www.lexingtonhistory.orgGathering place of Lexington militia on April 19, 1775. Among the many items on display is the old front door, with its bullet hole made by a British musket ball during the Battle. Admission.

2. Hancock-Clarke House36 Hancock Street781.862.1703www.lexingtonhistory.orgOn the evening of April 18, 1775, John Hancock and Samuel Adams, prominent leaders in the colonial cause, were guests of the Reverend Jones Clarke. Admission.

3. Lexington Battle greenBedford Street & Massachusetts AvenueThe Battle Green is a National Historic Landmark. It is where the Lexington militia confronted 800 British Regulars as the sun rose on April 19, 1775. View the Minute Man Statue and America’s oldest war memorial. Free guided walking tours in season.

4. Lexington Depot781.862.1703www.lexingtonhistory.org Restored 1847 railroad shed depot, one of the few remaining in New England. Headquarters of the Lexington Historical Society. Features rotating exhibits on Lexington history. No admission fee.

5. Lexington Visitors Center1875 Massachusetts Avenue781.862.1450www.lexingtonchamber.orgTourist information and historic diorama depicting the Battle of Lexington. Gift shop. Guided tours. Open daily.

6. Liberty Ride781.862.0500 ext. 702www.libertyride.usRide along the historic Battle Road Scenic By-Way in an air-conditioned trolley while

Walking trails and wildlife obser-vation tower. Pets and bicycles are not allowed. Rest-rooms available. No admission fee. X

12. north BridgeMinute Man National Historical Park – Monument Street978.369.6993www.nps.gov/mimaThe Minute Man statue, grave of British soldiers and monuments mark “the shot heard ‘round the world.” X

13. north Bridge Visitor CenterMinute Man National Historical Park – 174 Liberty Street978.369.6993www.nps.gov/mimaInformation, ranger programs and bookstore. Exhibits include the historic “Hancock” cannon. Open daily. No admission fee. X14. Louisa May Alcott’s orchard House399 Lexington Road978.369.4118www.louisamayalcott.orgHome of Louisa May Alcott, famous author of Little Women, and her family including her father Amos Bronson Alcott, philosopher, writer and educator. Open daily. Admission.

15. Ralph Waldo Emerson Memorial House28 Cambridge Turnpike978.369.2236www.rwe.orgHome of Ralph Waldo Emerson and family from 1835 onward. Emerson was known as “the first American philosopher,” aboli-tionist, and suffragist. His ideas unite East and West, and spark imaginations still today. A family man whose gifts permeate and inspire civilization. Special tours by arrangement. Call or email for hours and fees.

16. Sleepy Hollow Cemeterywww.concordma.govRoute 62Graves of Thoreau, Emerson, Hawthorne, the Alcotts, Margaret Sidney and Daniel Chester French.

A. Best Western at Historic Concord740 Elm Street, Concord978.369.6100www.bestwesternconcord.comLocated on four acres of beautifully manicured grounds. Two miles from Concord Center and historic sites. Features 106 clean, com-fortable newly renovated rooms. Complimentary full hot and cold breakfast buffet, fitness room, wireless high speed Internet and outdoor pool. Pets are welcome. Plenty of free parking. XB. Concord’s Colonial Inn48 Monument Square, Concord978.369.9200www.concordscolonialinn.comLocated in the green in down-town Concord, built in 1716, 56 individually appointed guest-rooms and suites. Two restaurants, pub & lounge featuring entertain-ment. Great for pleasure or busi-ness travel. Featuring complimen-tary wireless high speed internet access throughout the Inn.

C. Hawthorne Inn462 Lexington Road, Concord978.369.5610www.concordmass.comRelaxed Elegance–Forbes Magazine: “10 Best Inns of New England.” Member: “Select Registry.”Intimate B & B refuge offering modern amenities, time-burnished antiques, contemporary artwork and ancient artifacts to create balanced harmony in the comfort of seven guest accommodations. Multi-course breakfast with Inn-keeper’s Specialties. WiFi.

D. north Bridge Inn21 Monument Street, Concord978.371.0014www.northbridgeinn.comEuropean style B&B located in the heart of historic Concord. Within walking distance to sites of inter-est. Private baths. Full Breakfast. Families welcome. WiFi.

E. the thoreau Society Shop at Walden Pond915 Walden Street, Concord978.287.5477www.thoreausociety.orgwww.shopatwaldenpond.orgOpen daily all year. Hours vary. Parking adjacent to Shop. Extensive selection of booksand other items related to Henry David Thoreau & nature, located at the Pond he made famous. X

F. Verrill Farm11 Wheeler Rd 978.369.4494 www.verrillfarm.comVerrill Farm features fine produce, baked goods, a deli and kitchen. Picnic tables for outdoor dining. We are a working farm located in an historic agricultural area three miles south of Concord Center. X

g. aloft Lexington727 Marrett Road-aLexington, MA 02421781.761.1700www.alofthotels.com/lexingtonWhere the American Revolution began, the evolution of travel continues with aloft. Explore pre-revolutionary sites and enjoy a post-tour cocktail at w xyz bar. Splash into the indoor heated pool, then take the lift to your room. An easy breezy adventure awaits you. X

your guide in colonial clothing recounts the exciting events of April 19, 1775 and the literary legacy that defined American identity and culture. 90-minute tour, free re-boarding. Admission fee includes free entry into three Lexington historic houses and free parking.

7. Minute Man Visitor CenterMinute Man National Historical Park–Route 2A 781.674.1920www.nps.gov/mimaBegin your visit to the park here. Multi-media theater program, exhibits, and bookstore. Open daily March 24 – November 25. No admission fee. X8. Munroe tavern1332 Massachusetts Avenue781.862.1703www.lexingtonhistory.orgOn the afternoon of April 19, 1775, the tavern served as the headquarters for Brigadier General Earl Percy. Admission. Museum of the British Redcoats.

9. the old BelfryMassachusetts Avenue & Clark Street781.862.1703www.lexingtonhistory.orgThis structure housed the bell that summoned the Militia to the Green.

C o n C o R D

10. Concord MuseumLexington Road & Cambridge Turnpike978.369.9609www.concordmuseum.orgWhere Concord’s history begins. Renowned collection of Concord furniture, clocks, silver and Revolutionary artifacts; treasures of Thoreau and Emerson; and the Exploring Concord film. Open daily. Admission. X11. great Meadows national Wildlife RefugeMonsen Road 978.443.4661www.fws.gov/northeast/great-meadows

H. Element Lexington 727 Marrett Road-bLexington, MA 02421781.761.1750www.elementhotels.com/lexingtonGOLD LEED Certified Rise with our complimentary signature breakfast allowing you to recharge for the adventure awaiting you. Rest & rejuvenate in our signature Heavenly Beds. Play Wii in our public space, or a friendly game of scrabble. Come discover a whole new experience for the long or short term stay. X

I. Lexx Restaurant 1666 Massachusetts Ave.Lexington, Ma 02420781.674.2990www.lexx-restaurant.comDeliciously Fresh American Cuisine is offered for lunch and dinner in a unique 21st century tavern. A full bar and lounge offers your favorite libations including a selection of craft beers. Lunch: 11:30-4, Dinner 4-9pm (Fri & Sat until 10pm) 7 days a week. X

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Battle Road trail: This 5 mile interpretive trail, suitable for walking, bicycles and wheelchairs, connects historic sites and natural areas in Minute Man National Historical Park.

north Bridge Visitor Center

great MeadowWildlife Refuge

Minute ManVisitor Center

Lexington Depot

Hancock-ClarkeHouse

Buckman tavernLexington Battle green

old Belfry

Lexington Visitors Center

Liberty Ride

Munroe tavern

north Bridge

the Wayside

Hartwell tavern

Concord Museum

Emerson House

Walden Pond

gropius House

Sleepy HollowCemetery

orchardHouse

17. the Wayside455 Lexington Road978.318.7863www.nps.gov/mimaHome of the Alcotts, Nathaniel Hawthorne (the only home he ever owned), and Margaret Sidney. Open Wednesday–Sunday, May 26–October 28. Admission. 18. Walden Pond State Reservation915 Walden Street (Route 126)978.369.3254www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/waldenWalden Pond boasts a variety of recreational activities and hiking trails to Thoreau’s historic house site. Pets are not permitted. Parking fee charged. X

L I n C o L n

19. Hartwell tavernMinute Man National Historical Park–Battle Road978.369.6993 www.nps.gov/mimaMeet costumed interpreters and watch historical craft demonstra-tions in this authentic period home. Open daily, May 26 – Oct. 28. No admission fee.

20. Historic new England—the gropius House68 Baker Bridge Road781.259.8098www.historicnewengland.orgWalter Gropius, founder of the German design school known as the Bauhaus was one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. The 1938 Lincoln home of architect Walter Gropius showcases the clean, contemporary lines of Modernist design. Admission.

Freedom’s Way national Heritage Areawww.freedomsway.orgExperience this inspiring region of New England that lit the spark of freedom, environmental steward-ship, and social justice. Online tour guides and educational materials are available at www.freedomsway.org.Freedom’s Way is dedicated to protecting, preserving, and promot-ing the natural, historic, and cultural resources of 45 communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Information

Battle Road trail

Parking Area

Public Rest Rooms

Local Restaurants, Lodging & Services

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