One of the things I love most about living in Massachusetts is all of its history. As the location of the start of the Revolutionary War, Massachusetts is brimming with historic spots that played a starring role in America’s freedom and the founding of our country.
A bit of a history buff, I’ve always been fascinated by Massachusetts’ revolutionary spirit. Having lived in Boston’s North End and Charlestown, I love walking the sites of the Freedom Trail. You can often find me at historic sites like Paul Revere’s home and the Bunker Hill Monument. Or enjoying a pint or two at the city’s oldest taverns, including the Warren Tavern and the Green Dragon. I even got married in the Old North Church (though we’ll save those details for another post!).
With Patriot’s Day coming up – which commemorates the Battles of Lexington & Concord that started the Revolutionary War – I figured it would be the perfect time to post my guide to these two historic neighboring towns!
Patriot’s Day in Lexington and Concord
While the actual battles of Lexington & Concord were fought on April 19, 1775, Patriot’s Day is observed on the third Monday of April each year. And there are many events that take place in Lexington and Concord to mark the occasion.
Festivities take place all weekend leading up to Patriot’s Day. However the main events are the reenactment of the Battle of Lexington, and the commemoration of the “shot heard round the world” at the North Bridge in Concord. Starting at 5:30am on Patriot’s Day with the ringing of The Alarm at the Old Belfry in Lexington, the battle reenactment takes place on the Lexington Battle Green. The commemoration of the North Bridge Fight, which is followed by the Concord Parade, takes place at 8:45am. If you’re thinking of going, be sure to visit the official town websites for Lexington and Concord for the full schedule of events.
Whether you’re visiting on Patriot’s Day weekend or not, there is a ton to do and learn in both Lexington and Concord. Read on for a guide to each town’s Revolutionary War history, as well as my favorite places to eat, shop and stay in the area.
Visiting Lexington, MA
Any visit to Lexington should start in Lexington Center, where many of the historic attractions are located. It’s also the spot with the most shopping and dining options in the area. With several large parking lots with metered parking, along with street parking throughout town, I recommend parking for the day and exploring on foot.
Lexington Battle Green
Those looking to explore Lexington’s Revolutionary War history should start at the Lexington Battle Green. Walk around the green to visit historic landmarks like the Lexington Minuteman Statue, the Revolutionary War Monument, Ye Olde Burying Ground and The Belfry (located up a small hill just across the street). The Lexington Historical Society has a great website that explores all there is to see at the Lexington Battle Green.
Open year round, the Battle Green and surrounding area is free to explore. Complimentary tours are offered during the summer months.
Buckman Tavern
Directly across the street from the battle green is Buckman Tavern. Offering a self-guided audio tour, the historic building contains an 18th century taproom, kitchen, sitting area and more. You can see an original front door with a bullet hole (possibly made from a musket during the Battle of Lexington). There is a display case featuring artifacts from the Revolution, including William Diamond’s drum on which he beat the call to arms on the morning of the battle.
The Tavern is also home to the original Memorial Slate from the Obelisk Monument, erected in 1799 (look closely to spot a few typos in the text). And the #Alarmed! upstairs exhibit is interactive for children, and explores what the Revolution may have been like in the age of social media.
Open daily from 9:30am – 4pm starting March 3 – Nov. 25, single-house admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-16. Three-house tour tickets are also available ($20 for adults, and $10 for children ages 6-16) which include admission to the Buckman Tavern, Hancock-Clarke House and Munroe Tavern.
Hancock-Clarke House
Built in 1737, the Hancock-Clarke House was the home where patriots Samuel Adams and John Hancock were staying when they were awakened by Paul Revere’s alarm on April 19, 1975. Visits are by guided tour, and include an introductory video, an exhibit on artifacts from the revolution, and a colonial herb garden.
Open Saturdays and Sundays from April 13 – May 26 from 10am – 4pm, the house is open daily starting May 27 – Oct. 31. See Buckman Tavern above for pricing.
Munroe Tavern
Located just a bit outside of town, Munroe Tavern offers a look at the events of the Revolution from the perspective of the Redcoats. The Tavern was taken over by British troops and used as a makeshift hospital during their retreat back to Boston on the afternoon following the battles. It’s also where George Washington stayed when he visited Lexington during his presidency.
Open Saturdays and Sundays from April 13 – May 26 from 10am – 4pm, the Tavern is open daily starting May 27 – Oct. 31. See Buckman Tavern above for pricing.
Minuteman Commuter Bikeway
If you enjoy biking or walking, the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway is a great way to explore the area. Used for both recreation and transportation on the site of an inactive railroad, the historic rail-trail connects Cambridge, Arlington, Lexington and Bedford. Bring your bike or your walking shoes, and enjoy the outdoors on this beautiful trail.
Where to Eat in Lexington
Lexington Center has a bunch of restaurant options worth a visit. Stop into Lexx Restaurant for lunch or dinner, and order their famous burger, the mac n cheese or the Lexx salad. They also have eight rotating tap lines featuring local craft beers. il Casale is a great option for dinner, featuring freshly made pastas and classic Italian dishes like eggplant parmigiano and tagliatelle bolognese.
A little outside of the town center you’ll find Artistry on the Green at the Inn at Hastings Park. Offering some of the best fine dining in the area, you can enjoy Sunday brunch, lunch or daily dinner. Order a glass of wine and some potato leek soup, along with lamb or tenderloin for a romantic dinner. Other options to try include Love at First Bite Thai Kitchen, or MA France for crepes, cheese or French groceries.
Where to Shop in Lexington
Lexington Center is full of cute stores and shops. I loved visiting the Crafty Yankee, which features gifts, clothing and jewelry from local New England artisans and makers. Firefly Moon also offers unique gifts and art, including prints, ceramics, sculpture and more. Robin Gannon Interiors & Home is a cute little shop offering hostess gifts and interior decor, along with interior design services. It’s also worth noting that the Lexington Historical Society Gift Shop is located in the entrance to the Buckman Tavern, and offers books, crafts and replicas of historic artifacts.
Where to Stay in Lexington
The Inn at Hastings Park is a luxury Relais & Chateau property that offers 22 guest rooms in three restored historic buildings. With a strong mix of historic and contemporary decor, it’s a great place to stay just a little way outside of the town center.
Morgan’s Rest B&B offers three guest rooms, with breakfast included, in a centrally-located residential neighborhood in Lexington. Additional accommodation offerings include the aloft Lexington and the element Lexington, both of which are under the Marriott umbrella.
Visiting Concord, MA
A bit more spread out than Lexington, Concord boasts both a fantastic Revolutionary War history, as well as a pretty incredible literary history. With a cute downtown area for shopping and dining, most history buffs will want to visit some of the sites outside of town, including the Concord Museum (which is currently undergoing renovations, but still has exhibits open), Minute Man National Historical Park, and the North Bridge, site of the “shot heard round the world.”
Minute Man National Historical Park
Minute Man National Historical Park is a great place to visit during the warmer months. Start your visit at the Minute Man Visitor Center for the “Road to Revolution” multimedia tour for an in-depth introduction to the events of April 19, 1775. You can then walk along the The Battle Road 5-mile trail, bring a picnic and enjoy the outdoors, and visit historic sites that were involved in the Revolutionary War. The Park is home to 11 historic “witness” houses, along with a memorial at the Paul Revere Capture Site.
The grounds of the park are open daily year round from sunrise to sunset. There is no cost to visit. The Minute Man Visitor Center is open daily from 9am-5pm from April 1 – October 31. It is free to the public.
North Bridge and the Concord Minuteman Statue
Further along in the Minute Man National Historical Park is the North Bridge, the site of the “shot heard round the world.” In addition to the bridge, which spans the Concord River, the site is home to the famous Concord Minuteman Statue. The statue was sculpted by Concord native Daniel Chester French, who is most well known for sculpting the statue of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. Also located at the site is the Grave of the British Soldiers. The monument marks the burial place of two British soldiers who died after the North Bridge fight.
You can also visit the North Bridge Visitor Center (open from 9:30am-5pm, April 1 – Oct. 31) which offers a video presentation, gift shop and exhibits. See “The Hancock”, a rare Revolutionary War-era cannon, which was stolen by Boston Patriots in September 1774, and other historic artifacts.
The Concord Museum
The Concord Museum is home to many historic artifacts, including the original lantern Paul Revere used during his midnight ride in 1775. Another highlight is a paper engraving done by Paul Revere which depicts the Boston Massacre. The museum also houses muskets, powder horns and cannon balls that date back to the Revolution. While the museums galleries are currently undergoing renovations, 100 historic items are on view in the Rasmussen Education Center.
Spring hours are 1pm-4pm Saturdays & Sundays only. During spring vacation week (April 13-20, 2019) the museum is open daily from 10am – 4pm. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children.
Where to Eat in Concord
Fiorella’s Cucina in Concord Center is a great local spot for Italian food. With an open kitchen and wood-burning brick oven, their pizza is awesome, as is the lasagna and baked gnocchi. If you’re looking for fine dining, head to 80 Thoreau, featuring New American cuisine and an ever-changing seasonal menu. With a great wine list and inventive cocktails, it’s a great place to have dinner in Concord.
For a grab-and-go option, head to The Concord Cheese Shop. Offering one of the greater Boston area’s best selections of cheese, charcuterie and gourmet groceries, the shop also offers made-to-order sandwiches and a variety of fresh salads prepared daily. They also have a wonderful selection of wine, local beer and cider.
Where to Shop in Concord
Concord offers what I believe is the quintessential New England town center. With a bookshop, toy store, candy shop, stationer, cheese shop, clothing stores, restaurants and more, you won’t leave empty handed. The Concord Bookshop is a charming, independent book store, and I can’t help but stop in to buy a book each time I visit. Patina Green is one of my favorite local gift shops, featuring work by local artisans. Sister store to their location in Sudbury, Patina Green offers a great selection of items local to Concord.
Tucked away in an upstairs location, Jack & Toba is a great store offering furniture and home goods from local vendors. I’m also obsessed with The Dotted i paper boutique, which offers stationary, notecards, platters, tote bags, candles, gifts and more. Lastly, those with a sweet tooth should check out Gräem Nuts and Chocolate, offering roasted nuts and gourmet chocolates. With the feel of stepping into a European chocolatier, you won’t want to leave without a bag of gourmet goodies.
Where to Stay in Concord
Concord’s Colonial Inn dates back to 1716 and is located right in the town center. It served as a hospital for wounded Minutemen during the Battles of Lexington & Concord in 1775. Room 24 served as the operating room (where several soldiers died on the table). It is said to be haunted to this day. One of the oldest hotels in the US, the inn is cozy and charming. In addition to the 56 guest rooms, the Inn also offers an awesome restaurant and tavern. And their porch is a lovely place to have lunch or a drink outside in nice weather.
Located just down the road from Concord’s Colonial Inn, you’ll find The North Bridge Inn, offering six lovely suites. Built in 1885, the Inn offers historic charm with modern amenities. And a full hot breakfast is included with every reservation.
A bit further outside of town, located across from The Wayside and down the street from the Louisa May Alcott House, you’ll find The Hawthorne Inn. A historic property located on land once owned by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne, this charming B&B offers seven luxurious rooms and a homemade daily breakfast.
Tips for Visiting like a Local
- If you’re planning to go for the Patriot’s Day reenactments, plan to get there early (or even the night before). Both towns close down many of the roads for the festivities. You’ll want to plan ahead to ensure you can get where you need to go.
- While there is a ton of Revolutionary War history in the area, there is also a lot else to do.
- Check out Concord’s Literary History with a visit to the Louisa May Alcott House, The Old Manse, The Wayside, Thoreau’s Cabin and more.
- Visit nearby Lincoln, MA, and stop by deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, which features 30 acres of woodlands and rolling hills filled with modern and contemporary sculpture.
- Stop by Wilson Farm in nearby Arlington, to pick up groceries, fresh flowers and plants, or to pet Mindy and Gizmo, the farm’s resident goats.
- Visit the beach or take a hike around Walden Pond. Visit the replica of Thoreau’s cabin, go swimming, or just enjoy the beauty of the pond.
- You’ll likely do a fair amount of walking no matter when you visit. So be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, and a camera to take photos of all the sites!
Categories: Activities, Concord, Greater Boston, Historic Attractions, Lexington, Museums, The Best of MA
Nice post. Just a note that Wilson Farm is in Lexington, not Arlington. Also would suggest that people visiting Concord try Karma across from the Concord Depot for great Sushi and cocktails!
Cheers
tommy