Founded in 1635, Concord is New England’s oldest European-settled town beyond tidewater. The first American victory in the War of Independence was at Concord’s Old North Bridge. In the mid-1800s, Emerson, Thoreau, the Alcotts, Hawthorne and other Concord authors helped to create a uniquely American literature.
Concord 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 or kayaking.
You can get to Concord from Boston by car, train, rideshare or bike, and easily spend a whole day or two enjoying the town, or you can visit the most important sights in a somewhat rushed morning or afternoon.
To Concord by car or rideshare from Boston takes 30 to 40 minutes, by train only a few minutes’ more. If you’re an avid biker, follow the Minuteman Bikeway from Cambridge MA to Bedford, then the Reformatory Branch trail to Concord.
I’ve designed seven walking tours to show you all of Concord’s sights on foot, by bike and/or by car.
Walking, swimming, birding, canoeing and kayaking are all popular in Concord. Here’s all the info.
The Concord Museum holds much of the town’s history, and numerous historic houses of literary greats are open to you.
Music, arts and literature thrive in Concord in all seasons. Here’s where to find them.
Concord has dozens of restaurants, cafés and other eateries for breakfast or lunch, quick meals, fine dining, picnic supplies—and great picnic spots. Window shopping in its three commercial areas is fun. Several inns and modern hotels provide lodging for longer visits.
Among the oldest colonial towns in the USA, Concord’s Revolutionary War and 19th-century literary history is significant.
Patriots Day in April is Concord’s major commemoration, but other special days are yours to enjoy as well.
Emerson, Thoreau, the Alcotts, Hawthorne, D C French: these and others have made lasting impressions on the town. Walk in their footsteps.
