Concord, MA - Travel Guide

Home of great authors and poets. The sight of the “shot heard round the world”. A place of peaceful countryside and bustling town center. Concord, Massachusetts is one of the finest gems of New England. It is filled with rich history and beautiful landscapes.

I remember visiting for the first time as a young child, when my family and I were traveling around the East Coast…it left an impression of beauty and history on me…and that impression has not changed. Concord is a special place, and I wanted to share with you some of my favorite spots around town!

WHAT TO SEE

There are so many beautiful, historic sights to see in and around town. Here are a few favorites.

OLD MANSE & THE OLD NORTH BRIDGE

These two historic sights sit side-by-side along the Concord river. Old Manse was the home of Nathaniel Hawthorn, and is open for tours. The grounds are beautiful to walk, and if you head across the field, or along the path down by the river, you will arrive at the Old North Bridge. The Old North Bridge is the sight of the start of the American Revolution. The first shot was fired there. Begin by reading the inscription on the grave of the British Soldiers, and finish with a walk across the bridge, and up the hill to the Minute Man Museum.

Orchard House

This special museum was the home of Louisa May Alcott and her family, and it was her memories in this house that served as her inspiration for “Little Women”. The beautiful home is open for tours, and is a must-see! Just down the road you can also tour the home of Ralph Waldo Emerson, and visit the beautiful Concord Museum!

WHERE TO EAT

Since the whole day can and should be spent in Concord, finding a good lunch or dinner spot is imperative. Here are a few great spots for a bite or eat, or a little snack!

The Colonial Inn

A great spot to stay overnight, or to eat at! The Colonial Inn is a historic hotel right in the heart of the city center. They have both a main dining room, and tavern option for food. All I can say is: get the truffle fries!

Helen’s

This diner-style restaurant is always a fun place to eat! But don’t just stop after the main course! Be sure to choose a fun ice cream dessert from their fun, old fashioned menu!

Haute Coffee

Although this little shop is tucked away, down an alley, off the main street…it is always bustling with loyal customers! Their haute chocolate is to die for, and their pastry assortment is delicious!

WHERE TO SHOP

Concord is FULL of tiny antique shops, boutiques, and food stores. It is always a go-to place for my Christmas shopping each year; I highly recommend stopping by if you ever need a gift for a friend!

Thoreauly Antiques

This store’s cute, play-on-words name, pays homage to the history of the town. It is a tiny shop, back from top to bottom with oil paintings, prints, glassware, antique books, and vintage clothing.

Nesting

This gem of a shop changes its look and feel with each season of there year. Looking for Christmas ornaments, birthday cards, or baby clothes?…stop here, and you won’t be sorry!

GräEm

Got a sweet tooth? Gräem is the stop for you! This European style chocolate shop specializes in chocolate, roasted nuts, and delicious dried fruit! I always come away from this place with a bag full of delights!

The Cheese Shop

The Concord Cheese Shop is an institution. Everyone and town stops at the cheese shop for their cheese, crackers, wines, and deli needs.

HutchinS Farmstand

This beautiful farm on the outskirts of town is the place to stop for fresh produce, bread, and a pumpkin or two to decorate your porch in the fall!

So there you have it, the insider’s guide to historic Concord, Massachusetts. Don’t forget to stop by this amazing town next time you are in the area…or just go out of your way to spend the day there…it will be well worth it, I assure you!

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