Concord is rich with history and local attractions. Or venture out nearby to take advantage of some great local nature spots. Cambridge and Harvard Square are not too far away. And Boston is just a 1/2 hour-40 minutes by car.

CONCORD AND SURROUNDING AREA

Minute Man National Historic Park
Located adjacent to the Old Manse, Minute Man National Historical Park commemorates the opening battle of the American Revolution. Visitors can explore the battlefields and structures associated with April 19, 1775, and witness the American revolutionary spirit through the writings of the Concord authors. Open daily 9a—5p $5.

Ralph Waldo Emerson House
Emerson composed his most important written works here, including the final draft of his groundbreaking essay Nature in 1836 and Self Reliance in 1841. Emerson’s new residence helped make Concord the center of American Transcendentalism. 30-minute tours of the home, grounds and gardens. Th., F., S.: 10a—4:30p; Su: 1-4:30p, $8.

Concord Museum
The museum educates visitors of all ages about the history of Concord and its continuing influence on American political, literary and cultural life. On view now The Shot Heard Round the World: April 19, 1775. Follow an hour-by-hour account of the actions of British Regulars and Patriots. Open 9a—5p daily, $10.

Walden Pond State Reservation
Henry David Thoreau's experience at Walden Pond provided the basis for the book Walden, which is credited with helping to inspire awareness and respect for the natural environment. Open year-round for day use only.  Daily parking fee is $5 resident, $10 non-resident per vehicle. Visitors are welcome to swim, hike, fish, and picnic. Delightful, easy walk around the perimeter of the pond is highly recommended.

Main Street Cafe
Take a stroll through town and stop in to grab a bite at the ever popular Main Street Cafe. Sit at the counter or a table. Music and drinks in the evening. It really is popular but lines go quickly.

For a host of other Concord attractions and museums, visit, The Concord Chamber of Commerce site.

NEARBY CONCORD

Decordova Sculpture Park and Museum
deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is the largest park of its kind in New England. A constantly changing landscape of large-scale, outdoor, modern and contemporary sculpture and site-specific installations, the Sculpture Park hosts more than 60 works, the majority of which are on loan to the Museum. Inside, the Museum features a robust slate of rotating exhibitions. Open daily 10a—5p. $14