Concord
Concord is a major site of the American Revolution, where the Minute Men stood their ground against the British at the North Bridge. In the 19th century, Concord was the home of famous American authors, such as Louisa May Alcott (author of Little Women), Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry David Thoreau. Swimming in Walden Pond, kids can look into the water and decide if the color is blue or green, or shades inbetween, as described by Thoreau in Walden.
Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House - Take a delightful family-oriented tour through Orchard House, where kids can get a first-hand experience of Louisa May Alcott and her family (she had four sisters). See the desk where she wrote Little Women, the trunk of costumes for plays, drawings by her sister on the walls. The focus is on the amazing Alcott family, and a provides a real glimpse of what life was like in the Victorian era. The tour lasts about 30 - 45 min. Outside the house is a wildflowers garden and apple trees.
Town Forest and Fairyland Pond - Go for a walk in the Town Forest, where the Alcott sisters played, beautiful walking trails and a lovely pond. (Forest is across from the high school and on the way to Walden Pond, if you're walking.)
Walden Pond - In the spirit of Henry Thoreau (who lived in a cabin and celebrated nature at Walden Pond), go for a swim at Walden Pond. It has a pristine sand beach, so bring the beach toys, and make an afternoon of it. Hike around the perimeter of the lake, and you'll see the site where Thoreau's cabin stood. There's public access to Walden Pond, off Rte 126 (pay to park).
South Bridge Boat House - April to November, go kayaking or canoeing on the Sudbury River (life jackets are included). Laze on the river in the warm summer sun, or if you're ambitious, it's 1.5 miles to the North Bridge. Boathouse is located on Rte 62, going west out of town. Want someone else to pilot the boat, there's also lunch and dinner cruises on the river, May to September.
Old Graveyards - The Old Hill Burying Ground, dating back to 1670, is filled with old slate tombstones, decorated with skull's heads and angel wings, "Here lies the body …". Sleepy Hollow Cemetery has "Author's Ridge," where Henry Thoreau is buried along with his family, Louisa May Alcott (also surrounded by her mother, father and sisters), Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Sleepy Hollow has lots of paths to explore, under the shady trees.
Concord Museum - Stop into this museum in town to see the original lantern that hung in the Old North Chuch, made famous in Paul Revere's ride. Exhibits also include Revolutionary War powder horns, pistols, diorama of the North Bridge, and Thoreau's bed and desk from Walden Pond.
Fun food
Bedford Farms (68 Thoreau St.) - Long a favorite the local kids, stop in for an ice cream at Bedford Farms. 60 different flavors of ice cream, including Muddy River, Chunky Chocolate Pudding, Peppermint Stick and White River Junction.
