Tag Archive: things to do in Concord ma
February 1, 2022 11:13 am
Comments Off on A Fun-Filled Girls’ Trip near Boston, MA 
Summer is a great time to get away from the city with your gal pals! Boston can get crowded during the warmer months as tourists start arriving, so a girls’ trip to a nearby town is always a great option! Historic Concord, MA, is located around 30 minutes outside the city and just the destination for you. Get away to this quaint corner of New England for an extended weekend or two this summer.
Concord’s Colonial Inn has the perfect accommodations to host your girls’ trip participants. Our tastefully decorated guest rooms and suites will serve as a home base where you can retreat after a day around Concord. We cannot wait to host you and your girlfriends! Keep reading for more information on this fun girls’ trip near Boston, MA—
Ideal Girls’ Trip Itinerary outside Boston || Concord, MA
You’ve already got your Concord hotel all situated, so let’s explore the many other great itinerary activities to enjoy during your girls’ trip from Boston. There’s an abundance of things to do in Concord, from museum outings to historic landmark visits. We’ve curated a lovely selection below:
Where to Eat
- 80 Thoreau: a classy eatery with refined New American fare
- Concord’s Colonial Inn
- Liberty: onsite classic American cuisine, like New England clam chowder and steak
- Merchant’s Row: wonderful place to grab breakfast— just a short walk from your room
- Rapscallion Kitchen & Bar: pair delicious comfort food with their hand-brewed beer
- Saltbox Kitchen: grab their fresh takeout options when planning a girls’ picnic
- Woods Hill Table: sustainable dinner options that serve exclusively organic dishes
What to Do
Get away from the hustle and bustle with your favorite gals this summer during a fun girls’ trip near Boston to Concord. Book your tasteful accommodations at Concord’s Colonial Inn online today!
June 30, 2021 9:46 am
Comments Off on Concord, Massachusetts: A Literature Lover’s Paradise 
Located 20 miles west of Boston, Massachusetts, Concord is a charming New England town full of rich history, gorgeous architecture, and lovely literary landmarks. No matter if you’re coming to escape the city life or just looking for a cool summer getaway, Concord is the perfect place for you with so many wonderful things to do! Locals and tourists alike love the historical importance of our amazing town. Steeping in literary history, Concord is truly a literature lover’s paradise, as we are home to many current and former famous authors. Start your literary journey at Concord’s Colonial Inn, a longstanding travel destination and town staple since 1716. To help you on your literary tour of Concord, MA, follow our guide of things to do below:
The Top Bookish Destination
Some of the most legendary literary icons called Concord, Massachusetts, home. The past comes alive here! Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthrone, and Louisa May Alcott all found a home in Concord. You will find five author homes, many authors’ graves, awesome bookstores, and so much more here. Any book lover will feel at home among these great literary relics and other bookish things to do in Concord, MA. There is so much to do that we cannot cover in one sitting, so make sure to check out Concord’s Colonial Inn’s “Things To Do” web page. For a brief overview of the amazing relics, keep reading;
- Concord Public Library: Architecturally beautiful, our public library is a great place to retreat and cool down during the summer months
- Orchard House: Louisa May Alcott’s home between 1858 to 1877. The house is temporarily closed until August 2021, but the lush gardens and grounds remain free and available to all.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson House: Owned by Emerson’s family, this famed home serves as a seasonal museum. The house will be open soon, so check their website for updates.
- Sleepy Hollow Cemetery: Pay homage to literary greats at the final resting place of the entire Alcott family, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry David Thoreau, among other notables.
- The Concord Bookshop: Local indie bookstore located in Concord’s town center. Established in 1940, you can find some classic reads for all ages.
- The Old Manse: Built on the banks of the Concord River in 1770, this Georgian clapboard was home to both Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne in the 19th century. The grounds are open to the public.
- The Wayside, Home of Authors: Home to several notable literary families, from Alcott to Hawthrone, it’s a part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom and the Minute Man National Historical Park.
- Thoreau Farm: Currently closed until further notice, but the staff is hoping to open up Thoreau’s birthplace sometime in 2021.
- Walden Pond: Visit the slice of nature that inspired Henry David Thoreau’s renowned book Walden. Take a swim, go on a walk, and visit the replica of Thoreau’s single-room cabin.
Colonial Charm Meets Modern Comfort
Now that you know all the great literary stops and things to do in Concord, MA, we welcome you to stay in a landmark historic hotel, Concord’s Colonial Inn! From our spacious guest rooms to our modern amenities, you and yours will have a fantastic time at our inn, full of gracious service from our staff. Book your stay online now!
April 10, 2020 7:52 am
Comments Off on Romantic Getaways in Massachusetts: Summer at Concord’s 
There’s indisputably never been a more enticing time than right now to book for a long-overdue, well-deserved extended summertime break in Concord, MA, one of the state’s shining examples of beauty, sophistication, and historical significance. This 375-year-old community is neatly situated in-between Boston, Worcester, and Nashua. Since 1889, Concord’s Colonial Inn has remained an elegant, utterly romantic respite from the city center’s clutches. Couples choose this historical haven for its enriching story, fine dining, tasteful suites, and romantic ambiance. Thus, Concord’s quickly evolved into one of the premier romantic getaways in Massachusetts.
The Sophistication of Concord’s Colonial Inn
Much like a high-end bed and breakfast, couples instantly fall in love with Concord’s Colonial Inn’s distinct charm, old-world architecture, and superior hospitality. Upon arrival, you’ll be immersed in over 300 years of history, dating back to 1716. Over the past three centuries, the inn has played the part of Revolutionary War storehouse, Henry David Thoreau’s residence, and even a boarding house. It’s ideally situated in downtown Concord, MA, near the city’s most beloved shops, museums, and parks. Guests return time and time again to savor classic, upscale New England fare, tour the town’s many landmarks, and spend some long-awaited alone time inside our stylish guest suites.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
But, of course, there’s so much more to a romantic stay at Concord’s Colonial Inn; we’re also just a short drive, bicycle ride, or walk from many of the area’s top-reviewed attractions, activities, and shops. As one of the most desirable romantic getaways in Massachusetts, we’re continuously enhancing the guest experience. One of those enhancements is our commitment to offering each and every guest with a sundry, well-documented list of potential mid-day adventures. Below, you’ll find 10 unique nearby destinations, all of which are sure to put their stamp on your long-overdue intimate retreat.
Romantic Getaways in Massachusetts
We strongly urge guests to utilize Minuteman Bike Share for their mid-day travels, as our beloved Concord hotel is within cycling distance of most of the aforementioned attractions. As we typically play host to hundreds of romantic getaways in Massachusetts during the summer months, please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information on amenities, guest suites, and on-site dining at your earliest convenience. Please give us a call today at 800-370-9200 (or check availability online).
March 10, 2020 7:45 am
Comments Off on Plan a Visit to Downtown Concord, MA 
If you’re looking to connect with history, while experiencing the best East Coast vacation, Concord, MA, is the destination for you. At Concord’s Colonial Inn, you can experience luxury met with Colonial charm for the perfect combination of history and modern amenities. Here, you can choose from 54 unique guest rooms—no two rooms are alike! From rooms in the Historic Main Inn, which boasts an authentic Colonial experience, to the Cottages, which provide separate bedrooms for larger families, Concord’s Colonial Inn has the perfect accommodation for everyone. When it comes to planning the ideal vacation to downtown Concord, MA, there is plenty to keep in mind. From the rich history to the sights to be seen, these are the things you simply must put on your itinerary when planning a visit to downtown Concord, MA.
Where to Eat in Downtown Concord, MA
When you plan your visit to downtown Concord, MA, you can rest assured that finding a place to eat will be as easy as walking down the hall. Concord’s Colonial Inn, you’ll find two delicious restaurants: Liberty and Merchants Row. Both boast extensive and authentic American cuisine, as well as a peek into the area’s rich history. These restaurants were made from an old tavern and a “men’s only” bar, so indulge in their refined menus, and revel in the historic atmosphere during your trip to downtown Concord, MA.
What to Do and See
There’s plenty of history to see and experience in downtown Concord, MA, but there are a few things you absolutely can’t miss during your visit. One of the most essential stops in downtown Concord, MA, is Minute Man National Historical Park, a site run by the National Park Service that highlights some of the area’s most important history. If you’re interested in literature, you absolutely can’t miss the nearby Sleepy Holly Cemetery, the focal point of the famed Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Walden Pond, the place where Henry David Thoreau himself spent time in isolation, and where he wrote his famous book, Walden. Other significant historic sites to visit are the Concord Museum and Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House. If you’re interested in New England’s natural landscapes, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge during your stay in downtown Concord, MA.
With plenty to do, see, experience, and eat during your time in downtown Concord, MA, you’ll likely find plenty to keep you and your family busy. And when you stay at Concord’s Colonial Inn, you’ll be right up close and personal with history itself for a vacation you’ll always remember.
January 7, 2020 4:55 pm
Comments Off on Romantic Valentine’s Day Getaway in Concord, MA 
Now that the holidays are over, the season of love is right around the corner, which means it’s time to plan something special for your significant other. Why not keep it simple and surprise them with a weekend Valentine’s Day getaway to Concord’s Colonial Inn? Our historic inn features the best restaurants in Concord, MA, beautiful rooms with colonial period details, private afternoon tea times, a luxury on-site salon-Monument Style as well as live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday nights at Village Forge Tavern. Whether you’re with us for Valentine’s Day or are planning your annual romantic anniversary trips, the charming town of Concord, MA, is a destination location that will inspire you to return each year.
Valentine’s Day Dinner
Make your reservations early at Merchant’s Row for your Valentine’s Day getaway, as this is one of the best restaurants in Concord, MA, and it books quickly! The restaurant features a special Valentine’s Day menu with several delicious entrees and savory dessert options. Give us a call to make your reservations for dinner at 1-978-369-2373, or for convenience, reserve a spot using OpenTable.
Unique Quality Time Activities near Concord, Massachusetts
Everyone knows that one of the most important aspects of any relationship is spending quality time with one another. During your romantic anniversary trips or Valentine’s Day getaway, why not step out of your comfort zone and step into some snowshoes at the deCordova Sculpture Park? The park features Snowshoe Tours with rentals on-site during winter, where you can explore the grounds with Eastern Mountain Sports and an experienced deCordova guide.
After feeling inspired by the sculpture park, why not put that inspiration to good use and try a painting session with Pinot’s Palette? They offer a unique painting class where you’ll be able to get creative with your significant other during your Valentine’s Day getaway. There’s always a class happening at the Lexington Center, which is less than ten miles from your stay.
In almost every winter romantic comedy film, you’ll find couples ice skating with one another throughout the colder season. One of the most romantic things to do in Concord, MA, during winter is ice skating at the Valley Sports Arenas, which is less than five miles from our historic inn. Ice skating is open to the public Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., and it’s just a mere seven dollars! We encourage you to check the schedule before your day of skating to ensure your specific date is open for public skating!
Escape to Concord, MA
Wow your someone special this year with a Valentine’s Day getaway to Concord’s Colonial Inn. While there are many fun activities and things to do in Concord, MA, you may find yourself just relaxing with your love at our inn throughout your stay. Make an appointment at Monument Style where gentlemen can indulge in a hot towel service while their lady gets a makeup application or up-do hairstyle for the evening. No matter what you do, you’ll love spending time with your sweetheart at Concord’s Colonial Inn. Please give us a call at 1-800-370-9200 to make a reservation or book on our website.
December 17, 2019 1:20 pm
Comments Off on Walking Winter Tours in Concord, Massachusetts 
The town of Concord, Massachusetts, is a natural wonderland this time of year where the trees are covered in snow, and Concord’s Colonial Inn is adorned with lights and beautiful wreaths. We feature the best restaurants in Concord, MA, where you can stop in and warm up with a cup of coffee and a delicious hearty meal. On a sunny winter day, we suggest bundling up with your loved ones and taking a winter walking tour with the Concord Tour Company. There are many historical spots in Concord, Massachusetts, and a variety of excursions to choose from that make for a fun winter daytime stroll. Keep reading to learn more about a few of our favorite tours.
The Real Little Women
Explore the life of the best selling author of “Little Women,” Louisa May Alcott, on The Real Little Women 90-minute walking tour. Not only will you discover the lives of the Alcott family, where they worked, lived, and played, but you’ll also be able to learn about the historical world in Concord, Massachusetts, that inspired the book. The tour is a two-mile walk; however, a driving tour can be arranged at an additional price.
The Rude Bridge Tour
An excellent tour for any age is The Rude Bridge Tour, which is less than a mile and is based on the book “The Minutemen and Their World,” written by Robert A. Gross. The 90-minute guided tour features historically significant spots such as the North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts, along with opportunities to view Revolutionary artifacts. History buffs will be fascinated by the unique stories that surrounded the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War as the expert guides tell them along the way.
Wide Awake at Sleepy Hollow
When you think of the town of Concord, MA, names such as Hawthorne, Thoreau, and Emerson come to mind, but there were a variety of influential authors that swayed the lives of many. During the Wide Awake at Sleepy Hollow tour, you’ll discover other famous authors that had a significant impact on American history. The 90-minute walking tour may be one of your favorite things to do in Concord, MA, during winter as the snow-covered grounds give the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery a peaceful touch.
Enjoy Live Music at Village Forge Tavern
You’ll find many other historical tours with Concord Tour Company that are open year-round and can be found on the website www.concordtourcompany.com. You’ll also be able to enjoy live music at the Village Forge Tavern on-site Wednesday through Saturday, starting at 7:30 p.m. Check out our entertainment calendar under our Restaurants Liberty page on our website to see who’s on for the evening.
Booking your stay is now as easy as the click of a mouse! All you have to do is click Book Now, select the time you’d like to visit and confirm the dates of your stay. If you have further questions while you’re in the process of booking online, please give us a call at 1-800-370-9200.
November 25, 2019 12:23 pm
Comments Off on Winter Wonderland at Concord’s Colonial Inn 
All ages are welcome to join in the festivities and fun at this year’s Winter Wonderland at Concord’s Colonial Inn in Concord, MA. Bring your family to enjoy a delicious holiday feast, visits with Santa, music, cookie decorating, and so much more! With all of the hustle and bustle of the season, family gatherings, and last-minute holiday shopping, don’t forget to set aside time to slow down and bask in the activities. Without further ado, here’s what you can expect at this year’s event at the Concord Inn.
Come for Breakfast or Lunch
We will be featuring two meal times where you can indulge in breakfast or lunch at one of the best restaurants in Concord, MA, on-site at the Concord Inn. During breakfast, enjoy a buffet filled with traditional breakfast items such as scrambled eggs, french toast, crispy bacon, sausage, Concord Inn crispy potatoes, and more! We’ll also feature a waffle station in addition to providing fruit, assorted muffins, mini donuts, croissants, as well as yogurt and granola.
The lunch buffet features an array of salad options, a nacho cheese bar, and adult entrees such as Faroe Island Salmon, Yankee Pot Roast, and Butternut Squash Ravioli. Children items like chicken tenders and baked macaroni and cheese will be provided as well. Of course, we wouldn’t have one of the best restaurants in Concord, MA, without a dessert station to polish off an excellent buffet!
The first seating for Breakfast Wonderland is 9:30-11:30 a.m. The second seating for Lunch Wonderland is 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Festive Things to Do in Concord, MA
Once you’ve finished getting your fill of the holiday feast at the Concord Inn, stick around to enjoy festive activities that will get you into the spirit of the season. The Winter Wonderland is the perfect family event atmosphere that features a variety of kid-friendly activities in the town of Concord, MA, for the holidays. Your little ones will be able to participate in sing-alongs with winter princesses like Elsa and Anna from Frozen with a special guest appearance from Olaf. Take holiday pictures with Santa, and when you’re finished, bring your children over to decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus. Lastly, don’t forget to vote on your favorite decorated gingerbread house before leaving!
Where to Get Tickets
Tickets for this year’s Winter Wonderland at Concord’s Colonial Inn are good for admission to either breakfast or lunch and includes all of the festive activities. Adult tickets are $47, children ages 3-11 are $35, and two and under are $25. You must purchase tickets for this year’s Winter Wonderland in advance, and you can do that on Eventbrite’s website (breakfast tickets) (lunch tickets). Whether you’re in our beautiful town of Concord, MA, visiting family for the holidays, or are just passing through, don’t miss out on our annual Winter Wonderland event. Please give our welcoming staff a call at 1-978-369-9200 to answer any questions you may have or visit us on our website.
November 18, 2019 12:44 pm
Comments Off on Visit the Historic Concord Homes 
Spending your days soaking up the rich Concord history is a must while staying at Concord’s Colonial Inn. When you’re looking for things to do in Concord, MA, you’ll find a variety of historic Concord homes and landmarks that you’ll want to take the time to explore. Keep reading to find the best Concord homes to tour during your stay in our beautiful historic town in Massachusetts.
Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House
Once occupied by the Alcott family and where Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women back in 1968, the Orchard House has now become a historical museum that’s open to the public. There have been no profound structural changes, and the Alcotts owned 80% of the home furnishings on display here. Walking into the home, you’ll truly get a sense of what the house looked like and felt like when the Alcott family occupied it.
The Old Manse
We encourage you to take a tour of The Old Manse, as you’ll be fascinated by the amount of Concord history that has taken place here. Once occupied by famous mid-19th-century writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathanial Hawthorne, you’ll feel as though you’ve made a step back in time upon entering the house. Outside you’ll also find a vegetable garden that was planted by Henry David Thoreau for Hawthorne’s wedding. The garden has since been re-created and can still be viewed to this very day.
The Emerson House
The Emerson House was initially built back in 1828 and was occupied by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s family in 1835. Over time the household became a highlight of Concord’s social life as well as a literary center throughout the American Transcendentalist movement. The home still holds original furniture as well as artifacts and can be viewed through the guided tour from April through October in Concord, MA.
Thoreau Farm
The Thoreau Farm was the birthplace of David Henry Thoreau and is referred to as the Wheeler-Minot Farmhouse on the National Register of Historic Places. While Thoreau’s family only occupied the house for a short period after David’s birth, it has become a Concord, MA, destination for many tourists and scholars. Seasonal visits and tours are available but must be booked in advance. To learn more, visit www.thoreaufarm.org.
The Wayside
Also known as the house of authors, The Wayside was occupied by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Alcotts, and the Lorthops (Margaret Sidney). As you look at the exterior of The Wayside, you’ll find a writing room built at the top of the home where Hawthorne would lock himself in the small space to write. The house has since become a part of the Minute Man National Historical Park and can be seen through a guided tour.
Have a True Colonial Experience
Visit our Things to Do page to learn more about the Concord homes and historical attractions that are worth exploring while you’re in town. Concord’s Colonial Inn was previously a home owned by a doctor during the revolutionary war era, which means you’ll be stepping into a piece of Concord history as soon as you enter our inn. The portion of our home that dates back to 1716 is made up of 15 individually decorated rooms that will give you a true Colonial experience and can be viewed on our accommodations page. To inquire about a stay in one of our historic rooms, please speak with our friendly staff by calling 1-800-370-9200.
October 21, 2019 3:36 pm
Comments Off on Best Sightseeing Opportunities | Massachusetts Attractions 
It’s no surprise that Concord’s Colonial Inn will not only give you a place to soak up Concord history, but you’ll also be surrounded by beautiful fall foliage as we say goodbye to summer. As the leaves transition from deep green to scarlet red, amber, and gold, you’ll want to add a walk to your list of things to do in Concord, MA. While there are many fall activities to check out during your stay, we suggest taking a look at these Massachusetts attractions that offer the best opportunities for sightseeing!
Walden Pond
Visit Walden Pond State Reservation during autumn’s peak as the sights are absolutely breathtaking— from the low fog that sits atop the water to the towering trees off in the distance. In summer, people like to cool off with a swim and during fall many walk around the park to take in the beautiful colors. While you’re at the park, step back in time when you check out Henry David Thoreau’s single-room cabin replica; it will be a favorite way to experience Concord history.
deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
One of our favorite Massachusetts attractions is the deCordova Sculpture Park, which has been around since 1950 and is located on the shores of Flint’s Pond in Lincoln. The exhibitions on display rotate and provide a fascinating experience for those with an artistic eye. Walkthrough the outdoor sculpture park and take pictures by the towering art creations located across 30 acres. On a chilly afternoon, grab a warm beverage from the cafe and explore the gardens, as there are approximately 60 sculptures on display at all times.
Charming Concord Getaway
We encourage travelers to check out our things to do in Concord, MA, page, as this will be your guide to the many Massachusetts attractions and activities near our inn. Not only will you enjoy the opportunities for sightseeing around Concord, but you’ll enjoy the charming atmosphere of our inn. For those planning a special romantic getaway, ask about our Thoreau Suite, which is our premier honeymoon suite. You may view all of our accommodations online before selecting a stay that’s perfect for you and your loved one. Please call 1-800-370-9200 to make a reservation or 1-978-369-9200 for general inquiries.
3:35 pm
Comments Off on Concord History: A Look Back in Time 
Concord’s Colonial Inn’s structure was built in 1716 well before the American Revolutionary War began, making us a unique part of Concord history. Many historical events happen year-round in Concord, MA, and we welcome you to join us each year. Our staff will provide information to ensure you are informed on what places to visit around the area, here are a couple worth checking out.
Minute Man National Historical Park
When taking a walk through the Minute Man National Historical Park visit the North Bridge as this is where the first shot was fired, also known as “the shot heard around the world” that started the American Revolutionary War. Stop by the visitor center where you’ll learn about what happened that day in 1775, a map that orients you to specific areas in the park, and you’ll also be able to watch a short video about the transpiring events. There are many trails throughout the park, structures, historic sites, landscapes and so much more associated with the Revolutionary War opening battles. When making a list of things to do in Concord, MA, plan an afternoon venture to the park to learn about Concord history.
Concord Museum
The Concord Museum is an excellent stop for those wanting to learn more about the history of Concord, Ma. You’ll be able to browse through the historical museum on your own time or opt for a guided tour to gain further education and ask questions. You’ll love seeing the framed 1775 world-famous Paul Revere’s lantern, Native American tools, objects from the colonial period including textiles, clothing, furniture and the many other historical artifacts in six diverse gallery spaces. During your getaway, stop into the museum where you’ll be able to get an up-close look at what makes our town so special.
Haunted Hotel
As you learn about the history in town, you’ll be interested to know that one of our buildings on-site was used as a storehouse for firearms during the war, which may be why some say our inn is classified as a possibly haunted hotel. While you’re staying at the inn, we suggest checking out the local landmarks as many areas will take you back in time. Each of our rooms offers a historic atmosphere mixed in with modern-day amenities such as free wi-fi, 42” flat-screen TV, hairdryer among other necessities for a comfortable stay. Please call to set up your reservations at 1-800-370-9200.
A Fun-Filled Girls’ Trip near Boston, MA 
