©Beth van Duzer
Conquering CONCORD Where toStart?
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A trip to Concord, Massachusetts is a must for any lover of American history. The town boasts a dazzling literary history and is also home to the celebrated “shot heard ‘round the world,” aka, the first battle in the American War for Independence. Additionally, there are at least ten thousand years of Native American history to explore, and a remarkably complex African American history beginning in the 1600s. With several centuries’ worth of attractions in a small geographical area, there is more than enough to keep people of all ages bewitched and busy for days. But, the vast substance of Concord’s history can also be its greatest challenge, especially for visitors. Let’s say, for instance, you’d like to see where Louisa May Alcott lived, where Emerson wrote Nature, and the birthplace of Thoreau. You would also like to visit the Old North Bridge, Sleepy Hollow, and Walden Pond. To find out which sites are open and when, how much it costs, if there are tours available, and where to park or walk, you’ll need to read through the websites or call more than six locations. As for Sleepy Hollow, while you can walk there from dawn to dusk, how will you find out who is buried where and learn more than just their names on a stone? 36
Discover CONCORD
The amount of time and work needed to conquer Concord would make even the most caffeine-fueled and dedicated travel planner swoon upon her fainting couch. Nor does this include researching where you’re going to stay, eat, shop, or any related regional attractions, such as Lexington. And what if you’re differentlyabled? What if you want to bring your dog?
Start Here!
Concord Tour Company to the rescue! Launched in 2010 with the goal of helping visitors enjoy a stress-free, memorable experience, this independent, local microbusiness has invested over a decade into taking the trouble out of your trip. Whether it’s guiding three luxury coaches and over 100 guests, or one vision-impaired super-fan of Thoreau fulfilling her life’s dream to sit quietly at Henry’s grave, we provide an unparalleled and unforgettable experience, thanks to our guides, the true soul of Concord Tour Company. Hailing from a wide variety of Courtesy of Concord Tour Company
| 2021 Guide to the Great Outdoors
backgrounds, we are fortunate to include among our staff nationally licensed professional heritage interpreters with advanced degrees. Others are reenactors that party like it’s 1775 during their free time. Some have spent years conducting intensive, independent research just for the sheer joy of learning. All love what they do and bring a friendly warmth and passion that clearly shows on their tours.
Favorite Itineraries:
If you’re a local: Family or friends visiting and need ideas on how to keep them occupied? Give us a shout! We can create an experience that guests will remember for years whether they are visiting for an afternoon or a weekend-long event such as a wedding or graduation. Or let us show you hidden local gems that you might not know. If you only have an hour or two: Might we suggest our best-selling tour, The Real Little Women? During this lively 75-minute walk, discover how Louisa May Alcott modeled the March family on her own...but not exactly. Beginning at the iconic Colonial Inn, this tour includes much of historic downtown Concord and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where the Alcotts are buried along Authors Ridge.
