Jackie

Been to both Lexington and Concord with out of town friends; we all found Concord much more interesting. With only a few hours, I think it would be best to do just Concord.

Vttraveler

I also think Concord is a great destination and would pick it over Lexington. You could visit the rude bridge, Old Manse and maybe tour one of the other sites like the Orchard House (Alcotts) or The Wayside (Hawthorne). There is definitely more than enough to see in the short time you have available.

Other places to consider for an afternoon outing would be Cambridge (take a walking tour beyond Harvard Square, including the Longfellow House on Brattle Street) or the Adams National Historic Site in Quincy
http://www.nps.gov/adam/index.htm

Vttraveler

Here is a thread with many suggestions for day trips.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...and-beyond.cfm

MarieF

I live in Concord so I am partial to it but would recommend visiting nonetheless. BTW, the trees are starting to turn and you will see nice color. I would also recommend going the scenic way from Boston on Route 2A - take Route 2 West to 128/95 and then take 128/95 North one exit, following the signs for Route 2A West/Concord. This way will take you along the historic Battle Road and through Minuteman National Park. If time permits, you can stop at the various historic points along the way (Paul Revere's capture site among them). The Park just celebrated its 50th birthday and there are new signs, etc. commemorating this. After several miles on Route 2A, bear right at the fork with the blinking yellow light and follow the sign for "historic Concord". This will take you on Lexington Road right into Concord center.

For a stop for food, there is the Colonial Inn in the center of town or for something more casual, Helen's or the Main Street Market (both on Main Street/Route 62).

Enjoy your visit!

sf7307

Paul Revere's capture site among them

The fact that Paul Revere was captured was one of the things we learned on this trip!

Main Street Market

We had a very nice breakfast (two of us) and lunch (one of us) here. It's right up our alley -- local, fresh, tasty, not terribly expensive, perfect!

LMT10

Also to condider is Lowell, MA (www.lowell.com). It is a National Park with historical museums and canal tours dedicated to the industrial revolution and the mill girls that worked in them. There are also art galleries and studios. Many restuarants choices include American, Irish, Mexican, Greek, Italian, Asian and BBQ.

trekker2

Great - Concord it is!

Is it better to walk the Battle Trail or bike it?

MarieF

Hi Trekker: You will find both walkers and bikers on the Trail. The trail itself is not overly long (about 6 miles) and winds through the park. Parts of the trail are hardpacked dirt and you will also ride over some boardwalks that extend over some wetlands area. It's a short trail but very pretty and extends into the park and away from Route 2A. There are also parking lots along 2A where you could park and walk inside on the trail as well. So it's up to you - you could do both. There is a parking lot at Meriam's Corner (at the end of the Battle Road trail) where you could park and ride your bikes down Lexington Road and into Concord Center. From Concord Center, you could ride out Lowell Street to Route 225 into Carlisle. Concord is a bike friendly town and has many interesting areas to explore.

Vttraveler

If you have bad weather, there is still plenty to do in Concord. Two years ago we spent a rainy afternoon touring The Orchard House and The Wayside which are very close together--both fascinating.

jckimba

Concord is really lovely, I agree. But if you are still open to suggestions, John Adams home is a really neat place to see. It is a national park.

http://www.nps.gov/adam/index.htm

mrsgilly

We like to drive up to Plum Island. Great place in the summer time to walk around, go to the beach or lunch. It is about a 30 minute drive north towards New Hampshire.

missypie

I am a big John/Abigail Adams fan, so I just loved seeing the familiy homes in Quincy. I think you can get there using mass transit from Boston.

You have to remember that Boston is a city with city traffic in and out of the suburbs. We spent quite a bit of time sitting in traffic on our daytrips. Seems to me that you should be traveling the opposite of the commuters but better check with someone familiar with the various highways.

PWM78

Avoid 128 anytime after 3:00 pm
Avoid the Turnpike out of city by the same time (maybe earlier on a Friday)
Rt 2 out to Concord is okay around noon, but difficult after 3:00 or 3:30.
There are ways around most of that.

Concord is beautiful this time of year, no matter what the weather. The Colonial Inn (right on the square in Concord Center) is a nice place for dinner.

The Orchard House (L. M. Alcott's childhood home) is a wonderful place to go, and the docents (most are in character) know a lot about the town of Concord in the mid-1800s/Civil War era, as well as the Alcotts.