1 Visit the North Bridge where the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” was fired. See the Minuteman statue. Stop and chat with a British Regular or a colonial Minuteman in this National Park treasure!

2 Spend a day at Walden Pond (go early, as the pond regularly closes once it hits the strict capacity limits) – pack a picnic and bring your beach towels for a day of fun. Roped off shallow areas and a life guard on duty from 10 am to 6pm make for a relaxing day with the family. There is also a lovely shaded walking path around the perimeter of the pond – it’s nice and flat, so even little ones can enjoy a hike.

3 See Paul Revere’s lantern and Henry David Thoreau’s desk at the Concord Museum, alongside 100 other iconic items in America’s most important revolutionary history museum.

4 Discover the world of “Little Women” and the Louisa May Alcott Orchard House where the world-famous book was written and where the real ‘little women’ lived.

5 Visit Author’s Ridge in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery where Alcott, Emerson, Hawthorne, Thoreau and other inspirational authors are laid to rest. Look for the stunning large rose quartz headstone at Ralph Waldo Emerson’s grave!

6 You don’t need to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to see the stunning work of sculptor Daniel Chester French. In fact, the original statue that inspired a copy for New York can still be found in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Newly cleaned, renovated, and re-dedicated, the stunning “Mourning Victory” is found at the Melvin Memorial – an easy stop on your way to see Author’s Ridge (see page 35 for more history about this beautiful piece of art).

7 Celebrate the Summer Solstice at the Old Manse! Compete in the Cardboard Boat Race Challenge, enjoy a Picnic Concert, or make s’mores by the Solstice Fire pit!

8 Looking for something fun to do with Dad this year for Father’s Day? Combine a visit to historic Wright Tavern with a fun conversation about the history of beer! Mike Smith, author of The Comic Book Story of Beer and head brewer at Aeronaut Brewing Co. will share his pithy insights into the history of this hoppy delight, followed by a selection of beers from this regional brewery. Tickets and more information available at www.concordmuseum.org

9 Get out and enjoy Riverfest June 22 – 23. This two-day celebration of the Sudbury, Assabet & Concord rivers includes events for all ages. Learn more at www.sudbury-assabet-concord.org  You can also rent a kayak at the South Bridge Boat House and spend time with the whole family out on the water. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, water, and a picnic lunch!

10 Revel in summer’s favorite fruit at the Verrill Farm annual Strawberry Festival, June 22nd. Pick your own strawberries, eat strawberry shortcake (made from scratch!) and other treats, listen to live entertainment, and have fun with hayrides and pony rides!

11 Celebrate our Nation’s birthday with the 4th of July Picnic in the Park at Emerson Field. The festivities start at 10am with lots of games for the kids. Bring a chair and a picnic and enjoy live music.

12 Break out your best dance moves for a FREE concert series the last three Thursdays in July.  Bring a chair and a picnic (or there are food trucks available) and head on over to the Harvey Wheeler Community Center at 1276 Main Street – enjoy the music of the Southern City Band, the Brandy Band, or the Flashback Band from 7 to 9pm.