Things to See & Do

One of the best things about the holidays is the food. From that first bite of turkey to the last slice of pie, gathering around the table with family and friends – and good food – makes this time of year special. We may not be able to gather this year as we have in the past, so we are bringing you seasonal treats and even a few recipes from some of Concord’s favorite chefs to make your holidays special. Whether you choose to cater for a small group, dine-in, or take out, Concord’s shops and restaurants have everything you need for that perfect holiday meal.

See what's happening in Concord this winter!

Our local restaurants understand that chilly nights and quarantine can be a sad combination. So we’ve asked them to share some inspirational cocktails to warm up those ‘pre-winter blues.’ While these libations are certainly delicious to enjoy at home – you may want to venture out to try one in person. Cheers!

Travel books love to include tips on how to experience a place “like a local.” But if you’re lucky enough to be a local, how often do you actually experience the fun that’s right in front of you? 

When family or friends come from out of town, we show them the North Bridge, Author’s Ridge, and Walden Pond. We take them to our favorite restaurants and shops, and maybe go canoeing on the river. But why wait for visitors? Even if you’re a townie, Concord’s Visitor Center might surprise you with some of the experiences you can enjoy here.

Discover what's happening in Concord this fall!

Summertime . . . the perfect time for lazing in a hammock with a good book and a perfect cocktail. Concord’s excellent bookstores can see to your reading needs and we’re here to bring you three of our favorite summer cocktails created by one of Concord’s best mixologists, Brigette M.T. Sanchez of Ideal Mixology.

With COVID-19 restrictions easing, and outdoor gatherings with reasonable social distance being allowed, picnics present the perfect opportunity to enjoy blue skies, green grass, sunshine, and tasty food!

Concord is blessed with an abundance of green space. Beyond the obvious choices like Walden Pond and Minute Man National Historical Park are such gems as South Meadow or Emerson playgrounds, Mattison Field, and even the shady lawns of historic attractions like The Old Manse or The Robbins House. 

The COVID-19 virus has taken a toll on area farmers. With mandated closures coming right at the beginning of spring, the fresh fruits and vegetables that we all love were out of reach for a time. We have good news, though. Many farms are open once again with online ordering, curbside service, no-contact purchasing stations, and other programs to ensure that you can easily and safely get your five-a-day of fresh fruits and veggies. Here is a quick round-up of just a few of Concord’s gems where you can find some of the freshest fruits and vegetables this summer.*

As state restrictions cautiously ease, there is a palpable buzz of excitement as shops and restaurants reconnect with old friends – and make new ones as well!

“An unexpected silver lining to the COVID-19 crisis has been a newfound appreciation for the variety of food, shops, and services we have right here in West Concord,” said Meg Gaudet of A New Leaf.  “Even while our shops were closed, the outpouring of support from the town – the people who jumped in to order gift cards, curbside pickup, or home delivery – helped us so much. It gave us all a renewed sense of pride in our amazing community.  Continued support will be key in ensuring our vibrant town center comes through the crisis.”

One can easily imagine how pleased Concord’s favorite son, Henry David Thoreau, would have been upon the opening of Concord’s 2.5 mile section of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail on September 27, 2019.  The ribbon-cutting ceremony began with brief remarks by Jonathan Gulliver, the Massachusetts Highway Administrator, members of the Massachusetts Legislature, and officials from Concord - but the excitement of the day was for the trail itself. Concordians wanted to venture onto the trail that runs from Commonwealth Avenue south to Powder Mill Road and experience the natural and historic delights the trail offers.