With schools out for April break next week it’s a great opportunity to explore all the local attractions that our towns have to offer! We are fortunate to live in an area rich in history, culture and natural beauty, as well as towns with vibrant downtowns full of fun places to shop and snack. So if you are staycation-ing why not become a tourist in your own town? Our agents have great recommendations for fun days out on the Patriot's Trail – whatever you are into we have something for you!
History
Monday is the Patriots’ Day holiday, commemorating the battles in Arlington, Lexington and Concord at the start of the Revolutionary War, and there are plenty of activities across the weekend to celebrate the day. The main event is on Monday morning, when early birds can enjoy the reenactment of the Battle of Lexington, followed by a pancake breakfast and celebratory events throughout the day. Full details can be found at the Town of Lexington website. Concord also marks the holiday with a Patriots’ Day parade and other activities for families to enjoy – Visit Concord has the full calendar of events.
Outdoors
Take the opportunity to enjoy the spring weather at some of the many natural beauty spots right on our doorstep. Take a hike in the Middlesex Fells from Winchester, Stoneham or Medford or explore Acton Arboretum. The Trustees of the Reservation are hosting some special events for the vacation week at Fruitlands Museum in Harvard and deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, plus other venues a little further afield.
Indoors
If you are looking for indoor pursuits, there are some great local museums in the area to explore. For hands-on activities, head to Discovery Museum in Acton, with plenty to keep young families busy. Concord Museum has fun activities specifically for the vacation week. If you are willing to travel a little, Peabody-Essex Museum in Salem MA is less than an hour away and has some fun art and science activities for the week. Don’t forget to check out the museums in Boston too.
Shopping
We are lucky to have some fantastic local stores in our downtown areas that are great for browsing. Bookstores such as BookEnds in Winchester or The Concord Bookshop and toy stores like Catch a Falling Star in Winchester or Learning Express in Bedford are fun for the younger set, or try Omar’s World of Comics in Lexington for comic books, games and cards. Older kids may enjoy searching the racks of the various consignment and thrift stores around – we like the En Ka Exchange in Winchester or WearOvers in Bedford.
Dine Out
There are plenty of places to enjoy a sweet treat in our local towns. For ice cream, we like Rancatore’s in Lexington and Bedford Farms Ice Cream in Bedford and Concord. West Side Creamery in Acton is a realtor favorite! If cake is your thing Haute Coffee in Concord boasts a range of baked goods made fresh on the premises each day, and Wilson Farm in Lexington is known for its amazing cupcakes. For something a little different, check out Godly Smoothies in Westford and their delicious acai bowls.
If you are looking for more ideas, talk to your local Barrett Sotheby's International Realty agent! They know all about the towns they serve and would be delighted to share their knowledge with you. Contact us today!
