12 Budget Travel Ideas for Concord, Mass.

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Picture of Old North Bridge, COncord MA — Old North Bridge, Concord MA (photo by Eric)

Thinking of visiting Concord, Mass., but need to save money as you are on a tight budget? Here are 12 Concord budget travel ideas when visiting this beautiful, historic town best known for its role in the American Revolution:

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Walden Pond The former home of author
Henry David Thoreau, Walden Pond is an absolutely beautiful spot — a large pond, formed by retreating glaciers, with plenty of surrounding forest and hiking trails. Walden Pond is most popular for walking the trail around the pond, and swimming at the designated beach area. $5 parking fee. 915 Walden St., Concord MA. Tel. 369-3254.

The Old North Bridge Site of the first victory in the American Revolutionary War, the Old North Bridge is part of the Minuteman National Park and features the famous bridge, a iconic statue of a militia Soldier and a memorial stone for the British Soldiers killed. The Concord River, wide open fields and elaborate gardens add scenic beauty to the area. The Old North Bridge area also features a visitor center and gift shop. Free admission. Tel. (978) 369-6993

Old Manse Located next to the Old North Bridge, the Old Manse was built in 1770 and is best known for its American literary connections to famous authors like Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. You can find many original furnishings from the 18th and 19th century throughout this guided tour. The outside grounds are absolutely beautiful, leading to the Concord River. The Old Manse is owned by the The Trustees of Reservations, a private organization dedicated to preserving open spaces and historical sites in Massachusetts. Adults, $8. Children (6-12) $5. Seniors $7. Students (with valid ID), $7. Family (2 adults and up to 3 minor children), $25 (25% savings). 269 Monument St, Concord. Tel. (978) 369-3909.

Orchard House You can take a guided tour of this 19th century home where writer Louisa May Alcott (Little Women) resided. Adults $10. Seniors and college students with ID, $8. Children 6-17, free. Family rate (two adults and up to four youths, $25. 399 Lexington Rd., Concord. Tel. (978) 369-4118.

Walden Pond, Concord MA., in the fall — Walden Pond in the fall (photo by Eric)

Concord Museum This is a great starting point for “everything Concord,” with an impressive historical collection including American literary treasures and a nationally-significant collection of Concord clocks, as well as silver and furniture in self-touring galleries. Adults $10. Seniors, (62 and over) $8. Students (18 & over with valid id) $8. Children $5. Children 5 & under Free. Active Military (with valid id): Free 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord. Tel. (978) 369-9763

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Graves of notables including Henry David Thoreau, Nathanial Hawthorne, Louisa May Alcott, and Ralph Waldo Emerson can be seen here. Free admission. One block east of Monument Square, on Bedford Street in Concord.

Photo of West Concord Five and Dime, West Concord MA — West Concord Five and Dime (photo by Eric)

Wets Concord Five and Dime One of the last five and dimes in the area, you’ll find many bargains at the West Concord Five and Dime within a delightfully retro atmosphere. From kettle cleaners to screaming flying monkeys (the chimp screams while flying through the air via rubber bands), it seems like you’ll find everything here but the kitchen sink! 106 Commonwealth Ave., West Concord. Tel. (978) 369-9011.

New London Style Pizza If you love Greek-style pizza, you’ll love this long-time storefront with a dine-in area. New London Pizza is a great cheap eats dining spot and has been in business more than 40 years! 71 Thoreau St., Concord. Tel. (978) 369-7053.

Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge A 3,600 acre nature’s paradise with 2.5 miles of trails, lots of wetlands, peace and quiet, and great bird-watching opportunities. Free admission. Monson Rd., off Route 62.

Fairhaven Hill Located off Route 117 near the four corners intersection (Verrill Farm area), Fairhaven Hill offers a wonderful free, easy hike with beautiful views of Fairhaven Bay, leading to the Subury River.

Nashoba Brook Bakery Located in a slightly hard-to-find old warehouse running along the Nashoba Brook in West Concord, Nashoba Brook Bakery makes artisan breads out of a 32,000 lb. French bread oven. The breads are absolutely phenomenal, rising above the standard. The sourdough and rye are personal favorites. The cafe is informal and cozy with couches and chairs — a nice place to sit down and enjoy bread, soup, a sandwich, salad or baked good all at reasonable prices. 152 Commonwealth Ave., West Concord. Tel. (508) 318-1999

Hapgood Wright Town Forest This 183 acres of conservation land is quite underrated, virtually unknown to tourists and even some residents. The hiking trails, slight elevations and beautiful Fairyland Pond make for a refreshing, scenic hike, especially on a nice fall day when it is not too buggy. You can find a modest sized parking lot with an access trail on Walden St. just north of the Route 2 intersection and across from Concord Carlisle High School. Free admission!

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