Paul Revere knew a great place to visit!
Written: Jan 12 '00 (Updated Jan 12 '00)
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Pros: Well preserved history, interestingly presented. More to do than just see old buildings!
Cons: Very congested during summer months.
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| vickie's Full Review: Lexington |
The village of Lexington, Massachusetts is 17 miles west of Boston and well worth a half day trip. This is a very vital, upscale (VERY New England) community that is proud of its past, but definitely grounded in the present. There are no cheesy tourist shops selling cheap souvenirs. If you visit between April and October (when most of the historical sites and buildings are open and staffed) be prepared for a lot of pedestrians and congested, narrow streets!
Historical highlights:
On April 17, 1775 Paul Revere road through to alert the American rebels. Political leaders John Hancock and Sam Adams were spending the night in Lexington, were warned by Revere and got away (shortly after, Revere was arrested). Seventy-seven American Minutemen formed on the village green and engaged the British. Eighteen Minutemen were killed or wounded yet no British soldier was hurt.
Take your own tour:
Start east of town on Massachusetts Avenue (street from Boston or Cambridge, passes through Harvard Square and town of Arlington). This is the route Paul Revere rode on! At the traffic light (corner of Rte 2A) you see the Museum of our National Heritage. It contains historical exhibitions, shows films and sponsors American history activities.
Continue traveling west on Mass Ave. and soon, on the left you will see the Munroe Tavern. This building dates from 1635 and is open from April through October. On April 19, 1775 the retreating British column stopped to rest here--they shot the barman who attempted to leave. George Washington visited this tavern and you can see reminders of his stay.
Continue traveling west on Mass Ave., through the commercial area of the village, and then you'll see the statue of a Minuteman atop a pile of field stones at the corner of the village green, or common. This is Captain John Parker who is credited with saying: "Stand your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here!"
Continue to the right of the green and you will see the Buckman Tavern, where Parker's men assembled to await the British. The tavern was built before 1700 and is in great condition… definitely worth a stop. Lots of quaint stories. Slightly behind the tavern is the visitor's center.
Continue down Bedford street (on the right), turn right on Hancock (this is all a short walk) and on the left is the Hancock-Clarke House were Hancock and Sam Adams were staying When Paul Revered warned them of the danger.
Where to eat:
If you just want a quick sandwich, I recommend Aesop's Bagels (1666 Mass Ave.), just east of the commercial area of the village. There are 2 Chinese restaurants in town (Yangtze River and Peking Garden) and I suggest that you stay away from both of them. The food at both tastes like it has had extra sugar added to everything. If you want a more substantial meal, try Lemongrass Thai Restaurant (1710 Mass Ave.) or Vinny Testa's (20 Waltham St.) Vinny Testa's is part of a small, local chain of Italian restaurants with fresh ingredients and HUGE portions! It is located in the middle of the commercial area, about ½ block off of Mass Ave., the only street that comes off Mass Ave. in the center of the commercial area.
If you're not a history buff:
If someone in your group (an older teenager, a "less than patient" adult) doesn't want to tour, this village is a great place for them to take off on their own and rejoin the group at a designated time. The village is incredibly safe. There is great shopping in quaint shops along Mass Ave. and down narrow "alleys" every several yards. The Crafty Yankee and The Crafty Yankee Home (1838 and 1844 Mass Ave.) have wonderful jewelry, home furnishings, pottery, etc. all made by New England Artisans and very reasonably priced.
For that family member who doesn't dig history and doesn't shop……there is a convenient driving range! Yes, your golfer can simply travel 1 ¾ miles down Waltham St. and hit a bucket of balls or play the pitch and putt course at Stone Meadow and then link up with you later!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
vickie
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Location: Waltham, MA
Reviews written: 75
Trusted by: 113 members
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