How to spend a weekend in Lexington — History buff edition

History does not get tired in Lexington — we are the town that erected the nation’s oldest war memorial in 1799, petitioned the Massachusetts General Court to commemorate April 19, 1775 as the state holiday that became Patriots’ Day, and continues the legacy of the Lexington Minute Men by deeply researching and portraying each legendary patriot at community events. For over fifty years, we have cleared our calendars each Patriots’ Day weekend to watch battle re-enactments, the most fervent among us rising before dawn to see the first shot of the American Revolution fired, again and again, on the Battle Green. Ahead of the Semiquincentennial of the Battle of Lexington on April 19, 2025, we gave our historical sites a fresh coat of paint, updated exhibits, and opened a new museum to bring previously unheard stories into the spotlight. 

Lexington’s historical sites expand visiting hours during the summer, which makes it the best time to visit. This itinerary traces the arc of April 19, 1775 — a morning that began with tragedy for eight Lexingtonians and by noon was morphing into the start of our country’s founding revolution. While not every step of the 36-mile march taken by the British is highlighted here, a solid pair of walking shoes is recommended, even for those who drive. On sunny mornings, Battle Road is often teeming with cyclists; bicycle racks are available at most destinations for the visitor seeking fitness and history together. 

Visiting with children? Consider this itinerary for families that mixes farm animals and play with Battle Road recommendations. It’s also packed with additional restaurant and cafe options.

Where to stay

• The Inn at Hastings Park is the Boston area’s only Relais & Chateaux property. 22 luxe rooms, each with their own contemporary colonial personality, include turndown service, local snacks, spa-like showers, and a Volvo test-drive program; some rooms have working fireplaces. Breakfast is included. The town pool, track, playground, and tennis courts are across the street. A six-minute walk to the Lexington Battle Green. Doubles from $326–$620. Pet-friendly rooms are available ($195 cleaning fee).
• The Wayside Inn in nearby Sudbury has hosted travelers since 1716 and still rents out 10 overnight rooms today—two of which date to the early 19th century (call to request). Since 1944, the Inn has operated as a nonprofit and maintained nine historic buildings, including a chapel that hosts weddings, a one-room schoolhouse where “Mary Had a Little Lamb” was first written, and an archival collection open by appointment. Breakfast is included for overnight guests; pets are not allowed. The Lexington Battle Green is 18 miles away or a 30-minute drive; doubles from $220–$240. 
• The Colonial Inn in Concord dates to 1716 and at one point housed military supplies, which made it a destination for the British soldiers on April 19th — and their soldiers the targets of ambush attacks on the return march to Boston. Located in the heart of Concord, the Colonial Inn is walking distance to Concord’s commercial center (5 minutes), the Old North Bridge (15 minutes), and the Reformatory Branch Trail that connects to Bedford (5 minutes). 56 guest rooms are divided among three buildings: the historic main inn with original pine flooring, the Prescott Wing with more recently updated rooms with kitchenettes, and a cottage that offers two two-bedroom suites with full kitchens. The Lexington Battle Green is seven miles away or a 15-minute drive; doubles from $190–$280. Pet-friendly rooms available ($75 cleaning fee).

Itinerary

FRIDAY 4 p.m. Walk the Battle Green | Once the town common and militia training area, the Lexington Battle Green is now a public park with monuments scattered along its three sides. Imagine a Belfry along the southeastern edge; just after midnight on April 19, 1775, it tolled to assemble the Lexington militia to discuss the alert famously delivered by Paul Revere as he rode his horse from Charlestown to Concord—no, not that the British are coming—that’s been a misquote for centuries. Rather, Revere warned that “the Regulars are out!” A few hours later, after a scout reported that the British (Regulars) were approaching Lexington, the bell tolled a second time. Seventy-seven militiamen gathered at dawn along a line marked today by the Lexington Revolutionary War Monument, and the rest, as they say, is history.

To see the Old Belfry, climb the short, rocky, 400-foot path across Massachusetts Avenue. A second picturesque entrance on Clarke Street is opposite the library parking lot exit–look for stone steps. Belfry Hill is where the first Belfry was constructed in 1761 before it was moved to the Green in 1768.

^{Town Meeting Bistro / Credit: Lauren Feeney}

6 p.m. Contemporary Colonial Dining | In Massachusetts, Town Meeting is both the annual meeting at which legislative affairs take place and the name of the Town’s legislative body. In Lexington, Town Meeting Bistro is the flagship restaurant at the upscale boutique Inn at Hastings Park. Owner Trisha Pérez Kennealy is a Lexington High School graduate and an 18-year member of Lexington’s Town Meeting, so it is only fitting that a strong sense of place emanates from every fixture in this restaurant. A simple green salad ($12) tastes distinctly of New England with crisp, locally grown salad greens from Little Leaf Farms. Dinner entrees include well-executed bistro classics like roasted chicken ($34), lamb shank ($46), and hanger steak ($43); arctic char ($34) is offered where salmon might be expected. Beers are the best of the local craft brew scene ($10-$12) and the wine list can suit any budget ($46+ for 750ml). Reservations recommended.

SATURDAY 8 a.m. Breakfast at an Inn | Each inn serves breakfast, but the Wayside Inn’s is only for overnight guests. Wayside’s Johnnycakes ($8) are a specialty, made with cornmeal ground on property. The Grist Mill is open to visitors on weekends from May–October and, along with the English gardens, is a highlight of the self-guided tour of the Wayside’s historic 100+ acre property. On holiday and graduation weekends in particular, reservations are recommended for breakfast at the Colonial Inn and Inn at Hastings Park.

9:30 a.m. Destination: Old North Bridge | In an attempt to quell the growing rebellion, Royal Governor of Massachusetts Thomas Gage ordered British troops to seize Colonial militia supplies from Concord on April 19, 1775. British Colonel Francis Smith ordered his men to take control of the two bridges crossing the Concord River. When the Minute Men — colonial specialized forces — saw Regulars pulling up planks to dismantle the bridge they needed to cross, they descended two-by-two towards the bridge. Regulars fired three warning shots into the river and then began to fire on the Minute Men, immediately killing two. Minute Men responded, killing three and wounding nine British soldiers in an exchange now called the “shot heard ‘round the world.” Remain alert for used musket balls as you explore the area around the bridge. They are still being discovered today. The NPS-run North Bridge Visitor Center offers exhibits, a video re-enactment of the battle and a gift shop.

11 a.m. Small-town charm | There is a special energy in Concord’s town center on weekends with locals and out-of-towners intertwined in the long line that spills out the door of Helen’s, a family-owned diner with a menu updated more recently than its decor. Omelettes ($18) and buttermilk pancakes ($13) share space with avocado toast ($14). Smoothies are simple–fruit plus yogurt or juice and ice ($10)–whereas coffee has gotten an upgrade: Black Rifle Coffee cold brew is on tap ($5.50) and nitrogenated ($6.50). Every small town needs a place like this. A quieter energy prevails at The Concord Bookshop–warm and cozy, this shop evokes liberal arts college vibes and a time before independent book shops had to battle for their own survival. The newest releases about New England and early American history are always on display, and there’s an excellent puzzle selection further back. Check out the well-curated children’s section before sneaking out the back exit to Haute Coffee for a maple spice latte ($5.35) and other coffee house treats. Peruse Haute’s small display of antiques (cash only) while waiting for your order; if this whets your appetite, head across the street to Thoreauly Antiques for a jampacked space full of estate jewelry, vintage clothing, collectible cookware, and other curio. Climb the stairs next door for instruments, wall art, old signs, and more at Walden Street Antiques.

12 p.m. More than a deli | Next to the antique shop, wheels and wedges of bloomy, washed, and natural rind cheeses are stacked high along the counters at The Cheese Shop, where cheesemongers stand at the ready to sample, serve, and curate a selection for your taste. Pick up a sandwich ($12+) for yourself; locally-made chocolate from Waltham, Sudbury or Manchester, New Hampshire ($8+) to thank your pet sitter; and a bottle of pét-nat brut rosé from Mexico ($23)–yes, that’s a single fermented, unfiltered, pink fizzy wine from our southern neighbor. For non-alcoholic effervescence, mix Runamok Sparkle Syrup–maple syrup with edible pearlescent mica ($28)–with your favorite seltzer. A bag of Minuteman Kettle Corn’s Over the Rainbow popcorn ($8) adds color and conversation to any picnic.

1 p.m. Curated history | In addition to a collection of noteworthy muskets, powder horns, and lanterns, the Concord Museum ($16) features an oversized dynamic time-lapse map that illustrates the 36-mile British march on April 19, 1775 and the many clashes with growing Provincial forces throughout the day. Interactive exhibits showcase lesser known voices that witnessed and were impacted by the fires and fighting that day. Students of American Transcendentalism: leave time to peep at Ralph Waldo Emerson’s desk and furnishings from Henry David Thoreau’s cabin at Walden Pond. 

3 p.m. Retrace the midnight steps | Paul Revere’s midnight ride was in search of Samuel Adams and John Hancock, who he found at the Hancock-Clarke House ($15 includes admission to The Lexington Depot), the town’s parsonage. Despite their complicated relationship, Adams and Hancock were sharing a room as guests of the Reverend Jonas Clarke. Guided tours are the only way to see the inside of the house today; tours start on the hour and last about an hour. If weather permits, leave time to tour the herb garden.

4:30 p.m. Choose your battle | Battle Road is a five mile trail inside Minute Man National Historical Park that connects battles sites, historical landmarks and paths traversed by the British column along their retreat on April 19, 1775. Stop in at the Minute Man Visitor Center to view the exhibits and chat with a park ranger to pick an area to further explore. Whether you visit Meriam’s Corner, where militia from three neighboring towns ambushed the column of 700 British regulars on their 14th hour marching back from their failed covert operation in Concord, or the wooded, boulder-strewn ridge where Lexington Captain John Parker took his revenge, these fields, farms, and buildings witnessed the moments that transformed April 19, 1775 into the first day of the eight-year American Revolutionary War. 

6 p.m. A warm meal | Petticoats and waistcoats are optional in the historic dining rooms at the Wayside Inn where the walls glow from sconce lighting and low, exposed wooden ceiling beams make even the shortest visitor feel grand. While the menus may have been written in a different decade, the food is undoubtedly fresh; prime rib ($36/$40) is juicy and tender, and salmon dijonaise ($25) is fully covered with an addictive topping. Baked Indian pudding is a solid way to end a meal ($5.95). Colonial-era cocktails start at $8.25, and the wine list is full of longstanding American favorites like Beringer White Zinfandel ($7.5 glass/$26 bottle), Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio ($47), and Meiomi Pinot Noir, California ($37). Reservations suggested.

SUNDAY 10 a.m. A Redcoat perspective | History is typically written by the victors, but at Munroe Tavern ($15 includes admission to The Lexington Depot), visitors are asked to consider Governor Gage’s predicament: how to remain loyal to King George III amidst intense resistance and a growing colonial militia. British Brigadier General Earl Percy was ordered to lead 1,000 British reinforcements from Boston to Lexington at 4am on April 19, 1775, but they did not leave until 9am, leaving Colonel Smith and his column of 700 in a precarious position until about 3pm when they found each other in Lexington and turned Munroe Tavern into a British field hospital and temporary headquarters. Today, furniture and objects from the 18th century are set throughout the house, and each room features a bite-sized audio tour recording. Upstairs, hear an actor portray the nervous 18-year old who served President Washington when he dined at Munroe Tavern in 1789. All of the artifacts are well documented, but ask the knowledgeable staff a question to unlock their passion and hear the anecdotes that didn’t make it into the scripts.

12 p.m. Bakery bliss | Don’t be fooled – The Roasted Granola serves more than its namesake; lemon tahini dressing enlivens a roasted veg bowl ($13.5) and griddled egg sandwiches ($9.5) are a local favorite. Combinations of steel-cut oats and housemade granolas ($12.5) never disappoint. A couple of miles further into Arlington is Butternut Bakehouse, where the display overflows with laminated pastries. Traditionalists can enjoy a croissant, pain au chocolat, or ham and cheese croissant, while the more adventurous will deliberate between a cardamom swirl ($5), cretzel ($4.45), and everything croissant ($4.75). Apple fritters ($5) are a Sunday-only treat. Four pizzas, baked on pillow-soft focaccia dough, are sold by the square ($7) and can be warmed; the result is more European-style snack than New York slice, though the caper, tomato sauce, and cheddar pizza bridges all the flavors in one. 

2 p.m. See where the fighting got personal | After visiting public spaces in which the first battles of April 19, 1775 took place, stepping into the Jason Russell House ($8), a Georgian-style home outfitted with period furniture and holes in the walls from musket balls, can feel jarring. Whereas participation in the earlier uprisings that day mostly involved leaving home to be part of something bigger, Provincials like Jason Russell were drawn into what has since become known as the bloodiest battle of the day because they lived along the path of the British retreat towards Boston. A one-hour tour from the Arlington Historical Society includes stories and legends from various skirmishes in Menotomy (present-day Arlington), and an up-close look at scars left behind by the weaponry.