A trip to Concord, Massachusetts is a must for any lover of American history. The town boasts a dazzling literary history and is also home to the celebrated “shot heard ‘round the world,” aka, the first battle in the American War for Independence. Additionally, there are at least ten thousand years of Native American history to explore, and a remarkably complex African American history beginning in the 1600s.
With several centuries’ worth of attractions in a small geographical area, there is more than enough to keep people of all ages bewitched and busy for days. But, the vast substance of Concord’s history can also be its greatest challenge, especially for visitors.
Let’s say, for instance, you’d like to see where Louisa May Alcott lived, where Emerson wrote Nature, and the birthplace of Thoreau. You would also like to visit the Old North Bridge, Sleepy Hollow, and Walden Pond. To find out which sites are open and when, how much it costs, if there are tours available, and where to park or walk, you’ll need to read through the websites or call more than six locations. As for Sleepy Hollow, while you can walk there from dawn to dusk, how will you find out who is buried where and learn more than just their names on a stone?
The amount of time and work needed to conquer Concord would make even the most caffeine-fueled and dedicated travel planner swoon upon her fainting couch. Nor does this include researching where you’re going to stay, eat, shop, or any related regional attractions, such as Lexington. And what if you’re differently-abled? What if you want to bring your dog?
©Beth van DuzerStart Here!
Concord Tour Company to the rescue! Launched in 2010 with the goal of helping visitors enjoy a stress-free, memorable experience, this independent, local micro-business has invested over a decade into taking the trouble out of your trip.
Whether it’s guiding three luxury coaches and over 100 guests, or one vision-impaired super-fan of Thoreau fulfilling her life’s dream to sit quietly at Henry’s grave, we provide an unparalleled and unforgettable experience, thanks to our guides, the true soul of Concord Tour Company.
Hailing from a wide variety of backgrounds, we are fortunate to include among our staff nationally licensed professional heritage interpreters with advanced degrees. Others are reenactors that party like it’s 1775 during their free time. Some have spent years conducting intensive, independent research just for the sheer joy of learning. All love what they do and bring a friendly warmth and passion that clearly shows on their tours.
Favorite Itineraries:
If you’re a local: Family or friends visiting and need ideas on how to keep them occupied? Give us a shout! We can create an experience that guests will remember for years whether they are visiting for an afternoon or a weekend-long event such as a wedding or graduation. Or let us show you hidden local gems that you might not know.
If you only have an hour or two: Might we suggest our best-selling tour, The Real Little Women? During this lively 75-minute walk, discover how Louisa May Alcott modeled the March family on her own...but not exactly. Beginning at the iconic Colonial Inn, this tour includes much of historic downtown Concord and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where the Alcotts are buried along Authors Ridge.
Or perhaps find out where your sympathies really lie with The Rude Bridge tour. Whether you would have sided with the Loyalists or the Colonists, the gruesome death of a comrade, a fiery patriot minister, and a prophetic bloody finger might change your mind.
If you have a half-day and really enjoy walking: Delve deep into the history of April 19 with a narrated Battle Road tour. We start at the picturesque Hartwell Tavern and literally walk the road the Regular Army marched as they were on their way to Concord. Got some bookworms in your group? Our Two Revolutions tour will please the whole party as we cover the American Revolution in the first half and famous authors in the second. Finish up with lunch or dinner at one of Concord’s many terrific restaurants and revel in a victorious visit. (If long walks aren’t your thing, both tours can be done in the comfort of your own car.*)
If you have a whole day and want to see it all: Just because the Redcoats couldn’t conquer Concord doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Experience the all-inclusive, no-stress, mind-blown way to see absolutely everything historic Concord offers in a luxury, chauffeured touring van with your own private guide. Perfect for families and small groups! *
If you have kids that are tired of looking at boring grown-up stuff or want to try something different during summer vacation: Debuting this summer is Concord Tour Company’s first-ever kid-centered tour, Grave Detectives: Stories in Stone. This 45-minute graveyard adventure will introduce families to the iconography of tombstones in New England, dating back to the 1600s. Learn the meanings behind the mysterious and sometimes weird-looking images and epitaphs - or what our professional heritage interpreters call the “bumper stickers” of their day.
©Concord Tour CompanyIf you love literature and graveyards: Join us for Wide Awake in Sleepy Hollow, a 90-minute walk through one of New England’s most beautiful cemeteries. Find out how Sanborn, French, Bull, and Peabody influenced Alcott, Thoreau, Emerson, and Hawthorne.
If you’re not sure where to start but definitely think you probably want to maybe do something at some point: Yeah, just give us a call - we can absolutely help with that!
*These tours can be adapted for MA State COVID safety regulations concerning vehicle occupation.
No matter if you’re here for an hour or a week, start your planning with Concord Tour Company so we can help you say, “I came, I saw, I Concord!” concordtourcompany.com
Concord Tour Company is a women-owned and operated micro business. We are LGBTQ+ friendly, culturally sensitive, and accommodating for differently-abled visitors. In addition, CTC strongly supports the continued education of our guides while encouraging and contributing directly to their individual endeavors whenever possible.
But our contributions to history don’t stop there! Concord Tour Company also proudly donates a percentage of all tour proceeds to many of the non-profit museums and historic sites in town, helping to preserve their continued enjoyment for everyone.