Artists, transcendentalists, abolitionists, civil rights advocates, and revolutionaries have been drawn to Concord from its very earliest days. There’s something in the air here…or perhaps it’s the ancient waters of places like Walden Pond…that moves a person to take action to protect this place. We sat down with musician and passionate conservationist Don Henley, a founding member of the legendary band The Eagles, to learn more about what moved a native Texan to save a place that was precious to one of his own role models – Concord’s Henry David Thoreau.
Spring is here! Warmer days and beautiful flowers call us outside to enjoy the fresh air. And Concord’s restaurants are responding with inviting terraces, refreshing cocktails, and delicious foods to entice us to gather around the table al fresco style! With so many restaurants to choose from, we’ve put together highlights of some of our favorite places to watch the world go by while enjoying a delicious meal. Bon appétit!
The COVID pandemic strained communities around the globe, and Concord was no exception. We watched as friends and neighbors struggled with loss, illness, and financial crisis. We lost friends and loved ones of our own. And in our beautiful town, we saw shops and restaurants that had been a part of the town’s fabric for decades shutter their doors forever. The call for help was loud and clear.
So much is different about the holidays this year. With dear friends and family far away, gift giving takes on a whole new meaning. Channeling that effort locally is a great way to also support the friends and neighbors who run our local shops and restaurants. That support means so much to them – and they are showing the love right back, by working hard to make shopping local both safe and fun this holiday season.
Stepping across the threshold of Vanderhoof Hardware, you travel back in time. The soft jingle of the shopkeeper’s bell, the gentle creak of wooden floors that have witnessed customers coming and going for more than 115 years, the unassuming murmur of voices discussing home improvement projects, and the ring of a 1930’s telephone (yes, it still works), all let you know you are someplace special.
Our local restaurants understand that chilly nights and quarantine can be a sad combination. So we’ve asked them to share some inspirational cocktails to warm up those ‘pre-winter blues.’ While these libations are certainly delicious to enjoy at home – you may want to venture out to try one in person. Cheers!
When something this historic comes to pass, it’s only right that a publication dedicated to telling Concord’s important stories pauses to pay homage to the people behind that moment. This is one such tale – something that the people of Concord will look back upon as a milestone in their shared history. And the two people behind it are just as important. They have long loved this town and worked hard to build a thriving community here. What we are witnessing is the passing of the baton – one beloved chapter closes, while another opens to new possibilities. The doors of the West Concord 5&10 will close forever on December 31, 2020.
Concord is well known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. Residents and visitors alike deeply appreciate having
access to national parks which showcase these features. During
the COVID-19 pandemic, the parks are working hard to make visitors feel welcome – while doing all they can to help stop the spread of the virus. Here, we present some updates from two of
our most popular destinations.
With hospitality ranging from curbside pickup, to dining al fresco, to indoor table service, restaurants have pivoted with lightning speed to ensure safety and compliance with state regulations as they reopen their doors and their kitchens to eager diners. We caught up with a few of our favorite spots to find out more about what they are offering guests this summer.
Concord has always been a very special place. The people who call this town home have never shied away from a challenge, nor have they hesitated to do the right thing in trying times. From mustering the courage to fire the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” to creating a space which fostered a generation of literary legends, to standing up to fight for the abolition of slavery, Concordians are steadfast in the face of adversity.