Here are some unusual and offbeat activities to try in Concord, Massachusetts, for a unique experience:
Unusual Outdoor Adventures
- Search for “Fairy Houses” in the Woods
- Explore conservation lands like Hapgood Wright Town Forest to spot (or build!) whimsical fairy houses hidden among the trees.
- Geocaching Around Concord
- Go treasure hunting with GPS! There are geocaches hidden near historical landmarks, trails, and lesser-known spots around town.
- Full Moon Walk at Walden Pond
- Plan a walk during the full moon to experience the magical, reflective glow of the pond in the moonlight.
- Birdwatching at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
- Discover Concord’s avian residents, including rare winter birds, at this serene wetland area.
- Explore an Ice Harvesting Tradition
- Learn about Concord’s 19th-century ice trade by visiting frozen ponds where locals once harvested ice for shipping.
Hidden Historical Gems
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- Explore the Underground Railroad Ties
- Research and visit locations in Concord associated with abolitionists and the Underground Railroad, such as homes connected to the Alcotts or Emerson.
- Explore the Underground Railroad Ties
- Uncover Hidden Grave Symbols in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
- Look for unusual gravestone carvings, symbols, and epitaphs in this historic and beautiful cemetery.
Unconventional Literary Experiences
- Write Your Own “Walden” in Thoreau’s Cabin
- Bring a journal to the replica of Thoreau’s cabin and spend some time reflecting or writing your own nature-inspired piece.
- Host a Poetry Reading on Author’s Ridge
- Gather a few friends and read works by Concord’s literary legends.
- Recreate Famous Literary Photos
- Pose in places like the Old Manse, Walden Pond, or Orchard House to mimic iconic settings of Concord’s literary past.
Unique Local Finds
13. Try Wild Edible Foraging
- With guidance from a local expert, forage winter greens or mushrooms in Concord’s wooded areas.
- Visit the “Concord Grapes” Origin Spot
- Learn about the original Concord grapevine planted by Ephraim Wales Bull and reflect on how it shaped the American grape industry.
Creative and Experiential Fun
- DIY at the Concord Art Association
- Look for workshops that offer a chance to use your creative muscle.
- Go on a Self-Guided Historical Scavenger Hunt
- Map out a route to lesser-known historical markers, monuments, or hidden Revolutionary sites around town.
- Explore Concord’s Ghost Stories
- Take a twilight tour or self-guided walk to explore haunted spots like the Colonial Inn, rumored to have ghostly residents.
Seasonal and Artistic
- Sketch or Paint Concord’s Winter Scenes
- Bring your art supplies and capture the winter beauty of Walden Pond, Old North Bridge, or a snowy forest.
- 21.Create Revolutionary-Inspired Crafts
- Use period techniques to make items like beeswax candles, woven scarves, or paper quills.