Top Things to do in Greater Merrimack Valley
Top Hotels in Greater Merrimack Valley
- 1. Archer Hotel Burlington
- 2. Hilton Boston / Woburn
- 3. Concord's Colonial Inn
- 4. Best Western At Historic Concord
- 5. Red Roof PLUS+ Boston - Woburn/Burlington
- 6. Westford Regency Inn & Conference Center
- 7. Sonesta Select Boston Lowell Chelmsford
- 8. Aloft Lexington
- 9. Best Western Plus New Englander
- 10. Courtyard by Marriott Boston Littleton
Top 10 Things to do in Greater Merrimack Valley, Greater Merrimack Valley
Discover the best top things to do in Greater Merrimack Valley, United States including Lexington Green, Minuteman National Park - Old North Bridge, Buckman Tavern, Minute Man National Historical Park, Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House, Boott Cotton Mills Museum, Lowell National Historical Park, Wilson Farm, Mary Cummings Park, Horn Pond.
Restaurants in Greater Merrimack Valley
1. Lexington Green
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 373 reviews
Site of the first battle between the Minutemen and the Redcoats during the Revolutionary War.
Reviewed By SneakinDeacon - Christiansburg, United States
Our Bus Tour of New England stopped here and were were able to visit the site where the American Patriots first faced off with the British Red Coats. Our tour group had the service of a local guide who explained just what happened here in 1775, which made our visit even more enjoyable. The guide also pointed out the houses and building that were standing at the time of the skirmish. The actual Lexington Green is an open park that has the Minuteman Statue standing at one end. At the other is a Monument where the remains of those patriots who were killed are buried. Located adjacent to the Green is Buckman Tavern, which dates back to 1709 and is where the Lexington Minutemen assembled on April 19, 1775 before confronting the Red Coats. The Lexington Green and surrounding area is a must stop for anyone who enjoys history.
2. Minuteman National Park - Old North Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 715 reviews
The "shot heard round the world," which signaled the start of the Revolutionary War, was fired from this spot.
Reviewed By KarenV87 - Tampa, United States
This was the highlight of our visit to Concord. The origination of the phrase "the shot heard round the world" from the Concord Hymn as told by Ralph Waldo Emerson's family who lived in the house known as the Old Manse. You can see the house and the bridge as you enter the site. There's also a grave of the British soldiers who died in the battle. There is a verse from James Russell Lowell's poem "Lines" inscribed in the memorial plaque. It gave me chills reading the following: They came three thousand miles and died, to keep the past upon its throne: Unheard, beyond the ocean tide, their English Mother made her moan. There is also a famous statue called "The Minute Man" and a memorial obelisk at the foot of the North Bridge. You'll also see lots of wildlife. We had our first chipmunk sighting on the wall near the grave of the British soldiers. They are so cute! You might even see a wild turkey. It's just a great place to visit for nature or history.
3. Buckman Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 229 reviews
This Historic Tavern is one of the few colonial era buildings still standing around the Battle Green and was used by the Lexington Militia on April 19th, 1775 as a gathering place. It is now a Museum with self-guided audio tours. *Due to COVID-19 concerns, Buckman Tavern is closed until March 30th*
Reviewed By Hollyrik - Bellevue, United States
We enjoyed the 45 minute tour conducted by Sarah at Buckman Tavern. As this was the only tour of a 1775-era building available during the pandemic, we were glad the Historical Society was able to maintain this tour in operation. Sarah gave us an excellent idea of how the building was used, and how it related to the 4/19/1775 events that happened right outside its front door.
4. Minute Man National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 774 reviews
The more than 900 acres of this national park run along the route of the battle of Lexington and Concord.
Reviewed By djanel2016 - Knoxville, United States
I would recommend starting your tour of the Minute Man National Historical park with a stop by the visitor center and watching their great multimedia presentation. They use a variety of methods to explain the Battles of Lexington and Concord. I have been to several national historical parks and this was, by far, the best multimedia presentation i have seen, both entertaining and educational. Make sure to go to the North Bridge visitors center as well,
5. Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 529 reviews
Immortalized by Louisa May Alcott in the beloved classic, Little Women, Orchard House (c. 1670) is best known for being where the groundbreaking novel was written and set in 1868. One of the oldest, most authentically-preserved historic sites in the country, Orchard House has, for over a century, provided inspirational accounts of the Alcott family’s contributions to the fields of literature, education, philosophy, the arts, and social justice through award-winning guided tours, unique educational programs for students of all ages, and lively living history events . The Concord School of Philosophy and a Museum Store are also on the premises.
Reviewed By HilaireH116
If you’re in the vicinity of Concord and/or a Louisa May Alcott fan, I highly recommend a visit to Orchard House. The house gives you a good idea of the relationships between the Alcott sisters and their alter egos, the March sisters of Little Women. There are many original items that belonged to the family, including the melodeon given to Beth, several outstanding paintings and sketches done by May, Anna’s wedding dress, and the famous Healy portrait of Louisa, as well as the half moon desk on which she wrote her most celebrated novel. The house also gives you a sense of Bronson Alcott and his approach to educating children. The guides at Orchard House are very welcoming, courteous and knowledgeable. The gift shop is outstanding, offering a variety of excellent books about the Alcotts, Concord, Thoreau and Emerson (whom they knew), as well as decorative items and home goods. The house is easy to find, and there is ample parking across the street.
6. Boott Cotton Mills Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
This former textile mill is a reminder of the changes the Industrial Revolution brought to Lowell, and to America.
Reviewed By jerseyjazz - New Jersey, United States
Definitely worth a stop. The mill story is well preserved and well presented. Be sure to see the short films, which add a lot of context.
7. Lowell National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
This park commemorates Lowell's integral part in America's Industrial Revolution.
Reviewed By karenp2017
We enjoyed every minute of the day we spent in Lowell and at the National Historical Park. After parking in the lot (free) behind the visitor center, we watched a good introductory video and then met our group for 11AM canal tour. (I had called ahead to reserve places for two tours – recommended, since space is limited, especially on the boats.) Our ranger told us interesting details about how the canals were made and how water powered the mills as we motored along the Pawtucket Canal, through the lock at the Francis Gate, and into the Merrimack River to see the Pawtucket Falls. We had enough time before our afternoon tour to have a good Greek lunch at the Athenian Corner Restaurant across from the Visitor Center, and a walk to the Boott Cotton Mill. The weaving floor here is filled with working looms, and we had a fascinating talk with a volunteer, a former mill worker, who was operating several of the machines, making dishcloths that you can buy at the museum store. Next was the 2:30 Mill and Trolley Tour where a restored, historic trolley took us to the Wannalancit Mill for more information on the machinery and the Industrial Revolution. Every ranger we met was knowledgeable, helpful, and enthusiastic, and the Park Service did a great job of interpreting what makes Lowell so historically important. We finished our day with dinner at good Columbian restaurant called Panela (7 Hanover St.) a few blocks from the Visitor Center.
8. Wilson Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 220 reviews
Reviewed By 705larryc
Wilson Farm is one fantastic farm stand - but the farm stand category is a bit misleading. Yes, it is a farm, and many call it a stand, but it is ever so much more than that. Wilson’s has all of the fruits and vegetables that one would expect, plus many that are usually found only in the largest of organic markets. And if you don’t want to wash and cut your fruits, they have cut-up fruits galore. Wlson’s also has a broad selection of high-end meats and poultry—but if you don’t like to cook, they have a wide selection of prepared meals - and sides - packaged for one or two people. Add to that a full bakery, shelves stocked with all sorts of grocery items, a full dairy case - it is joked that the only thing Wilson’s doesn’t have is toilet paper! Finally, many - maybe most - weekends there is a “festival,” be it corn, or tomatoes, or chocolate, or any number of epicurean delights to tease the palate. A great place to shop - or just visit.
9. Mary Cummings Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By AdventureOut29 - Burlington, United States
Very big park, beautiful all year, but especially in the spring and summer. It's a whopping 200 acres, and there are many trails to choose from! Some parts can get a bit muddy if you go right after it rains, but that's part of the fun in at, and it is a wetland after all. There are different parts that each give different feelings too. First, by the parking lot, there is a man-made field, with a concrete trail going around it. There are picnic tables here, too. This gives off a city park vibe. Secondly, the is a part full of grasses, but not too many trees. It's nice to walk through, and it seems to be a good place to do some recreational droning or some model rocket launches. (Just make sure you leave with everything you brought.) Finally, there is the forest wetlands area. This is a great place to hiking and all the beautiful trees are over here. Great hiking trails, and I would recommend to anyone who likes to be outdoors!
10. Horn Pond
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By leeblack54 - Woburn, United States
This is a beautiful spot in Woburn for a walk or a hike. You can see wildlife as you walk also. It is absolutely one of my favorite places.
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