Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Concord's Colonial Inn
The main building of the Colonial Inn has overlooked
Monument Square since 1716. Like many historic inns, it's not luxurious, but it is
comfortable, centrally located, and possibly haunted. Additions since it became a
hotel in 1889 have made the inn large enough to offer modern conveniences (includ-
ing wireless Internet access) and small enough to feel friendly. The 15 original guest
rooms—one of which (no. 24) supposedly is home to a ghost—are in great demand.
Reserve early if you want to stay in the main inn, which is decorated (surprise, sur-
prise) in colonial style. Rooms in the 1970 Prescott House have country-style decor,
as do the one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites (available for long-term stays) in four
freestanding buildings. The amenities, variety of rooms, and accommodating staff
make the inn popular with business travelers as well as vacationers, especially during
foliage season.
The two lounges serve light meals; ask for an outdoor table, and you'll have a front-
row seat for the action on Monument Square. The restaurant serves salads, sand-
wiches, and pasta at lunch and traditional American fare at dinner. Afternoon tea
($25) is served Friday through Sunday; reservations (
&
978/369-2373
) are required.
48 Monument Sq., Concord, MA 01742.
&
800/370-9200
or 978/369-9200. Fax 978/371-1533. www.concords
colonialinn.com. 56 units, some with shower only. Apr-early Sept $179-$229 main inn, $149-$199 Prescott House;
mid-Sept to Oct $199-$249 main inn, $169-$219 Prescott House; Nov-Mar from $159 main inn, from $129 Prescott
House. Long-term rates from $50/day. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Amenities:
Restaurant (American); 2 lounges; bar w/live
jazz and blues on weekends; access to nearby health club ($10); concierge; tour desk; business center; same-day dry
cleaning; executive-level rooms, rooms for those w/limited mobility. In room: A/C, TV/DVD, wireless Internet access,
coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Nashoba Brook Bakery & Café
AMERICAN True story: A friend living in
Australia recently returned home for a visit craving two things: a nap and a visit here.
The enticing variety of fresh artisan breads, scrumptious baked goods and pastries,
and made-from-scratch soups, salads, and sandwiches makes the airy cafe a popular
destination throughout the day. It offers a good break from the sightseeing circuit. The
industrial-looking building off West Concord's main street backs up to little Nashoba
Brook, which is visible through the glass back wall. Order and pick up at the counter,
and then grab a seat along the window or near the children's play area. You can also
order takeout—this is great picnic food—or a loaf of crusty bread. On weekend
mornings, the cafe serves scrumptious homemade Belgian waffles.
152 Commonwealth Ave., West Concord.
&
978/318-1999.
www.slowrise.com. Sandwiches $7; other menu items
$2-$8. MC, V. Mon-Fri 7am-5:30pm, Sat 7am-5pm, Sun 8am-5pm. From Concord Center, follow Main St. (Rte. 62)
west, across Rte. 2; bear right at traffic light in front of train station and go 3 blocks. To reach overflow parking, turn
right onto Commonwealth Ave. and take first right into lot on Winthrop St.; walk across bridge over brook.
2 The North Shore & Cape Ann
The areas north of Boston abound with historic sights and gorgeous ocean vistas.
Cape Ann is a rocky peninsula so enchantingly beautiful that when you hear the slo-
gan “Massachusetts's
Other
Cape,” you might forget what the first one was. Cape Ann
and Cape Cod do share some attributes—scenery, shopping, seafood, and traffic. Its
proximity to Boston and manageable scale make Cape Ann a wonderful day trip as
well as a good choice for a longer stay.
If possible, explore the North Shore by car. Public transportation in this area is
good, but it doesn't go everywhere, and in some towns the train station is some dis-
tance from the attractions. For the full day-trip experience, try to visit on a spring,
