Lexington, Massachusetts: History and Attractions

Start your journey with the award-winning Liberty Ride Trolley Tour. This classic trolley travels along the Revolutionary War and literary sites of Lexington and nearby Concord. On the trolley, volunteer guides tell the story of each historical attraction. In addition to being an informative tour, the trolley happens to be a convenient way to get around. You can get on or off at any of these attractions with free re-boarding.

Literature lovers can’t miss multiple significant sites along the trolley route, with homes from American writers such as Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne.

A favorite stop on the trolley tour is the Lexington Battle Green, where the first shot of the American War of Independence was fired in 1775. Here, 18th century buildings are still standing and much of the historic landscape has been preserved.

You can see one of America's oldest war monuments as well as the Minute Man statue, said to be the likeness of John Parker, the commander of the Lexington Militia at the Battle of Lexington. At the Minute Man National Historical Park, you may see Lexington Minute Men or Her Majesty’s 10th Regiment of Foot re-interpret the scene during your visit. Visit Fiske Hill and Hartwell Tavern to see various memorials for British soldiers and colonists killed during the conflict in 1775. Stoll along the Battle Road, a trail now frequented by runners, walkers and horseback riders.

Next to the Battle Green, you'll see a white building established in 1893. The Lexington Normal School was the first public teaching college in the U.S and is now Framingham State University. Continuing the pursuit of excellence in the fine tradition of education, Lexington’s public school district is now ranked second in Massachusetts and 19th in the United States. Lexington is also only a 15-minute drive from Harvard and MIT.

Next, visit Munroe Tavern, which was built in 1735. It was here that the retreating Redcoats met reinforcements from Boston after the battles of Lexington and Concord and used the tavern as a field hospital to treat the wounded. President Washington also dined here when he visited Lexington in 1789.

Outside, the small yet beautiful Colonial-style garden at Munroe Tavern is typical of those that would have been around at the time of the Revolution and made up of the kinds of flowers that would have been available to the 18th-century Boston gardener.

Lexington also has a rich artistic culture. In lively downtown Lexington, there are many gourmet restaurants, high-end boutiques, jewelry stores and gift shops. You can enjoy the famous Lexington Symphony Orchestra or other live music performances.

You can have some outdoor time while in Lexington. Lexington has two courses open to the public, Pine Meadows and Stone Meadow Golf, which also has a driving range. Both offer lessons by golf professionals.

To cool off, enjoy an iced coffee at Ride Studio Café, a quaint local bike store, and then stop by Petra, a popular local boutique with amazing fashions. There are several more boutiques around filled with fun and unique souvenirs. Don’t miss a stop at French grocery store MA France Gourmet, where the owners are originally from the Bordeaux region and the store stocks delicious French favorites. For dinner, check out Artistry on the Green and try their seared sea scallops!

Luxurious accommodations are available in Lexington. The Inn at Hastings Park is a beautiful hotel with first-class hospitality and is one of only five Relais & Chateaux properties in the New England area. The design of the hotel is exquisite, reflecting a contemporary twist on the traditional style.

If you want to understand the history of the American War of Independence and experience rich culture, arts and entertainment, be sure to tour Lexington, an extraordinary experience that will make your stay unforgettable.