Lexington, MA

Address:Lexington, Massachusetts

Like many cities and towns in Massachusetts, Lexington, is chock full of American history. Lexington was the site of the opening shots of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which heralded the American Revolution. You can tour houses and places from the revolutionary period and re-live parts of the Revolutionary War, like Paul Revere's Ride from the Battle Green. In addition to visiting Lexington's many monuments and sculptures, you will see gravesites from Colonial and Revolutionary periods in the Old Burying Ground. Historical parks offer plenty of opportunity for hiking and biking or a relaxing stroll. Lexington's Town Center is home to numerous eateries, fine art galleries, retail shopping, a small cinema, and many landmarks. Getting around is easy on Lexington's neighborhood minibus system from Lexington's Town Center.

Tour Lexington on your own, or take the Liberty Ride Tour. The 90-minute narrated tour, given by a guide in period dress, takes you to Lexington's historical sites, museums, monuments and parks. Admission is discounted to many places with a Liberty Ride ticket. There are plenty of easy on/off stops close to attractions, hotels, shopping, and dining. Tours leave from the National Heritage Museum. Some of the historical sites you will enjoy are Munroe Tavern, on Massachusetts Avenue. Now a museum, open from April through October, Munroe Tavern was the meeting place for many revolutionary meetings. The Hancock-Clarke House is where Samuel Adams and John Hancock awoke to hear Paul Revere's famous warning that British troops were on their way. Other revolutionary patriots also stayed in this house during the 1770s, and exhibits throughout the house show their contribution to the war. The tour will also take you through Minute Man National Historical Park, where revolutionary battles began. Only a portion of this massive park is in Lexington. In addition to many monuments, statues and historic places you will see here, the park has interpretive walking trails, an overlook, and a garden. The park's visitors' center has a multi media video program, exhibits and books.

If you're looking for more exercise, the Minuteman Bikeway in Lexington's Town Center is an 11-mile year-round trail open to bicyclists, joggers, roller skaters and skiers. The Minuteman Bikeway stretches from Cambridge to Bedford. After getting your exercise, grab a bite to eat at various ethnic restaurants, gourmet or sandwich shops in Lexington's Town Center.

Celebrate Patriots' Day with the locals, every year, on the third Monday of April. The day's events begin early at 6 am with Paul Revere's Ride and a special re-enactment of the scene on the Battle Green in the Lexington Town Center and the nearby Buckman Tavern. Many who have toured Buckman Tavern believe it is haunted. Tour this historic bar and find out for yourself!

Lexington is 11 miles northwest of Boston. With traffic, it can take 30 minutes to get from Boston to Lexington. Boston's Logan International Airport is approximately 17 miles and 45 minutes from Lexington Center. Street parking is metered, but free parking is available at Minuteman Historical Park and National Heritage Museum.