Discover the beauty of Concord, Massachusetts avillage full of beauty and the famous Walden pond.
I recently stopped in at the history-rich town of Concord on my drive back from Boston and I wished I had spent my vacation there instead! After a weekend of driving like a maniac in Boston to keep from being killed by other drivers and the "Big Dig," Concord was just what the doctor ordered.
There is history everywhere in Concord and the streets are lined with beautiful colonial homes. The whole town exudes peace and just makes you want to stay there. Concord is the historical town where Paul Revere's midnight ride came to an end and there are many landmarks and walking trails to enjoy. There are plenty of places to park to enjoy the historical sites and the ultimate beauty lies at Walden Pond where Henry David Thoreau wrote his famous book, Walden.
Walden Pond was originally a glacier which melted into a gorgeous body of water which reaches depths of up to 100 feet. The water is crystal clear, you can see right to the floor of the pond when you are up to your neck in water. The water seems to be filled with glimmering sparkles, probably from minerals within the pond, it is the cleanest body of water I have ever laid eyes on.
It was a summer day and there were plenty of people there but not so many that it felt over-crowded and uncomfortable. There are paths all the way around the pond and it isn't too difficult to find a quiet place for meditation. There is a replica of Thoreau's house although it is across the pond from where it originally stood. There is also a pricey gift shop which houses irresistible literary type souvenirs.
You can and will want to swim in the pond, there is a sandy beach with roped-off swimming areas though you can swim in any part of the pond, which is more the size of a large lake than a pond and people can be seen swimming all across its expanse. When the park closes, you'd better clear out fast or they'll lock the gate on you and you'll have to stay until morning! (Well, maybe they'd let you out, but the guy on the bull horn sure doesn't sound like he'd be happy about it.)
Overall, I highly recommend a trip to Concord, especially if you're into quiet reflection and enjoy beautiful scenes in nature and history.
