Concord's Colonial Inn, Concord, MA

 I don't often admit this, and there are times when even I don't believe it, but I love tourist season here in Massachusetts.  Millions of people from all over the US, all over the world flock to the area and explore our well traveled roads.  Sure- they clog our sidewalks, they fill up our restaurants and ask for directions far too frequently, however they also remind me of the wonder of this area that I am so fortunate to live in.  The real beauty of this state however is that it isn't just Boston that keeps those visitors coming back, it's everywhere- the mountains and glory of the western most part of the state, our beaches, the seaside clam shacks, and, of course, the incredible history that lives just outside the city limits.  Just about 40 minutes outside of Boston sits the towns of Lexington and Concord, the sites where our forefathers fought for our freedom and the United States were born.  This past weekend I had the opportunity to revisit Concord through the eyes of a tourist.  

I was invited to spend an evening enjoying the hospitality of The Colonial Inn,

which sits quite perfectly at the head of Concord's Common, just a quick stroll to the beauty of the downtown area on one side, and the Old North Bridge on the other.  It's location couldn't be more ideal.  The beauty of Concord really lies in its versatility.  Downtown Concord offers a host of stores ranging from the best toy store I've ever been to, to clothing and jewelry stores.  It also contains the  Cheese Shop, a spot like no other- with cheese ranging from the typical to the atypical, and the Sally Ann Food Shop- originally a bakery on its own with the best Anadama bread you'll find this side of the Mississippi.  

The Colonial Inn itself is a true example of real hospitality, and history.  The original building was erected in 1716, when these great States were just a colony and the Inn was a home.  It served as a private home throughout the war, owned by a surgeon who helped countless injured soldiers.  It wasn't until 1889 that it was converted to an Inn.  

The beauty of the Inn really lies in the details.  Beautiful old hard wood floors line the floors, original beams hold the rooms together, creaky stairs, rumors of a ghostly presence and registers listing names of former guests from a century ago are all pieces that make this the perfect spot to stay in when visiting these towns.  The hotel has been going through some renovations to make it a bit more modern while still keeping its charm.  The rooms are all undergoing makeovers, room by room, from updating paint and electronics (read flat screen

TVs) to bathrooms.  They are going wing by wing and the room we were given for the evening was in the Prescott wing, which was just recently finished.  

I loved how they had been kept the historic feel with the furniture in the room, and then brought in the modern touches.  The bathroom, while small,

had all of the modern touches I want with a beautiful shower and well proportioned sink area.  The whole inn has been wired with complimentary wifi making it an ideal spot for both the business and pleasure traveler.  

The restaurant is bedecked with two restaurants, Merchants Row and the Liberty, including a beautiful wrap around porch for outdoor dining in beautiful weather, and a saloon type space that showcases local live music most nights.  The night we visited we were lucky enough to be treated to a

local band in that space and a guitar duo in the front of the house as well.  We were also treated to an amazing meal, but I'll share more on that later.

Concord's Colonial Inn provided a beautifully restful spot steeped in all of the history you would want staying in the birth place of our freedom.