Hey, I moved here for that reason, right?
I think we all deserve to treat ourselves to the things we love. This is our life, so why not live it?! My stress level these days has been through the roof, with course work, lesson plans for work, managing a household, being sick, feeling better, getting sick again...the story goes on and on and we all go through the same things. That's why this weekend we decided we deserved a little treat for ourselves, just to get away.
It was really only a hop, skip, and a jump away, but it is a sweet little place that we love to visit. Concord, Massachusetts (you probably recognize the name from history class) is a sweet little town, that's not so little, but has a wonderful and historic feel. There are about a dozen little shops, cafés, a few antique shops, and lovely scenery.
I love history, and seeing as Concord is the setting for several things involving history, I thought it would be nice for a little day visit, lunch, some light shopping, and just relaxing and enjoying ourselves.
***Please excuse my iPhone quality pictures. I left the camera at home :(***
I love going in small bookshops. With Amazon and online sources, we can forgot how important these wonderful little shops are. This reminds me of You've Got Mail.
A beautiful old home in the oldest part of Concord, very close to "the shot heard 'round the world".
I was attempting to get a shot of this gorgeous brick home, but to no avail. You can still somewhat see it's lovely features and landscaping.
Isn't it just charming?
We took the time to see the home of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne (they lived in the same house, but obviously at different times). This is where Emerson said "the shot heard 'round the world" in his poem "Concord Hymn".
The Old Manse
It was from this house, The Old Manse, that the battle at Concord could be seen. I cannot imagine witnessing a battle with hundreds of minutemen and redcoats going on basically in my backyard. This home was wonderful to see, and tour! It was owned by the same family since it was built, then turned over to a board of trustees in the 1930's. There are still mostly original furniture pieces inside, including an 1800's Steinway piano that was original bought by the family. You can see where Emerson wrote, you can see where Hawthorne wrote (Hawthorne, as well as others, actually carved into the windows with diamond rings, and the writing is still there today). It's a wonderful little piece of history, and if you're in the area, I highly recommend a visit.
In Concord, though we missed our chance this time, is Louisa May Alcott's Orchard house. I would have loved to see the inside, but we missed the early closing time since it was Sunday.
Another beautiful home, and blurry gate. Sorry!
Blurry again! It's hard to take good photos while the car is moving.
So that was just a little recap of our quiet, enjoyable Sunday. Away from the stress, away from the commitments, just a little time for us.
My purchase this weekend.
I found this book at a small antique shop in Concord. I love history and these stories that have been passed around, so I thought this may be a great read! I was only able to find two dates inside. The original publishing year of 1883, then another year 1884. So I'm assuming it should be from 1884, but the cover is something I've never seen on a book that old. The pages are edged in beautiful gold leaf, and I plan to read every page of this sweet book!
I hope you enjoyed our little visit to Concord, Massachusetts!
xoxo
Tim
We took the time to see the home of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne (they lived in the same house, but obviously at different times). This is where Emerson said "the shot heard 'round the world" in his poem "Concord Hymn".
It was from this house, The Old Manse, that the battle at Concord could be seen. I cannot imagine witnessing a battle with hundreds of minutemen and redcoats going on basically in my backyard. This home was wonderful to see, and tour! It was owned by the same family since it was built, then turned over to a board of trustees in the 1930's. There are still mostly original furniture pieces inside, including an 1800's Steinway piano that was original bought by the family. You can see where Emerson wrote, you can see where Hawthorne wrote (Hawthorne, as well as others, actually carved into the windows with diamond rings, and the writing is still there today). It's a wonderful little piece of history, and if you're in the area, I highly recommend a visit.
In Concord, though we missed our chance this time, is Louisa May Alcott's Orchard house. I would have loved to see the inside, but we missed the early closing time since it was Sunday.
So that was just a little recap of our quiet, enjoyable Sunday. Away from the stress, away from the commitments, just a little time for us.
I found this book at a small antique shop in Concord. I love history and these stories that have been passed around, so I thought this may be a great read! I was only able to find two dates inside. The original publishing year of 1883, then another year 1884. So I'm assuming it should be from 1884, but the cover is something I've never seen on a book that old. The pages are edged in beautiful gold leaf, and I plan to read every page of this sweet book!
I hope you enjoyed our little visit to Concord, Massachusetts!
xoxo
Tim
What gorgeous historic homes - just love seeing them with a the snow...thanks for the tour!
ReplyDeleteIt was my pleasure! :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful blog, I am happy to follow you. These homes are simply gorgeous! Lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you!! It is so great to have you here! :)
DeleteConcord is so beautiful and full of such vibrant history (recipe for a perfect town!)
ReplyDeleteP.S.- I WANT THAT BOOK! ♥