The town of Lexington, situated twenty miles west of Boston, strikes a rare balance between the past and present. With arguably some of the most significant moments in American history taking place on its soil, the town can at times feel like a living museum, albeit one with modern, culturally rich amenities throughout. But its critical role as the starting point for the Revolutionary War is never far from thought or sight, as you can simultaneously see a Minuteman in full period clothing recounting the “shot heard ‘round the world” with visitors on the Battle Green while you preview the latest exhibition at one of the several art galleries along Massachusetts Avenue (Routes 4/225), the main thoroughfare in town.
Lexington is also home to a diverse, sophisticated and cerebral population, which extends to the offerings available for visitors and residents. Whether it’s a romantic, long-overdue date night at Town Meeting Bistro, located in the historic yet modern and luxurious Inn at Hastings Park, or indulging in old-world favorites at il Casale before a paint-and-sip mom’s night out at Pinot’s Palette, Lexington has something for everyone, including the youngest members of the family.
Ride Along America’s Revolutionary Rail Trail
One of the best ways to view Lexington is to walk (or ride) in Paul Revere’s footsteps. Hop on your bike and ride along the Minuteman Bikeway, the oldest rail trail in the country.
The ten-mile-long paved pathway that begins in Bedford and ends in Cambridge approximates the route that Paul Revere took on April 18, 1775 from Boston to warn the residents of Lexington and Concord that British soldiers were approaching by sea. For low-cost parking, head to the Depot Square lot just off Meriam Street in the downtown.
The bikeway will take you under leafy, old-growth trees, abandoned railroad tunnels, along farmland and meadows, and through town centers. Pathway etiquette is important here; make sure younger, less experienced riders or those just looking to enjoy a leisurely trip stay safely to the side of their lane so those using it as a commuting route can speed past.
Picnic Among History
Return to Lexington Center after your bike ride and cross the street to the aptly named Avenue Deli, located at 1806 Massachusetts Avenue.
This unassuming, mostly take-out joint offers top-quality deli sandwiches at excellent prices. Specialty sandwiches pay homage to the town’s history with names like the Battle Green, the Midnight Ride, and the Paul Revere. You can’t go wrong with their variety of classic sandwiches, too, such as the Reuben or corned beef and Swiss, and for those of us with wheat allergies, rest assured: they offer gluten-free bread. The sandwiches do not disappoint here; they are loaded with all the best toppings and always taste fresh. For an extra treat, skip the iced coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts and order one from Avenue Deli instead. They boast a surprisingly impressive coffee menu; their iced drinks are rich, creamy and sweet, and take your lunch to a whole other level.
We also discovered Trés Petite Creperie located down an alley at 1707 Massachusetts Avenue.
They offer an extensive menu that includes breakfast all day, poutine, a variety of sandwiches and, of course, savory and sweet crepes, all of which are made with fresh, mostly organic ingredients. Our top choice was the sublime Jambon crepe (a melted ham and Swiss concoction with Dijon mustard and béchamel sauce) while their pizza crepe (pizza sauce, cheese and pepperoni) was perfect for my pizza-obsessed seven-year-old. The creperie was packed when we arrived, and, true to its name, it is very small, with a limited number of seats inside and a couple of tables outside.
Whether you choose deli sandwiches or crepes for lunch, take your meal over to the Battle Green or to the small park near the Lexington Visitor Center (located just across the street from Battle Green and currently undergoing renovations; choose to visit the temporary location at the Cary Memorial building at 1605 Massachusetts Avenue) to sit among the history that encompasses the town. Other picnic lunch option: Panera Bread (1684 Massachusetts Avenue).
Indulge In Some Retail Therapy
After lunch, explore the shops along Massachusetts Avenue. From traditional gifts at the Crafty Yankee (1838 Massachusetts Avenue) to handmade, eclectic wares at Firefly Moon (1764 Massachusetts Avenue) to antiques and fine jewelry at Fancy Flea (1841 Massachusetts Avenue), there are plenty of one-of-a-kind treasures to be found here.
One not-to-miss store is the charming Catch a Falling Star (7 Depot Square).
This lovely toy shop with a second location in Winchester, Mass., is nestled between the Minuteman Bikeway and the bustle of Massachusetts Avenue and offers an extensive selection of STEAM and STEM kits, LEGO™ products, art supplies, Usborne books, board games, the popular French-made Corolle dolls, and an impressive collection of handheld vintage arcade games (think: Asteroids, PacMan, Tetris, and Frogger). Get a jump start on your holiday shopping or make a mental note of the items you’re eyeing and return another time, sans child(ren)!
Catch a Flick, Ride a Trolley or Go for a Hike?
It says a lot about an area when there are so many activities to choose from that you can’t decide what to do next! In the heart of Lexington Center is the Lexington Venue (1794 Massachusetts Avenue), a Best of Boston 2016 winning cinema that carries both mainstream and indie films. A favorite destination among locals, the Lexington Venue is one of the last remaining suburban movie theaters, making it a special spot to relax and watch a film for a few hours.
If the weather is too enticing to spend the day indoors, hop aboard the award-winning Liberty Ride Trolley as it departs from the temporary Visitor’s Center at the Cary Memorial building (1605 Massachusetts Avenue) and listen to a costumed history interpreter recount the events of April 19, 1775. This 90-minute ride with twelve sites along historic Battle Road details colonial life in both Lexington and Concord and delves deep into their Revolutionary War and literary past.
If the kids are eager to run off some steam, head out of Lexington Center to Willard’s Woods, a former apple farm with over 100 acres and 3 miles of trails crossing through open meadows full of beautiful wildflowers, mysterious pine groves, streams, and fascinating wetlands. Lexington has several excellent hiking spots, but Willard’s Woods is one of our favorites. Located down a tiny unpaved road off North Street, it is one of those rare outdoor spots that is never overly crowded and, no matter the time of year, is a captivating place to visit.
In autumn, late afternoon/early evening is a truly enchanting time to visit as the sun filters through the pine trees and casts its golden glow on the forest floor below. The pine grove is my son’s favorite spot to build fairy homes, and it’s easy to see why when you’re there; moss-covered stones, gnarled trees and old boulders and stones make the perfect homes for woodland creatures of all types!
Willard’s Woods is a haven for animals; birds of prey soar through the meadow before returning to the cloak of the forest in their stealthy search for food. Fox, deer, coyote and raccoon call these woods home, so if you go with a dog, they are required to be leashed. In the summer, poison ivy dominates along the sides of the path and in the field near the parking lot; stay on the path to avoid getting caught up in the vines that cover the grassy area. In winter, opt to go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing and, afterwards, light up a fire in one of the fire pits in the field and warm your fingers and toes before heading home.
Take a Pastry Tour Around the World
Finish off your day in Lexington in a deliciously unique way—with a pastry tour around the world. Lexington is fortunate to have a number of outstanding bakeries, three of which get their inspiration from very different countries.
Our first stop is Sweet Thyme Bakery (1837 Massachusetts Avenue), an Asian bakery that carries both traditional cakes and pastries, such as their bestselling strawberry vanilla cake and pecan squares, as well as a number of Asian treats, including green tea azuki cheesecake, green tea pumpkin seed cookies, and, to coincide with the Moon Festival (a traditional Asian festival that is held each autumn), a variety of mouth-watering Taiwanese-style moon cakes that are only available from August to October.
The atmosphere here is dimly lit and relaxing, almost like a tea room, and the staff are friendly and approachable as they happily describe how all of their beautifully decorated cakes are frosted with whipped cream instead of buttercream and are free of artificial food coloring.
They can also make homemade gluten-free cakes if given enough notice. Their appreciative customers are deeply loyal and it shows; Sweet Thyme will be celebrating their 10th anniversary next month.
Jump to the European continent next with a stop at MA France, located near the border of Arlington at 46 Massachusetts Avenue.
Owners Francois and Cecile Attard moved to Massachusetts in 2012 and decided to open up a traditional French gourmet market and café. Adhering to the high standards the country is known for, the Attards bring in fresh baguettes and pastries on a daily basis, while cheeses come in every week. The breads come 80% pre-baked and the Attards then complete the process in-shop. This allows for their customers to receive the freshest products outside of France, and the difference in taste is unparalleled. Using French flour, which is lower in gluten and can be tolerated by some celiacs, the baguettes come out of the oven moist, warm and 100% authentic.
The pastries range from eclairs to Beignets (small, feather-light doughnuts filled with caramel, jam or chocolate-hazelnut spread that easily put munchkins to shame) to fresh berry and crème tarts, buttery croissants, mousse, crepes, and so much more.
Other items include homemade quiches with French flour crust, an impressive selection of French cheese and meats, dry goods and candies, and, during the holiday season, Galette des Rois, or King Cake. This delightful traditional cake is baked with a small figurine, like a wise man, inside. Whoever receives the slice of cake with the figurine is crowned “king” and a gold paper crown is placed atop their head.
When you enter MA France, you’ll be joyfully greeted in French by the beret-wearing staff; all employees are either French or speak near-fluent French and are more than happy to make helpful product suggestions. Part bakery, part shop, MA France is a wonderful addition to the diverse and rich culture of Lexington.
Bid adieu to France as you wrap up your pastry tour with a visit to Italy. Royal Pastry Shop, located at 317 Marrett Road, has been a Massachusetts staple for more than 70 years with the opening of their first shop in Cambridge. Open seven days a week, they bake all of their products daily using only the freshest ingredients.
Stepping inside is heaven; the pastry cases overflow with Italian cookies, pastries and elegant cakes such as decadent crème-filled cannoli, half-moons, anisette cookies and pizzelles, almond cookies, sfogliatella, and much more; fresh scali bread and other breads line the shelves.
Quite possibly the most authentic and delicious Italian pastry shop outside of the North End of Boston, Royal Pastry has enjoyed being a part of the fabric of Lexington since they opened their second location here in 1973.
Return to Lexington Center for a bite of dinner, and save your pastries from around the world for dessert! There is a wide variety of reliable dinner venues to choose from, including Bertucci’s, Royal India Bistro, or Beijing Chinese. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll along Massachusetts Avenue and stop at the oversized game set-up near Bertucci’s.
Have fun playing Connect Four or chess with your children, or simply sit on one of the benches lining the cobblestone walkway and reflect on a full day of exploring the history, robust culture and delightful treasures of Lexington before heading back home.
Born and raised in Boston, Kathryn Camgemi now lives in West Concord with her husband and their young son. A writer of both fiction and non-fiction for thirty years, she has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and Reader's Digest, among others. She has been secular homeschooling her son with additional needs for four years and strongly believes all children can succeed given the right environment. She writes periodically about their homeschooling journey at http://www.ahomeschooledlife.wordpress.com. You can also find her at her Facebook page, A Homeschooled Life.
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