The Battle of Lexington and Concord started with a single gunshot, and it’s that historical moment that shapes Lexington’s character. Visitors come to see the sites, like the National Heritage Museum and Buckman Tavern, and some even plan their trip around Patriot’s Day to watch the spirited battle reenactment. You can walk, jog or bike along Minuteman Bikeway, shoot some balls at Stone Meadows Golf Course or venture out toward Boston. Whether you stay in town at a hotel or bed and breakfast, or find yourself on the outskirts, you’ll most likely feel peaceful (and safe) in this small suburb—removed, but not too far from the bright lights of the city.
Lexington is a pretty laid-back town, so why not do as the locals do and hit some balls, on the green or at the driving range? Don’t worry if you’re no Arnold Palmer; the course is great for beginners. Try a half-hour or hour lesson—complete with video analysis—to either learn the basics or bring your game to the next level. Don’t worry if you came unprepared; you can rent golf clubs onsite.
« hide
Head over to Lexington Center to pick up the Minuteman Bikeway which starts on South Street in Bedford, runs through Lexington and Arlington and ends at Alewife Station in Cambridge. Thousands of people travel this 11-mile trail daily—skating, cycling and even cross-country skiing in the winter. Since the route coincides with the MBTA, you may want to start the day with a ride, park your bike and hop on the “T” at Alewife, and get off at Harvard Square in Cambridge. The brick-paved walkways in this collegiate neighborhood lead to restaurants, museums and quirky stores.
« hide
There’s not as much to do in Lexington as there is in the neighboring town of Concord. If you plan your trip to coincide with Patriot’s Day, however, you’re sure to get a true taste of the town’s historical significance. Locals gather dressed in period clothes, carrying the appropriate weaponry to reenact the entire battle—starting with Paul Revere’s midnight ride and culminating with the Patriot’s Day Parade (which didn’t actually occur after the battle.)
« hide
The Lexington Historical Society operates tours through three houses: Buckman Tavern, where Lexington militia gathered in April, 1775, Hancock-Clarke House, where Paul Revere headed when delivering the famous warning, “The British are coming” and Munroe Tavern, the British’s temporary headquarters. All three houses are located near Lexington Center, off the Bedford St. exit on Route 95. If you start at Buckman Tavern, you can pick up a self-guided walking tour map that leads you through Lexington Battle Green to Ye Old Burial Ground (for after the house tours, that is). Each house provides scavenger-hunt guides for the kids, giving them questions to answer and items to find as they move from one site to another. At the end of the tour, you’re welcome to enjoy a picnic lunch outside either Hancock House or Munroe Tavern.
« hide
You won’t leave Lexington without learning everything there is to know about the American Revolution—even if you just walk around town (and whether you want to or not!) There are, however, a few key attractions that tell the whole story, with all its parts. Start at the National Heritage Museum and spend some time exploring the permanent “Lexington Alarm’d” exhibition. The museum houses six other changeable exhibits—some focusing on obvious subjects, like Paul Revere, and others commemorating American institutions and phenomena, such as Elvis and the women’s liberation movement. The Courtyard Café, within the museum’s atrium, serves soups, salads and sandwiches (and unlike other museum restaurants, Courtyard does not overcharge just because it can.)
« hide
Located in Lexington Center, this cooperative gallery showcases an assortment of artwork by featured and member artists. Once a month, the gallery hosts live music, and every third Thursday, one of the artists presents a noontime talk. If you enjoy the ambience, you can even book Depot Square for a special event (if you brought everyone you know with you to Lexington). For sit-down dinners, the gallery can accommodate up to 50 people, and for cocktail receptions, up to 70. Visit the website for more details.
« hide
Set in the beautiful town of historic Lexington, Massachusetts, Palio's Italian Grill raises the stakes when it comes to Italian Dining. Using strictly seasonal fresh ingredients, the result is a brilliant intense simplicity. Palio's menu is painted with garlic, fresh herbs, cheeses, beef, pork and a wide variety of seafood and vegetables. Fresh pastas and salads, succulent slow-grilled steaks and unique pizzas continue the experience leading up to the homemade desserts and espresso. When looking to host a private event, whether a business or social gathering, Palio's Italian Grill can accommodate parties up to 400. With an outstanding contemporary menu that incorporates the best aspects of traditional Italian restaurants with chic modern amenities, outstanding service from a classically trained staff and an attitude that always puts the needs of the customer first, Palio's is definitely a prime example - perhaps the best restaurant example to date - of a new direction in the historic Lexington restaurant scene.
« hide
Athenian Restaurant, Lexington, serves creative Greek dishes, like tztaziki and taramasolata, in a simple, quiet environment. If you come with a large group, you’ll need to call ahead for reservations. Feel free to stop by just to relax at the bar, or to pick up some stuffed eggplant to go.
« hide
Dabin Restaurant, Lexington, entices guests with hibachi-style cooking, patio seating and a cozy dining room—complete with a fireplace. Try their sushi, noodles or Korean-style barbecue dishes and finish with an order of mochi ice cream. Although reservations are not required, it may be wise to call ahead on the weekends.
« hide
Vinny T’s is a local favorite with eleven locations in the Boston area. This family-friendly restaurant serves classic Italian dishes, offering a kids menu and a prix fixe menu for lunch and dinner. The full bar serves a variety of cocktails, beer and wine—from chardonnay to veuve clicquot.
« hide
Lexington runs a neighborhood minibus system, appropriately called Lexpress. The system covers six routes, all beginning and ending at Depot Square. Each route operates once every hour, so make sure to check the schedule to minimize waiting time. Since cars don’t have to stop when the minibus does, be extra cautious when exiting and use the crosswalks.
Weekdays Sept–June: 6:45 AM–6:25 PM, Weekdays July & August 7:00 AM–6:25 PM
$1.50 per ride
« hide
Tics are most active between late May and early autumn, spreading bacteria and causing lime disease. Since they cling to plants, jumping or flying onto animals or people who brush against the leaves, your best bet is to avoid densely wooded areas altogether. If you feel the need to do some bushwhacking, tuck your pants into your socks, wear a long-sleeve shirt and apply DEET to your exposed skin. Don’t panic if you find a tic; not all of them cause lime disease—and even if one of them bites you, you may still be OK. Get a pair of fine point tweezers and pluck it immediately. If you develop a rash and experience a fever, headache and/or achy muscles, you might want to have that checked out.
« hide
Lexington Flick is the city’s only movie theater, showing independent films and the occasional big-budget, celebrity-filled blockbuster. Call or check the Lexington Minuteman newspaper for show times.
« hide
Cheap Boston Flights
These are the cheapest* flights to Rye found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours. Use the links to see
if you can get a better flight deal.