Minute Man National Historical Park commemorates the Battle of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts, the first military clash of the American Revolution.
The park has programming for visitors, but most guests opt for a self-guided walk along any part of the five-mile Battle Road Trail. This beautiful tree-lined route passes by a number of landmarks, from Paul Revere’s capture site to the Hartwell Tavern. If you don't care to walk far, you may start at the North Bridge and the Old Manse at the north end of the park.

If you enjoyed exploring the transcendentalist roots of the Old Manse, you’ll love walking along the scenic shores of Walden Pond, which inspired Henry David Thoreau’s magnum opus.
This beautiful kettle pond is home to a replica of Thoreau’s cabin—the original tiny home!—and an informative modern visitors center. The pond is open to swimming, boating, and fishing, but dogs are not allowed.

Just a stone’s throw away in the town of Lincoln, Massachusetts, you’ll find the deCordova Museum, an off-the-beaten-path outdoor sculpture garden featuring large-scale contemporary works. The 30-acre outdoor grounds feature over 60 sculptures by modern masters like Andy Goldsworthy. Inside, you’ll find a rotating hall of exhibits, occasional events, and a café.

Before heading out to explore the museum, stop by the museum café, which offers picnic lunches for guests to pack on the lovely lawns and hiking trails.

In Harvard, Massachusetts, the Fruitlands Museum is perched atop Prospect Hill. This 20-acre site is yet another piece of transcendentalist history, a gathering place for a short-lived 1840s commune.
Nowadays, it’s a collection of fascinating art museums centered around New England culture. Collections include a Native American museum, a Shaker museum, and the original farmhouse.

This destination is a little out of the way, but isn’t that the point of a road trip? The Old Stone Church on the Wachusett Reservoir is too pretty a photo opportunity to pass up. Built in 1891, the church is the only remaining edifice of a town that was intentionally flooded during the reservoir’s construction. It’s especially gorgeous in late afternoon or when the fall foliage emerges around the lake.

It’s been a long day of travel and learning! Sit back with a glass of the good, grapey stuff at Nashoba Valley Winery. There’s a full restaurant and a tapas pavilion if you’re feeling hungry, but really the best part of Nashoba Valley is relaxing on the spacious lawn and enjoying the view with a drink in hand. Tours and tastings are also available.
Restaurant hours vary, so it's better to check accurate hours in advance. To confirm hours or make reservations, visit their website.