Classic New England, complete with stunning fall foliage and historic homesteads, is what you’ll find in this small town in the Greater Boston area.
Pretty Burlington has always had a slower pace of life than Boston. There has been a town here since the 1640s but it was only after World War II that it really started to expand. Come here and you’ll be surrounded by beautiful state parks, bike paths, and historic buildings.
Take a day to explore the Minuteman Walkway. This relatively hidden bike path connects nearby Bedford to Cambridge and is a glorious way to get into Burlington, especially in fall with the leaves turning every shade of red and orange. There is also the Minute Man National Historical Park, where you’ll find historical reenactments of the Revolution. Book a ranger guided tour and get into the spirit of 1775.
This being Massachusetts, history is never far away. Close to the Minute Man National Historical Park, is Walden Pond. It was here that Henry David Thoreau spent a year living in a one-room cabin in the woods, and wrote his famous book Walden. Swim, sunbathe, and hike around the pond and discover Thoreau’s replica cabin. Over at Mystic Lakes, you can rent row or sail boats or go swimming. You’ll find locals packing out Shannon Beach on summer days, spending lazy evenings with picnics on the shore.
The Landlocked Forest is a secret spot that locals have fought to get made into a public space – and have now succeeded. New trails and boardwalks have been added so that you can discover the forest’s wildlife and historic ruins.
Back in the modern world, swing by Burlington Mall for a spot of retail therapy before booking a table at one of Burlington’s many Mexican restaurants or steakhouses. From family-friendly fare to luxury fine dining, Burlington is spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out