Maybe you haven't been able to get into that 500-page novel you've been reading for English class. Don't worry... all you need is a little bit of literary inspiration. Drop that book and head into Boston and Concord, two areas steeped in great literary history. If you look hard enough, you might just be able to spot the ghosts of some of our country's greatest writers wandering around with a pen and notebook in the cobblestone streets and alleys. Don't tell me you haven't seen Henry James in Harvard Yard. We here at Weekender aim to solve your academic gripes by taking you on a mini-tour of the residences of various acclaimed writers
Start by checking out Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's house (The Vassall-Craigie-Longfellow House) located at 105 Brattle Street in Cambridge. Unfortunately, you won't be able to go inside as it is currently undergoing renovations, but at least you'll get to appreciate the outside of his old abode. The house, built in 1759, was a wedding present to Longfellow from his second father-in-law. For 45 years, Longfellow, one of the famed Cambridge poets, lived in this house, and it is here that he wrote many of his great literary masterpieces. Longfellow made Paul Revere famous with his inspirational poem, "Paul Revere's Ride," written in 1863. A gracious host, Longfellow hosted many great literary gatherings at his home. A little known but interesting tidbit: George Washington stationed himself at Longfellow's house during the Revolutionary War.
Another must see is Louisa May Alcott's House, located outside of Boston in Concord. If you loved Little Women as a little girl, you'll love seeing the Orchard House where Alcott penned the beloved novel. Alcott's father, Amos Bronson Alcott, built the house, which is actually two houses joined together, both dating back to early 1700s. The Alcott family lived at Orchard House (named because it originally was the site of 12 acres of apple orchards) from 1858 to 1877. You'll find that things at the house look similar to when Louisa's family lived there, as no major structural changes to the house have occurred since the Alcott's era. Orchard House is located on 399 Lexington Road. Tours of the house range from $3.50 to $5.50.
As long as you're in the area, you might as well head down to Thoreau's Walden Pond also located in Concord. Bring a picnic and enjoy the serene beauty of this famed site where Thoreau escaped from the material world. The 62-acre pond is breathtaking and a refreshing change from the city. At the main entrance stands a re-creation of Thoreaus's famed cabin. Spend a day at the pond, bring some work, and sit back and relax. Perhaps after a couple of hours of being one with nature, you will understand why Thoreau found such serenity at Walden Pond. Don't relax too much, though, or you might want to set up camp in the woods as well. After all, you still do have that novel to read! The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk. Admission is $2.25.
You're still in Concord. It might be appropriate check out the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery before it gets too dark. No, don't worry... this cemetery has nothing to do with the recent flick Sleepy Hollow, so you won't get beheaded! Here you will find the final resting places of such literary luminaries as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and our old friend Louisa May Alcott. These famous authors all rest in peace in the same place, affectionately known as Author's Ridge. You might want to bring some flowers with you, as it is a tradition for English students to place them on the graves of their favorite authors.
Now that you're steeped in the literary history of Massachusetts, drive back to Tufts, get settled in a cozy couch at Brown and Brew, and hit those books!
