A Love Letter to Concord, MA
I wrote a similar love letter to Boston, MA not too long ago. As someone who has spent a decent amount of time in New York City over the past months, I’ve realized how much I love and miss Concord, MA.
Dear Concord,
Historic, beautiful, Concord. This is going to be a dramatic essay I can tell already. I’ve spent pretty much all the years of my life in Concord, which makes it a very special place. Recently, I’ve been asked “what was it like growing up in Concord?” It wasn’t until then that I realized how well known Concord is and how much history there was all around me all the time. From Walden Pond to the Old North Bridge to the Alcott house, there are hundreds of years of American history at almost every turn. Growing up there, I think I took it for granted.
My favorite spot in Concord is the Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge. It’s an open space with water and a nice walking loop. There are hundreds of different animals, birds and plants all around. I love walking out to the viewpoint and sitting on the bridge looking out to the water and all of the lily pads. I love observing the refuge change throughout the seasons, watching the different animals and plants come in and out of the space. My favorite time of the year at Great Meadows is the end of summer, when you can see all edges of the sky turn a crisp pink and orange as the sun sets. I feel so lucky to have access to a space like this one.
Main street and Concord center are equally cute and pretty throughout the year. Every house is historical and looks straight out of a Revolutionary War painting. Staples like the Cheese Shop and the Grasshopper shop are always fun to wander into on a winter day. There’s something very quaint and peaceful about the town center that makes me feel very grounded.
As much as I sometimes hate suburbia, I do not hate Concord. I have met some truly great people in this town and I always feel welcome in all the spaces I enter. I feel lucky to be surrounded by beautiful nature, historic buildings, and people who are caring and passionate about the community (sometimes a little too passionate if you’ve listened in to any of the town hall meetings you would know). Overall, I am proud to call this town my home and will cherish it throughout my life.
Love,
Rucha
