HISTORY
Welcome to Concord’s Colonial Inn, located in the heart of Historic Downtown Concord, Massachusetts, a town known for its rich literary history and the role it played in the fight for our country’s independence. The building you are in has watched over the town since 1716, witnessing some of the nation’s most important events and housing some of America’s most important figures. The land that the Inn sits on was given to Concord’s senior minister and part founder Peter Bulkeley at the establishment of the town in 1635. Who built the first part of the building is unknown, but by 1716, the east side of the Inn was standing and used as a private residence. Eventually, the home made its way to Colonel James Minot, a justice of the peace, town representative, and military colonel. He was the town’s wealthiest resident and a leader of the West Congregation, a group of parishioners who separated themselves from the town church for 14 years in the 1740s and 1750s and held services in the Black Horse Tavern, now the location of the Concord Public Library. When Colonel Minot passed away in 1759, his nephew, Dr. Timothy Minot, moved into the house, which at the time included only the easternmost side of the property—now home to our Thoreau Room.
During Dr. Minot’s time, the Inn played its most historically significant role. The part of the property that is now home to our front desk and gift shop was built to house the weapons and supplies that were hidden in anticipation of a conflict between the colonists and the British. After the battle of North Bridge, British soldiers used Concord center as their headquarters and spent their time scouring the town for hidden stores of weapons. There is no evidence that they found the supplies hidden in Dr. Minot’s house. On April 19, 1775, when the battles of Lexington and Concord were waged, Dr. Minot’s home served as a hospital for wounded soldiers.
Dr. Minot would later sell his side of the building to his son-in-law, Ammi White, a cabinetmaker
with a legendary connection to the Revolutionary War. Ammi is rumored to have scalped a wounded British soldier at North Bridge, a scandal reported throughout the colony and Great Britain. In 1799, Ammi sold the eastern side of the building to John Thoreau, an English-born sailor and Henry David Thoreau’s grandfather. Setting sail before his 20th birthday, John found himself shipwrecked on the east coast of the American Colonies, where he set his footing in privateering and was dedicated to capturing British sailing vessels. As tensions abroad settled, John made his home in the eastern side of the Colonial Inn as a merchant. Our main dining room, Merchant’s Row, the former location of Ammi’s cabinet shop, is a nod to John’s nautical profession. After his death, John’s daughters turned the building into a boarding house, which is perhaps what instilled the Colonial Inn’s purpose almost 200 years later. The Thoreau sisters’ hospitality was well known, and, in his writings, Henry David Thoreau fondly remembers visiting his Aunts’ home throughout his young adulthood and while studying at Harvard from 1835–1837.
Deacon White, founder of the Trinitarian Church in Concord, added the final addition to the Main Inn sometime between 1812 and 1820. All three sections of the building as they stand today were sold to Daniel Shattuck in 1839. Daniel’s brother, Lemuel, went on to write one of the earliest histories of the Town of Concord. In 1889, John Maynard Keyes purchased the two easternmost portions of the Inn and operated them as Thoreau House, in honor of the property’s past operation as a boarding house by the Thoreau sisters. In 1897, the entire structure was purchased and formally renamed the Colonial Inn. The building behind the Main Inn, now known as The Cottage, was originally used as a stable in the late 1800s before being renovated into a home in the early 1900s. In 1924, the Inn was sold to Mr. Sanborn, who lived in the cottage, calling it the Manager’s House. The cottage remained a residence for hotel staff until the 1990s.
Today, the Inn is owned by Michael Harrington, a well-respected political figure and proprietor of landmark properties in the State of Massachusetts, which are all part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Colonial Inn remains an anchored destination in the heart of Downtown Concord and continues to share the stories of its revolutionary past throughout its historic halls.
Is Concord’s Colonial Inn haunted?
Legend says it might be true. While we can’t say for sure if ghosts inhabit the Inn, many visitors come each year seeking information about paranormal occurrences.
In 1966, M.P. and Judith Fellenz of Highland Falls, New York, were given Room 24 on the second floor. The newlywed couple was looking forward to their stay. The next morning, however, the bride looked rather pale, and then two weeks later, Loring Grimes, the Innkeeper at the time, received a letter from Mrs. Fellenz, which read in part:
I have always prided myself on being a fairly sane individual, but on the night of June 14, I began to have my doubts. On that night I saw a ghost in your Inn. The next morning, I felt too foolish to mention it to the management, so my husband and I continued our honeymoon. I wondered whether or not any sightings of a ghost had been reported or if any was involved in the history of the Inn.
The incident sounds very melodramatic. I was awakened in the middle of the night by a presence in the room—a feeling that some unknown being was in the midst. As I opened my eyes, I saw a grayish figure at the side of my bed, to the left, about four feet away. It was not a distinct person, but a shadowy mass in the shape of a standing figure. It remained still for a moment, then slowly floated to the foot of the bed, in front of the fireplace. After pausing a few seconds, the apparition slowly melted away.
It was a terrifying experience. I was so frightened I could not scream. I was frozen to the spot.
For the remainder of the night, I could not fall asleep. It was spent trying to conjure a logical explanation for the apparition. It was not a reflection of the moon as all the curtains were completely closed. Upon relating the incident to my husband, he said, “The ghost was included in the price of the room.”
Paranormal activity has been investigated in other areas of the hotel as well. In early 2005, two organizations investigated: Ghost Images Paranormal Investigations and Spirit Encounters Research Team. More recently, Syfy’s hit show Ghost Hunters did an hour-long episode on the Inn to explore paranormal experiences.
Historic Hotels of America – The Top 25 Most Haunted Historic Hotels
Ghost Hunters – Watch the TAPS team from Ghost Hunters investigate the Inn’s ghostly guests. Look for Season 6, episode 14.
BostonGlobe.com – Historic Inn Scares up a Ghost Story by Sally Heaney
BostonGlobe.com – 25 Haunted New England Inns: Concord’s Colonial Inn by Nicole Durate
GhostVillage.com – Episode 61: Concord’s Colonial Inn
Gallup Poll – “One-Third of Americans Believe Dearly May Not Have Departed” (article notes our Inn’s haunted history).
GUEST SERVICES
Banquet & Catering Services: Please contact the Sales Department for banquet and catering services Dial 501
Business Services: Please dial 0 for assistance with faxing, photocopying, and scanning. For large projects, the Front Desk will be happy to make referrals to local merchants. We offer use of a computer for printing boarding passes and other basic printing needs in our Front Desk Lobby Dial 0
Carrier/Delivery Services: Dial 0
Check-In: 3:00 p.m.
Check-Out: 11:00 a.m. Call from your room to receive a quick check-out receipt via email. If you would like to store your luggage beyond 11:00 a.m. or prior to registering, the hotel can provide secure luggage storage at the Front Desk Dial 0
Churches and Synagogues: Please contact the Front Desk for a listing of local places of worship ............................................................................. Dial 0
Coffee and Tea Service: Complimentary coffee and tea service for hotel guests served from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. daily at the Front Desk.
Credit Cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa. If you provide a debit card to hold your room, the card will be authorized upon check-in unless another form of payment is given. The amount authorized will be held on your card until your financial institution releases the authorization, which may take up to 7 to 10 business days.
Emergency Service: Dial 911 Identify your room number to the dispatcher or contact the Front Desk Dial 0
Forget Something? As a courtesy to our guests, we offer the following items at the Front Desk: toothpaste, toothbrush, razors, shaving cream, sewing kits, combs, and toiletries. Call or stop by the Front Desk ................................................................ Dial 0
Housekeeping: At this time, we do not offer daily housekeeping service and will not enter your room. If you need additional supplies, towels, etc., please call the Front Desk and we will arrange delivery of these items. You may also stop by the Front Desk to pick up any supplies Dial 0
Ice Machines: For Main Inn guests, please call or stop by the Front Desk. An ice machine is in the Prescott Wing on the first floor in the stairwell and there is another one on the third floor of the Prescott Wing across from room 311. We have complimentary bottles of water available at the Front Desk.
Internet Access: All rooms have complimentary wireless internet access. We offer use of a guest computer at the Front Desk for printing boarding passes and checking emails. Your computer should connect to CCI_Guest network by using the password Colonial1716! For assistance Dial 0
Iron and Ironing Board: Irons and ironing boards are located in guest rooms.
Lost and Found: While we are not responsible for items left behind, if you believe you have lost something, please contact the Front Desk to check the lost and found log Dial 0
Maps: Information and maps of Concord and the surrounding area are available at the Front Desk.
Messages: When telephone messages are received, the message-waiting light will flash on your room phone. Please contact the Front Desk to retrieve your messages Dial 0
Pets: We are happy to accommodate you and your furry friend in our Lower Level Prescott Wing Rooms with an additional per night pet fee. We ask that all pets be registered with reservations and pets may NOT be left unattended in your room. If you have questions regarding our pet policy Dial 0
Post Office: The Concord Post Office is around the corner at 34 Walden Street in the center of Downtown Concord. We also have a post office box at the Front Desk, which is picked up daily, except on Sundays. For more information Dial 0
Refrigerator: Refrigerators are provided in the Prescott Suites, Thoreau Suite, and Cottage units. For all other rooms, there is a charge for a mini fridge. Please call the Front Desk if you would like a mini fridge Dial 0
Reservations:
For overnight accommodations Dial 0
GUEST SERVICES
Restaurant Reservations:
For dining reservations at one of the Colonial Inn establishments Dial 551 Reservations are accepted for indoor dining only. Outdoor dining is first come, first served.
Safety Deposit Boxes: We have a limited number of safety deposit boxes at the Front Desk to store your valuables at no cost Dial 0
Security: Please do not use the deadbolt or security latch to hold your room door open, as this results in damage to the lock and door frame. Please use your security latch or deadbolt whenever you are in your room. Confirm the identity of individuals seeking to enter your room by looking through the peephole. For your safety, verify anyone claiming to be a member of hotel staff, such as maintenance, by calling the Front Desk Dial 0
Smoking: Concord’s Colonial Inn has a strict No Smoking policy. No smoking is permitted in any guest room or public space both inside and outside the property. If cigarette, cigar, marijuana, or smokeless tobacco products are detected in your room, there will be a charge up to $500 applied to your room account.
Telephone Calls:
Phones are set for local calls only. There is no charge.
Local Dial 8 + area code + number Room to Room Calls ................................................... Dial 0
Tipping and Gratuities Guidelines:
Sometimes our guests ask about local customs regarding gratuities. This is meant only as a guide. Restaurants/Wait Staff: 15–20% of the total check. Tips usually are not included, so examine your check carefully. Maid Service: $2 per night if you feel your room was well kept.
TV Channels: Concord’s Colonial Inn is pleased to provide a wide variety of your favorite channels.
Wake-Up Calls: Dial 0
Website Address: Our website address is concordscolonialinn.com. Email may be addressed to colonial@concordscolonialinn.com. We will not open attachments from unknown sources.
ACCOMMODATIONS
HISTORIC MAIN INN: These 15 individually decorated rooms offer a true Colonial experience with charming décor, antiques, and reproductions. This section dates back to 1716 and some rooms still have the original wide plank pine floors, wainscoting, and post-beamed ceilings.
Historic Main Room Inn // Room 3—This historic Main Room Inn faces the Town Green. Features a four-post, queen-size bed; sitting area with desk; flat-screen TV; and a full bathroom with shower/tub.
Historic Main Room Inn // Room 10—This room dates back to 1716 and still has the original wide plank pine floors and wainscoting. In addition to a flat-screen TV, the room features a queen-size bed, desk, and full bathroom.
Historic Main Room Inn // Room 18—This room has the original wide plank pine floors, desk, flat-screen TV, king-size bed, and bathroom with shower. Features a view of the Concord Town Square.
Historic Main Room Inn // Room 16 // The Thoreau Suite—Our premier honeymoon suite features a king-size bed; open concept living and dining area; full kitchen; and bathroom with dual vanity sink, stand-up shower, and jacuzzi.
Historic Main Room Inn // Room 24—Our most notorious Main Inn accommodation once served as the operating room for Dr. Timothy Minot in the late 1700s. Guests still report strange sensations, flickering lights, and mysteriously closing doors. This historic room features a four-post, king-size bed; sitting area with desk; flat-screen TV; and a bathroom with double sinks and a shower/tub.
Historic Main Room Inn // Room 27—This room features a king-size bed, elegant sitting area plus desk, flat-screen TV, and a handicap accessible bathroom with shower/tub.
PRESCOTT WING: If you prefer a more modern flair, opt for the Prescott Wing’s 30 rooms, which feature updated décor and amenities, including 42” flat-screen TVs. Choose a queen or two double beds. The two Prescott Suites located in this wing are perfect for small families or those who prefer a bit more space. Each suite is furnished with a queen-size bed; full bath; separate living room with a full-size sofa bed; and a kitchenette with mini fridge, microwave, toaster, and all the china, glass, and silverware you’ll need.
Prescott Wing // Prescott Suite—The Prescott suites are furnished with a queen bed; full bath with shower/tub; separate living room with a fullsize sofa bed; and a kitchenette with mini fridge, microwave, toaster, and all the china, glass, and silverware you’ll need.
Prescott Wing // Room with Queen Bed—Rooms feature a queen-size bed, flat-screen TV, and a full bath with shower/tub.
Prescott Wing // Room with Two Double Beds Rooms feature two double beds, flat-screen TV, desk, and a full bath with shower.
The Cottages // First Floor—The first floor cottage has two bedrooms. One bedroom has a king-size bed and a spacious living area with flatscreen TV. The other bedroom has two twin beds and a dresser. The kitchen includes all necessary appliances and a seating area for four. There is a full bath and an outdoor seating area that is perfect for warm evenings.
The Cottages // Second Floor—The second floor cottage has two bedrooms. One has a kingsize bed, a desk, and a flat-screen TV. The other bedroom has two double beds. There is a full bathroom plus half-bath and a fully-equipped kitchen with microwave, stove, and fridge.
MEETINGS , CORPORATE EVENTS & RETREATS
NEW ENGLAND’S IDEAL LOCATION FOR CORPORATE EVENTS & RETREATS
Take a break from traditional hotel conference centers. Inspire creativity, reward your board, or entertain business clients in one of America’s oldest inns.
Blending business-friendly meeting space with Colonial charm, the Inn’s expanded conference capacity, state-of-theart AV options, and complimentary Wi-Fi allow for productive events in an inspired setting.
• Six unique meeting spaces for up to 125 attendees
• Upgraded AV Systems
• On-site conference planning services
• Two enticing restaurants: LIBERTY and Merchant’s Row
SOCIAL EVENTS
SOCIAL EVENTS AT CONCORD’S COLONIAL INN
Host parties both intimate and grand.
Conveniently located near major highways and just 20 miles from Boston, it’s easy to gather the whole gang together at our historic inn. Choose from 6 unique meeting spaces, 2 restaurants, and 56 guest rooms. Your guests will love our modern amenities, creative catering, welcoming service, and rich 300-year history.
MEETING ROOM SPECIFICATIONS
PRIVATE MEETING & SOCIAL SPACES AT CONCORD’S COLONIAL INN
Choose from seven unique meeting spaces to suit your needs. We offer six rooms on the main floor and one, the Heritage Room, on the lower level.
CATERING
CONTACT US TO PLAN YOUR SPECIAL EVENT!
Event & Group Planning:
978.341.8201 • 1.800.370.9200
sales@concordscolonialinn.com
48 Monument Square, Concord, MA 01742
Restaurant 978.369.2373 • Hotel 978.369.9200
concordscolonialinn.com
We believe in supporting our local community and neighbors by sourcing our meats, fish, and other ingredients from local farms and artisans as much as possible.
WEDDINGS & SHOWERS
SAY ‘I DO’ SURROUNDED BY MORE THAN 300 YEARS OF LIVING HISTORY: Time honored tradition meets high-touch service when you host your wedding weekend at Concord’s Colonial Inn. Plan an intimate private dinner or a grand gala reception. Spend your first newlywed moments surrounded by more than 300 years of rich, living history. Plan your wedding day with us and enjoy:
• 56 unique accommodations for your guests, including a large honeymoon suite for the bride and groom.
• Flexible ceremony and reception venues with room for up to 125 guests.
• Options for all of the events around your wedding weekend, including bridal luncheons, showers, rehearsal dinners, and morning-after brunches.
• Creative and customizable catering and wedding package offerings.
• Two onsite restaurants, the fine dining Merchant’s Row and the enticing gastropub LIBERTY.
The possibilities are endless. Enjoy everything from small, quiet affairs in a beautiful tea room to receptions that require use of the entire building. We enjoy helping brides and their families plan the New England wedding of their dreams!
CEREMONIES
&
RECEPTIONS:
Historic charm and atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for your unique wedding ceremony and reception. Exchange vows in a candlelit room that has stood the test of time or walk down a traditional aisle strewn with rose petals.
Whether you choose a multi-course dinner or buffet or a DJ or string ensemble, our historic venue, gourmet food, and outstanding service will create a truly memorable event for you, your family, and guests.
CONCORD, MASSACHUSETTS’ BEST REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE:
Rehearsal dinners offer a wonderful opportunity to thank your family and closest friends for their love and support, and to have a more relaxed gathering before your big day. The historic Inn’s special occasion rooms, restaurants, and taverns are perfect for any kind of rehearsal dinner—from elegant, multicourse meals to jovial buffets followed by toasts in the tavern. We can accommodate slide shows, musicians, group activities, and more.
BRIDAL AND BABY SHOWERS: If you’re looking for an upscale, unique venue to host a bridal or baby shower in the Boston area, look no further than Concord’s Colonial Inn. Our charming, historic New England Inn sets just the right mood for a delicious brunch or elegant afternoon tea.
OUR RESTAURANTS
Discover LIBERTY, a Concord original. Choose from two unique dining spaces: The LIBERTY Room and The Village Forge Tavern, as well as seasonal patio dining, weather permitting.
Our restaurants serve American cuisine alongside new favorites. The only thing better than our food is our rich history. The Tap Room was originally the towns “men only” bar and still holds its original charm and detail.
The Village Forge Tavern was a storeroom for supplies during the Revolutionary War. There’s no better place to unwind; catch up with friends; and savor delicious, made-to-order, fresh, all-American fare than at LIBERTY.
Serving Breakfast Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Brunch Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30p.m., and Lunch/Dinner Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Merchant’s Row, historic dining. Merchant’s Row is a beautiful dining room that’s just right for special occasions or a special night out. Refined, but not formal, enjoy a great bottle of wine and exceptional service in a quiet, gracious room, surrounded by 300 years of living history.
Serving Breakfast Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Brunch Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30p.m., and Lunch/Dinner Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Restaurant Reservations
For dining reservations Dial 551 Reservations are accepted for indoor dining only. Outdoor dining is first come, first served.
HISTORIC CONCORD HOMES
Louisa May Alcott’s
Orchard House
399 Lexington Rd. Concord, MA 01742
978.369.4118
The Old Manse
269 Monument St. Concord, MA 01742
978.369.3909
Ralph Waldo Emerson House
28 Cambridge Turnpike Concord, MA 01742
978.369.2236
The Robbins House
320 Monument St. Concord, MA 01742
978.254.1745
Thoreau House Pond Path
Concord, MA 01742
978.369.5310
The Wayside
455 Lexington Rd. Concord, MA 01742
978.318.7862
REVOLUTIONARY GROUNDS
Old North Bridge
Old N. Bridge
Concord, MA 01742
978.369.6993
Battle Road Trail
174 Liberty St.
Concord , MA 01742
978.369.6993
POINTS OF INTEREST
ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS
Main Street Shops
Downtown
Concord Museum
53 Cambridge Turnpike Concord, MA 01742
978.369-9763
Walden Pond
915 Walden St. Concord, MA 01742
978.369.3254
Minute Man National
Historical Park
250 N. Great Rd. Lincoln, MA 01773
978.369.6993
Concord River
This 10-mile waterway was made famous by Henry David Thoreau
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
Bedford St. Concord, MA 01742
978.318.3233
Concord Players Inc
51 Walden St. Concord, MA 01742
978.369.2990
Concord Art Association
37 Lexington Rd. Concord, MA 01742
978.369.2578
Verrill Farm 11 Wheeler Rd. Concord, MA 01742
978.369.4494
Liberty Ride Tour
1875 Massachusetts Ave. Lexington, MA 02420
Concord Tour Company
48 Monument Sq. Concord, MA 01742
978.399.8229
The Cannon Theatre 28 Andrews Pkwy. Devens, MA 01434
978.448.2108
Pinot’s Palette 7A Meriam St. Lexington, MA 02420
781.862.3200
deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
51 Sandy Pond Rd. Lincoln, MA 01773
781.259.8692
The Umbrella Arts Center 40 Stow St. Concord, MA 01742
978.371.0820
HEALTH & FITNESS
Beede Swim and Fitness Center
498 Walden St. Concord, MA 01742
978.287.1000
Minuteman Bike Share
On the Mat Yoga Studio 30 Monument Sq. Concord, MA 01742
617.686.1967
Trails
Battle Road Trail, Walden Pond Path, Fairhaven Trail Loop, Dike Trail, Mount Misery via Fairhaven Trail, Estabrook and Punkatasset
Woods Loop, October Farm Loop, Fairhaven and Andromeda Trail, Old North Bridge Walk, Bay Circuit Trail: Mount MiseryWalden Pond.
PATINA GREEN
Contemporary. Vintage. Whimsical.
59 Main Street, Concord Center
@patinagreenshop | 978-369-1708 | www.shoppatinagreen.com
The retail farmstand at Verrill Farm is surrounded by fields which produce fresh vegetables and strawberries for our customers.
The stand is a destination spot for the community and is filled with New England farmstead cheese and crackers, salads, and sandwiches for our picnic area, made daily fresh pies, cookies and treats, hiking and biking maps for Concord locations, and an assortment of items suitable for a remembrance of your Concord visit.
View our website at verrillfarm.com for current events, festivals, and farm to table dinners OPEN DAILY 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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