North Lexington - Lexington, MA Area Guide

Settled in 1642, Lexington farmers supplied the Boston area with much of its produce, and it remained a farming community for many decades. Lexington was the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War in April 1775 when 77 Minutemen faced off against the British. The battle ended with the death of eight Minutemen, and another 10 injured.

A host of historical sites can be found in Lexington, including the Old Burying Ground, the Minute Man National Historical Park and the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, providing locals and visitors a wealth of opportunities to learn about the area.

The Lexington Symphony performs six concerts each season and offers educational opportunities for third and fourth graders from area schools, a favorite for local residents. The Lexington Players, the town’s only theatrical group, produces two to four shows each year, including a summer children’s program.

With a variety of different cuisines within walking distance of downtown Lexington, the only problem facing residents and visitors is deciding which restaurant to visit.

Royal India Bistro on Meriam Street has great service and flavor-filled food. The restaurant offers eat-in, takeout and delivery options for its food. Menu options primarily feature northern Indian cuisine, but if you don’t like a lot of heat, the cook does cut back on spices on request. The chicken tikka masala comes with a creamy tomato sauce ans is served with fresh naan, making a delicious meal. For vegetarian fare, choose from several menu selections, including baingan bharta, a northern Indian dish of roasted eggplant with aromatic herbs and spices.

For take-out meals that taste just like Grandma’s, Jackson’s Kitchen has the locals raving about the food. Entrée offerings and soup choices change weekly, and the restaurant serves tasty sandwiches for a quick lunchtime meal. With dishes such as chicken cacciatore, shepherd’s pie and lamb stew, each under $10, residents can serve a terrific home-cooked meal without making a mess in the kitchen.

Whether visitors stay at the Inn at Hastings Park or elsewhere in town, the inn's restaurant, Artistry on the Green, should not be missed. Breakfast fare at Artistry has tasty options such as poached duck egg hash, a very rich dish with wonderful flavors of sweet potato and apple. Sunday brunch serves up New England clam chowder with quahogs and new potatoes, a brioche French toast served with blueberry compote and an appetizing watercress, tomato and feta cheese quiche. The restaurant offers holiday dining experiences on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

A great place to grab a beer and watch the Red Sox play, Tavern in the Square has blossomed from the friendly neighborhood pub to a full-service restaurant. All the food comes freshly made from scratch, and diners can choose from a wide variety of draft beer.

No cover charge for live music, great beer and tasty burgers make Toad the place to go when locals want to kick up their heels and dance. Every night of the week, a local band or two rock the house.

Residents of Lexington mostly walk to get around town, but the city does have public transportation through the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bus services. Logan International Airport is 17 miles away, conveniently serviced by taxi companies in the area, and Uber provides an option for those traveling in Lexington and the Boston area.

Bicyclists love to take the Minuteman Bikeway, 11 miles of trail from Alewife Station in Cambridge that passes through Arlington and into Lexington. Commuters and visitors traveling by car can find metered parking lots within walking distance of Battle Green.

Outdoor enthusiasts can find lots of green space to relax or play outdoor sports when in Lexington. Center Recreation Complex has a skate park and tennis courts for residents to enjoy. There are two swimming areas in town, the Irving H. Mabee Town Pool Complex at the Center Recreation Complex and the Old Reservoir, located on Marrett Road, a freshwater pond with a beach area. The closest dog park for Lexington residents is Thorndike Field Dog Park, located five miles away in Arlington.

Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment costs approximately $1,900 per month, higher than the national average. Grabbing a beer at a local pub costs approximately $5 while the cost of gasoline runs roughly 8 percent higher in Lexington than the national average.

Home décor, antiques and art galleries all call Lexington home, and residents and visitors alike can find lots of shops in which to browse.

A Pocketful of Posies on Massachusetts Avenue features unique gifts perfect for that special someone, baby shower or hostess appreciation. Shoppers can also find candles, artisan jewelry and tableware, truly a store with something for everyone.

Open seven days a week, Catch a Falling Star Toys and Treasures provides learning toys that both entertain and educate your child. The shop carries over 4,000 items, making shopping for birthday and Christmas gifts easy for Grandma and Grandpa.

Showcasing items made by local artisans, The Crafty Yankee also houses crafts from around the world. Shoppers can browse through artisan jewelry, beautiful hand-blown art glass and gifts commemorating the Lexington area.

Located at the corner of Woburn Street and Mass Avenue, the Lexington farmers market runs from June 1 through the end of October every Tuesday afternoon. Residents can find local wines and hard cider, organic produce and tasty baked goods while they listen to a variety of entertaining musical groups. Local artisans also set up shop at the market, offering homemade soaps, jewelry and rustic furniture.

Residents have several places to purchase groceries in Lexington, including national retailers such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Other grocery options include Wilson Farm for fresh produce, fruit baskets and food platters perfect for entertaining.