Miles from downtown Boston: 24
Drive time: 35 minutes

9 a.m.: Fuel up with a chai and mango salsa omelet at Main Streets Market & Cafe (42 Main St., Concord, 866-413-3981), a former Revolutionary ammunition depot turned al fresco community gathering spot.

10 a.m.: Arrive early to grab a parking place (and a spot on the beach) at Walden Pond State Reservation (915 Walden St., Concord, 978-369-3254). Catch some rays while the kids splash around - then hike to Thoreau’s house site to add your stone to the cairn honoring Concord’s original environmentalist.

1 p.m.: Not all of the local history is ancient. Commune with the father of modern architecture at the historic Gropius House (68 Baker Bridge Road, Lincoln, 781-259-8098, pictured), which was the family home of Walter Gropius, originator of the Bauhaus. The house and furniture’s clean and simple forms put Ikea to shame.