Don't forget to bring a rock with you to Walden Pond. Here's why: The actual site of the cabin is marked with granite pillars. Nearby, is the stone cairn first started by Rollins to mark the spot of his discovery. It has become a tradition for visitors to add a rock to the pile. If you ever decide to visit Thoreau's cabin site, be sure to bring your own rock.

Also, if you plan on going on the Duck Tour of Boston, be sure to book it in advance as they do sell out! http://www.bostonducktours.com/

You mention Art Museums, don't forget to check out Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum of Art: http://www.gardnermuseum.org/

Don't forget other sites in Boston:

• Cheers (The one across Boston Commons)
• Fenway Park
• Old North Church
• Harvard Square (Out of Town News, and Harvard Coop)
• Burdick - Great Place for hot cholate in Harvard Square

Concord

• Alcott House
• Wayside House
• Old North Bridge
• Visit Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
• Visit Walden Pond
• Walk the Minuteman trail

Happy Patriots day!

While many runners in the Boston Marathon were struggling with the near 80's temp, visitors to Concord, Bedford and Lexington were enjoying the nice weather watching the various Patriots day parades and activities.

Traffic around the Boston area was pretty light this morning, since many schools are closed this week and some business closed because of the local holiday. My commute was interrupted by some boy scouts marching from Stow to Concord to reenact the minuteman walk.

Today is the 9th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, however most media outlets are focusing their coverage on tomorrow's 5th anniversary of the Columbine incident.

Tonight the town of Concord Massachusetts will be having a special tree lighting ceremony. Downtown will be closed to local traffic for two hours starting at 6pm. After the lighting of the tree there will be a parade and all the stores downtown will be open late.

I'll head downtown Concord after work to check out all the excitement!

Update: Lots of people were downtown! Since it was pretty cold out, most people took the time to visit the various stores downtown. The most popular stores were: Concord Hand Design and the Corner Toy Store. For some reason the famous Concord Cheese Shop was not open. Hot Chocolate easily beat out the Cold Cider that was offered for free by local merchants.

From: concordmachamber.org:
At 6:00 p.m the Starlight Women's Chorus will be performing at the tree singing holiday hits. At 6:15 the Middlesex County 4-H Fife & Drum Corps will lead the Parade of Giving from Stow Street to Monument Square. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. and Santa will come down Main Street by fire truck and arrive at the tree lighting ceremony at that time. Costumed characters will be welcoming characters at many sites including the Grinch, at Barrett & Co. Real Estate, Jolly the Snowman at Kussin's Childrens Shop, Rudy the Reindeer, and elves galore. There will be Hayrides by Arena Farms and the Concord Players' Mummers will be performing "Saint George & the Dragon" at 51 Walden Street from 6:45 to 7:45. Santa will be available for pictures after the tree lighting, at Coldwell Banker's 11 Main Street location. There will be hot chocolate served by the Rotary Club courtesy of Dunkin Donuts of Thoreau Street, and live broadcasts by the WIQH radio station.

I drove into the city of Boston this morning, since I will attempt to drive down to Cape Cod after work.

On the way into work I drove behind a car with licence plate: EYE-FIX.

I parked at the 'GARDEN GARAGE' (617) 742-8025. I think it will only cost me $15 for all day parking. This is owned by Standard Parking (An APCOA/Standard Parking Company) I parked here since the location is perfect to get onto 93 South.

Update: It only cost $14 to park all day at the 'GARDEN GARAGE'! However, it took forever to get out of Boston to the Cape. (2.5 hours to be exact.) However, this might be due to an accident on 93.

When visiting the Saint Patrick's day parade in Boston be sure to arrive early and watch the parade near the Broadway T stop. (This is where the parade starts)

Most local bars along the route charge a cover fee. (One place had a $20 cover fee) Best Bet: go several hours after the parade is over.

Your best chance at getting a seat on the T after the Saint Patrick's day parade is getting on the Andrew station. You will find the Broadway T stop very crowded.

Starbucks at Newbury Street only has 10 seats! Not worth visiting for laptop use. Best Bet is Newbury Street Open.net nearby.

Street Parking is FREE on Sunday in Boston. There were plenty of parking along Newbury Street early Sunday morning. Its the best place to find parking!