Patch contributors and editors are starting a column of their favorite things. Each of us wants to share what we think is special about living in Concord. We'd like to have you, our readers, add to the list. What are your favorite things?

Editor Betsy Levinson: I like watching birds at my backyard feeder. Growing up in a city, I never had the opportunity to feed birds. I love belting out Christmas carols at this time of year. I love walking in the Great Meadows. In the fall, I love wading through fallen leaves on the street and the noise it makes. I love the quiet of the Milldam after a snowfall.

Lydia Gregoret says what she loves is that Concord has so many places to cross-country ski in the winter (Estabrook, Fairhaven, Town Forest, Great Meadow, Minuteman Park, White Pond, Old Rifle Range...) and to walk all year round!

From Columnist Lauren Kaplan: love the pepper jack bread from Nashoba Brook Bakery. I could eat an entire loaf in one sitting.
- I love to go running on the Battle Road

Freelance Writer Lisa Loomis: The maple scones on Thursdays at the Sally Ann Bake Shop are to die for. I love the booths at Helen's and the warm and inviting welcome I always get when I go. The Walden Grille is great for a family get together and, if you're lucky, you can get a table. One of my favorite places is The Minuteman National Park with the school trips where the militia men really shoot at each other.  I love the Old North Bridge and going on Patriots Day where you can see living history right in our own backyard. And one of my favorite places is The Concord Art Association with it's stunning renovated space and engaging shows and competitions. The Albright Art Gallery also ranks high on my list as it showcases talented artists and encourages those who want to create with providing high quality art materials.  

Writer Shannon Mullen shares her favorites... Sunday morning scones from Verrill Farm, still warm from the oven;

- The attic tour at the Old Manse;

- Walking my dogs on the rail trail to have a swim in White Pond;

- Summer's first organic blueberries at Hutchins Farm;

- Discovering new businesses in West Concord (there are so many hidden gems);

- Eating lunch al fresco at Nashoba Brook Bakery on the first warm day of spring;

- the "Everything" cookies, butternut squash beef chilli and cornbread
at Main Streets Market & Cafe;

- 12 minutes of free parking at West Concord meters;

- Walking in the footsteps of some of America's great writers;

- Being able to see the stars at night despite living so close to Boston.

Our columnist Janet Beyer:

Ten of my favorite Concord Things

Being a food person, my list of favorite Concord things is headed in that direction.

Starting with breakfast at Helen's weekdays. It never fails: there is someone there I
know. And on days I eat in my own kitchen: coffee from Sally Ann's. Within ten-minute intervals, the same people are there. Their stop-by time depends upon work schedule, whereas mine depends upon sleep schedule.
On Sundays, French toast at the Club Car Café. Always the same people, the 7:30 a.m. Holy Family crowd sharing the round table.
The Walden chicken salad at Walden Grille. It can vary according to the mood of
the cook, he might be heavy on the vinegar, so I order dressing on the side. But the
combination of apples, walnuts and dried cranberries is always good.
I am not an aficionado of Japanese food but some one visiting from New York City
told me that Hana Mizuki Japanese Steak House on Elm St. and Route 2 has excellent Japanese food. And when Jerry Seinfeld was spotted at Papa Razzi it got star power.
For dessert, whether or not you take advantage of Trish's soups and sandwiches, take home a couple of chocolate chip cookies. Having them during at naptime.
Colonial Inn is one of the few places around to get Indian Pudding, warm with ice cream. A sentimental favorite.
And at La Provence, the meringue covered small chocolate cakes are spectacular.
For a few days at the end of the week, the 99 has rib roast at a reasonable price.
Verrrill Farm apple pies. Great with ginger ice cream, but why oh why doesn't the
Bedford Farms in Concord sell it. I do wish I didn't have to drive to Bedford to load up on it.
My food tour of Concord is low on vegetables, I realize that and am not apologetic. You know where the veggies are.