Last Gasp of Summer

Good morning, people! Here we are, in the home stretch of August, and, if we’re being honest with ourselves, summer’s end. I’m always a little stunned by how quickly it all flies by, and how soon we find ourselves back in the fray of September and school and responsibilities.

Sigh.

I guess all good things must come to an end, and honestly fall is a spectacular season here, so at least that is something to look forward to.

But before all that happens, there’s a little bit of summer left to eke out before Labor Day shuts it down. It’s not too late to get in all those things you meant to, but somehow got lost in the flurry of summer camp and vacations and visiting relatives. Here, then, is a quick list to help you out.

Walden Pond

It’s not too late to go take a dip in our historic little kettle pond, where the water is clear and refreshing, and the pine trees cool and aromatic. It does tend to get crowded on weekends, so you may want to sneak over on a weekday. Also, they are only open until a half hour before sunset, which these days is getting earlier, so keep that in mind. If you’re not in need of a dip, it’s always nice to hike all the way around.

Concord Museum

If you haven’t already, you really should get over to the Concord Museum and see the Annie Leibovitz exhibit. It’s only here through Sept. 23, so time is winding down. Famous for her photos of famous people, Leibovitz has tried a new tack with landscapes, some of which were inspired by locations right here in Concord! For all the good details on times and prices, click here.

The Wayside

This sprawling building on Lexington Road, just down the street from Orchard House, has always intrigued me, and I have never stepped foot inside. That’s because it seems to have quirky hours, and I never happen by both when it’s open and I have time for a visit. But it does have more availability in the summer, so this is a great time to stop by and see where Louisa May Alcott spent several of her formative years, and where some of the events she wrote about in Little Women actually took place. It has a fascinating history, and if you do go see it, please tell me what it was like; it’s not looking like I’ll get there this summer, either.

Reading

Summer is for long stretches of reading books. If you haven’t had a chance to read that beach book, take a day and dedicate it to just lazing around reading. Find a nice spot, down by the river or on a bench in Great Meadows, or on the lawn of the library, and read until your eyes hurt.

Now that’s what summer is all about.

Do you have something you would like to share? Contact me at stefanieac@comcast.net and I will be happy to help you spread the good news. And follow me on Twitter: @stefanie3131.