Tavern Cited Among Popular Sites by Tourism Board

Go down a narrow winding hallway at the Colonial Inn, hang a quick left and you'll be in one of the most appealing sites in the state, according to the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.

The state issued a list of the 1,000 places to visit, and among the half dozen or so places in Concord is the Village Forge Tavern at the Inn.

Restaurant Manager Michael Wharton said he was "kind of shocked" to be included along with the Old North Bridge, the Old Manse, and the graves of Thoreau and Emerson at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.

He saw the listing online.

But Wharton has a pretty good idea why the tavern made the list of attractions. The dimly lit dark wood bar with Revolutionary War-themed decor plays host to live music every week, and serves the dining room menu throughout the inn. He said bands play Wednesday through Sunday nights.

Sundays is open mike night, where patrons hear from musicians yet to become established; Thursday is for the locals, Wharton said.

"These guys are really good," he said of the tavern staff. Bartender Subas wiped down the curved thick wood bar with selected beer on tap.

"It's a great place to eat," Wharton said. "We are a great destination. It's like walking back in history."

"It has a homey feeling; a family atmosphere," he said. "We get a lot of locals, plus busloads of tourists, and they all walk away with a positive experience and good home-cooked food."

Subas said he has been behind the bar for eight years.

"Most people know me," he said with a big smile. "Thursdays the locals come in for a drink and music. Weekends you find outsiders."

To see a complete list of the 1,000 attractions, go to www.massvacation.com.