Plymouth and Plymouth Rock

You shouldn't go to Plymouth without seeing a piece of the rock! Perhaps Massachusetts' most famous boulder, this hunk of granite is the subject of centuries of legends.

It is contained within a stately granite portico, designed in the classical mode in 1920 by Boston architects McKim, Mead and White, who also designed the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. The pavilion is situated on the main boulevard which parallels the shoreline of Plymouth Harbor. With its floodlights and shining columns, the pavilion makes an excellent point of orientation as you stroll around downtown Plymouth.

The Rock Itself
Plymouth Rock actually is mostly buried in the sands of the beach, and a wrought iron floodgate in the pavilion allows the tides to ebb and flow. Don't expect a monumental stone; the rock is a few feet wide and less than 10 feet long. Plymouth Rock has been moved several times, losing part of its mass each time, and was also chipped away by tourists before its enclosure behind an iron fence. A nearby interpretive panel explains the history of the monument, with charming period photos of the harbor from the early part of the century. And, yes, according to legend, the Pilgrims actually stepped from the Mayflower onto this boulder.

The Town of Plymouth
Plymouth is a beautiful example of a New England seacoast village. It has a lively downtown, just two blocks from the waterfront. There is lots to see everywhere you look. The Town Information Center at the corner of Water Street and Memorial Drive is the perfect place to start your exploration of Plymouth. The helpful staff can give you up-to-the-minute reports on the daily schedules of local attractions, a great map of the area, discount coupons for some of the most popular things to do, and even reservations at one of the numerous small inns around town. The clean restrooms are an added bonus after a long ride.

A great way to start your journey is with a trolley tour of downtown, or an amphibious land/sea tour of the harborfront. Both provide an overview to the scores of museums and historic houses that fill the area. Contact the trolley tours at 508-747-3419 and the Water Wheels at 508-746-7779 for updated schedules and pricing.

After seeing the rock, stroll up North Street to the Plymouth Wax Museum and scope out the harbor views from this high vantage point. You can see how the natural lay of the land afforded the Pilgrims a safe haven from the Atlantic Ocean. Continue up North Street to Main Street, where you will find wonderful shops to stroll through, fabulous eateries and even more museums. We would suggest the Pilgrim Hall Museum as a must-see. Built in 1824, it is America's first public museum. It has perhaps the finest collection of Pilgrim artifacts in the world. With treasures such as Myles Standish's sword, original maps, and historic paintings, it offers a revealing glimpse into the trials and tribulations of the Pilgrims.

At this point, your choices only multiply. You could head south toward the Jenney Grist Mill, a recreation of America's first grist mill. If you make your way eastward back toward the harbor, you will be on Leyden Street, the oldest street in the United States, which leads to the beautiful Brewster Gardens. Due north will take you to the working harbor. Here, watch the fishermen bring in the daily catch, while feasting at one of the many casual seafood emporia along the wharf.

Other Attractions
Don't forget to plan your day to include some of the major visitor attractions in Plymouth. Plimoth Plantation is a re-creation of the original historic Pilgrim settlement, with costumed interpreters acting the parts of actual New World colonists. The Mayflower II, which is docked very close to Plymouth Rock, is a re-creation of the famous vessel. It also offers tours with sailors in period costume.

These and many other attractions make Plymouth a special place to visit, particularly during the month-long celebration of Thanksgiving.

By Brian Cacchiotti

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