Plymouth & Southern Massachusetts

Traveling in 2020 has gotten a bit more complicated due to COVID-19. We were disappointed to cancel plans for a European trip in September. After months in isolation we decided to take a trip to Plymouth, Massachusetts for mostly family reasons. However, we ended up fitting in some nice day trips and were excited to see the newly restored Mayflower sitting in Plymouth harbor. This year Plymouth is celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the Mayflower voyage across the Atlantic and the founding of Plymouth Colony. It's a four nation commemoration involving the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States and the Wampanoag Nation. Click here for the official website of the Plymouth 400 commemoration.

Plymouth county was created in 1685. As of the 2023, the population was 535,308 and it is the third largest county in Massachusetts by total area. It’s 434 square miles and includes about 42 towns and cities stretching from Hingham to Plymouth and south east to almost the Cape Cod Canal.

Plymouth Colony is one of the first American colonies (1620) preceded by only a few other colonies such as Roanoke (1585), Jamestown (1607), and St. Augustine (1565). The colonial architectural influence in Plymouth is present throughout the town. As I walked from my brothers house, which was built in 1860, down to Plymouth Harbor I wandered by a home that was built in approximately 1664. It’s hard to find buildings this old in the United States and I stopped to appreciate the significance and to think about what life might have been like during that time in the town.

• Plymouth is one of "The 25 Best Beach Towns in New England" - according to the "New England Today" site.
• Although local lore maintains the Plymouth Rock Monument is the very rock where the Pilgrims first set foot, facts suggest otherwise.
• As one of the first settlements in the country and the site of the first Thanksgiving feast, Plymouth is also known as America’s Hometown.
• The Pilgrim Hall Museum in Plymouth is the oldest continually operating public museum in the United States.
• The Mayflower first landed at the tip of Cape Cod, in what is now Provincetown, on November 9, 1620. The Pilgrims explored the area by small boat for some weeks before deciding the move the Mayflower to Plymouth Harbor in December 1620. The Pilgrims remained on the ship for the harsh winter, and in March 1621, they began living ashore, marking the beginning of Plymouth Colony.
• More than 250 miles of trails crisscross the Plymouth area — including the mile-long stroll through the Crowley Woodlands Preserve and the Pilgrim Trail that cuts through Brewster Gardens in downtown Plymouth.
• Plymouth is the largest town by land area in Massachusetts, covering 134 square miles, much of which is forested or coastal, giving it a blend of history and natural beauty.
• Burial Hill, one of the oldest cemeteries in the U.S., dates back to 1622 and holds the graves of several Pilgrims, including Governor William Bradford.
• Plymouth is recognized for holding the first Thanksgiving in 1621, a harvest feast shared between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. The town continues to celebrate the holiday annually with a parade and re-enactments.

Plymouth provides picturesque views on a clear day and the harbor is typically filled with boats of all types. On the northwest side of the bay, Gurnet Point is located at the end of the peninsula that juts out at the entrance to Plymouth Bay. On the southeast side of the bay, there is another peninsula that is about 5 miles long and provides additional protection to Plymouth harbor making it calm on most days. Long beach is located on that peninsula and those looking for a long walk away from the crowds might consider it. Dogs are allowed on leash.

Plymouth Rock is located at the harbor front along with the Mayflower when it is in port. The harbor front street, called Waterstreet, is lined with shops and restaurants. You can pick up your t-shirts, trinkets and homemade fudge in any number of stores. There is a walking path along the waterfront with benches and places to lounge that are perfect for eating ice cream or that homemade fudge that you just purchased.

Just beyond the Plymouth Rock area is a replica of the Mayflower ship that brought the Pilgrims to Massachusetts. When you visit the Mayflower II replica, you'll embark on a journey back to the 17th century, experiencing a tangible representation of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America in 1620. The Mayflower carried 102 passengers and a crew of approximately 30 when it embarked on its voyage to America - and you will be amazed at how little space there was for that number of people in the Mayflower interior.

The Mayflower II is a meticulously crafted, full-scale reproduction of the original ship. You'll be struck by its surprisingly small size (106 feet long and 25 feet wide), which truly emphasizes the challenging conditions faced by the 102 Pilgrims and crew during their 66-day transatlantic voyage. You'll observe its painted sloping sides and the high castle-like structures fore and aft, which gave rise to the term "foc'sle" (forecastle).

While I was in the Navy, I traversed the North Atlantic a number of times on the two ships I had been assigned to. One of those ships was considerably larger (470 feet) than the Mayflower and winter storm conditions would cause my ship to roll & bounce in ways that were frightening at times. I cannot begin to imagine what it must have felt like on a ship the size of the Mayflower!

Your tour will typically begin on the main deck. From there, you can descend a ladder to the 'tween deck (also known as the orlop deck). This is where the Pilgrims were crammed together in miserable, low-ceilinged, and dark conditions for their journey and for months afterward until shelters could be built ashore. While there are typically no reproduction artifacts or exhibits on this deck, the sheer emptiness and low height help you imagine the cramped quarters. You can also explore the foc'sle cabin and the enclosed steerage compartment aft on the main deck, where the helmsman stood and some officers berthed. Neither of these compartments is usually furnished, requiring you to use your imagination to picture a sailor's life. Finally, you can ascend a ladder to the half deck, where the ship's bell is located, and admire the complex rigging of the ship. From the half deck, you'll also get fine views of Plymouth Harbor.

One of the highlights of a visit to Mayflower II is the opportunity to interact with costumed role players. These interpreters, often speaking in a 17th-century dialect, portray Pilgrim passengers and crew members. They'll share personal accounts of shipboard life, offer insights into the motivations for the perilous journey, and answer your questions about the ship and the Pilgrims' experience. You may also encounter modern crew members of this still seaworthy vessel who can provide information about the ship's operation and maintenance.

Fun Fact: No Cows on the Mayflower? Yep — and Here's Why

While exploring the Mayflower II, it’s impossible not to be struck by how compact it is — just 106 feet long by 25 feet wide. Imagine cramming 102 passengers and about 30 crew members into that space for over two months. Now picture adding livestock to the mix — sounds chaotic, right? But here’s the surprise: the original Mayflower didn’t bring cows.

Despite the romantic notion of barnyard animals crossing the Atlantic with the Pilgrims, historians now agree that only a few animals made the initial voyage — some goats, sheep, a couple of dogs, and maybe a ship’s cat or two to manage mice. The first cows didn’t arrive until 1623, when the ships Anne and Little James brought additional settlers and essential supplies to the struggling colony. Only then did Plymouth Colony get its first dairy animals.

So if you’ve ever toured the Mayflower II and thought, “There’s no way a cow fit down here,” you’re absolutely right.

NOTE: It's important to note that as an authentic replica, the Mayflower II is not fully wheelchair accessible. People with mobility limitations may find it challenging to navigate the ship's ladders and confined spaces. However, the dock itself is accessible, allowing for views of the ship.

Plymouth is a historic and picturesque coastal area steeped in rich maritime heritage. Serving as a significant port since the 17th century, Plymouth Harbor is renowned for its role in American history, being the disembarkation point of the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower in 1620. Today, the harbor bustles with activity, offering a range of attractions and amenities for visitors. Tourists can explore the Plymouth Waterfront, lined with quaint shops, restaurants, and museums, or embark on scenic boat tours to discover the harbor's scenic beauty and wildlife. Plymouth Harbor is also home to the iconic Plymouth Rock, a symbol of American freedom and democracy. With its blend of historical significance and natural charm, Plymouth Harbor continues to captivate visitors from around the world, offering a memorable experience by the sea.

Ellisville Harbor State Park is a seaside park with paths down to the waterfront. If you take the dirt road to the park entrance you can follow the wide path down to the water’s edge. The paths are full of poison ivy so be careful. The beach is littered with driftwood and rocks but there is some sand so you can lay your blanket and spend some time. At low tide you can walk out and go exploring in the rocks and seaweed. Harbor seals swim just off the shore on most days. We rented a VRBO that overlooked the water and had views of the park. Check out the images of the house we stayed in and the stunning views.. Getting to the house was challenging due to the dirt road and large puddles (more like small ponds) but once we were there the views were incredible and we woke each morning to the sound of the seals barking and seagulls crooning.

There are a number of beautiful drives and day trips that you can take from Plymouth. Westport harbor is a small but picturesque harbor. Buzzards Bay Brewing has a Westport location located in the country.

Buzzards Bay Brewing is a craft beer haven, nestled in the scenic countryside of Westport. This brewery combines a passion for quality brewing with a commitment to environmental sustainability, creating a unique and welcoming experience for beer enthusiasts. Set amidst picturesque farmland, the brewery offers a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a variety of handcrafted beers, each a testament to the artistry and dedication of the brewers.

From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, Buzzards Bay Brewing's diverse selection caters to a range of palates. The rustic taproom and spacious outdoor areas provide the perfect backdrop for socializing, live music events, and food truck gatherings. This brewery not only celebrates the craft of beer-making but also embraces the natural beauty of its surroundings, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a delightful blend of flavor and ambiance in the heart of Massachusetts.

Falmouth and Woods Hole are also a short drive from Plymouth. Falmouth has a quaint downtown area with a number of shops and restaurants. Click here to visit a page with a list of all the shops & places that you can visit on Main Street.

Falmouth has a number of beaches and Woods Hole has a science aquarium that is worth a visit. You can take a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard from here or you can visit Nobska Point Lighthouse or bike along the shining sea parkway.

Cliff-side Viewing Platform

In our zeal to get to Wellfleet in time to meet my sister & her husband for lunch, we got there way too early and decided to drive up through Truro where we saw the sign for the National Seashore & Lighthouse. Since it seemed to be such a great way to spend some time, we parked and began our exploration. Unfortunately, the lighthouse was being renovated - but - we did discover an unusual fact about the lighthouse; it's original location (450 feet away) was much closer to the ocean, and was relocated when the Atlantic Ocean continued to cause the cliffs there to erode.

Want to learn more about our Lighthouse exploration? Check out our Cape Cod National Seashore Story here.