Plymouth City Guide, Massachusetts:
Location: Plymouth is a coastal town situated in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, located approximately 40 miles southeast of Boston. It is located along the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay.
Establishment: Plymouth was established in 1620 by the Pilgrims, a group of English settlers who arrived aboard the Mayflower. It is one of the oldest towns in the United States.
History: Plymouth is best known as the landing site of the Pilgrims and the location of the first permanent English settlement in New England. The town played a significant role in early American history, and its harbor was a strategic location during the American Revolutionary War.
Population: As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Plymouth has a population of approximately 63,000 residents.
Attractions:
Plymouth Rock: The traditional site where the Pilgrims first set foot in the New World. Plimoth Patuxet (formerly Plimoth Plantation): A living history museum that recreates the 17th-century Pilgrim village and a Wampanoag homesite. Mayflower II: A replica of the original Mayflower ship that brought the Pilgrims to America, now a floating museum. Pilgrim Hall Museum: The oldest continuously operating public museum in the U.S., showcasing artifacts from the Pilgrims and early Plymouth history. National Monument to the Forefathers: A large granite monument dedicated to the Pilgrims and their ideals.
Events & Festivals: Plymouth Thanksgiving Parade: A popular annual event held in November, featuring historical reenactments, floats, and marching bands. Plymouth Waterfront Festival: A family-friendly event held in August, with live music, arts and crafts, and food vendors. Illuminate Thanksgiving: An annual event featuring a procession and various activities to celebrate the town’s history and the story of the Pilgrims.
Accommodation Alternatives – Where to Stay: Plymouth offers various accommodation options, including hotels, inns, and bed & breakfasts. Some popular choices include the John Carver Inn & Spa, Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor, and Pilgrim Sands on Long Beach.
Food & Dining – Where to Eat: Plymouth has a diverse culinary scene, with a focus on fresh seafood. Some popular restaurants include East Bay Grille (seafood and steaks), Wood’s Seafood (lobster and clam shack), and T-Bones Road House (barbecue and American fare).
Fun Facts:
Plymouth is often referred to as “America’s Hometown” due to its historical significance as the site of the Pilgrims’ landing. Plymouth Rock, a symbol of the Pilgrims’ arrival, is much smaller than most people imagine, measuring only about 4 feet by 3 feet. Myles Standish State Forest, located near Plymouth, is the largest publicly owned recreation area in Massachusetts, offering hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities.