Visit with the Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away. So what better way to pay tribute to the day, then take a trip to Plymouth, Massachusetts and visit some of the famous sites and landmarks in the area.

The Pilgrims were escaping religious prosecution when they boarded the Mayflower and set sail to the New World. Their voyage across the Atlantic lasted 65 very long days. On December 21, 1620, the Pilgrims discovered Plymouth Harbor and the rest is history. One year later, the First Thanksgiving was celebrated.

Plymouth Rock:



Plymouth Rock is perhaps the most famous rock in America. Did the Pilgrims actually set foot on this exact rock when they landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts? Historians have never been able to find any reference to it in the Pilgrims’ writings. But, over time it has become known as the rock Pilgrims first stepped foot on. The rock you will see is only a fraction of its original size. Tourists once chipped off pieces of this patriotic rock for souvenirs!! Today, you can see the rock in all its glory at the Plymouth Rock State Park. The rock is enclosed in a monument, located at the wharf.

Mayflower II:
No trip to Plymouth would be complete without stepping aboard the Mayflower II. This is an excellent replica of the original 17th century ship, complete with oak timbers, horn lanterns, and hand colored 17th century maps. There were 102 pilgrims who sailed on a ship like this to America. While aboard, imagine being one of those Pilgrims, living in these cramped conditions for 65 days while battling ocean swells and stormy weather!! Strike up a conversation with one of the period sailors or pilgrims strolling along the ship’s deck. It is still 1620 to them. They will tell stories of crossing the Atlantic and making a life in this strange, new world.

Plimoth Plantation:



Would you like to go back in time and step into the world of the Pilgrims? Well, you can at this 1627 English Village. The village, filled with gardens, livestock, and timber houses, gives you a glimpse of what life was like in the 1600’s. You will encounter village residents, dressed just as if it was 1627. In fact, the village residents live as if it was 1627. As you look around, villagers may begin a conversation with you. Remember, they have no idea America won the Revolutionary War. To them, there are no cars or modern conveniences. These players do a fantastic job interacting with children and adults. Don’t be surprised if that ask you about those sneakers you are wearing. To them, something is wrong if you don’t wear black horn buckled shoes!!

Visit this website for more details on the attractions around the Plymouth area: www.plimoth.org