Exploring Plymouth and Other Treasures of New England
In Plymouth, Massachusetts there is a rock with the date 1620 engraved upon it. As the story is told, when the first Pilgrims landed on America’s shores they stepped on this very stone and from then on it became known as Plymouth Rock.
The colony of Plymouth was founded by religious separatists from Holland and England who were believed to be headed for the Hudson Bay but settled where they landed in what would later become Massachusetts. Today, visitors to the area can see the Mayflower II, a replica of the infamous ship that ferried the 102 Pilgrims across the Atlantic to their new home. There’s also Plimoth Plantation. This 17th-Century English Village is a re-creation of the small farming and maritime community established by the Pilgrims along the shore of Plymouth Harbor. What’s really interesting is that the entire experience is set in an actual place and time in history -- 1627 to be exact. The plantation, or colony, is based on well-documented historical sources and shows what life was like during those few short years after the Pilgrims landed and before they began to venture beyond the walled town. Walk through the modest timber-framed houses with spartan replicas of objects the Pilgrims would have owned. Take a stroll out back to see the aromatic kitchen gardens and the heritage breeds of livestock. Stop to talk with the people you meet throughout the town, costumed role players who portray actual residents of Plymouth Colony. It’s a first-hand look at the inspiring, and often difficult, beginnings of our nation.
In addition to its historical significance, Plymouth is also a modern, South Shore town with incredible seaside views, whale watching and harvest tours. Enjoy a taste of the local cranberry wine or take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride. Enjoy a steaming cup of “chowda” at a local seafood shack or listen to the music of the gulls as you stroll along the seashore.
You can explore historic Plymouth for yourself on YMT Vacations’
Northeast Cruise & Tour and
Autumn Leaves Tour. Follow the freedom trail and see Paul Revere’s home and Boston Commons, or marvel at the palatial summer “cottages” of Newport, Rhode Island and the picturesque beach towns of Cape Cod. Gather a bushel of fall’s bounty at a local orchard or simply enjoy a leisurely drive down a back country road ablaze with the colors of fall. Whichever itinerary you choose, there’s no better season to explore New England and no better way to experience all the marvels of autumn than with YMT Vacations.
