Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
by the hilltop fort that protected the village and walk down the hill to the farm area,
visiting homes and gardens constructed with careful attention to historic detail.
Although the experience is a bit disorienting at first, talking to the “Pilgrims” is great
fun. They're actors who, in speech, dress, and manner, assume the personalities of
members of the original community. You can watch them framing a house, splitting
wood, shearing sheep, preserving foodstuffs, or cooking a pot of fish stew over an open
hearth, all as it was done in the 1600s and using only the tools and cookware avail-
able then. Sometimes you can join the activities—perhaps planting, harvesting, wit-
nessing a trial, or visiting a wedding party. Wear comfortable shoes, because you'll be
walking a lot.
The plantation is as accurate as research can make it. The planners combined
accounts of the original colony with archaeological research, old records, and the his-
tory written by the Pilgrims' leader, William Bradford (who often used the spelling
“Plimoth”). There are daily militia drills with matchlock muskets that are fired to
demonstrate the community's defense system. In fact, little defense was needed,
because the Native Americans were friendly. Local tribes included the Wampanoags,
who are represented near the village at a replica of a homesite (included in plantation
admission), where staff members show off native foodstuffs, agricultural practices, and
crafts.
At the main entrance are two modern buildings that house exhibits, a gift shop, a
bookstore, a cafeteria, and an auditorium where visitors can view a film produced by
the History Channel. There's also a picnic area. Call or surf ahead for information
about the numerous special events, lectures, tours, workshops, theme dinners, and
children's and family programs offered throughout the season.
137 Warren Ave. (Rte. 3).
&
508/746-1622.
www.plimoth.org. Admission (good for 2 consecutive days) $24 adults,
$22 seniors, $14 children 6-12. Plimoth Plantation and Mayflower IIadmission $28 adults, $25 seniors and students,
$18 children 6-12, $110 families (2 adults and up to 4 children 6-17; not available online). Free for children under
6. Apr-Nov daily 9am-5pm. Closed Dec-Mar. From Rte. 3, take Exit 4, Plimoth Plantation Hwy.
SHOPPING
Water Street,
along the harbor, boasts an inexhaustible supply of souvenir shops. A
less kitschy destination, just up the hill, is Route 3A, known as Court, Main, and War-
ren Street as it runs through town.
Lily's Apothecary,
6 Main St. extension, in the old
post office (
&
508/747-7546;
www.lilysapothecary.com), stocks a big-city-style selec-
tion of skin- and hair-care products for women and men. Closed Wednesday and Sun-
day.
Main Street Antiques,
46 Main St. (
&
508/747-8887
), is home to dozens of
dealers, and
Pilgrim's Progress,
13 Court St. (
&
508/746-6033;
www.pilgrims
progressclothing.com), carries stylish women's and men's clothing and accessories.
After a stop in
British Imports,
1 Court St. (
&
508/747-2972;
www.britishsupplies.
com), which attracts homesick Marmite fans from miles around, you'll be able to write
your own English food joke.
WHERE TO STAY
On busy summer weekends, it's not unusual for every room in town to sell out. Make
reservations well in advance. Whenever you travel, don't book a room without check-
ing for special packages and offers. Just about every establishment in town participates
in a
Destination Plymouth
(
&
800/USA-1620;
www.visit-plymouth.com) program
that piles on deals and discounts in an effort to turn day-trippers into overnight
guests.
