A seaside oasis in the midst of a tourist mecca- Plymouth, MA
Another “throwback” post from the old website, this trip highlights one of the most popular destinations in Massachusetts, Pilgrim Memorial State Park. This park is best known as the resting place for the enshrined Plymouth Rock.
winter in Plymouth Harbor
My last backyard road trip took us to Brewster Gardens in Plymouth, this follow up adventure is located literally across the street from the first journey and includes a landmark steeped in American mythology, Plymouth Rock.
trees at Pilgrim Memorial State Park
The Pilgrim Memorial State Park is the land bordering the harbor on Water Street and whose most famous landmarks include the aforementioned rock as well as the Mayflower II. Other features of historical note include the statue of William Bradford, who served as the Plymouth Colony’s Governor for much of its early years, off and on from 1621 to 1657, although he was more on than off. Despite the fact that the park is a stop on the charter bus itinerary which means it is full of tourists ogling for a selfie in front of the rock, the Mayflower or even the Bradford statue, the main focus of this trip is its natural beauty.
Plymouth Harbor sunset
The land which is now this state park was renovated for the tercentennial of Plymouth in 1920. Prior to the construction of the columned portico which enshrines Plymouth Rock, (designed by the famous architecture firm of McKim, Mead, and White), the rock was at ground level. While the knowledge of visitors today to the rock know of its lore and importance, for many years the rock was neglected, chipped away at and even dropped! Today’s rock is a mere pebble compared to its original size.
a view through the columns- Plymouth Rock
For me the park offers some of the best views in town. Walking along the waterfront, watching the boats meander in and out of the harbor brings a simple kind of joy and needed serenity. The view from the park is of the harbor and Long Beach, the peninsula at the horizon line. The wide expanse of grass is perfect for a picnic, to let kids run around or to visit the sites of the Pilgrim’s trail. Although not as drastic as in the woodlands, each season stamps its own indelible mark on the waterfront park. In the summer it is the site of weekly concerts featuring top notch regional performers, as well as a series of big band music and festivals throughout the season.
Pilgrim Memorial State Park
