DESTINATION

Plymouth

Brewster Gardens on Water Street is the location of the Pilgrims' first gardens, which were called “meersteads.” At this park, Town Brook flows from Jenney Pond to Plymouth Harbor, and herring run each spring.

Celebrate America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration where the traditional began on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday before Thanksgiving. Colonial trade demonstrations, historic storytelling re-enactors, a Native American pavilion and a parade are highlights.

First Parish Meetinghouse, 19 Town Square, was built in 1899. The Arts and Crafts style sanctuary’s 20 stained glass windows and stenciling tell the story of the Pilgrims’ history and their values. Located beside the 1749 Courthouse on Leyden Street, it is a 5-minute walk from the brown stone church to Mayflower II and Plymouth Rock; phone (508) 747-1606.

The Plymouth Antiquarian Society offers guided tours of a few historic structures, including the Harlow Old Fort House . Located at 119 Sandwich St., it was built by Sgt. William Harlow in 1677. Displaying exhibits chronicling Colonial life, the house is accessible to visitors June through August; phone (508) 746-0012.

The Plymouth to Provincetown Fast Ferry, a 1-hour, 35-minute excursion, departs from State Pier May-September as part of the many Captain John Boat offerings; phone (508) 746-2643.

Visitor Centers

Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce 134 Court St. Plymouth, MA 02360. Phone:(508)830-1620

Waterfront Visitor Information Center 130 Water St. Plymouth, MA 02360. Phone:(508)747-7525

Self-guiding Tours

The Pilgrim Path features more than 20 sites. Brochures featuring a map of the path and descriptions of the sites are available from the information center.

Shopping

Main Street Antiques (46 Main St.) has more than 200 antique dealers. Featuring clapboard edifices and cobblestone walkways, Village Landing Marketplace (170 Water St.) contains specialty, craft and clothing shops. Off US 44, Colony Place (174 Colony Place Rd.) is a large open-air shopping center featuring such chains as Best Buy, Old Navy and Ulta. Located off SR 3 in nearby Kingston, the Kingston Collection (101 Kingston Collection Way) is an enclosed mall with a variety of national retailers, including Macy's. It also has outlets for Hollister and New York & Company. In addition to restaurants and retailers, Kingston Collection offers family fun including bowling, laser tag, movies and race cars as well as a massive play area.