In some ways, this November might be an ideal time for a family visit to Plymouth, Massachusetts, where the Pilgrims touched down with high ideals but poor preparation 400 years ago.
This November, crowds are low but hotels and inns are open and eager to receive guests. Museums that tell the Pilgrims’ daring story – Plimoth Plantation, Pilgrim Hall Museum, and Mayflower II – are open. And, in 2020,. most of us are hyper-attuned to lessons of civic and American values.
It’s not all heavy stuff, though. Lodgings are offering deluxe services and many restaurants are open (see a full list of restaurants below).
But if you and your kids love high-flown and death-defying stories, places like the Mayflower II – a replica of the original ship recently returned from an extensive renovation — will harness your imaginations. Just 100 feet long, 25 feet wide, and once described as “a wooden bathtub with masts,” Mayflower carried 102 people for more than two months across the wild Atlantic. Half of the people who survived the passage died in the first year in the New World, but survivors worked to survive and actualize their principles for decades longer.
Lea Filson, executive director of Destination Plymouth, suggested a self-guided walking tour starting at Coles Hill, overlooking the Plymouth harbor and Plymouth Rock. On the hill is the statute of the Indian leader Massasoit, and the sarcophagus housing bones of the Pilgrims.
Other important places to see and feel the Pligrims’ story are the Plimoth Patuxet Museum (formerly Plimoth Plantation), where the Wampanoag Homesite is staffed by actual Wampanoag tribal members. Nearby, the 17th-Century English Village is a re-creation of the Pilgrims’ farming and maritime community. Moms and Dads: check out the Parents’ Guide.
Pilgrim Hall Museum shows artifacts owned by Pilgrims and tells their stories in painting, imagery and displays.
Events on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2020
“Pilgrim Progress” – this is a reenactment of the Pilgrims’ Sabbath procession to worship by costumed participants who stand in for the survivors of the winter of 1621. 10 a.m.
National Day of Mourning March and Ceremonies at Massasoit Statue– United American Indians of New England, organize the march, intended to appreciate Native American culture and to protest the treatment of American Indians. Noon.
Plymouth Area Restaurants Open Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2020
(Reservations STRONGLY suggested)
PLYMOUTH
Cabby Shack, www.cabbyshack.com, 508 746-5354
East Bay Grille, www.eastbaygrille.com, 508 746-9751
Mirbeau Inn & Spa, www.mirbeau.com, 877-647-2328. Thanksgiving Dinner reservations required. Noon – 5 p.m.
Plimoth Patuxet Museums, www.plimoth.org, 800-262-9356 ext. 8353
Sam Diego’s – www.samdiegos.com, (opens at 5:00 pm), 508 747-0048
Tavern on the Wharf, www.tavernonthewharf.com, 508 927-4961. Reservations recommended.
CAPE COD
Cape Codder Resort & Spa, Hyannis, www.capecodderresort.com, 508 568-2935
Hearth’n Kettle Thanksgiving Complete Dinner. Reservation suggested.
Dan’l Webster Inn, Sandwich, www.danlwebsterinn.com, 508 888-3622. Thanksgiving Dinner by reservation only.
