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The Top Five Thanksgiving Sites to See in Plymouth, MA

Travel Tips | Rayme Gorniak | November 15, 2024

Ready or not, Thanksgiving is sneaking up on us! It’s the perfect excuse to explore Thanksgiving sites in Plymouth, MA. As we gear up for crowded airports and full flights, let’s pause to reflect on the epic journey that sparked the original Thanksgiving.

Before the fourth Thursday of November became synonymous with turkey overload, football, and the Macy’s parade, it was a peaceful gathering between Native Americans and the Pilgrims who ventured from Europe.

Now, we all know the Pilgrims first found themselves in Provincetown, Massachusetts. They spent about five weeks in what they humorously deemed too fabulous (kidding, sort of) before setting sail for Plymouth Rock. Okay, we made up the fabulous part, but they did start in PTown before heading to what we now call Plymouth, Massachusetts.

If you’re planning a little pilgrimage to honor where Thanksgiving’s story began, here’s what to check out in Plymouth:

The Rock

While not the exact rock their ship bumped into, Plymouth Rock is still a must-see. Nestled in Cape Cody Bay, this rock is snugly housed in a Gothic shelter at Pilgrim State Park.

Plimoth Plantation

Time travel, anyone? This living museum of 17th-century Plymouth lets visitors step back to colonial days. With reenactments and storytelling, you’ll get a dual history lesson from both Native and Pilgrim perspectives.

Downtown Plymouth

Whether you’re hunting for Folk Art or craving New England bites, this vibrant hub has you covered. From pottery to candy, and wine to freshly-baked bread, there’s a souvenir for everyone. Our top pick? Sipping on a few local brews at Mayflower Brewing Company.

Cranberry Farm

Just a few miles out of town lies Mayflower Cranberries. With 23.5 acres of bogs, it’s a cranberry lover’s dream. Tour season might be sold out faster than you can say “cranberry sauce,” but there’s still plenty of cranberry-flavored goodies to snag for your Thanksgiving feast.

Mayflower II

Yes, there’s a replica of the ship that carried the Pilgrims across the Atlantic. Docked at the State Pier in Plymouth Center, this wooden vessel is as close as it gets to the real deal. It’s like the anti-cruise ship of today’s standards.