Overrated New England Attractions: Plymouth Rock

Article and photo by Eric H.

Plymouth Rock, located in Plymouth, Mass., certainly doesn't "rock."

By far one of New England's most overrated attractions, Plymouth Rock proves that history doesn't always equate to education or entertainment value. With the year "1620" stamped on its side, you otherwise couldn't tell the difference between this rock and the one in your backyard that serves as an impediment to your otherwise fine landscaping.

Perhaps the nicest thing about Plymouth Rock is that it resides in a Greek temple-like structure -- nice to look at but also not worth getting your hopes up if traveling, say, 3,000 miles from California. It's sort of like the disappointment of the Griswold's in the 1983 movie "Vacation" when they traveled all that distance to find out that "Wally World" entertainment park was closed.

Although an important symbol in American history as the alleged landing site of the Pilgrims, you'd be much better off touring the wonderful Plimoth Plantation or the Mayflower II replica (located across from Plymouth Rock at the scenic 11-acre Pilgrim Memorial State Park at Plymouth Harbor) for a comprehensive, as-close-to-authentic experience on this remarkable period of history. Plymouth is, ultimately, an incredibly worthy New England travel destination with its coastal charm, wonderful downtown with a great variety shops and restaurants (many specializing in seafood) and all its history in the form of museums and other attractions -- but please don't get your hopes up about traveling to see a rock! Leaving no stone unturned is not always the way to travel, as evidenced here -- clearly, Plymouth has far better attractions.

By the way, the Pilgrims first stepped onto New World land in Provincetown, Mass., located at the tip of what is now known as Cape Cod!

Comments

Alyson | New England Living said…
I don't agree. I'm originally from California and when I first saw the rock, I thought it was pretty cool to imagine what had happened. I mean, I agree, it's not worth coming all the way to Plymouth just to see the rock; everyone should go to Plimouth Plantation and to the Mayflower II, but while you are there it is nice to take a look at the rock. I certainly didn't feel disappointed when I saw it.

That kind of history is what we studied on the west coast in school and it's such a strange thing to come out to the east coast and see all these things we've learned about for years. It's a thrill. Maybe native New Englanders just take it for granted.
August 17, 2009 at 12:28 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Good Eeeevening!: A Perspective on New Hampshire Meteorologist Al Kaprielian

Article by Eric H., at VisitingNewEngland.com Somewhere in the 1980s, my esteemed Arlington High School journalism teacher Len Tammaro tipped me off about a New Hampshire television weatherman that he called "Crazy Al Kaprielian." That night, I couldn't believe what I saw: this nerdy-looking guy with a high-pitched voice flailing his arms all over the weather map, contorting his face in every direction, and squealing, "Good Eeeevening!" and "HIGH PRESSURE!" (his future trademark phrases)." All that boundless energy and the myriad antics left the viewer laughing, yet enervated at the same time. In this world of slick, Ken and Barbie television meteorologists, Al Kaprielian has been the antidote to the standard, unctuous television personality. Twenty-five years later, Al is still going strong on MyTV New England with his unique style --perhaps validation that he really loves his job. No doubt, Al has always been an unconventional, unique-looking a...
Read more

Visiting My Grandmother Had That Antiques in Wrentham, Mass.

Image
My Grandmother Had That...Antiques  in Wrentham, Mass., is one of those "hidden gem" antique stores that is jam-packed with antiques, collectibles and other items from the past. Located in a charming, two-story old red barn at 446 South St. (Route 1A), My Grandmother Had That...Antiques certainly lives up to its name. You'll find furniture, lamps, desks, chairs, plant holders, fine China sets and just about everything your grandma had, and also didn't have -- like a web address, Facebook fan page or any hint on the Internet that this place exists! Unless you're a Wrentham native, one familiar with the antiques industry, have driven by the red barn on South St., or somebody that just reads maps of Wrentham all day, My Grandmother Had That...Antiques is as hard to find as the rarest antique. You won't even find the name, "My Grandmother Had That," on the building, just a sign that states "Antiques." The My Grandmother Had That name is on ...
Read more

Where To Live In Connecticut That Has A Small Town Feel?

Image
Noank, Conn. Editor's note: We recently received an email from one of our readers looking to possibly move to Connecticut. Here is her inquiry, followed by our response... Hi, my name is Courtney and I found your website completely truthful and helpful. I talked to my cousin who lives in the northern part of the east coast and she described exactly what you did! I am currently in Orange County, California, and don't like the "ingenuinity" (we're assuming the word is"disingenuous") and mindset of the people. I have found that Connecticut is a place with great weather and has a lot if cities with a small town feel. I was wondering if there was any way that you could help me specify my search in CT? I would like a city with a small town feel where your neighbors are sweet, but it still has a high quality of life. Essex and Stonington caught my eye, but I've never been so I can't say! Thank you for your time. Thank-you for your inquiry. We d...
Read more