Here Are 12 Hidden Gems To Uncover This Summer In Plymouth County, Massachusetts
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Beth
Author
One of the best parts about living in Massachusetts is the opportunity to explore all that the Bay State has to offer. You could easily devote an entire lifetime to uncovering little-known destinations, museums, restaurants, and landmarks. Today’s destination will allow us to do just that. Plymouth County makes an excellent place to visit year-round, yet summer proves to be the perfect season for adventure. Here are just 12 of many hidden gems you can uncover this summer when you visit Plymouth County.
If you’ve never experienced whale watching in Massachusetts, now’s the perfect time to plan your adventure. Led by expert naturalists, each boat excursion will allow passengers the once-in-a-lifetime experience of observing whales. The tour will take you to Cape Cod Bay and Stellwagen Bank, known for being important feeding grounds for many different species of whales.
The Middleborough Historical Museum, also known as the Tom Thumb Museum, is a collection of seven buildings along the historic Jackson Street. There is so much history to be explored in this area, including two mill houses that date back to the 1820s. The General Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren Exhibit showcase the history of Tom and his wife Lavinia, who were famous for their association with P.T. Barnum of Barnum & Bailey.
Your historic tour of Plymouth County continues as you travel to the Major John Bradford Homestead. The oldest part of the historic home dates all the way back to 1714 -- that’s over 300 years old! If you’re fascinated by historic architecture, this place is a must-see.
Located on Cedar Point, Scituate Lighthouse is included on the list of the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to its historic significance, it’s also one of the most scenic places in the state. The lighthouse was activated in 1811 and was made out of split granite blocks. In 1827, the lighthouse height was increased by 15 feet after sailors complained that the beacon wasn’t easily visible from a distance. Thanks to Community Preservation Act Funds, this special landmark has been well maintained so that visitors can admire its unique beauty.
Built in 1809 for sea captain William Hammatt, the Hedge House now serves as a historic house museum in Plymouth. It remains one of the area’s most exquisite examples of Federal period architecture, complete with octagonal rooms and a carriage house that’s still intact.
There’s something nostalgia-inducing about beautiful carousels, and that’s exactly what you’ll discover when you visit Wharf Avenue in Hull. Paragon Carousel was built in 1928 and is one of the only surviving four-wide carousels in Massachusetts. The carousel also stands as a testament to the Paragon Park Amusement Park, which no longer exists.
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The National Monument to the Forefathers is positively striking. In fact, it’s believed to be the largest solid granite monument in the entire country. This 81-foot tall monument stands in honor of the passengers of the Mayflower. And while this landmark seems built on a larger-than-life scale, it’s fascinating to remember that the original plans were for a 150-foot statue; that’s nearly as tall as the Statue of Liberty!
Growing and harvesting cranberries is an invaluable tradition in Plymouth County that has spanned generations of families. No visit to the region is complete without a trip to an authentic cranberry bog. The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association is dedicated to supporting local cranberry growers while also sharing this beloved tradition with visitors.
Have you ever dreamed of traveling back in time to the Renaissance period? Fortunately, here in Plymouth County, it’s nearly possible. King Richard’s Faire is the largest of its kind in all of New England. Taking place each fall, this fun-filled event takes place on 80-acres of wooded land. At the festival, you can look forward to experiencing all kinds of Renaissance-inspired entertainment, including food, art, games, music, dancing, puppets, and more.
Did you know that the Cape Cod Canal is the widest sea-level canal without locks in the entire world? The canal was originally built for expanding trade routes in 1914. Experiencing this marvel of engineering is a must. Whether you’re interested in a two-hour cruise, family cruise, or sunset cruise, you’ll love the opportunity to explore the surrounding scenery of the Cape Cod Canal.
Historic downtown Plymouth is a spectacular place to visit, and that’s especially true during the summer. Visit the See Plymouth Tourism Headquarters between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Fridays and you can look forward to live music to serenade your shopping and dining adventures.
So much exploring is bound to work up an appetite, and fortunately, Surfside Smokehouse Restaurant has just what you're looking for. In addition to a mouthwatering menu of local fare and beverages, this popular restaurant also boasts some truly stunning views of Plymouth Harbor. Not sure what to order? You can’t go wrong with the lobster quesadilla! It’s the perfect place to enjoy Plymouth County as the locals do while reflecting on your sight-seeing adventures.
Have you visited Plymouth County recently? What did you think of your experience there? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! For further inspiration, be sure to visit Plymouth County online or follow along on Facebook for exciting trip ideas and updates.
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Plymouth, MA, USA