A tourist spot that’s solid like a rock

June 09, 2010|Ron Driscoll, Globe Correspondent

The father tried to rein in his son, who was snapping numerous photos of Plymouth Rock.

“It’s just a rock,’’ said the dad, before catching himself. “It’s a lot of history, I know, but still. . . ’’

It has been called the cornerstone of the nation, and in 1835, Alexis de Tocqueville observed, “This rock has become an object of veneration in the United States.’’ Yet the iconic stone set in the sand under an imposing portico is merely a starting point for exploring “America’s Hometown.’’ Plymouth is an ideal getaway about 40 miles south of Boston on the Pilgrims Highway (commonly known as Route 3).

Stay

Plymouth offers inns and hotels on the harbor, but some visitors might prefer a bit of distance from the hubbub. Above the Bay at Thornton Adams House (73 Warren Ave., 888-747-9700, www.thorntonadams.com, $125-$275) is a couple of miles south of downtown with noteworthy harbor views. Auberge Gladstone guest house (8 Vernon St., 866-722-1890, www.aubergegladstone.com, $115-$150) is a stately Colonial built in 1848 that sits one block west of Plymouth Rock. White Swan Bed and Breakfast (146 Manomet Point Road, 508-224-3759, www.whiteswan.com, $120-$165) is a circa 1800 farmhouse that has been a B&B for roughly half of its existence and counts Gloria Swanson, Louis Brandeis, and Henry Cabot Lodge among its noteworthy guests of yesteryear. Pilgrim Sands on Long Beach (150 Warren Ave., 800-729-7263, www.pilgrimsands.com, $84-$195) is a hotel offering indoor and outdoor pools, plus a private beach south of downtown near Plimoth Plantation.

Dine

Start your day at Blue Blinds Bakery (7 North St., 508-747-0462, $2.50-$10, 6 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Saturdays) in a historic building with a floor-to-ceiling mural celebrating local history, offering organic and gluten-free baked goods, along with breakfast specials, soups, and sandwiches. Another good option for breakfast and lunch is Carmen’s Cafe Nicole (114 Water St., 508-747-4343, www.carmenscafenicole.net, breakfast $5-$10, lunch $6-$17), with seafood and vegetarian options on the waterfront. For dinner, East Bay Grille is a popular choice, for good reason (173 Water St., 508-746-9751, www.eastbaygrille.com, entrees $11.95-$29.95). Our party of six enjoyed seafood and beef fare along with generous desserts. Patrizia’s Italy Trattoria(170 Water St., 508-747-0015, www.patriziasitaly.com, entrees $12-$24) offers regional Italian fare prepared semplice — simply.

During the day

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