The Pilgrims established the first permanent English settlement in New England when the Mayflower landed in Plymouth in 1620. Because of its role in American history, Plymouth County continues to be a popular destination. But Plymouth history is just the beginning of what you can discover in Plymouth County.

Plimoth Plantation www.plimoth.org is a re-creation of the Pilgrims’ English settlement in the early 1620s. Related sites include a Crafts Center, a Native Wampanoag Homesite, indoor exhibits and, at State Pier in Plymouth Harbor, Mayflower II. Also in Plymouth is Pilgrim Hall Museum, www.pilgrimhallmuseum.org the nation’s oldest public museum, wineries, numerous centuries-old historic houses, and a reconstructed 1636 grist mill.

A variety of free and guided walking tours are available daily on these quaint streets that make up America’s Hometown. Other area exhibits are Fuller Craft Museum, www.fullercraft.org Hull Lifesaving Museum, www.hulllifesaving.org Scituate Lighthouse and, on September and October weekends, King Richard’s Faire www.kingrichardsfaire.net where visitors (many in medieval costume) find themselves in a very realistic “Merry Olde England” with knights, jousters wenches and victuals fit for a king.

Plymouth County has a wealth of natural resources; State Parks, salt- and fresh-water beaches and scenic parks and marshlands. Deep-sea fishing excursions are available from a number of harbors. With 24 golf courses, some designed by the world’s finest course architects, the County is well known as a golfer’s destination.

Daily seasonal whale-watch cruises www.captjohn.com or daytrips to Cape Cod, narrated harbor and Canal tours blend well with contemporary art museums located in Cohasset, Marshfield, Duxbury www.artcomplex.org and Brockton. The South Shore Natural Science Center www.ssnsc.org in Norwell is an educational opportunity families and nature lovers will enjoy.

The South Shore www.brss.org is known for its scenic coastline, quaint villages, comfy B&Bs and impressive lighthouses. Visit museums that share the history of lifesaving or the Irish Mossing industry, www.scituatehistoricalsociety.org not to mention centuries-old homes that now offer seaside dining.

Cranberry Country not only takes you through the back roads of the cranberry industry and the influence it has had on Plymouth County but in the summer months families can enjoy Water Wizz www.waterwizz.com the water park featured in this summer’s blockbuster "The Way, Way Back" starring Steve Carell. Drive yourself through this colorful maze of country roads on a fine fall morning or make your way to cranberry farms www.flaxpondfarms.com and markets in Carver, Plympton www.mayflowercranberries.com and Wareham www.admakepeace.com for guided cranberry bog tours through the heart of where this truly-American berry grows.

Metro South, www.metrosouthchamber.com although alluding to its proximity to Boston (making it the perfect hub for exploring the area) is really quite a city in its own right. Known as the City of Champions due to its prize-fighting heroes like Rocky Marciano and

Marvelous Marvin Hagler, it also contains the only contemporary craft museum in New England www.fullercraft.org and other cultural venues. Brockton Rox professional baseball team plays at Campanelli Stadium spring & summer.

Plymouth, established in 1620 when the Pilgrims settled on this formerly-marshy shore, will forever be the stepping stone of today's America. Their story, and that of the Native People who befriended them, is told in colorful detail at museums, like Plimoth Plantation, Pilgrim Hall Museum www.pilgrimhallmuseum.org and historic houses like the 1667 Harlow House www.plymouthantiquariansociety.org . The footpaths, trails and streets of America’s Hometown continue to welcome newcomers as they did four centuries ago.

Plymouth County’s www.SeePlymouth.com doors are open for you to discover America's historic past as well as our vibrant present.