Boutique Colonial-Themed Hotel near Plymouth Rock

Just a few blocks from the John Carver Inn & Spa, Plymouth Rock—emblazoned with the year 1620—marks the spot where the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower first landed. Heavily influenced by colonial history, the John Carver Inn & Spa is named after the Plymouth Colony’s first elected governor, and it resides atop the original Pilgrim settlement. Several historically significant monuments are within short walking distance of the boutique hotel, including Burial Hill cemetery and the Mayflower II, a full-scale replica of the Pilgrims’ ship.

Inside, the inn is decorated with a colonial theme that includes four-poster beds in some guest rooms, period pieces, and an oversize fireplace at the onsite Hearth ‘n Kettle Restaurant. There, under the supervision of an executive chef, the staff prepares fresh and made-from-scratch original recipes utilizing natural, organic, and locally-grown ingredients. Selections range from hearty soups and chowders to fresh, native seafood and traditional comfort foods such as chicken pot pie.

At the inn’s Pilgrim Cove Indoor Theme Pool, there’s a Mayflower-esque ship decked out with an 80-foot slide and a trickling waterfall. On an island in the middle of the pool, a jacuzzi perches atop a replica of Plymouth Rock. For a more subdued scene, head over to the onsite Beach Plum Spa, which takes its name from an indigenous New England shrub. The spa offers a full menu of services, including massages ($95+), body scrubs ($115+), manicures ($25+), and facials ($90+).

Plymouth, Massachusetts: Pre-Colonial History and Museums Along the Waterfront

As far as origin stories go, few can compete with the tiny village of Plymouth, Massachusetts. The fleet of Pilgrims who landed on its shores in 1620 eventually founded the New World’s first successful colony. Today, you can tour some of the carefully preserved, centuries-old buildings and monuments around Plymouth. Pop by the Jenney House Museum to sign up for a walking tour led by a local historian.

Around the corner, Burial Hill cemetery marks the final resting place of the colony’s earliest settlers, including William Bradford. The carefully manicured Brewster Gardens is just down the street from the cemetery. A walk through the park leads all the way to the waterfront, where you’ll find Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II, a full-scale replica of the Pilgrims’ ship.

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