There’s a lot to love about Plymouth Massachusetts. As “America’s Hometown,” it’s the site where the Pilgrims landed the Mayflower in 1620. That means it’s home to Plymouth Rock, the traditional spot where the Pilgrims hopped off the boat.
The historical stuff is incredible and worth a visit for sure. For us, visiting Plymouth is more about family and a great campground called Pinewood Lodge. If camping in the woods appeals to you, this place is ideal. We stayed here last year – and will again next year. My sister lives nearby and her significant other has a Camp at Pinewood.
Like usual, Other Half and I meandered the campground and took in the sights. Across from our campsite were several Yurts. Per Wikipedia, a traditional yurt is a portable, round tent covered with animal skins. These yurts were sans the animal skins, but cool just the same.
We hosted a cookout at the Big Rig and enjoyed the company of my sister, her beau, and his super cool Mom. His Mom is in her 80’s and is as sharp and with it as any of us. We had the pleasure of meeting her last year and look forward to spending time with her next year.
My sister had us over to her home for a seafood cookout. She prepared scallops and swordfish on the grill. YUM. Two of her longtime friends joined us. We look forward to seeing the guys every visit.
We also got to spend time with two of her grandsons and her daughter-in-law.
A highlight of our trip was the Mirbeau Oyster Dinner. My sister is the General Manager at Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Plymouth. Knowing her B-I-L, Other Half, is an oyster connoisseur she invited us to come along.
This was not your usual fancy sit-down dinner. This was an adventure that started with champagne and appetizers on a boat from the Plymouth waterfront. The first boat took us to rendezvous with a smaller boat.
As we waited for the tide to recede the rows of oyster cages became visible.
The smaller boat took us into the now shallow water. We disembarked and walked to the waiting tables set up on the flats. 
The Mirbeau Executive Chef, and his team, were busy preparing amazing entree after amazing entree – on an open fire – built on wet sand.
The meal started with shucked Plymouth Rock Oysters – Other Half’s favorite – followed by Grilled Plymouth Rock Oysters, and the most amazing chowder we’ve ever experienced. The food kept coming – Cast Iron Roasted Sea Scallops, carved tenderloin, Maine lobster and grilled vegies – all prepared on an open fire on wet sand.
And huge bowls of farm raised Mussels. We finished the feast with Strawberry Shortcake A La “Maison.” I happily set aside my Fitbit Frenzy for the day.
There was also no shortage of beverages available, served up by my sister.
After we were sufficiently stuffed, we spent some time learning about oyster farming. The young man whose farm we were enjoying explained the lifecycle and farming process of raising oysters. As Ohioan’s, we’re familiar with agriculture – aquaculture is a whole new thing.
After a day like this – we have a new appreciation of oysters and the farmers that raise them.
One more thing happened before the tide came in and we had to leave – a surprise engagement. The good news is she said YES!