As the days grow shorter, the air grows crisper and Plymouth’s spectacular autumn scenery takes center stage. Late October is a great time to get outside, from quiet woodland trails and colorful cranberry bogs to windswept beaches and waterfront walks. Whether you’re looking for an invigorating hike, a leisurely stroll or a quiet spot to watch migrating birds, here are some ways to enjoy the season’s scenery.
Enjoy the solace of nature at Mass Audubon’s Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary, 60 Beaver Dam Road, where former cranberry bogs have been transformed into a 481-acre haven of wetlands, streams and wildlife. Once a working cranberry farm, Tidmarsh is now permanently protected, with cold-water streams, ponds, forests and woodlands. Explore 4.5 miles of trails, watch for migrating ducks and herons, or take advantage of an accessible trail designed for visitors with mobility limitations. For information go to: Mass Audubon.
Take a walk on the wild side at Ellisville Harbor State Park, 1861 State Road, where wooded trails, open meadows and salt marshes lead to a secluded shoreline. The approximately 99-acre park is part of the larger 600-acre Ellisville Harbor conservation area. It’s an ideal destination for a brisk autumn walk, ending at a sandy beach with sweeping views of the marsh and Cape Cod Bay. For information go to: Massachusetts State Parks.
For cyclists, why not pedal through the pines? Myles Standish State Forest offers 15 miles of paved bicycle routes through one of southeastern Massachusetts’ most distinctive landscapes. Pack a picnic, explore the kettle ponds and enjoy the changing colors. For more ambitious hikers, Plymouth’s 8 Ponds Pass offers a 15.22-mile route through conservation lands, preserves and Myles Standish State Forest. Look for yellow trail blazes and bring a map. For information go to: Town of Plymouth. For self-guided tours go to: Massachusetts DCR.
Rediscover Plymouth’s waterfront on the Sea to Shining Sea Trail. Start near Nelson Memorial Park and follow the paved Seaside Trail toward downtown Plymouth. Continue along the waterfront to Brewster Gardens, where the route follows historic Town Brook inland toward Billington Sea and Morton Park (also known as Town Brook Trial). Or head north along the Seaside Trail toward Cordage Park. The full route combines paved paths, sidewalks and woodland trails, so choose a short section or make an afternoon of it. For information and a trail map go to: Town of Plymouth.
Experience fall colors closer to town at Morton Park, 35 Summer St., a peaceful escape among towering pines, woodland paths and the waters of Billington Sea. Bring a camera and a picnic basket, enjoy a quiet walk or find a scenic spot to take in the changing leaves. For information and other trails in Plymouth go to: Plymouth Trail Information.
To explore Plymouth’s pine barrens, visit the Davis-Douglas Conservation Area, accessible from 675 Long Pond Road. Managed by Wildlands Trust, the conservation area features woodland trails winding through the region’s distinctive pitch pine and scrub oak habitat. For information go to: Wildlands Trust.
Bird-watch at Foothills Preserve, 85 Beaver Dam Road. This 126-acre former cranberry bog has been restored to wetlands, with approximately 1.5 miles of relatively flat trails, boardwalks and bridges. Bring binoculars and watch for ducks and other waterfowl gathering around the ponds. Located across from Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary, it’s another excellent place to experience Plymouth’s restored cranberry bog landscape. For information go to: Town of Plymouth.
Off the beaten path, explore Black Cat Preserve, approximately 167 Black Cat Road. Acquired by the town in 2016, the 63-acre preserve offers 2.5 miles of trails through woodlands and two reclaimed cranberry bogs. The terrain includes hills and a high ridge overlooking Briggs Reservoir, along with footbridges and scenic water views. Some sections are narrow and steep, so wear sturdy shoes. For information go to: Town of Plymouth.
Enjoy one more beach walk at Plymouth Beach, Long Beach or White Horse Beach, where the changing season brings a quieter atmosphere and expansive coastal views. Be sure to check access restrictions before visiting, since portions of the shoreline are protected wildlife habitat. For information go to: Plymouth Trail Information.
For more places to explore, consider Beaver Dam Conservation Area, Beaver Dam Preserve, Center Hill Preserve, Clear Pond Conservation Area, Comassakumkanit Preserve at Roxy Cahoon Road, Crawley Woodlands Preserve, David E. Alper Nature Preserve and Russell and Sawmill Ponds Conservation Area.
Pull on a light jacket, lace up your walking shoes and head outside. Plymouth’s autumn landscape is putting on a colorful show, and admission is free.
Submit your best fall colors photo to art@plymouthindependent.org.
Monday, Oct. 19
For Brad Pitt fans, “Heart of the Beast” is showing at Plimoth Cinema, 137 Warren Ave., through Oct. 22, at 4:30 and 7 p.m. in the Maxwell Theater. Pitt stars as Special Forces officer James Belmont, who survives a harrowing plane crash with his combat dog, Odin, only to find himself stranded in the Alaskan wilderness. Together, they battle the elements in a gripping survival thriller that explores the extraordinary bond between a man and his dog. The PG-13 film runs 1 hour, 41 minutes. For information go to: Plimoth Cinema.
“Sense and Sensibility” continues at Plimoth Cinema, in the Linn Theater, 137 Warren Ave. The new adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles as sisters navigating love, family and changing fortunes, with Caitríona Balfe, George MacKay and Fiona Shaw also in the cast. The PG-rated film runs through Oct. 29, and lasts 2 hours, 11 minutes. For tickets, showtimes and information, visit Plimoth Cinema.
Tuesday, Oct. 20
Tarot Readings at ThreeV Restaurant, 10 Cordage Park Circle, from 6 to 9 p.m. Guests can book personal tarot card readings while taking in the restaurant’s elaborate ThreeV Apothecary Halloween décor. “ThreeV Spooky Shop & Sip” is also at ThreeV Restaurant, from 6 to 9 p.m. For information go here.
Wednesday, Oct. 21
Ease into the season with the Fall Renewal & Reset: Creating Space for a New Season at Wildlands Trust, 675 Long Pond Road, from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Grace Junek leads the yoga series inside the barn, using the change of seasons as an opportunity to slow down and reset. For information go here.
That’s Life: Sinatra in 1966 is at Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., from 6 to 7 p.m. Pianist and vocalist Jay Daniels pays tribute to Frank Sinatra with selections from the albums “That’s Life” and “Strangers in the Night,” including “Summer Wind,” “All or Nothing at All” and “That’s Life.” The free concert is part of the Dr. Richard M. Shiff Forum. For information go here.
Revolutionary Plymouth: Plymouth’s 1749 Courthouse and the Revolution in the Courts is at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave., from 7 to 8 p.m. Stephen O’Neill explores the historic courthouse and its role as a setting for events that helped transform Plymouth residents from colonial subjects into citizens of a new nation. The program can be attended in person or online. For information go here.
For a real scare, check out one of the scariest movies of all time at Spire-Ween: “The Last Man on Earth” at the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 1/2 Court St., at 7 p.m. Vincent Price stars in the 1964 horror classic about the lone survivor of a plague that has turned the rest of humanity into the living dead. Tickets are $7. For information go here.
Thursday, Oct. 22
The Plymouth Farmers’ Market takes place on the front lawn of Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., from 2:30 to 6 p.m., with locally sourced seasonal produce, cheeses and prepared foods. Storytime is offered on the lawn at 4:30 p.m. For information go here.
Zoë Lewis performs as part of the Spire Lobby Series at the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 1/2 Court St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Known as a “band in a body,” Lewis mixes vagabond jazz, gypsy swing and world-beat grooves on piano, ukulele, guitar and other instruments. Tickets are $17. For information go here.
Friday, Oct. 23
“A Talent for Murder” opens at Plimoth Cinema, 137 Warren Ave., and runs through Oct. 29, at 4:30 and 7 p.m. in the Linn Theater. Helen Mirren stars as acclaimed mystery writer Patricia Highsmith in this suspenseful drama about a mysterious young publishing representative (Alden Ehrenreich) who travels from New York to Switzerland to persuade the reclusive author to write one final installment in her celebrated Ripley series. The R-rated film runs 1 hour, 46 minutes. For tickets or information go to: Plimoth Cinema.
Katy Nichole’s “Honest Conversations Tour” is at Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., at 7 p.m. The Nashville-based platinum-certified artist fearlessly grapples with her insecurities, stares down anxiety, and shares her dreams out loud. On her album “Honest Conversations” (Centricity Music), the songstress brings heart and humanity to the 21st century via song. The RIAA Dove Award-winning Christian artist will be joined by Emerson Day and special guest Cade Thompson. For information go here.
Saturday, Oct. 24
Household Hazardous Waste Collection is at the Plymouth Department of Public Works, 159 Camelot Drive, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Plymouth residents can dispose of household chemicals, automotive fluids, pesticides and other hazardous materials. The collection is free with proof of residency; advance registration is required. For details, visit the South Shore Recycling Cooperative.
Bring the kids to Fire Safety Day at Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet Plymouth firefighters and explore fire vehicles and equipment in the library parking lot. A special fire-safety-themed Saturday Stories program begins on the front lawn at 11 a.m. The free program may be canceled in case of rain. For information go here.
Celebrate Autumn at the Plymouth Harvest Festival on the Town Hall Green, 26 Court St., from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free family festival features mini-gourd painting, yard games, cider donuts and hot cider, a petting zoo, a traveling cranberry bog, live music and painted pumpkins from Plymouth Public Schools. The festival continues Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information go here.
The annual Haunted Hike to the Horses fundraiser for Black Feather Horse Rescue is back. Park and gather at IndieFerm brewery at 127 Camelot Drive from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Hike about a half mile through the haunted forest to Black Feather Horse Rescue to meet the rescues and see the oldest operating trout hatchery in the U.S. Snacks and drink are included. The trail is narrow and uneven in some places – so wear good walking shoes and be prepared for a scary good time! Tickets are $40 per person (children under 10 are free). To sign up go here.
Take a historic tour of Oak Grove Cemetery at 180 Summer St., from 1 to 2 p.m. Dr. Patrick Browne will lead a walking tour exploring the cemetery’s Victorian design, symbolism and history while visiting the graves of people from Plymouth’s past. Tickets are $10. For information go here.
The American Story in Song is at Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., from 3 to 4 p.m. The duo Sultana — Jon and Li Waterman — combines history, original music and a slideshow to explore American history and legends in a program created for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The program is free. For information go here.
Jeff Cohen’s 30th Annual Halloween Benefit is at Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The 21-plus event features live entertainment, DJ Gene, aerial performances and cash costume prizes, with multiple cash bars and light appetizers. A VIP hour begins at 6 p.m. for VIP ticket holders. For information go here.
Anthony Geraci with special guest Barrence Whitfield performs at the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 1/2 Court St. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Geraci is a two-time Blues Music Award winner and Grammy-nominated pianist who has spent more than four decades performing with artists including Ronnie Earl, Sugar Ray and the Bluetones and the Proven Ones. For information go here.
Sunday, Oct. 25
Plymouth Harvest Festival continues on the Town Hall Green, 26 Court St., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free family festival includes mini-gourd painting, yard games, cider donuts and hot cider, a petting zoo, a traveling cranberry bog, live music and painted pumpkins. For information go here.
If you are looking for a laugh, go to the Brunch and Comedy with John Perrotta at Alden Park, 160 Colony Place. Brunch runs from noon to 2 p.m., followed by live comedy hosted by Bob Giannini with Stephanie Griffith White, Mike Murray and headliner John Perrotta. For information go here.
The lecture “Rembrandt: Bohemian or Businessman, Romantic or Rebel?” is at Pilgrim Hall Museum, 75 Court St., from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Jane E. Choy-Thurlow presents a lecture examining the life and work of Rembrandt van Rijn. Tickets are $10, or $8 for museum members, and advance registration is recommended because seating is limited. For information go here.
Bring the family for a vamped-up scare with “A Magical Family Matinee: The Addams Family Screening” from 2 to 4 p.m. at Plimoth Cinema, 137 Warren Ave. Families are invited to celebrate Halloween with a screening of the delightfully spooky comedy “The Addams Family.” Come in costume and enjoy an afternoon with everyone’s favorite wonderfully weird family, complete with festive treat bags. Tickets start at $9.39. For tickets or information go to: Plimoth Cinema.
A local Plymouth Fundraiser – Allan’s Rockin’ Revival 2 – will take place at Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., from 2 to 6 p.m. An all-ages afternoon of live music features Vinyl Revival, Lars Chappell Trio, Traffic Jam, Carlin Tripp and special guests, with proceeds supporting Foundation 33’s work in suicide prevention and mental health. Tickets are $25 plus fees. For information go here.
Greg Piccolo and Heavy Juice will perform as part of the Sunday Serenades series at the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 1/2 Court St. Doors open at 2 p.m. and the show begins at 3 p.m. Veteran tenor saxophonist, singer and songwriter Greg Piccolo brings more than 60 years of performing experience to the Spire stage. For information go here.
Thursday, Oct. 29
Support music education in Plymouth with an evening of classic hits from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s at the Spire Music Academy Fundraiser at the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 1/2 Court St., at 6 p.m. The Pinehills’ six-piece ensemble Exit 7 Vinyl Revival will play vinyl hits from artists like Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, Elton John, and James Taylor to benefit the Spire Music Academy’s Tuition Assistance Fund. General admission is $20, payable by Venmo to @Exit7 (include the number of tickets), at www.spiremusicacademy.com or by check or cash at the door. Reservations are preferred.
Julia Marie Davis can be reached at julia@plymouthindependent.org.