Chad Hunter covers a lot of ground in his job. Make that water. As Plymouth’s harbormaster, Hunter’s domain is larger than you might think. It extends well beyond what’s visible from atop Coles Hill. Three miles out to sea from any land point in Plymouth and all its many ponds are within his jurisdiction. That’s […]
Author Archives: Peter Zheutlin - Independent Correspondent
Posted inCulture
What a difference a year makes
When I moved to Plymouth a little less than a year ago, the Independent asked me to write a series of columns. The charge was to explore the town from a newcomer’s perspective. From Buttermilk Bay in the town’s far southwest corner to Saquish, its most northeasterly point, I wandered through preserves and along paths, […]
Posted inBusiness
One man’s wish list for downtown and the waterfront
I’ve lived in Plymouth for just over nine months now and have taken quite a shine to my new town. It’s been full of pleasant surprises, and writing this column has encouraged me toexplore more than I might have otherwise. When I’ve had visitors from out of town they’re always surprised when I take them […]
Posted inCulture
Making a trek to Oliver Neck. (Yes, it’s in Plymouth.)
In 1928, Doubleday published “The Outermost House: A Year of Life on the Great Beach of Cape Cod,” by the naturalist Henry Beston. It became a classic of nature literature. Beston drew up the plans for a small beach cottage in 1925, intending to use it occasionally. He soon found he didn’t want to leave […]
Posted inCulture
A walk along the jetty offers a unique perspective
Watch your step. And don’t wear flip flops. Those are my two pieces of advice if you decide, as well you should, to walk the entire length of the Plymouth Harbor breakwater, informally known as “the Jetty.” On a magnificent day last week, I did just that with my cousin Emily, visiting from Orlando. It’s […]
Posted inCulture
From ice cream to onion rings: Savoring more summer food
In part one of this series about summer eats in Plymouth, I visited Gellar’s in Manomet, now in its 100th year of operation, and Bramhall’s Country Store in Chiltonville, now in its 198th season. By comparison, Ziggy’s on Water Street is a relative newcomer. It opened its doors in 1957. Ziggy’s forte is ice cream. […]
Posted inBusiness
Savoring the summer traditions of Gellar’s, Bramhall’s
Though I have too often had high-priced but excellent restaurant meals, when the bill comes I inevitably ask myself, “Was that really any more satisfying than a hot dog on a butter grilled bun with brown mustard, relish and onions?” I also have a soft spot for frappes, always mocha (coffee ice cream and chocolate […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Long Beach makes a terrible first impression, but give it a chance
If you never venture far from the entrance to Plymouth Long Beach (also known as Plymouth Beach or just Long Beach), and most people don’t, you might be forgiven for thinking it’s an utterly forgettable and ordinary stretch of shoreline. Long Beach, for those unfamiliar, is a narrow, three-mile spit of land that separates Plymouth […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Plymouth’s paths – both less taken and popular – reveal the town’s beauty
The second in a series of articles about Plymouth’s open spaces. When Lewis and Clark, at the behest of President Jefferson, left St. Louis in 1804 on their two-year journey to the Oregon coast and back they packed a lot of stuff, including 400 pounds of lead, three bushels of salt, 193 pounds of portable […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Into the great wide-open spaces of Plymouth
With the summer months upon us, my efforts to become acquainted with my new adopted hometown have turned increasingly to the outdoors. Plymouth has an abundance of riches when it comes to places to soak up the beauty of nature, appreciate the quietude, and decompress. I expect to follow this column with more that will, […]