Plymouth has college town appeal, with charming shops, restaurants and bookstores. Plymouth State University was started as a "teacher's college," and remains a leader in education programs today. Plymouth State boasts a highly regarded meteorological sciences program, considered one of the best in the Eastern U.S. Beloved New Hampshire poet, Robert Frost was once a member of the faculty.

The town of Plymouth sits between the Lakes Region and the White Mountains on the Pemigewasset River. The town is easily accessed by Interstate 93, which travels directly to Boston to the South and the White Mountains to the North. Nearby is the hidden gem, Newfound Lake, one of the cleanest and deepest lakes in New Hampshire.

Until colonial times, Plymouth was an Abenaki Indian tribe settlement. It was burned down by British troops during Queen Anne's War in 1712. It was named "New Plymouth," as a reminder to potential settlers of the venerable Plymouth, Massachusetts.

The town square is bounded by fences created in 1861, and contains a brass fountain sculpted in 1933 in the form of a boy scout in a '30s uniform. The common itself resides in the Plymouth Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

Plymouth was the location of Daniel Webster's (the Perry Mason of his day) only loss of a criminal case. Webster, a conservative Massachusetts Statesman, negotiated the US border with Canada, and served as Secretary of State for three presidents. Author Nathaniel Hawthorne took his last breath in while vacationing in Plymouth with (then former) President Franklin Pierce.

Today the community has a rich cultural climate. The town enjoys both PSU's Silver Center for the Arts and the Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center as well as numerous collegiate sports events.

The Polar Caves, located off I-93 at exit 26, on Tenney Mountain Highway (Route 25) in nearby Rumney are a souvenir of the great glaciers that formed the White Mountains. The caves offer a big "wow factor" for children and adults. Wheelchairs and strollers are allowed in the zoo area, but most areas are accessible only on foot. Sturdy shoes (no sandals) are required, and the cool temperatures in the caverns suggest that visitors should bring a jacket or sweater.

Barking Brook Sled Dog Adventures offer something different for families and other adventurers. A three hour ride with happy, friendly dogs promises a lifetime of memories. They are located at 684 Bridgewater Hill Road, about four miles off I-93, exit 24.

Dining in the area includes the Six Burner Bistro at 13 Main Street, offers Asian-American fusion cuisine by the fireplace in an intimate atmosphere. The Lucky Dog Tavern & Grill on Main Street is a family-friendly grill with a separate bar area. Other options are available, as you might expect in a college town. The Italian Farmhouse restaurant, associated with the Common Man Spa offers a homey, upscale experience, and serves dinner only.

Lodging in the area includes the expected major chains near the university and I-93. The New Hampshire favorite, the Common Man group offers a hotel and spa at 231 Main Street, with high style and New England charm. For bed and breakfast fans, the Tea Rose Inn offers Victorian charm and elegance. For those seeking a more colonial feel, the Federal House Inn, just off I-93 at exit 26, offers luxurious rooms and lots of charming atmosphere.

Camping in the area includes Cogwood Acres Campground at 1983 River Road south of town and Plymouth Sands campground on Quincy Road north of town near Plymouth Municipal Airport.

For college students, their parents, and others, Plymouth has much to offer.