In a town as steeped in antiquity as Plymouth, Massachusetts, one should not be surprised to find a fair share of legends and old spirits lurking about. Native Americans lived on this land for thousands of years before the Pilgrims' arrival, and centuries of their respective descendants as well as new settlers to the area have left behind a trove of stories - some sad, some scandalous, some scary - of hauntings, hexes and history.

Here's something your fourth-grade teacher left out of the lecture on early American history: Plymouth is cool. Known worldwide as the landing point of the Mayflower, today's Plymouth boasts a burgeoning arts scene, a diverse population, and a community that welcomes visitors to "America's Hometown." Located 50 miles south of Boston, just above Cape Cod, its landscape runs the gamut from beaches to pristine forests to working farms. In addition to beautiful natural surroundings and a living link to the past, Plymouth has a surprisingly cosmopolitan flair.