For a classic seaside getaway, look no further than Brewster. This charming, Lower Cape town features clean, beautiful beaches, quaint inns, and stately historic buildings that make for a relaxing vacation by the sea.
Originally settled in 1659 as part of Harwich, Brewster’s early history was dominated by maritime commerce. Wealthy sea captains settled in the area and built elegant homes, earning the town its nickname, “The Sea Captain’s Town.”
Today, Brewster is a town steeped in history. Stunning historic architecture is a huge draw for tourists, and many of the town’s quaint inns and B&Bs are located in restored homes that are centuries old, including the Old Sea Pines Inn, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Outdoor activities are another major attraction in Brewster. With its sheltered location on the inner shore of the Cape, Brewster’s ten public beaches are among the warmest and calmest in the region. During low tide, visitors can witness the extraordinary Brewster Flats, a phenomenon in which thousands of acres of sandbars are uncovered when the tide recedes. The town is also home to the Cape’s largest pond, Long Pond, which is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and picnicking.
The beginning and end of the season are great times to visit Brewster. The annual Brewster in Bloom festival, held in May, is a fun-filled celebration of spring, featuring concerts, family activities, a 5K race, and the highly-anticipated Brewster in Bloom Parade.
Brewster comes alive again during December’s Brewster for the Holidays, one of the Cape’s largest holiday celebrations. Normally held the first weekend in December, Brewster for the Holidays features dozens of family-friendly events, from breakfast with Santa and candy tastings to hayrides and festive exhibits.
Brewster Attractions:
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
Nickerson State Park
Cape Rep Theatre
Stony Brook Grist Mill and Museum
Crosby Mansion
Brewster Fun Facts:
The town of Brewster is named for William Brewster, who arrived on the Mayflower and was the first religious leader of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony.
Brewster’s nickname is “The Sea Captain’s Town” because of its rich seafaring history and elegant homes built by wealthy sea captains.
Brewster was originally part of neighboring Harwich. It officially separated in 1803.
The Brewster Flats are the widest expanse of tidal flats in North America, covering 12,000 acres for nearly 10 miles from Brewster to North Eastham.
The Dillingham House, built c. 1659, is one of the oldest buildings on Cape Cod and is one of the few remaining historic saltbox structures.
-- By Ettractions Digital Content Editor EMILY JARMOLOWICZ
Massachusetts: Boston
Other States: Connecticut Maine Massachusetts New Hampshire Rhode Island
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