A Visitor’s Guide to The Cape Cod Town of Brewster.

Filed Under: Travel and Tourism

A Visitor’s Guide to The Cape Cod Town of Brewster.

Welcome to Brewster, Massachusetts! There is more to Cape Cod’s Town of Brewster than its famous Brewster Flats – the tidal phenomenon that creates mile-wide sandbars and tidal pools along all of its Cape Cod Bayside beaches.   When you are finished enjoying one of the eight gorgeous public beaches on Brewster’s Coastline, we urge you to check out everything else that Brewster has to offer.  Here are some of my favorite spots, that are fun to explore during all of the seasons!

If you are staying at Brewster By The Sea Inn, you are in the perfect location to visit and see Brewster’s charming blend of outdoor adventures, rich history, unique shopping experiences and delicious dining options.

Here’s your comprehensive guide to exploring Brewster:

Explore Brewster’s Outdoors.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History.  Begin your outdoor exploration at the Museum of Natural History, where you can discover fascinating exhibits and embark on the Trail to Wing Island.  This scenic trail brings you across marshes, through woods, and over dunes to ultimately land you on the beach with wide open stunning views of the Brewster Flats and beyond.

Nickerson State Park.  Nickerson State Park is 1900 acres, with 8 miles of roads, hiking trails and bike trails that connect to the Cape Cod Rail Trail.  There are eight fresh-water ponds, including Cliff Pond, which you can circumnavigate on a beautiful 3.5-mile trail.  Bring your swimsuit to jump in at one (or more) of the Pond’s sandy beaches offered along the way!

The Punkhorn Parklands.  The Punkhorns has over 800 acres to explore with wooded trails with views of lakes, ponds and marshes.  It is often less busy than other Brewster Trails, so offers a place for a peaceful walk and quiet contemplation.

Brewster Conservation Trust Trail Guide.  Pick up this trail guide during your stay at Brewster By The Sea Inn, and explore the 17 different paths and walks.

The Stony Brook Herring Run at the Gristmill.  While a treat to visit any time of year, it is renown throughout the Cape as the BEST place to witness the natural spectacle of the annual migration of Herring each Spring.

Golf at the Captains Golf Course.  Tee off amidst lush greenery at this public course, featuring two championship courses surrounded by scenic vistas.

Cape Cod Rail Trail – The Rail Trail Bike & Kayak Rental Shop.  Pick your spot to hop on the Rail Trail to bike, walk, run or rollerblade along a portion of this 25-mile paved pathway.   From Brewster you can bike all the way to the Cape Cod National Seashore, with opportunities to stop and explore Orleans along the way.  The Rail Trail Bike & Kayak shop on Underpass road has plenty of parking and bikes to rent!

Mini-Golf at Harbor Lights Mini Golf.  Enjoy a quick break from shopping, or spend an early evening at this hidden gem on Underpass Road.

How About Some History!  Brewster’s Got It!

Brewster Gristmill.  Did you know that Brewster is the location of the first Wool Mill in America??  Discover the rich milling history of Brewster dating back to 1633, where you can see the restored water-powered mill in action (please check for dates/times), and visit a small museum to learn about the country’s very first “Factory Village”.

The Crosby Mansion.  Built in 1888, the Crosby Mansion is a three-story, 35-room elegant example of Victorian architecture.  The mansion offers guided tours during certain times of the year, and tells the fascinating story of how the Albert Crosby built this beautiful mansion around his intact boyhood home, for his young, vibrant bride, Matilda.

Historic Windmill Village at Drummer Boy Park.   Walk through this manicured Town Park (with one of the few views of Cape Cod Bay along Route 6A) and visit original buildings from days gone-by – The Higgins Windmill, the Harris-Black one-room house, and the Hopkins Blacksmith Shop.  Great Photo-ops with beautiful historic buildings.

 

historic Windmill  in the summer

The Brewster General Store.  Experience the nostalgia of a bygone era at this beloved landmark at the “center” of Brewster.  There is something for Everyone!

The Elijah Cobb House.  This house, built in 1799 is a museum and home to the Brewster Historical Society.

First Parish Brewster Unitarian Universalist Church.   A Puritan church was initially located at this site in 1700, at the “center of town”.  This current building was built in 1834.  The graveyard behind the sanctuary is interesting to explore.

Hopkins House Bakery & Gift Shop.  This is an awesome bakery, and the building it is in has a very cool story – it was moved from Nantucket to Brewster in the 1800’s.

Brewster Ladies Library.  In 1852, 12 Brewster Ladies came together to create a town library.  In 1868, the quaint structure facing Main Street was built, with two comfortable parlors lined with bookshelves, each with a fireplace.  The library building has thoughtfully expanded over the years, and remains a wonderful place to visit.

And Some Unique Shopping!

There are quite a few independently owned one-of-a-kind shops here in Brewster.  Too numerous to go into too much detail about each, but please take the time to peruse the entire list to see if they spark your interest!

Lemon Tree Village Shops.  Explore the many offerings at one stop — The Cook Store, By-The-Bay Designs Gift Shop, The Woodwork Shop, The Village Toy Store, La Bodega, Brewster Sweets, and more!

Sonoma Wool Company.   Stop in the shop at 84 Underpass Road to Re-Discover the Wonders of Wool, and why every home should incorporate all-natural fibers.

Brewster Book Store.  There is nothing better than supporting your local independent bookstore.  Brewster has one of the best one’s around!

Handcraft House.  Find one-of-a-kind treasures at this shop which features Art and fine

gifts from talented artists and craft people.

Green Road Refill.  A unique spot for eco-friendly items!

Antiques, Vintage and Such:  Have fun, fun, fun treasure hunting at:

Wisteria Antiques 

Vintage Traders of Brewster

The Mews at Brewster Antiques

Wayne’s Antiques

Artists and Such:  This is the tip of the iceberg:

Preu Photography.   Fine art, scenic and nature photography featuring the beauty of Cape Cod.

Diane Heart Pottery.  Wheel thrown Porcelain and Raku Pottery by local artist Diane Heart.

Karen North Wells – Underground Art Gallery.  An award-winning artist and teacher, you’ll find something special at this gallery (and I’m not just talking about Karen!)

Stringe Gallery Art and Antiques

Tanzer Weaving Studio

And Of Course, Food!

Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters.  Locally roasted beans, artisanal coffee drinks and delectable pastries are available all day long.

The Peacemaker.  Enjoy hearty breakfast and lunch sandwiches made with locally sourced ingredients.

Spinnaker.   Make reservations way-in-advance for this popular, friendly, welcoming spot with a Husband-Wife ownership team and fabulous food.

Island Blue Crab.  Expansive menu that ranges from fresh, local seafood expertly prepared, to house-made pastas and globally inspired specialties.

Brewster Fish House.  A Contemporary bistro-style menu, known for its fresh seafood and creative dishes.

The Kitchen Café A full chef-inspired breakfast and lunchmenu made fresh with high-quality ingredients.  Quick service, consistency and convenience with a warm, pleasant ambiance.

Cobies Clam Shack. (Seasonal).   A Cape Cod tradition since 1948, serving fried clams and seafood, burgers, hotdogs, French fries and ice cream.

JT’s Seafood (Seasonal) JT’s is a modern version of the quintessential clam shacks and serves chowder, fried clams, lobster rolls, onion rings, burgers, hot dogs, fries and ice cream.

Eat Cake 4 Breakfast .  Cape Cod bakery with a French flair.

Hopkins House Bakery.   Delicious home-made muffins, scones, cookies, and bars.  They go quickly!

With its scenic beauty, rich history, eclectic shopping scene, and diverse dining options, Brewster offers something for every visitor.  Enjoy your stay and make unforgettable memories in our charming Cape Cod Town!