Are you looking for something a little off the beaten path for your next visit to the Cape? Think about spending some time in Sandwich. This historic town has many delightful offerings to keep you entertained for a day.
Start your morning off by exploring the Heritage Museums and Gardens. The 100 acres of gardens are on the banks of the Shawme Pond, making it the largest public garden in Southern New England. There are plenty of trails and exhibits for you to explore, including the automobile gallery full of beautiful classic cars, including one of the first presidential cars, and the century-old carousel that is free to ride. The gardens are constantly in bloom, so be sure to take your time wandering through the grounds.
Once you have enjoyed the garden, stop by the Dexter Grist Mill. You can pop in for a tour of the historic mill, and for a unique souvenir you can pick up a bag of freshly ground cornmeal. Great for baking muffins and scones! The mill is a popular spot for photo sessions, so be sure to capture your own snapshots. For lunch, head across the street to the Dunbar House Restaurant and Tea Room, where you can sample a tasty afternoon tea. They have a variety of tea flavors to choose from, and the selection of sandwiches and pastries are absolutely delicious. After lunch head to the Hoxie House. This house museum is believed to be the oldest on Cape Cod and reflects what life was like on Cape Cod in the 17th century. Inside the home, you’ll find a variety of artifacts from the era in which it was built. You will be fascinated by the home’s unique features and interesting history!
Just down the street, be sure to stop at the Sandwich Glass Museum. There are hourly glass making presentations where you can watch the skillful glassblowers create delicate works of art. Stroll through the gallery and learn about the history of glass-making on the Cape. There are many historical displays, as well as contemporary creations to view. If you are visiting in the fall make sure you check their annual Pumpkin Fest and pick up one of a kind limited edition glass pumpkin.
Be sure not to leave town before taking a stroll down the Sandwich Boardwalk to Town Neck beach. The boardwalk goes over a river and marshes, and the planks are engraved with the names of donors who helped to rebuild the boardwalk after it was damaged in a storm. If you look down into the water at low tide, you can see all sorts of water creatures, and there is a variety of birdlife to watch as well.
To head back to Chatham, consider taking the scenic Kings Highway (Rt.6A) instead of the main highway (Rt.6). The trip time is a little longer, but you will drive by some lovely homes and there are dozens of shops to stop to browse. Beautiful fall colors, pumpkin patches, and fall festivals can be seen in the fall moths.
After a day in beautiful Sandwich, we invite you back to our Chatham downtown bed and breakfast for a cozy evening. Our luxurious rooms provide the ideal space to relax and unwind. Wake up to the aroma of delicious homemade breakfast before enjoying another fun day on Cape Cod! Book direct today and check our fall special offers and promotions!
