No trip to Cape Cod is complete without some quality outdoor time. With seven beaches all bordering calm, scenic Cape Cod Bay, there are plenty of opportunities to get just that in Brewster.
What makes the beaches in this Cape community so unique are the Brewster Flats, a naturally reoccurring phenomenon that takes place during low tide, revealing sandbars and tidal pools extending nearly a mile into the bay, which are filled with an abundance of sea life. The flats are said to represent the widest such stretch in all of North America.
But the outdoor adventures don’t end there, thanks to Nickerson State Park, which sits on 1,900 acres of land that comprise eight miles of roads and hiking trails, more than 400 campsites, and eight miles of bike path that's connected to the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
Throw in Drummer Boy Park on Route 6A – the centerpiece is Old Higgin’s Farm Windmill, built in 1795 – and visitors have more than enough places to connect with nature. Throughout the summer, the park hosts family-friendly events, from live concerts to arts & crafts festivals, which add to the small-town New England-feel of the public property.
Nature and Recreation
Not only can you connect with nature in Brewster, but the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History can help you better understand it. Featuring two floors of exhibit space, the museum offers guests a chance to interact with animals and learn about the geology, biology and the environment through year-round workshops aimed at those young and old.
The museum abuts 300 acres of town-owned conservation land with nature trails that allow the public to explore the neighboring woodlands, salt marsh and shores of Cape Cod Bay. It’s a perfect setting for birders, which explains why the Cape Cod Bird Club holds its monthly meetings, from September through May, at the museum, focusing on topics that range from conservation to avian science.
Adding to the recreational opportunities in Brewster are two of the best golf courses in the region. With each hole named after a sea captain, Captains Golf Course maintains the Cape’s ties to its mariner history, all while shining a spotlight on the great golf opportunities that exist on this side of the canal. "Golf Digest" has named it one of the top 75 public golf courses in the country.
For a more upscale experience, the Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club has the unique distinction of being the only Nicklaus Design golf course on Cape Cod.
Dining Opportunities Abound
For non-golfers, there are plenty of reasons to visit Ocean Edge, which overlooks Cape Cod Bay and has three outdoor and two indoor pools, tennis courts, and provides bicycle, kayak and SUP rentals for its guests. New this year is the Beach House Spa, where patrons can expect to be pampered as they relax by the natural beauty of the nearby shore.
With a lively beach bar and three restaurants each with its own charm – Ocean Terrace, Linx Tavern and Bayzo’s Pub – Ocean Edge provides some of the Cape’s top dining experiences, all under one roof.
You can find a similar atmosphere of fine dining at Chillingsworth, a 300-year-old estate that sits on six acres of lush gardens. The estate’s greenhouse is home to Chill’s Bistro and Bar, for those who prefer more casual dining.
Visitors seeking traditional Cape Cod fare are in luck thanks to Kate’s Fried Seafood and Ice Cream. Its outdoor seating is a throwback to another era, providing patrons some time to relax while experiencing some of the best seafood served in the region.
Adding to Brewster’s foodie scene is Guapo’s, a Baja-style tortilla shack that brings a little Mexican flavor to this section of the Cape.
And don't forget a stop at Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters, a locally-owned coffee shop that makes its brews on-site. Throw in open mic nights and acoustic Sunday performances, and you have an atmosphere ideal for starting your day, ending it, or simply enjoying it.
Arts and Entertainment Scene
Thanks to the Cape Rep Theatre, situated in Nickerson State Park, art lovers of all ages can delight in a variety of stage offerings that include children’s shows in its outdoor theatre and more contemporary and classic plays in its air-conditioned indoor space.
Keepsakes of your time in Brewster can be found at Struna Galleries, which features the work of local painter and printmaker Timothy Jon Struna. With its artwork that uses Cape Cod sand, shells and other found objects unique to the region, smglassdesigns is another business owned by a Brewster artist whose work shines a light on the beauty of the area. And for those who prefer antiques, The MEWS at Brewster Antiques offers an array of country furniture, primitive art, and old-fashioned collectibles to add character to your home.
Blogger's Note: This is part of a series of "Road Trip" blogs spotlighting each of Cape Cod's distinctive towns and villages!