By Abigail Haines

The beautiful town of Brewster has all the charm you would expect from a small town on the Cape. Because of its location away from busy Route 6, Brewster is off the beaten path and filled with quaint, quiet charm. Bordered on the north by Cape Cod Bay, to the west by the town of Dennis and the east by the town of Orleans, it is the perfect destination for a relaxing, family-friendly, serene, and peaceful day trip or vacation.

Brewster was named in honor of Elder William Brewster, the religious leader of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony. First settled in 1656 as a parish of Harwich, Brewster separated from Harwich and officially incorporated in 1803. Brewster is known as “The Sea Captain’s Town” as it was a favorite home of prestigious sea captains in the 1800s. Many of the captains’ elegant homes built in the Victorian, Greek Revival, and American Colonial architecture styles still stand as a reminder of Brewster’s rich seafaring history. While some of the meticulously preserved homes are privately owned, several inns and bed & breakfasts allow guests to take a step back in time and experience the historic ambiance blended with today’s modern comforts and amenities. Learn more about Brewster’s fascinating past by exploring the historic buildings and interactive exhibitions at the Brewster Historical Society Museum, Stony Brook Grist Mill and Drummer Boy Park.

Brewster is home to miles of sandy beaches that are sure to be enjoyed by the whole family. Public saltwater beaches situated on Cape Cod Bay include Crosby Landing, Linnell Landing, Ellis Landing, Point of Rocks Landing, Breakwater Beach, Saint’s Landing, Robbins Hill Beach, and Paines Creek Beach. Mile-wide tidal sand flats – often referred to as the “Brewster Flats” – make Brewster beaches perfect for families. At low tide, children can wade in warm tidal pools and hunt for starfish, crabs, and periwinkles. While there are no life guards at the Brewster Bay Beaches, the small surf and calm waters make for a family-friendly and safe atmosphere, even at high tide.

For visitors who prefer fresh water, Brewster is home to Long Pond, the largest freshwater pond on Cape Cod. A lifeguard is on duty here from July 4th weekend through Labor Day weekend, seven days a week, from 9am-4pm. Long Pond is accessible from Crowell’s Bog Road, just off Route 124.

Parking permits are required for Brewster beaches from 9am-3pm daily, June 15th through September 3rd. Brewster beaches close at 10pm and beach fires are prohibited. Dogs are also prohibited on beaches between June 1st and October 1st. Portable toilets are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day at all Brewster beaches. Starting June 1st, beach parking permits may be purchased seven days a week at the rear entrance of the Brewster Town Office Building located at 2198 Main Street (Route 6A). The fee for non-residents is $15 per day, $50 per week and $125 for the season. Beach parking lots fill up quickly, so it is best to start beach days early!

If you are planning to catch your own dinner, Brewster offers many ways to do it! Freshwater fishing is popular at many Brewster ponds. Licenses, as well as bait and tackle, can be purchased at True Value Hardware, Route 6A in Brewster. Saltwater fishing permits can be obtained by calling 1-888-MRIP-411 or by visiting www.countmyfish.noaa.gov. Shell fishing permits are available at the Brewster Town Office Building, Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. The fee for a non-resident pass is $15 for one week and $100 for the year. If you prefer to leave the fishing to the professionals, Brewster’s fresh local seafood is abundant and can be purchased at one of many local fish markets and fine restaurants.

Looking for something to do away from the beach? Brewster is home to the renowned Nickerson State Park. The 1,900 acre park offers over 400 campsites, including yurt camping (Year-round Universal Recreation Tent). Biking and hiking trails provide scenic paths around beautiful kettle ponds and through pine and oak tree forests with direct access campsites and picnic areas. Located in the park is Cliff Pond, the second largest pond on Cape Cod, with crystal clear water, perfect for swimming. Nickerson State Park is another must-see for visitors to Cape Cod – campers and noncampers alike!

Brewster is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. You can learn to sail at Upper Mill Pond, take a horseback riding lesson, golf on prestigious courses with picturesque views and, of course, enjoy a beautiful day on your bike. The Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 22 mile paved bike path following a former railroad right-of-way from Dennis to Wellfleet, runs conveniently through Brewster. Free parking is available at Route 137 and Nickerson State Park in Brewster. The Nickerson State Park Network also contains 8 miles of dedicated bike trails directly accessible from the main Cape Cod Rail Trail. Forgot your bike? No problem. Bike rentals are available at in town bike shops.

Another favorite pastime for Brewster visitors is watching an afternoon baseball game. Catch the Brewster White Caps, a member of the Cape Cod Baseball League, at Stony Brook School located at 384 Underpass Road. On your way home, stop by The Brewster Store for penny candy and ice cream. Built in 1852, the building has been used as a church, post office and museum, as well as a general store that once sold linoleum flooring and insurance! The store now sells everything from fudge to oil lamps and many specialty items in between. If you’re looking for a sense of old Cape nostalgia, you’ll find it here.

Even on a rainy day, Brewster is a charming town with many things to do. The Cape Cod Natural History Museum, founded in 1954, is an interesting educational center for both children and adults. The building is surrounded by vast paths and trails through gardens, woodlands, and salt-marshes leading out to Cape Cod Bay. In addition to the permanent exhibitions which are sure to excite children (including a honey bee observation hive and aquarium with native aquatic species), adults will enjoy staff and volunteer guided educational tours of the property. The museum also frequently hosts talks and presentations.

The Brewster Ladies’ Library is an invaluable resource in the town of Brewster. In addition to providing beach reading material, computer access and Wi-Fi connectivity, the Ladies’ Library also functions as a cultural hub for the town by hosting lectures, concert series, and films free of charge.

On a leisurely drive down scenic Route 6A, you will encounter dozens of art galleries that showcase the unique styles of local artisans and offer an opportunity to take a memory of the Cape home with you. In addition to the accommodations provided by quaint rental cottages, historic inns, and bed & breakfasts, eclectic antique stores and bookstores also pop up at every turn in the road, capturing the distinctive spirit of entrepreneurship on the lower Cape. At the end of a fun shopping day, Route 6A has several delicious restaurants ranging from casual family fare to romantic gourmet dining. After dinner, Brewster’s nightlife boasts live music and shows at the Cape Rep Theatre at 3299 Main Street.

Whether your perfect day includes quiet family time at the beach, an active day of outdoor adventure, or a day of shopping with a gourmet meal, Brewster is the perfect vacation destination! •