Brewster, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Brewster is west of Orleans, north of Harwich, and east of Dennis. One of the calmer towns in the Cape, Brewster was first settled in 1659 as part of Harwich before breaking off and incorporating in 1803. Sometimes called the "sea captain's town", many of its seaside inns were originally captains' mansions years and years ago. These inns contribute to another of Brewster's nicknames, the Wedding Capital of Cape Cod, because so many host Cape Cod destination weddings. Typical vacation rental prices here range from $125 per night to $1,550 per week for villas, and from $1,650 to $5,000 per week for homes. Brewster's slow-paced atmosphere makes for the perfect vacation site for couples, groups of friends, and families with older children. The town's small population, less than 8,500 residents, helps maintain a quaint and quiet setting. This is the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing beach getaway-guests can escape the loud distractions at home to enjoy any of these eight beaches: Breakwater, Crosby Landing, Ellis Landing, Paines Creek, Robbins Hill, Long Pond, Bog Road, and Upper Mill Pond. At low tide, beach-oriented vacationers can hike out for a mile into the saltwater Cape Cod Bay.

Those interested in learning about Brewster should drop by the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History which was founded over 50 years ago on an 80-acre section in Brewster's 300 acres of conserved land. A small fee allows access to exhibits, aquaria, interactive children-oriented displays, and miles of walking trails, and February is free admission month! Other exciting attractions include the Brewster Fire & History Museum, the Bassett Wild Animal Farm, Nickerson State Park, the calming shoreline of the Brewster Flats, and the corn-grinding Stony Brook Grist Mill and Museum. Annual events in Cape Cod's Brewster include Brewster in Bloom, the annual spring festival celebrating over 100,000 blooming daffodils and honored by golf tournaments, concerts, a flea market, a parade, and arts & crafts exhibits. The Brewster Town Band, yet another family favorite, plays outdoor concerts during the summer. Other concerts, art galleries, and exhibits occur throughout the year. Shopping in Brewster means antiques, jewelry, one-of-a-kind garden items, and candy. Everyday items like clothing and toys are available too, of course, but while you're here you should check out shops that don't exist outside the town limits! Brewster golf is highlighted at the Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club on Main Street. Another course, the Captain's Golf Course on Freeman's Way, is a 36-hole public facility open year round. Rental equipment, golf carts, and even a driving range are offered to golf enthusiasts. Brewster's equestrian centers cover everything from tourists' guided tours to natives' competitions. The Emerald Hollow Farm is open year round and leads groups of up to six guests through the Punkhorn Parklands. Woodsong Farm on Lund Farm Way has the Summer Day Horsemanship Program for five year olds through age 18, riding instruction courses, and competitions. Naturally, this Cape Cod Bay town has plenty of opportunities for both avid and beginner fishers. Sportfishing and charters-sometimes for shark fishing!-are available year round. Striped Bass and Bluefish are the most prominent fishing specialties in the area.