By Mary Moran
Photography by P. L. O’Connell
When visiting the Cape, no matter what season, the town of Sandwich has something to offer for a day of fun that will excite the entire family. From the beaches to the museums, there are plenty of activities and learning experiences to explore in Sandwich. However, if you want to avoid the crowds we recommend staying in Falmouth (just 30 minutes away), and take a daytrip to Sandwich.
Waterfall at the Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich.
Heritage Museums and Gardens
Heritage Museums and Gardens is an excellent location to visit. There you will find numerous exhibitions ranging from meticulously maintained antique cars to a variety of artists’ collections, to aerial trails and zip-lines (new this year). In the gardens, there are one hundred acres of beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees that are unique to each season. Be sure to check out Heritage’s website to find lectures, workshops, and activities that are offered. There is something for everyone! Be sure to also check out the antique carousel that will have you reminiscing about a simpler and more carefree time. If you are bringing the kids, take them to Hidden Hollow. There they can explore the land and participate in exciting activities all while learning about nature and what it has to offer. Heritage Museums and Gardens is open year-round with ever changing offerings for learning science, enjoying beauty, and experiencing adventure.
Historic Sandwich Glass Museum on Your Daytrip to Sandwich
For a more historic view of Sandwich, take a trip to the Sandwich Glass Museum. In this museum you can learn about the unique history of the town and the important ways that the glass industry contributed to the local communities and nation. In addition to viewing beautiful, one of a kind 19th century glasswork, the museum offers a variety of exhibitions to view and even holds shows and events where one can watch the fine art of glass-blowing and sculpting created by local artisans. To remember this trip forever and the beautiful works of art you have admired in the museum, you can stop in at the gift shop and purchase some glass art for yourself or others (great gift idea)!
While in Sandwich, take a walk on the Boardwalk and enjoy the beauty and serenity that the ocean coast has to offer. Located at Town Beach, the Boardwalk is a 1,350 foot walkway right over and along the water’s edge. This walkway was destroyed in 1991 by Hurricane Bob, but the community rebuilt the beautiful boardwalk for people to enjoy for years to come. At the end of the walk, on a clear day, you can even see all the way to the tip of Provincetown, across Cape Cod Bay, Cape Cod’s most easterly town at the tip of the peninsula. When you aren’t soaking up this breath-taking view, be sure to explore the beach and check out the wildlife, including several endangered species of birds that thrive on the coastal land. Parking is available at the beach year-round and non-residents permits are available.
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Next time you are visiting us at at our Cape Cod bed and breakfast inn and are looking for something new or old to explore, be sure to take the pleasant day trip to historic Sandwich, Cape Cod’s oldest town. The staff, and Bill and Pat, at the Palmer House Inn are happy to answer any questions you may have about planning the day, just pop right in at the front desk!
Harriet Beecher Stowe room
Cape Cod’s Roosevelt Room, B
While all of our rooms have their own individual charm suitable for relaxation after the most wonderful day of adventures exploring Sandwich and Cape Cod, we recommend the Harriet Beecher Stowe room, the Theodore Roosevelt room or the Emily Dickinson room. These rooms feature comfortable king beds, fireplaces, jetted tubs and a relaxing stay before and after your day.