Cape Cod Life, Annual 2017 | capecodlife.com

2017 Life Annual Guide: Lower Cape

Cape Cod Life  /  2017 Annual / , , ,

Writer: Cape Cod Life Publications / Photographer: Judith Keneman, Kathryn Scott, Mahara Ashlie, and Sandy Dimke 

2017 Life Annual Guide: Lower Cape

Cape Cod Life, Annual 2017 | capecodlife.com

Cape Cod Life  /  2017 Annual / , , ,

Writer: Cape Cod Life Publications / Photographer: Judith Keneman, Kathryn Scott, Mahara Ashlie, and Sandy Dimke 

Harwich

Pleasant Lake, West Harwich, East Harwich, Harwich Port, Harwich Center, North Harwich, South Harwich

Harwich Annual 2017 Cape Cod Life | capecodlife.com

Herring River by Sandy Dimke

Harwich is a community of numerous blessings. The town has seven villages, multiple swimmable ponds and lakes, three harbors, and two A-plus ice cream shops with the word “School” in their names.

The three harbors—Allen, Wychmere, and Saquatucket—each lead out to Nantucket Sound, and offer convenient inlets for boating and fishing. The scenery is fantastic too. Departing from Saquatucket Harbor, Monomoy Island Excursions leads cruises to the waters off Chatham to view lighthouses and seals.

For on-land exploration, the Cape Cod Rail Trail runs through town, en route from Dennis to Brewster, and is perfect for a walk or bike ride. One can also turn onto the Old Colony Rail Trail, which travels east to downtown Chatham. The Harwich Conservation Trust maintains multiple land parcels around town with walking trails of varying length, and the Cape Cod Lavender Farm at Weston Woods Road is an aromatic area to explore; visitors can wander the grounds and browse lavender soaps, candles, and other goods in the gift shop.

No visit to Harwich would be complete without a tour along Route 28. The roadway features a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Some of these include the Harwich Antique Center to browse relics and treasures from the past; Schoolhouse Ice Cream, which serves up generous helpings of Irish whiskey, mud pie, and other homemade creations; and Brax Landing, a restaurant known for its Sunday brunches and lobster rolls.

Other dining favorites in Harwich include Buca’s Tuscan Roadhouse, which boasts an impressive wine menu and a fresh Cape Cod take on Italian cuisine. The Wequassett Resort & Golf Club is always an impressive experience, whether you’re savoring cocktails by the pool, or fancier fare in the elegant Twenty-Eight Atlantic. Top off your meal with another cone—this time at Sundae School in Harwichport, which serves thick frappes, and sundae flavors including hot fudge, butterscotch, and fresh blueberry.

Other Harwich highlights? The Cape Cod Theatre Company performs regular family-friendly shows, and Dr. Gravity’s Kite Store & Emporium sells kites, skim boards, and other colorful creations for the beach.

Looking for a place to stay?

Relax in town, or lounge by the beach

Harwich, Annual 2017 Cape Cod Life | capecodlife.com

With two distinct properties to choose from, guests of the Winstead Inn & Beach Resort can relax in quaint but elegant settings either in Harwich Center or overlooking the beach in Harwich Port.

Open year round, the Winstead Village Inn offers 15 rooms and suites with nautical names such as the Mariner’s Hideaway and the Admiral’s Suite. Guests can relax in the seasonally heated outdoor pool or stroll to nearby Brooks Free Library or Whitehouse Field, home of the Cape Cod Baseball League’s Harwich Mariners. “We have so many people return to the inn year after year,” says general manager Doug Heywood. “We have seen the next generation of our guests grow up!”

Guests can also choose to stay at The Beach House, a cozy resort in Harwich Port with a private beach overlooking Nantucket Sound. There are 14 guest rooms, and a covered deck with rocking chairs and tables is just a step from the sand. A private shuttle is available to transport Village Inn guests to the beach.

Winstead Inn & Beach Resort

116 Parallel Street, Harwich

508-432-4444 • winsteadinn.com