Life Annual Guide 2016

Brewster: 2016 town profile

Cape Cod Life  /  2016 Annual / , , , , ,

Writer: Caitlyn McGuire / Photographer: Judith Keneman 

Brewster: 2016 town profile

Life Annual Guide 2016

Cape Cod Life  /  2016 Annual / , , , , ,

Writer: Caitlyn McGuire / Photographer: Judith Keneman 

JudithKeneman_PainesCreek_Brewster_Seascapes

Photography Judith Keneman • Paine’s Creek

Named for Elder William Brewster, a Mayflower passenger and one of the Pilgrim’s first religious leaders, the town of Brewster is a mecca for nature lovers and outdoor explorers.

For starters, locals and visitors flock to Nickerson State Park, a 1,900-acre camping area that offers hundreds of campsites, and eight miles of trails through wooded areas and along glacier-formed kettle ponds. A great option for bikers and walkers is the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which cuts through the park and features 22 miles of paved trails from Dennis to Wellfleet. Nearby, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History always has fascinating exhibits on bees, birds and other wildlife—as well as a peaceful salt marsh trail.

Brewster is also blessed with a bevy of great beaches overlooking Cape Cod Bay. Breakwater and Paine’s Creek Beach are cozy spots to take in a sunrise, while Crosby Landing Beach is within walking distance from the state park and features a nature trail and boardwalk. At most of these beaches, Brewster’s famous tidal flats stretch out for quite a distance at low tide, creating opportunities for wading and exploring tidal pools.

Stonybrook copy

Stony Brook Grist Mill

Down the road, another attractive scene is the Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club. Featuring the spectacular Nickerson Mansion—a Brewster landmark—Ocean Edge offers top-notch accommodations and dining options. Great restaurants in town include The Brewster Fish House—a must-stop for lunch, dinner and calamari. Want something sweet? Try the Hopkins House Bakery on Main Street, a laidback eatery that serves tasty scones, strawberry muffins and more, baked fresh every day. Why not pick up a few and savor them down the road on the relaxing grounds surrounding the Stony Brook Grist Mill.

Finally, no Brewster visit is complete without a stop at the Brewster General Store. The historic structure on Route 6A, which once was a church and has also served as a post office, offers a large variety of snacks and souvenirs to remember your stay, from postcards and puzzles, to Christmas ornaments and coffee mugs.