Brewster, MA

1. Go camping in Nickerson State Park

At 1,900 acres, Nickerson State Park is the place to camp in Brewster. With over 400 campsites available, you’ll be sure to find exactly what you’re looking for.

There are open areas for both tents and RVs. If you want to camp, but are a little less adventurous, consider renting one of the onsite yurts. Of course, while camping (or just visiting the park), you’ll want to get involved with as many of the outdoor activities as you can find. In colder months, cross-country skiing is popular, but during the summer months, activities really shine with horseback riding, swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and boating.

3488 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631, Phone: 508-896-3491

2. Visit the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Museums are great ways to learn about the area while relaxing and taking in some peace and quiet. At the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, you’ll have the great opportunity to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities.

Along with indoor exhibits, educational programs, and tons of artifacts, you’ll be able to join talks, walks, and more in the 400-acre outdoor conservation space. Some of the exhibits you can look at include human habitation nearly 9,000 years ago in the area, honey bee habitats, biomimicry, birds, and Cape Cod erosion. Swing by the gift shop after your day of fun to purchase toys, books, jewelry, art, and more.

869 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631, Phone: 508-896-3867

3. If it's raining, head to Brewster Ladies’ Library

With a fun history, Brewster Ladies’ Library is a one-of-a-kind gem to history buffs and locals alike.

In 1853, twelve women founded the Ladies’ Library to fulfill the need for a town library. At the time, men could also take books out, but they had to pay a higher fee. However, over time, this library moved to a new building in 1868, added over time, and dropped the men’s fee requirement. In fact, the library still maintains the Ladies’ Library name but included the moniker “Your Community Library” to dispel any confusion. Today’s visitors will find books, DVDs, research resources, and e-books available to them.

1822 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631, Phone: 508-896-3913

4. See a show at the Cape Rep Theatre

With a popular place, like the Cape, it is no surprise that the arts play a big role, like with the Cape Rep Theatre.

With roots back to 1986, the Cape Rep Theatre group invites local and worldwide artists to join their stage productions to offer authentic and diverse shows.

There are typically four or five plays produced each theater season, and members also take part in the outreach program which includes classes for high school students and veterans, and reviews at nursing homes, senior centers, and libraries. Some previous shows include Mama Mia!, The Full Monty, and Shakespeare in Love.

3299 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631, Phone: 508-896-1888, Instagram

5. Visit Stony Brook Grist Mill and Museum

The Stony Brook Grist Mill is a treasured part of Brewster’s history.

Back in the 19th century the mill formed part of a thriving commercial community known as Factory Village. The mill was built in 1873, at the site of an earlier mill which was destroyed by fire. Back in the day, just about everything needed for day to day life was made in the Factory Village.

Today the Stony Brook Grist Mill is the only surviving structure from the once-thriving village. The mill has been fully restored and visitors can see it in action on summer weekends and buy some of the freshly ground cornmeal. The museum is located upstairs, where it displays various photographs of the original Factory Village and an assortment of early tools and artifacts.

Stony Brook Grist Mill and Museum, 830 Stony Brook Road, Brewster, MA 02631, 508 896 1734

6. Learn about history at Crosby Mansion

Built for the love of his life, Crosby Mansion was Albert Crosby’s testament to how much he loved his younger wife.

The Crosby Mansion is a museum and gallery all in one. It can be rented for weddings and other events, but visiting it requires some planning since there are only a few open house dates throughout the summer.

When visiting, you’ll be treated to seeing all three stories of the home, as well as the 15 fireplaces featuring imported tile. You’ll also get to see the Versailles-inspired parlor and Buckingham Palace entry. This home was the place of many parties, as Mrs. Crosby enjoyed entertaining, and you’ll see why on your visit.

163 Crosby Lane, Brewster, MA 02631, Phone: 508-896-1744

7. Pick up a treat at Eat Cake 4 Breakfast Bakery

A dream find for all those with a sweet tooth, the delightful Eat Cake 4 Breakfast Bakery will satisfy any sugary craving with their large variety of decadent treats.

The owner has a deep love of baking and is a French-trained pastry chef. In addition to a wonderful selection of authentic French pastries, the bakery also produces a large variety of traditional American cookies and pies.

They also make a range of irresistible individual desserts which are ideal for dinner parties or any other occasion. Savory indulgences include quiches, cheese Danish, ham and cheese croissants and smoked turkey croissants. Large individual cakes can be ordered for your special occasion.

Eat Cake 4 Breakfast, 26 Wampum Drive, Brewster, MA 02631, 508 896 4444

8. Have a meal at JT’s Seafood Restaurant

No visit to Cape Cod would be complete without enjoying a few clam shack seafood meals. At JT’s Seafood Restaurant you will find an updated version of the classic clam shack, serving the freshest locally sourced fish and seafood in the true clam shack tradition.

Lobster Rolls feature at the top of everyone’s wish-list and JT’s serve 4 different versions. In addition, you can order other Cape Cod favorites like succulent fried clams, hearty clam chowder and fried sea food platters to share.

They also serve burgers and meat dishes. After you have licked your plates clean it is time to round off your meal with one of their delicious ice creams.

JT’s Seafood Restaurant, 2689 Main Street, Route 6A, Brewster, MA 02631, 508 896 3355

9. Visit Sydenstricker Glass

Bill Sydenstricker was an artist with a unique glass-art design. He hand-carved stencils to use on clear glass. Once colored powders were stenciled in place, another layer of glass was added and kilned at over 1500 degrees to fuse the glass and powders together. This beautiful technique is still used at the Sydenstricker studio in Brewster.

While the art is still crafter downstairs in the workshop, visitors can check out the gallery upstairs and even purchase pieces to take home and admire. With several patterns and glassware styles, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from (including several Cape Cod-specific pieces).

490 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631, Phone: 508-385-3272