Dwell360 Guide: Welcome to Brewster
A beautiful bayside town on the Cape, Brewster offers stunning beaches, shops, and restaurants that provide enjoyment for the whole family.
A Brief History
The Sauquantucker tribe are the original inhabitants of Brewster. In 1656, Brewster was settled as a parish town of Harwich. It separated from Harwich in 1693, and gained township status in 1803 - becoming Brewster. Its separation was due to tensions with the less wealthier part of Harwich in the south, and its name is in honor of Elder William Brewster, who was the first religious leader of the Pilgrims in Plymouth. He settled in the area in 1659. Around 1663, the first water powered grist mill in the US, the Stony Brook Grist Mill, was constructed. The town initially grew around this brook and mill. During the 17th century, the main source of wealth in Brewster (and greater Cape Cod) was agriculture, but by the 18th century, maritime trades such as fishing and trading clipper ships became the primary source of wealth. These trades created an abundance of rich sea captains, who constructed grand mansions in town. Since then Brewster has seen much growth and development into the town that it is today. However, historic landmarks such as the Stony Brook Grist Mill and the Crosby Mansion keep Brewster’s charm and historic touch.
Top 10 Things to Do in Brewster
Making sandcastles at Breakwater Beach.
Spinnaker: A recent but extremely popular Brewster restaurant, Spinnaker offers fine dining and gourmet Mediterranean cuisine. With a rotating menu that changes with what’s in season, you can pick from a fresh selection of foods, such as grilled octopus, roasted chicken “under a brick,” and more.
Breakwater Beach: With clean and soft sands, small crowds, and bay waters at a perfect temperature, Breakwater Beach is the perfect spot for a beach day. The kids will also enjoy tidepools that contain crabs and other small marine creatures.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History: With a multitude of exhibits, events, and conservation land, this museum provides tons of opportunities to learn about nature and its history on Cape Cod. It’s perfect (and educational!) for the whole family.
Guapo’s Tortilla Shack: Rumored to have the best fish tacos around, Guapo’s offers delicious Mexican cuisine. Aside from their famous fish tacos, they also offer various burritos, wings, and chips & guacamole.
Crosby Landing Beach: Perfect for families with young children, Crosby Landing Beach has warm shallow waters and plenty of tidepools during low tide. Hit the waters with a skimboard, get your tan on, or construct castles with the pristine sand.
The Crosby Mansion: Completed for Albert Crosby and his wife in 1888, the wondrous and sprawling Crosby Mansion (named Tawasentha in 1888) is a portal to a time of grandeur and fine craftsmanship. Take a visit to explore one of Brewster’s finest estates
Bayzo’s Pub: Bayzo’s Pub offers an authentic English tavern feel, and offers some tasty menu items along with it. Try out the stuffed mushrooms, or maybe the fish n’ chips, or perhaps a lobster calzone. You can also catch the latest sports on one of their many big flatscreens.
Nickerson State Park: Explore the ponds and hiking trails of Nickerson State Park, and maybe even hit the waters with a kayak. It’s the perfect place to spend a warm summer day and get outside with the family.
Kate’s Seafood: Serving up some great seafood (and ice cream too!), Kate's Seafood is sure to satisfy your seafood craving and your sweet tooth. From scallops to oysters to clam strips, you’re sure to find something to enjoy.
Stony Brook Grist Mill: As the only remaining structure of Brewster’s Factory Village (a village bustling with industrial activity in the 1800s), the Stony Brook Grist Mill is a treasure filled with history and authentic wonders. Observe artifacts and demonstrations, and bask in the natural beauty of the mill and surrounding nature.
Be sure to check out this historic Cape Cod town, and let us know of the place you visit!
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Sources
Candleberry Inn. Here Are the Most Interesting Facts About Brewster, MA, History. Retrieved from https://candleberryinn.com/brewster-ma-history/.
Captain Freeman Inn. 20 Interesting Historical Facts about Brewster. Retrieved from https://www.captainfreemaninn.com/2018/05/11/20-interesting-historical-facts-about-brewster-ma-captain-freeman-inn/.
Wikipedia. Brewster, MA. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brewster,_Massachusetts.
Tripadvisor. Beaches in Brewster. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g41476-Activities-c61-t52-Brewster_Cape_Cod_Massachusetts.html.
Candleberry Inn. 18 Best Restaurants in Brewster MA to Enjoy in 2021. Retrieved from https://candleberryinn.com/brewster-ma-restaurants/.
New England Today. Things to Do in Brewster, MA. Retrieved from https://newengland.com/today/travel/massachusetts/cape-cod/things-to-do-in-brewster-ma/.
Brewster by the Sea. Things to Do. Retrieved from https://brewsterbythesea.com/explore-cape-cod/.
Candleberry Inn. 3 of the Top Reasons to Visit Breakwater Beach in Brewster. Retrieved from https://candleberryinn.com/breakwater-beach-in-brewster/.
Cape Cod Day Trips. Crosby Landing Beach. Retrieved from https://capecoddaytrips.com/crosby-landing-beach/.
