The next stop on our Cape Cod road trip is Sandwich. This small town certainly holds a special place in my heart, and while it is a small town there is certainly (at least some) stuff to do, and certainly a lot to learn. I was very surprised at how much history there was in Sandwich. I honestly did not know much background about the town, but after doing my research there was a lot to find out. Today, Sandwich is a prime antiquer's dream town. It is filled with all different antique stores, each carrying all kinds of amazing finds. Besides that, there is not a lot that really goes on in the town of Sandwich. Now on to the history lesson of Sandwich, Massachusetts.
Sandwich is right at the base of the Cape, and one of the larger towns that all compile to make Cape Cod. It was incorporated in 1639, making Sandwich the oldest town on Cape Cod. Originally, Sandwich and Bourne were one town until they separated in 1884 and the eastern half of the land became Sandwich while the western half became the town of Bourne.
Before the English settlers came in, Sandwich was occupied by the Wampanoag tribe. But when English settlers from Plymouth traveled down, named the land after Sandwich, Kent, England and settled. Sandwich was an early Quaker site, and now hosts the oldest continuous Quaker meeting in the United States. Due to religious conflict, many Quakers moved away from Sandwich, but today prominent families in the town can still be traced back to their Quaker ancestors.
The early economy thrived off of fishing, trading and agriculture. In 1895, the Boston Sandwich Glass Factory was founded by Deming Jarvis. Here they made works out of lead-based glass. After the Civil War, the factory declined from cheeper competitors, and eventually shut its doors for good.
Sandwich is also home to Cape Cod Bay which is where the Cape Cod Canal starts. Sandwich is on The Old King's Highway, more commonly known as Route 6A. This highway is the scenic drive down Cape Cod. The highway has existed for hundreds of years and was used during the Revolutionary War. Since then it has, obviously, been paved over and makes for a great day trip to see Cape Cod in her entirety.
Now, on to the good stuff!
Things to do:
Heritage Museums and Gardens
There are so many sights to be seen between the beautiful
gardens, antique car collection, and vintage carousel.
Sandwich Glass Museum
Some of the best glass on Cape Cod is all collected in one location. They even offer glass blowing demonstrations.
Boardwalk Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Sandwich, it offers an amazing backdrop for pictures!
Hoxie House
The Hoxie House is the oldest house on Cape Cod, and if that doesn't spark a little bit of interest I don't think anything will.
Dexter Grist Mill
Sandwich's very own working mill that produces corn meal sold in town.
Sandy Neck Beach
Sandy Neck is arguably the most popular beach in Sandwich. There is a regular beach where you can sit and soak up the sun, or you can go to the drive on section and spend the day off roading getting together with friends.
Zipline and Aerial Adventure Park
This fun excursion is on the Heritage Garden's property, and is a ton of fun for the entire family.
Sandwich Fish Hatchery
Here kids can come, see and feed the fish native to Cape Cod waters at the hatchery.
Wing Fort House
The Wing Fort House is an amazing tour of a house that has been owned by the same family for over 300 years. History lives in every corner with the furnishing and they even say that it is haunted!
Places to eat:
Cafe Chew
This is one my favorite places on Cape Cod. Open for both
breakfast and lunch, and nothing on the menu is bad!
Daniel Webster Inn
If you’re looking for an upscale night out or a parent's date night the Daniel Webster Inn is the place to go.
Twin Acres Ice Cream Shoppe
This is an old school ice cream shop with at least 30 flavors and hundreds of combinations.
Sweet Caroline's Ice Cream
ICE CREAM NACHOS. That’s all you really need to know.
Marshland
Marshland is the All-American diner with everyone's favorite classics.
The Brown Jug
The Brown Jug is a bit more upscale place to enjoy a nice glass of wine, cheese, and a fresh brick oven pizza.
Seafood Sam's on the Canal
A Cape Cod Classic, nothing says summer like Seafood Sam's.
Amari
A piece of Boston's North End right off Route 6A. Amari is a great place to grab some fresh pasta made right in the North End on Cape.
Lambert's Farm Market
If you're looking for a cute and fresh farm stand Lambert's is your place. They make homemade soups and baked goods throughout the day, and they even have a deli in the back with fresh Sandwiches and salads.
I'll just leave you with this:
