A sizable stretch of green, in the Cape Cod region, Nickerson State Park is a must visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Covering a massive 1,967 acres (796 hectares) this state-owned park is peppered with sandy soil, scrub pines and a number of kettle ponds that make it one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems in the area. Featuring numerous hiking trails, trek routes, campgrounds and fishing areas, this is also one of the hot-spots for outdoor activities and nature tours.
Although referred to as a bike trail, this paved path also welcomes walking, running, horseback riding and rollerblading. Built on an old railway bed, the scenic 25-mile (40-kilometer) trail takes you from Yarmouth to Dennis to Wellfleet via cranberry bogs, lakes and towns. Nickerson State Park, off Route 6A in Brewster, maintains the trail and is at the halfway point.
Provincetown, one of the most scenic towns on Cape Cod, is a treasure trove of culture, art, and history. The Pilgrims made their first New World landing here, and the historic Mayflower Compact was written and signed just off the coast. Later, an artists' colony began to flourish, attracting the intellectual elite and resulting in the establishment of many artistic and literary institutions. Today, Provincetown thrives as a cultural center and vacation destination and offers much in the way of leisure and exploration. Be it museums, historic landmarks, or the sun-dappled beaches that elevate its touristic appeal, plenty of memorable experiences await visitors. Also popular with the LGBTQ+ community, and with something new brewing each season, Provincetown makes for an exhilarating visit.
The Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 937 acres (379.19 hectares) of unblemished forest and scrubland. The sanctuary is home to hundreds of birds, mammals, reptiles, and plant life, making this place perfect for casual strolls amidst the beauty of nature, a bit of bird-watching, and photography. The Silver Spring Trail is a highlight of the sanctuary and should not be missed. The marvelous nature center displays numerous wildlife exhibits. This place is a wondrous green oasis amid Cape Cod's touristy bustle and deserves a visit.
Dennis is a beautiful town that has charming old buildings and landmarks as well as gorgeous beaches. Try to visit Dennis during the summer, when it hosts events almost every week. However, anytime you visit you can count on great shopping and restaurants. Take the time to stop by Antiques Center of Cape Cod.
Established in 1914 and centrally located on Commercial Street, this gallery displays a range of works spanning for more than a century. This is one of the premier art museums in the country, and includes a permanent collection of regional art. It also hosts juried shows, slide shows, special exhibitions, children's art classes, concerts and educational workshops. This is an excellent place to see the talents of both established and emerging artists in a town that has long been home to a thriving art colony.
The West Barnstable station can easily date its history back to the 1900s. The artifacts and exhibits of this place take you back in time as the building still has maintained all the original woodwork and furniture from when it was constructed in 1911. Other features include railroad tools, switchstands and a small motor car which was used for repairs by the maintenance men of that time. The ticketing office still has maintained some of the original equipment from that era. Many events and festivals are organized here celebrating and supporting the railroad history.
Benjamin Nye Homestead was built in 1678 and served as the residence of Benjamin Nye. The house was initially built in the shape of a saltbox and later renovated into a two storied structure in the 18th century. It is one of the oldest standing houses in the region and has on display 18th century furnishings and artifacts from the Victorian and Colonial period. They also have on display the entire genealogy of the Nye family and the building was registered under the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
Working from MacMillan Pier, Dolphin boasts one of the largest whale watching fleets on the East Coast; if no whales are sighted, all passengers receive a free ticket for a future excursion. Their ships are built specifically for whale watching in the utmost comfort. All instructions and signs come in five languages: English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese.
Although referred to as a bike trail, this paved path also welcomes walking, running, horseback riding and rollerblading. Built on an old railway bed, the scenic 25-mile (40-kilometer) trail takes you from Yarmouth to Dennis to Wellfleet via cranberry bogs, lakes and towns. Nickerson State Park, off Route 6A in Brewster, maintains the trail and is at the halfway point.
Get to know a bit of Chatham at The Atwood House & Museum. Set in the former 18th-century home of captain Joseph Atwood and his descendants for nearly five generations, it was acquired by the Chatham Historical Society in the year 1926 and has been a museum ever since. Explore its eleven exhibit sections such as the Joseph Atkins Nickerson Jr. Portrait Gallery to know about noted sea captains and local mariner history. For a glimpse of the fishing industry, head to the Fishing Gallery, or check out the Joseph C. Lincoln Gallery. The museum's grounds and outbuildings also offer interesting trivia into the history of the area.
A sizable stretch of green, in the Cape Cod region, Nickerson State Park is a must visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Covering a massive 1,967 acres (796 hectares) this state-owned park is peppered with sandy soil, scrub pines and a number of kettle ponds that make it one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems in the area. Featuring numerous hiking trails, trek routes, campgrounds and fishing areas, this is also one of the hot-spots for outdoor activities and nature tours.