Our favorite spots to visit in Sandwich | Captain Freeman Inn

This car just made me smile during our recent visit to the beautiful Heritage museum and gardens. Can you just imagine sitting in that driver’s seat and going for a Sunday ride?

We frequently recommend our guests visit Sandwich for a perfect rainy day destination, as mentioned in a previous blog. There is so much to see and do in this quaint little town that was settled in 1637.  Our all time FAVORITE place to visit in Sandwich, whether it is rainy or sunny, is the Heritage Museum and Gardens.  Byron and I have been to the Heritage many times- usually during chamber events, as the museum has a wonderful space for catered events. This past weekend we decided to visit the gardens as we had an afternoon to ourselves and wanted to get some exercise. Here’s a little tour of our favorite spots-

This lily pond is one of the first highlights as you walk through the gardens. The path is paved with well marked signage guiding you around the over 100 acre property.

Byron and I are always looking for ideas for our gardens at the inn. We appreciated all of the signage around the park which marked all of the trees, bushes and perennial flowers.

Heritage is known for their rhododendrons and hydrangeas.

I especially enjoyed walking through this perennial garden and thinking about new plants I want to plant next spring.

Just love this photographer!

Made by Charles Looff in 1908, the antique hand-carved carousel is a great way to feel like a child again! Enjoy unlimited rides with admission.

We just loved this brick fountain…..hmmmmm….wouldn’t this look incredible beside our pool at the Captain Freeman Inn?

We saved the antique car exhibit for last. Oh my goodness- what a fantastic collection of American made cars. They are all in pristine condition and marked with information about the original cost compared to the average yearly income.

A show stopper. Can’t imagine driving a car around with these colors:(

Last but not least the museum now also has a wonderful Zip Line. We did not partake this time but would love to explore this fun activity for our next visit.

While visiting the Heritage Museum and Gardens is worthy of a trip to Sandwich all by itself, there are many other stops we like to recommend as noted below:

The Dunbar House Restaurant and Tea Room– looking for that perfect cup of tea and light lunch after your tour of Heritage? Look no further- this is a charming restaurant, tea room and tea gardens that offer daily lunch specials, afternoon tea, homemade pies, cakes and scones. They now are offering an expanded wine bar with Tapas. www.dunbarrestaurant.com

During our last visit to Sandwich we had an incredible dinner at the Fishermen’s View restaurant. It is a new business that is also a fish market. With beautiful views of the canal and Sandwich marina, this new restaurant offers a “boat to table” experience with some of the freshest seafood on the cape. www.fishermensview.com

The Cape Cod Canal is a wonderful spot to bike and walk with the Cape Cod Canal Visitor’s Center offering exhibits and information about the canal.

Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen is a great stop that celebrates  author and naturalist Thornton W Burgess with nature programs, trails, wildflower gardens and a working 1903 Jam Kitchen. www.thorntonburgess.org

Sandwich Glass Museum- this museum is internationally recognized for it’s display of beautiful glass hand blown by the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company between 1825 and 1888. Natural light pours through the spectacular colors as other exhibits describe how substantial Sandwich’s contributions were at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution.. The museum has over 6,000 pieces on display with daily glass blowing demonstrations. www.sandwich glass museum.org

Sandwich Village is also a great spot for your Cape Cod shopping. Some of our favorites include the Spotted Cod, the Snow Goose Shop and the Palette Gallery.

For a light lunch and afternoon cup of coffee or tea don’t miss the Cafe Chew and Coffeehouse.

After your busy day of exploring Sandwich, come back to your luxury room at the Captain Freeman and enjoy our afternoon tea which today includes a apricot tart with chocolate macaroons.

Yum…..

 

and be sure not to miss our spectacular Cape Cod sunsets!