Stony Brook Grist Mill

Historical Magic in Brewster

Being a history buff myself, I was thrilled when we moved to our charming town of Brewster many years ago, to see so many historical sites and homes, including our lovely inn that was built in 1866.
We were excited when the Brewster Historical Society asked us to be a part of their summer historic tours. Since Captain Freeman was a prominent sea captain in the late 1800’s, our inn was a perfect match for their Historic Sea Captain’s Tours. Check out a previous blog to learn about Captain William Freeman. He was quite a character, and we have fun sharing some comical stories about him during the tour.

Historical Societies Home in the Cobb House on Lower Road

The Brewster Historical Society has done a fantastic job renovating the Cobb House and now do tours to see the historic home as well as the many historical pieces they have gathered over the years, including a picture of the Undaunted Clipper Ship that Captain Freeman was captain of in the mid 1800’s.

Many historic pieces are included in the side building.

The Brewster Historical Society created our wonderful Brewster Farmer’s Market every Sunday in Drummer Boy Park and also maintains our Windmill Village, including the Higgins Farm Windmill circa 1795, the Harris-Black House circa 1795 and the Hopkins Blackstone Shop circa 1867.

Every part of their historical renovations has been top notch!

We love to recommend the many Cape Cod historical sites for our guests to visit during their stay at the Captain Freeman Inn. Our iconic peninsula is filled with museums, historic homes, lighthouses and so much more. Shown below are some of our favorites:

10 of the Best Historical Sites on Cape Cod

Museums and Cultural Centers

Sandwich Glass Museum, Sandwich

We love the historic town of Sandwich and have several things to recommend our guests see when they visit the oldest town on Cape Cod. (Heritage Museum, Titcombs Bookstore, Fishermen’s View Restaurant and the Dunbar Tea House) Top on the list is the Sandwich Glass Museum which collects, preserves, and interprets Sandwich history of American glass production.

The Sandwich Glass Museum has “Relit the Fires in Sandwich” with a glass furnace and new exhibits to better tell the story of the glass industry in Sandwich. While not being able to completely recreate that booming, smoking glass factory, visitors can watch the glassblower turn and twist the hot glass into wonderful forms, and visions of those former days will not be so difficult to understand or imagine.

Rail Road Museum, Chatham

For all those train enthusiasts this small museum in Chatham is not to be missed. It’s open in the summer months with only donations asked for admission. The Chatham Railroad Museum is located in the beautifully restored 1887 railroad depot that served Chatham residents and visitors for nearly fifty years. Featuring an architectural style called Railroad Gothic, the building contains hundreds of exhibits and the New York Central model locomotives used at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.

Cape Cod Maratime Museum, Hyannis

The museum is nestled at the head of Hyannis Harbor next to beautiful Aselton Park, and holds a unique collection of artifacts, models and fine art. learn the art of knot tying and the rich history of the Cape Cod Maritime Academy. In the center of the exhibit hall is a re-creation of Pete Culler’s wooden boat workshop. See tools that are used in the process of boat building and learn about the art of wooden model boats and the history of lightships as well as enjoy the largest private scrimshaw collection publicly displayed on Cape Cod.

John F. Kennedy Museum, Hyannis

When you visit the all-American town of Hyannis, you’ll find this patriotic community memorializing the presence of late President John F. Kennedy. Here, you can view the serene JFK Memorial that overlooks Lewis Bay and stroll through the surrounding landscaped gardens. Afterward, visit the JFK Hyannis Museum for an in-depth look into the private, public, and political life of this beloved Commander and Chief. You can also drive a short distance to the Kennedy Compound or venture down the Hyannis Kennedy Legacy Trail.

Historic Homes

Edward Gorey House, Yarmouth Port

A perfect place to visit during Halloween- the Edward Gorey House celebrates and preserves the life and works of Edward Gorey, an American author, illustrator, playwright, set and costume designer. In honor of his legacy, The House, owned and lived in by Gorey himself, displays his diverse and extraordinary talents and reflects his distinct personality. The House also honors Gorey’s passion and concern for animals, raising awareness about local and national animal welfare issues. As a dedicated commemoration to Gorey, the House strives to educate and inspire its visitors, offering a unique introduction to Edward Gorey, the artist and person.

Crosby Mansion, Brewster

The Crosby Mansion preserves the grand elegance and intricate craftsmanship of 19th-century Cape Cod. Located just a few minutes from the inn, this home was formerly known as “Tawasentha,” after Longfellow’s poem, “Song of Hiawatha.” Open for tours several times throughout the year, you’ll have the opportunity to explore all 35 rooms of this immaculate mansion overlooking the Bay! Check out a previous blog for more details.

Captain Bangs Hallet House, Yarmouth Port

The Captain Bangs Hallet House Museum is a 19th-century, historical sea captain’s home that’s been converted into a fascinating museum. Arranged as if the captain was just returning from his voyage to China, the house provides an intimate glimpse into the seafaring lifestyle of the past. During your visit, an expert guide will lead you through the home and tell stories about the captain’s heart-pumping adventures at sea.

Highfield Hall and Gardens, Falmouth

The story of Highfield Hall is endearing and a perfect example of what preservation and local town father forethought can accomplish. This home was built by the Beebe family of Boston in 1878, Highfield Hall was one of the early summer mansions to grace Cape Cod and is one of the few remaining examples of Stick-style Queen Anne architecture in the Northeast. Highfield Hall was originally surrounded by park-like gardens, carriage trails, and almost 700 acres of woodlands. The home was believed to have been designed by Boston architects Peabody and Stearns, while the landscape design created by Ernest Bowditch. Check out the following link for the detailed history. Their current mission of Highfield Hall & Gardens is to preserve Cape Cod’s preeminent historic estate by offering an engaging environment to experience the arts, explore nature, and appreciate history. It’s a wonderful place to convene with nature and learn about early Cape Cod history.

This beautiful historic home and garden is well worth the drive to Falmouth.

Winslow Crocker House, Yarmouth Port

For those into antiques, this historic home is not to be missed! The Winslow Crocker House, Built in 1780 this surprisingly elaborate home includes rich paneling in every room and is filled with an impressive collection of antique furniture. Learn about Mary Thacher’s ambitious relocating and remodeling. Miss Thacher’s impressive collection of furniture is a thorough survey of early American styles (Jacobean, William and Mary, Queen Anne, Chippendale) and is accented by colorful hooked rugs, ceramics, and pewter.

Monuments & Lighthouses

Pilgrim Monument

We always tell our guests to park at the Pilgrim Monument. Not only is it easy to know where your car is located:), the parking fee also includes entrance to the museum for one person. The Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Association built the Pilgrim Monument to honor the Pilgrims’ first landing in Provincetown. President Theodore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone in 1907. In 1910, President William Howard Taft dedicated the finished 252-foot tower. In 1910, the Cape’s first building built to house a museum opened at the base of the monument, to educate the public about Provincetown’s role in Pilgrim history and American history. Today, millions of visitors and generations of local residents have admired and climbed the 252 foot granite Pilgrim Monument for almost 100 years.

The views from the top are astounding and well worth the climb up.

Providing safe passage to ships entering water off the coast of the Cape, we have many historical lighthouses towering over our picturesque coastlines.

Here are some of our favorite lighthouses to visit and also check out a previous blog for how many lighthouses are on Cape Cod.

Chatham Light, Chatham

Nauset Light, Eastham

Three Sisters Lighthouse, Eastham

Bass River Light, West Dennis

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for the best place to stay for your seaside Cape Cod getaway, look no further then the Captain Freeman Inn. Our historic sea captain’s home is centrally located on the quiet side of the Cape, providing the perfect home base for exploring all of Cape Cod and Island’s historic sites.

Relax beside our beautiful salt water, solar heated pool, take a stroll down our country lane to witness the most spectacular sunsets and most importantly have a restful night sleep in our recently renovated historic inn. All of our rooms have central air and include luxurious artisan amenities including lavender and citrus bath products.

Our breakfasts are farm to table, served to you on our side porch. Check out our reviews on Trip Adviser and book your getaway at one of the best bed and breakfasts on Cape Cod.

If you are ready to book your stay, check our availability calendar today before we book up for fall, which is a wonderful time to visit as the waters are still warm, the crowds gone and the restaurant and museums still open.

Celebrating the wonderful history that is abound on Cape Cod!