What is there to do on Cape Cod in the Winter?
We have a lot of guests who will only visit Cape Cod in the winter and just as many who ask us what there is to do on the Cape during the cold months. 
The Cape is just as spectacular in the winter as it is the rest of the year, but for very different reasons. Gone are the large crowds and hustle and bustle but a quiet, peaceful and beautiful stretch of land remains. Prepare to be as busy or as relaxed as you wish…the winter on Cape Cod is one of the only seasons where you have that rare choice.
Hiking and Nature Walks
Some of the most beautiful hikes in New England are on Cape Cod and one of the absolute best is right here in Brewster at Nickerson State Park. The Cliff Pond Trail is a 3.2 mile loop which follows right alongside the pond, either walking right on the sand or on packed dirt. The hike takes you through forested land but never with the beautiful pond out of view. Cliff Pond is a 206 acre kettle pond and gets its name from the cliffs surrounding it.
Just around the corner from the inn is the Eddy Bay Trail. This mile long trail takes you through the woods, including a grove of huge holly trees and before you know you, you find yourself high on a bluff overlooking Cape Cod Bay. The view is beautiful and you can see all the way to Provincetown!
We have always loved the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail in South Wellfleet. It is a lovely walk through the woods adjacent to Marconi Beach. This is one of the few trails where you can hear the waves crashing off in the distance. The entire loop is 1.2 miles but the highlight is the middle stretch which is the actual swamp. With a boardwalk suspended over it, this mysterious walk takes you deep into the wooded swamp for an up close view.
The Cape Cod National Seashore is forty miles of beaches, hiking and biking trails, marshes, cranberry bogs and lighthouses. This protected land is one of Cape Cod’s well-known gems. With eleven hikes to choose from, there is one for every skill and interest level.
Winery and Brewery Tours
Who knew Cape Cod has so many wineries and breweries? Tours and tastings are a popular activity in the winter! Truro Vineyards in Truro is such a special spot with a wide selection. There are wine and spirit tastings (and a small menu of delicious snacks) inside or outside at your own private firepit with views of the vineyard in the distance.
First Crush Winery in Harwich boasts an array of award winning wines. Plan a tasting (paired with a delicious cheese plate!) and learn what makes this winery so different from others!
Hog Island Beer Company is located in Orleans and their motto “built by locals, brewed by locals, drunk by locals” says it all! Set up a tour and tasting and see what the locals are drinking….it will be worth the trip!
Cooking & Baking Classes
Taking a cooking or baking class is a great way to bring something unique home from a vacation…a new skill to use over and over! At pasta and cheese shop Fromage a Trois in West Dennis, after being part of hands on demonstrations, you will get your own ingredients and make your own pasta! So much fun for a date or with a bunch of friends!
Sweet tooth? Head over to Amie Bakery in Osterville. This award winning specialty bakery not only serves breakfast, lunch and endless sweets, but offers baking classes as well! Learn to make cakes, cookies, bread and more!
Spa & Winter Swimming
There are many options for great spas on Cape Cod. We love The Beach House Spa, right here in Brewster. But where can you have a massage or a facial beside a roaring fire? At The Captain Freeman Inn, our spa team offers in-room specialized facials and single or couples massages. Be sure to reserve a room with a fireplace for the ultimate in cozy, winter relaxation!
While at the inn, grab one of our warm, head to toe, hooded bathrobes and head out back to the pool. With the firepit roaring, slip into the heated pool. Especially in the cold weather, the warm salt water is unbelievably relaxing.
Dining Out
Much to the surprise of many, there are plenty of great restaurants that remain open throughout the winter on Cape Cod. A three minute walk from the inn, Spinnaker is an award winning restaurant with a decadent Mediterranean inspired menu. From starters to entrees to the dessert menu…and that wine list, you cannot go wrong. We are lucky to be so close to this amazing spot!
The Brewster Fish House is a cozy bistro located just down the street from the inn. Offering an eclectic menu of local seafood as well as other non-seafood items, this is a popular place among locals and visitors!
The Cape Sea Grille offers fine dining in a former sea captain’s mansion located in downtown Harwich Port. The large menu includes the freshest local ingredients, beautifully prepared.
Pate’s is located in Chatham and was completely redesigned and reimagined almost two years ago and it is amazing! With an enormous menu and excellent service, this is one of the hot spots on Cape Cod!
Stay at The Captain Freeman Inn
One of the few inns that remains open year-round, The Captain Freeman Inn is the epitome of luxury accommodations. 
Our boutique inn is breathtaking in any season, with winter being no exception. Ten exquisitely designed guest rooms, several with working fireplaces, deep soaker tubs, spa bathrooms, signature bathrobes, artisanal bath and body products, a daily three course gourmet breakfast and homemade afternoon sweets and treats, a getaway to the Captain Freeman Inn in the winter is like no other.
Check out our Quiet Season Dinner Package available all winter long.
