The Lower Cape Quaint and quiet, the lower Cape is made up by the towns of Brewster, Harwich, Chatham, Orleans and Eastham. The Lower Cape also holds the distinction of being the gateway to the Cape Cod National Seashore, with miles of some of the best beaches in the world, including Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, which is consistently ranked as one of the top ten beaches worldwide. Known as the “sea captain’s town,” Brewster is located on the north side of Cape Cod. All of its saltwater beaches are located on Cape Cod Bay, known as the famous Brewster flats, where when the tide is “out,” you can walk out into the bay for at least a mile. Along Route 6A, the main thoroughfare, one can find remnants of its historic past from stately sea captain’s homes now converted to B&Bs or private residences. Brewster is also home to Nickerson State Park and the Punkhorn Parklands, providing miles of nature trails for the outdoor enthusiast. Famous for its Cranberry Festival, Harwich is located to the south of Brewster and all of its saltwater beaches are located along Nantucket Sound. Harwich is also home to some of the most beautiful harbors on Cape Cod, from Wychmere to Allen to Saquatucket, there are many deepwater ports to provide shelter from a storm in Harwich. There is even a ferry which leaves from Saquatucket Harbor to take visitors to Nantucket. The National Trust for Historic Preservation chose Chatham as a Distinctive Destination in 2007. Few places encompass the historic charm of this quaint “fishing village” by the sea. Chatham has shorelines along both Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic Ocean and is well-known for its Fish Pier from which commercial and recreational fishermen ply their trade. Chatham is home to a picture-perfect Main Street with village shops, world-class inns and wonderful restaurants which provide the perfect
vantage point to enjoy Chatham’s festive small-town parades on Independence Day and New Year’s Eve. Orleans is the hub of the Lower Cape, with a large downtown which hosts many fine restaurants, shops and services. From picturesque Rock Harbor on its north side to the peaceful shelter of Town Cove off the Atlantic on the south, Orleans has something for everyone. Take in a free Cape Cod Baseball League game and cheer on the Orleans Firebirds in Eldredge Park, or bring a blanket or beach chair to sit on the lawn and enjoy the Pops in the Park during the summer. Spend the day at world-famous Nauset Beach relaxing on the sand, or bring your kite to Skaket Beach along Cape Cod Bay. There is never a shortage of things to do in Orleans. Site of the first meeting between the Pilgrims and Nauset Indians at First Encounter Beach in 1620, Eastham also is home to the Salt Pond Visitor Center and gateway to the Cape Cod National Seashore. From the often photographed iconic Nauset Lighthouse with its bold red and white bands to the Colonial Windmill which still sits on the village green and plays host to many arts and craft shows throughout the summer season, Eastham is always ready with picture-perfect locations. Eastham’s Coast Guard Beach is one of the top ten beaches in the world according to Dr. Beach, and its Bay beaches are a favorite of those seeking warmer waters and walks on the flats at low tide.
Community Events Brewster June 12 Cape Cod Baseball League Opening Day – Brewster Whitecaps, capecodbaseball.org December 6-8 Brewster for the Holidays, brewsterfortheholidays.com
Harwich May 10 Toast of Harwich, Wychmere Beach Club, Harwich Port, harwichcc.com June 12 Cape Cod Baseball League Opening Day – Harwich Mariners, capecodbaseball.org September 7 Beach Day, Red River Beach September 14-15 Harwich Cranberry Festival, harwichcranberryfestival.org
Chatham June 12 Cape Cod Baseball League Opening Day – Chatham Anglers, capecodbaseball.org July 4 Chatham Fourth of July Parade, Main Street, chathaminfo.com December 6-8 Chatham Christmas Stroll, chathaminfo.com December 8 17th Annual Chatham Historic Inn Tour, chathaminfo.com December 31 First Night Chatham, firstnightchatham.com
Orleans June 12 Cape Cod Baseball League Opening Day – Orleans Firebirds, capecodbaseball.org July 4 Orleans Annual 4th of July Parade, Eldredge Park Way Nov 30-Dec 31 A Seaside Christmas in Orleans, christmasinorleans.com
Eastham May 12-October 18 Tours at Nauset Lighthouse, nausetlight.org June 15-16 Hands on the Arts Festival, Windmill Green September 6-8 Windmill Weekend Rock Harbor, Orleans
CAPE COD | The Lower Cape
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