Harwich
Villages: Harwich, Harwich Port, South Harwich, East Harwich, West Harwich
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The town of Harwich, originally known as Satuket, was settled around 1665 and incorporated in 1694. The first resort hotel opened in 1880 and both the cranberry and the tourist industries remain substantial parts of Harwich’s economy. With its three large protected harbors, Allen, Wychmere and Saquatucket harbors, all with access to Nantucket Sound, Harwich provides a perfect location for boaters. Beach goers will find plenty of sandy beaches, both on the warm Nantucket Sound waters and the many freshwater ponds peppered throughout the town. The largest freshwater pond on the Cape, Long Pond, is located between Harwich and Brewster and is 743 acres. Harwich also offers golf, charter fishing, and bike trails. Harwich is famous for its world class Cranberry Harvest Festival, which takes place every September. The festival features rides, arts and crafts booths, great food, a parade and a fantastic, don’t miss fireworks display on the final night.
Harwich Points of Interest
1 Brooks Academy and Park – Originally constructed as a Seminary in 1804, this building is now the Harwich Historical Society Museum. It features many fascinating regional Native American artifacts. These, along with Sandwich glass, vintage photos, documents and magazines, make the museum an important historic collection. Brooks Park, home of the Cape Baseball League’s Harwich Mariners, also hosts numerous town band concerts and craft fairs throughout the season. Both are located on Route 39.
2 Cranberry Bogs – For more than 127 years, Harwich has lead Southeastern Massachusetts in the harvesting of cranberries. Scattered throughout the town, these bogs are always a spectacle. In the winter, they flood over and are often used for ice-skating. In September the town celebrates this heritage with its annual Cranberry Harvest Festival. Events include parades, a craft fair, concerts and fireworks.
3 1812 Cannons – Guarding the outskirts of beautiful Brooks Park, these cannons were originally used in the War of 1812. Located on Route 39.
4 Harwich Junior Theatre – This playhouse holds professionally taught workshops in theatrics and music. Although its productions are geared towards children, they draw audiences of all ages. Located on Route 28 in West Harwich.
5 Old Powder House – Located across the street from Brooks Academy on Route 39, this munitions structure was moved from where it stored gunpowder for weaponry during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812.
6 Brooks Free Library – A walk through this library’s doors reveals objects d’art and bookcases of historical literature and documents. There are also regular rotating exhibits donated by the Friends of the Brooks Free Library. Located on Route 39.
7 Wychmere Harbor – Surrounded by marshlands and elegant drinking/dining establishments, this inlet moors boats of all varieties. A great place to view the windswept waters of Nantucket Sound. Located off Route 28.
Beaches-
Stickers are available at the Harwich Community Center, Ph# 508 432-7638 (in season).
- Red River Beach- One of the bigger beaches in town, with plenty of parking. Kids love to walk out on the jetties.
- Bank Street Beach- An “in town” beach. Fairly long walk down to the main beach.
- Pleasant Road Beach- Something of a secret, tucked into a West Harwich neighborhood.
- Grey Neck Beach
- Earle Road Beach
- Atlantic Street Beach
- Bucks Pond Beach- This fresh water beach is a great place to rinse the salt off after a day at an ocean beach, but be advised there are no restrooms or lifeguards. Swimming lessons taught here during the summer.
- Long Pond Beach- A great freshwater beach, also can launch a boat at the adjacent ramp.
Harwich Golf Courses:
Cranberry Valley Golf Course 508-430-7560
Harwich Port Golf Club 508-432—0250
Cape Cod National Golf Course 508-430-4465