Day Trip to Historic Sandwich Village from Woods Hole, nearby Sandwich MA lodging
Ever drive a distance for a scone? You will for fresh blueberry or ginger ones from the Brown Jug Café in Sandwich, MA on Cape Cod. Although the memory of the scone with a dark roast coffee on the café’s secluded patio persuaded me to make the trip, Sandwich has other treasures that will satisfy your curiosity just as well as the scone will satisfy your hunger. Sandwich is a short jaunt from the Woods Hole Inn, which is your perfect solution for Sandwich MA lodging.
A five minute walk from the Brown Jug are two marvelous Sandwich MA historical sites: the Hoxie House and the Dexter Grist Mill. The Hoxie House is one of the oldest surviving houses in Massachusetts, dating back to 1675. Perched atop a knoll overlooking the Shawne Lake, the traditional saltbox house preserves the ambiance of a bygone era with massive open fireplaces, leaded windows, and wide-planked “windfall” floors. I almost expected Mr. Smith (the first owner) or Mr. Hoxie to walk in as the tour guides set the scene of the time. The guides’ enthusiasm was contagious and I left both amused and better informed about the history of the time.
The bubbling brook from Shawne Lake feeds the wooden water mill at the Grist Mill, and, although most of the mill machinery is not original, it is true to 18th century New England technology. The rushing water and hum of the grindstones set a fine backdrop to the subtle sweet aroma of the ground cornmeal spilling from the chute. (The cornmeal is available for purchase for those who want to have a taste of history — bring some back to the Woods Hole Inn and our private chef will bake it up into something delicious for you the next day!)
The pleasant stroll whetted my appetite, and, as I walked along the tree-lined streets, I entertained my options, from sandwich joints (no pun intended, of course) to more upscale venues. The Belfry Bistro, a renovated church with a stately belfry and spacious patio seating set back from the street, drew me in and I was not disappointed! I feasted on the Bento box special, which featured yellow tomato gazpacho, ham and swiss panini, and summer greens salad. It was a delicious way to sample a few of the bistro’s specialties; my favorite type of meal.
On the drive back to Woods Hole, I dropped by the Thornton Burgess Society’s Green Briar Nature Center & Jam Kitchen on Route 6A. The center is a tribute to Burgess, author of the classic children’s tales of Peter Rabbit (and his friends) and long-time resident of Sandwich. Just as I remembered from my childhood, the fragrance of steaming blueberries permeated the bright and cheerful jam kitchen and the color of orange swamp lilies brightened the wildflower garden.
Other options in Sandwich for the historical minded are the Sandwich Glass Museum, the Heritage Museum and Gardens and the historic Sandwich Boardwalk. Whatever you choose, Sandwich will bring you back in time and bring you back for more. Visit Sandwich MA for the perfect day trip from the Woods Hole Inn, and a great place to find Sandwich MA lodging. – from guest blogger Gwen Martin