Harwich
Overview
- Beaches - Points
of Interest - Schools - Chamber
of Commerce - Harwich Lodging
Overview
 Harwich, home of the first commercial
cranberry bogs in the country, is still a leader in cranberry production
due to its soil composition and extended growing season. In early
autumn, you can see cranberries being harvested here. Like the leaves,
they change color with the seasons, from summer green to deep fall
crimson.
Some bog owners, for a small fee, will let
you pick a few bushels. To celebrate its heritage, each September
Harwich sponsors a two-week Cranberry Festival with a variety of
activities including a parade, fireworks, craft show and hundreds of
exhibits. Ask for a schedule of events at the town's Chamber of
Commerce.
Harwich offers plenty of summertime
activities for visitors. A must-see is the Harwich Historical Society
Museum in the town center. If you prefer outdoor activities, town band
concerts happen at Brooks Park on Main Street during July and August -
check local newspapers for times.
Golf is also a popular pastime here. There
are two fine courses: the 18-hole Cranberry Valley Golf Course off Oak
Street near the center of town, and the challenging nine-hole Harwich
Port Golf Course on Forest Street. By far , though, the town is most famous for
its great boating and five harbors, all along Route 28. The best known
of these are Wychmere,
Saquatucket and Allen harbors.
Beaches
Points
of Interest
- 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.
- 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.
- 1812 Cannons - Guarding the outskirts of beautiful Brooks Park, these cannons were
originally used in the War of 1812. Located on Route 39.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Schools
- A Child's Wonderland
35 Route 137, Harwich
- Cape Cod Regional Technical
School
Route 124, Harwich
- Harwich Elementary School
South Street, Harwich
- Harwich High School
81 Oak Street, Harwich
- Harwich Middle School
214 Sisson Road, Harwich
- My School
257 Main Street, W. Harwich
<< Return to previous page
|
