Located on Cape Cod, The Town of The Harwiches is one of the most popular vacation destinations in New England. This picturesque seaside community is home to a population of 13,440, but its number often rises to more than three thousand during the summer. You may be surprised to learn that Harwich is actually quite small, with a relatively small population, and a thriving tourism industry that is fueled by the many people who want to spend their summers on the Cape.
The town of Harwich is divided into villages with diverse characteristics. West Harwich is the largest, extending half way up the Nantucket Sound. While the town boasts a small-town vibe, it also has several landmarks, including the Brooks Academy Museum, which houses the Harwich Historical Society. The summer Arts and Crafts Festival is a local favorite, while the September Cranberry Arts and Music Festival is a historic landmark. If you’re looking for entertainment, check out the Cape Playhouse, where you can see professional-grade live theatre performances.
Located on Cape Cod’s eastern shore, The Harwich area is a multi-faceted destination that features pristine beaches and old-time seaside villages. You can enjoy everything from a beach day to hiking through nature-packed trails. From low-key resort areas to cultural attractions, there’s something for everyone in Harwich. And while you’re here, don’t miss the Cape Cod Rail Trail!
The history of The Town of The Harwiches is rich with watery depths and sandy soils. The Harwich area was settled as part of a “plantation of old-comers” when the Plymouth colony renounced its charter and was absorbed into the Massachusetts Bay Colony. As the whaling industry sank, the town’s focus shifted to cod fishing. In 1851, there were forty-eight ships, employing five hundred and seventy men, bringing thousands of tons of cod and mackerel into the port.
While the town was originally a whaling port, the town’s rich cranberry farming heritage began to emerge in the early nineteenth century. Today, the town remains a leading producer of cranberries. Today, it boasts three sheltered harbors on Nantucket Sound. Its cranberry bogs are a beautiful sight during the fall months, and the town hosts an annual Cranberry Festival to celebrate its abundant crop.
The town has eleven miles of waterfront along the Nantucket Sound. There are four harbors, two scenic river corridors, and miles of sandy beaches. You can participate in every aquatic activity in the area. The town’s waterfront is dotted with a variety of activities, from water skiing to fly fishing. Aside from this, the town is also home to numerous bogs, with over 320 acres of water and wetlands.
Residents and tourists can take advantage of the town’s many water activities. Nearby Long Pond and Pleasant Lake, the town has numerous smaller bodies of water. There is also a public beach in North Harwich, Sand Pond, and several other bodies of water. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing swim or exploring the local historical sites, the town offers the perfect environment. If you’re visiting The Harwiches for the first time, don’t miss this charming town on Cape Cod!