A trip to New England would not be complete without a visit to a country store. The 1856 Country Store in Centerville has been serving visitors and locals for 150 years. Merchandise includes penny candy, fragrances, note cards, framed prints, jams and jellies, salt water taffy, pottery, children’s books, toys, kites, candles, greeting cards, Christmas ornaments, and gifts of every description. You won’t be able to leave empty handed.

Boardwalk in Sandwich is One <br>of Town's Many Attractions Boardwalk in Sandwich is One
of Town's Many Attractions

For people who are new to Cape Cod or those who have loved it forever, spending a day or more in the very beautiful town of Sandwich is pure pleasure, from the standpoint of historical interest and natural beauty. One of the first orders of business is to stroll the Sandwich Boardwalk. More than 1,000 feet long, the boardwalk crosses Mill Creek and beautiful marshes, leading to a lovely public beach on Cape Cod Bay. It remains one of Sandwich's unique treasures, offering scenic views from the Cape Cod Canal to Scorton Creek. In the center of town is the Dexter Grist Mill, a working, 17th-century grist mill. Built in 1654, the mill offers tours every day during the summer. Another Sandwich treasure is the Heritage Museums & Gardens, with 100 acres of gardens and trails and 1,000 varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers. Also at this establishment are the J. K. Lilly III Antique Automobile Museum; the American History Museum; and the Art Museum, with a 1912 carousel. Finally, don’t fail to visit the Sandwich Glass Museum, where the art of glasswork will take your breath away.

Come See the Light

There seems to be a certain magic about lighthouses that releases the wonder in all of us. Cape Cod, land of lighthouses, is the most perfect place to revel in lighthouse lore, take pictures, listen to the horns, and imagine the days when these stewards of the coastline meant the difference between life and possible death in the Cape’s perilous waters.

Cyclists, Skaters, Follow the Rails

With its diverse scenery, and nearness to shopping, food, and beaches, the Cape Cod Rail Trail from Dennis to Wellfleet is a place to walk and cross-country ski on a safe, dedicated roadway. This trail follows a rail bed that was owned and built in the 1880s by the Cape Cod Central Railroad Co. There are many places to gain access to the trail, but you can log a full 50 times doing a full round trip.

Enchanted Gardens Tucked Into Sandwich

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Heritage Museums & Gardens on Grove Street in the idyllic town of Sandwich, on Cape Cod, defies categorization. Open daily through October 31, the property has beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens. A Shaker round barn on the property houses the J. K. Lilly III Antique Automobile Collection with its stunning display of antique automobiles. The American History Museum opens for the summer of 2009 with several new exhibits. An operating hand-carved carousel and many of America's most distinguished artists' works are on exhibit in the Art Museum. This place offers fun and enchantment for everyone, with gardens on the side. Phone: 508-888-3300

On the Trail of Camelot

Perhaps nowhere in the world is the presence of the Kennedy mystique felt more palpably than in Hyannis, summer White House during the JFK era. Places to recall the Kennedy period include the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum in Hyannis, the inspiring Kennedy Memorial on Ocean Street, and St. Francis Xavier Church on South Street, often known as the Kennedy church. Open year-round except the month of January; check for seasonal hours.