City: East Brewster, MA

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (508) 896-3491, (877) 422-6762

Address: 3488 Rte. 6A

Description: The 1,900-plus wooded acres that make up the bulk of the park once belonged to Roland Nickerson, a multimillionaire who founded the First National Bank of Chicago. The Nickersons, who lived farther west on Route 6A in an opulent estate now known as Ocean Edge Resort, had a hunting lodge on the acreage that now makes up the state park. The Nickersons hosted private hunts at their “Bungalow Estates,” as they referred to their rustic playground. Nickerson’s wife, Addie, donated the land to the state in 1934 in honor of their son, a victim of the 1918 influenza epidemic, and in honor of her husband. The park features eight kettle ponds formed by ice-age glaciers. You can spot many rare species of plants and wildflowers growing around the edges of kettle ponds, but remember it’s against the law to trample or pick them.You could spend a month here and still find new things to do. Boat or swim in Cliff Pond, the largest in the park, or try your luck fishing at one of the four trout-stocked ponds. (Note there are no lifeguards.) Bird-watchers will be pleased to know Nickerson is a regular stop on the migration route of such feathered friends as larks, woodpeckers, wrens, warblers, and thrushes. It’s also a watering hole for cormorants, Canada geese, great blue herons, ducks—even the occasional common loon. You may also spot owls, osprey, hawks, eagles, and such woodland animals as red foxes, skunks, chipmunks, white-tailed deer, and nonpoisonous snakes. The Cape Cod Rail Trail, which is great for bicycling, passes right through the park, with a few loops branching off through different areas of the park. Nickerson is also a winter wonderland, allowing visitors to ice-fish, ice-skate, and when there is snow, cross-country ski on marked trails. The park is an easy walk or drive from bay beaches, and beach walks are among the many interpretive activities led by park naturalists in season. Nickerson State Park offers 420 camping sites at $17 per night for out-of-staters, but does not offer electric or RV hookups. The sites are large enough to handle two tents and two cars. The rate is for four adults per site. Reservations are required, and there is a $9.50 processing fee. Open late May through late Oct.

City: East Brewster, MA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (508) 896-9521

Address: 3171 Rte. 6A

Description: The Brewster Historical Society’s museum has exhibits honoring the maritime history of Brewster and features memorabilia relating to the town, including an early-20th-century barbershop, a ca. 1860 dollhouse, and much more. It’s open mid-July to Sept, Thurs through Sat, 1 to 4 p.m., and admission is free.The historical society also operates the Old Higgins Farm Windmill and Harris-Black House, both at 785 Main St., Drummer Boy Park, Route 6A in West Brewster. Both are open during the same hours as the Brewster Historical Society Museum.