For generations, artists, celebrities and tourists have been charmed by the quiet allure of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The 400-square-mile peninsula is famous for its secluded beaches, picturesque seaside villages and nautical-inspired recreation. This year only, dozens of special events will take place on the cape in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
By hopping a nonstop flight to New York City and taking a car the rest of the way, you too can get in on the magic.
Established in 1637, Sandwich (named for the seaport of Sandwich, Kent in England — not the food) is the region’s oldest village and is chock-full of colonial history. On June 29, Sandwich’s Dexter Grist Mill will offer free admission as it revisits what life was like in 1776. The Heritage Museum and Gardens also retraces the town’s unique history through a diverse collection of 18,000 objects and artifacts.
Starting in June, Barnstable will also kick off a lineup of Massachusetts 250 celebrations, commemorating the nation’s Semiquincentennial. As the cape’s largest township, Barnstable features over 100 miles of pristine beaches and seven villages steeped in old-world character.
One of Barnstable’s villages, Hyannis, is a major transportation hub and the site of the Kennedy family’s summer home. To learn more about the affluent family’s ties to the region, stop by The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum and walk the 1.6-mile Kennedy Legacy Trail.
