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Town of Brewster MA Overview & Map

Brewster is an historic sea captains’ town located on the bay side of Cape Cod. Established in 1803, the town encompasses approximately twenty three square miles, including over 325 acres of beach and marshlands, with 24 ponds larger than 10 acres in size. Bordered by Cape Cod Bay on the north, Orleans to the east, Harwich to the south, and Dennis to the west, Brewster is 16 miles east of Hyannis, 83 miles southeast of Boston and 264 miles from New York City.

Brewster is a quaint old town, typical of the Cape in many ways. For years most of its people were sea going mariners (shipmasters) and when the American merchant marine was at its height it was credited with having more sailing masters in its population than any other town in the world.

Brewster has taken action to protect the town’s historic character by establishing sign codes and site plan review bylaws. In 1985, the town took steps to protect its open space and water quality by purchasing close to 700 acres of land. Over one-third of Brewster’s land has been retained for conservation, open space, recreation and watershed protection.

Consequently, Brewster boasts award-winning drinking water and two nationally acclaimed 18-hole golf courses among other recreation sites. Nickerson State Park contains 400 acres of trails for biking and hiking, camping areas, and freshwater ponds for swimming, fishing and boating.

Brewster has over 15 bed and breakfast inns and over 30 art galleries, craft shops and antique shops, most of which are along historic Route 6A, the old “King’s Highway”.

Brewster had in 1660 about the first grist mill in the colony. It was located on Stony brook and was operated by water power.

Brewster’s chief claim to distinction, aside from it’s maritime history, is that it was the birthplace of Joe Lincoln, famous writer of Cape Cod books.

Looking for a hotel, motel, resort, inn, or bed and breakfast in Brewster?

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