Harwich Port
This Harwich village is full of sand and sea and life. It boasts lovely beaches along Nantucket Sound, fun little shops and galleries along Route 28, cozy pubs and restaurants, beautiful spired churches and a small gem of a golf course.
As its name implies, the sea played a central role in Harwich Port's history. With its face to the sea and its welcoming shoreline, "The Port" was settled by seamen and fishermen before the American Revolution. Boatbuilding, sail-making, and carpentry employed many residents and beautiful homes built by sea captains dotted the village. With the end of the age of sail and the coming of the railroad, the focus gradually changed until more people came to "see the sea" than to work on it. The tourist industry and the automobile transformed the sleepy little village into a visitors' haven. Inns like the Snow and the Melrose housed the summer people, restaurants appeared, and shops opened. Today, though the large historic inns have been converted to other uses, summer in Harwich Port retains much from its past along scenic Wychmere, Saquatucket and Allen Harbors and the lovely sandy beaches along Nantucket Sound.
The Harwichport Golf Course is a 9 hole, par 34, executive length course within walking distance of the village center. Easy to walk, with gently sloping hills, seniors and infrequent golfers can try their skill and not feel overmatched. It's a great course to play if you've been away from the game or want to "practice" a bit before going on to the more testing 18 holers around.
Saquatucket Municipal Harbor Marina is a full service marina offering berths for 190 boats, charter fishing and sail boats, as well as slips for short term visitors. It offers both seal-watching cruises to Monomoy Island and day trip service to Nantucket, saving a drive into Hyannis. There's waterfront dining at an adjacent restaurant on the harbor which offers outdoor dining on its terrace in the summer.
Scenic Wychmere Harbor, often photographed and painted, can provide slips for 11 boats.
For more information contact the Harwich Chamber of Commerce (508) 432-1600 or stop by its information booth in the center of the village during the season.
V.E. Laporte
Harwich Historical Society