http://www.cahoonmuseum.org/

http://www.capeandislandsartsguide.com/

Cape Cod - Index

Cape Cod - travel_guide_2008 - Index

35 | Grist Mill
Thomas Dexter started building in
1637, and the Dexter Grist Mill on
Shawme Pond (Route 130, Sandwich
Village; 508-888-5144) you see today
dates from 1654. It was the first on the
Cape. In the 1700s, corn was money—as
George Washington’s Continental
Army could attest. The slightly coarse
cornmeal ground at the mill daily is
perfect for New England johnnycakes
and Indian pudding. So purchase a twopound
bag for $3.50 to take home.
Restored in 1961, this site makes for a
great pit stop. Learn the difference
between the two millstones—the bed
stone (bottom) and the runner stone
(top). Kids will get geared up watching
the cypress “undershot” waterwheel in
operation. Open Monday through
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and
Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., mid-
June through mid-October. Admission:
$3 for adults; $2 for children.
36 | Polly’s Place
The Polly Hill Arboretum (809 State
Rd., West Tisbury; 508-693-9426) calls
itself a “living museum” with more than
1,600 varieties of plants on a 70-acre
preserve. Named for legendary
horticulturist Polly Hill, the arboretum
is a Vineyard landmark and home of the
famed West Tisbury Azaleas. If you’re
in the mood for a peaceful walk, nature
trails crisscross the property. Tours are
also available. Serious plant enthusiasts
will find a year-round schedule of
educational opportunities and lectures.
The grounds remain open throughout
the year from sunrise to sunset.
Admission: $5 for adults; free for
children 12 and under.
37 | Historic House
What was it like to live in the mid-1700s
here on Cape Cod? Costumed guides at
the Josiah Dennis Manse Museum (77
Nobscusset Rd., South Dennis; 508-385-
2232), a 1736 saltbox built by the town’s
namesake, help answer that very
question. In the kitchen, you’ll learn
about how food was prepared and with
what kind of utensils. In the garden
you’ll see which herbs and vegetables
were typically grown during the period.
Spinning and weaving exhibits,
information on Dennis maritime history
and “Howes Chest”—an English oak
chest Thomas and Mary Howes brought
over with them from England when
they settled in Dennis in 1639—are also
■ activities cape & islands
Cahoon Museum
OF AMERICAN ART
Come inside ... fall in love
1775 Colonial with primitive paintings
by Ralph and Martha Cahoon,
19th-century American art and special exhibitions
Open 1-4 Tues. - Sat., 1-4 Sun. (except January)
4676 Falmouth Road (Route 28) Cotuit, MA
(508) 428-7581 cahoonmuseum.org
www.capecodtravelguide.com
45