Things to Do in Harwich

The ferry etches white waves into the rippling, blue expanse of Cape Cod Bay as it speeds away from Plymouth. From his cabin on the top deck, the captain––a licensed skipper armed with more than 20 years of seafaring experience––slides his sunglasses over his eyes to shield them from the morning sun that gilds the waters in its glittering beams. From their seats on the ferry’s sun deck or inside the enclosed cabin, passengers gaze at historic sites as they listen to a narrated history of Plymouth Harbor.

Champions of introducing visitors to the area’s storied past, Waterfront Enterprises’ crew members shepherd guests back and forth between Plymouth and Provincetown during daily three-hour roundtrips throughout the summer months. The U.S. Coast Guard-inspected ferry sidles up to Provincetown’s Fisherman’s Wharf for a five-hour stopover, granting visitors a window in which to explore the community’s abundant sights. Guests can peruse local art galleries before stopping for lunch at a restaurant or hitting the Cape Cod National Seashore to comb the beach for shells capable of broadcasting the soothing sounds of the sea or Enya. After an afternoon of wandering, sightseers hop back on the carpeted, climate-controlled ferry to return to Plymouth as evening draws near.

The licensed instructors at Cowboy Jim’s Western Adventures rustle up nostalgia for the Old West through riding on the old ponderosa as well as Western- and English-style riding lessons. Upon arrival, ranch visitors mingle with the stable’s extensive roster of horses, including such breeds as arabians, indian paints, and true western quarter horses, before deciding which to ride based on chemistry cultivated over a mutual appreciation for oats. Lessons commence with a comprehensive instructor demonstration and an evaluation of the student’s riding style and ability. Apprenticing cowboys can round out their Western education through roping, playing the guitar, or barrel riding, which was how cowboys got home from the saloon after friends took away the keys to their horses.

After choosing your starting point for traversing the waters—be it Aquinnah, where Lobsterville Beach awaits, or Edgartown, where Spielberg filmed much of Jaws and Animaniacs —you're armed with a paddle and a veteran guide. A crash course in introductory kayaking techniques brings everyone up to speed before launch. Safe in your newly aquatic superiority, you and up to nine paddlemates smoothly coast through beautiful coastal waters and engage in educational feeding frenzies of engrossing anecdotes, local history, and wildlife. Kayaks, life jackets, and paddles are provided, and guests are advised to pack a sack lunch or giant sloppy sandwich to tide them over.

Trumpets blare over the fairgrounds. As the king and queen ride through town, peasants and shopkeepers all kneel immediately, verbalizing praise and respects to their liege lord. Meanwhile, a man in shorts stands amid the crouching peasants eating a turkey leg the size of his arm as his kids tumble off the Jacob's ladder across the dirt road. This is but a snapshot of the special moments at King Richard's Faire, a renaissance festival that gathers period artisans, performers, and food merchants to celebrate the Age of Enlightenment along with visitors.

After a bit of practice throwing axes, visitors can stroll in optional costume to see fortunetellers, cobblers, and blacksmiths who have mastered ancient crafts. Knights ride to battle on the tourney field to win the king's and crowd's favor, and eight stages, a tournament field, and a mud pit bring in acts ranging from minstrels and jugglers to fire eaters and exotic animals.

Sailing daily from MacMillan Wharf and stretching 39 feet lengthwise and 16 feet abeam, the Coast Guard–approved Viking Princess accommodates up to 42 passengers and two crewpersons per cruise. Several different cruise formats introduce water wanderers to coastal views of varying sites, such as Cape Cod’s prime real estate, well-known lighthouses, and hidden Provincetown gems. The Princess also embarks on festive holiday-themed voyages, such as Fourth of July or Tax Day cruises. Cape Cod Life's 2010 Gold winner for Best Kids' Activity, the Critter Cruise invites wee ones to pull up lobster pots and bottom dredges from the waters and safely inspect and handle the findings— such as blue fish, sea turtles, or humpback whales—alongside an expert naturalist. The Princess is wide enough to facilitate groups dancing to the sounds of the ship’s overhead stereo or to the tunes of local musicians during live-music cruises.