The lobster roll, windmill, and beach guide to Cape Cod

There's a lot to see at Sandwich's Heritage Museums and Gardens, like the adventure park with ziplines, the old carousel, the largest public garden in Southern New England, and the museum, which features folk art, old cars, and rotating exhibits. It also has a windmill, the Old East Windmill, which was built in Orleans in 1800 and moved to the gardens. Its location among the landscapes flowers and greenery make it particularly photogenic.

By now, you've earned a lobster roll. Sesuit Harbor Cafe makes one of the best on the Cape. Local fishermen bring fresh seafood to their back door daily, and they use it for their raw bar, in their platters, for their chowder and on their "overstuffed" lobster rolls. And don't forget an order of thin 'n' crispy onion rings. The food is only outdone by the perfect atmosphere. Order at the window, snag a seat at a picnic table overlooking the water, and enjoy the ocean breezes and the grub. Two things to note: It's cash only, and it's BYOB.

Another great stop just off the Old King's Highway is Breakwater Beach. Like most beaches on the harbor, it's got calm and warm water, and offers lots of sand. The seashelling and wildlife spotting are great here, making it a must-visit if you're with kids. The breeze keeps it from getting too hot while you enjoy the water and scenery. Just remember to get a parking pass from the town of Brewster if you want to use the lot, or plan to do a bit of walking.

It's hard to imagine now, but in the 1700s, the small town of Chatham had eleven wind-powered gristmills. The only one still standing and open to the public in the town is Chatham's Godfrey Windmill. It was operational until 1907, when a gale destroyed the arms. It survived a lot of storm damage, actually, and was even struck by lightning at one point. It was first renovated and opened to the public in the 1950s, and has been an icon for the town ever since, getting touchups in the 70s and 80s.

The Jonathan Young Windmill is notable in that it's almost entirely intact with its original machinery; an impressive feat, considering that it was built in the early 1700s. The historical society that cares for the Jonathan Young Windmill notes that famed thinker and writer Henry David Thoreau was captivated by Cape Cod's windmills: "Being on elevated ground, and high in themselves they serve as landmarks - for there are no tall trees."

Skaket Beach is most famous for its jaw-dropping sunsets. In fact, it's a tradition for many to bring a wine and cheese picnic or even just a blanket to watch the nightly show put on by Mother Nature. During the day, the beach offers the gentle waves, cool breezes (which make for awesome kite-flying) and perfect temperature that mark most bay-facing beaches.

First Encounter Beach is another popular spot for watching the sunset, but it also features some unique history, too. This is where historians theorize that the pilgrims on the Mayflower first met Native Americans from the Nauset tribe. If you plan to spend the day here before the sunset, enjoy the grassy dunes, shallow water, and wild ocean creatures, from turtles to clams to horseshoe crabs.

The Eastham Windmill is the oldest on Cape Cod, having been built all the way back in 1680. Its been in this location since 1808. Each year, on the weekend following Labor Day, the town holds a Windmill Weekend. The celebration features a sand art competition, road races, an arts and craft show, a tricycle race, live music, and more.

There's a good reason there are so many windmills on Cape Cod. Firstly, the ocean breezes make wind power super practical. Many windmills grew out of a need for salt. Windmills were used to pump salt water into evaporators to create salt, which was used to preserve the many fish caught in the area before they were shipped to further-off cities like Boston. The more you know!

Another local favorite for lobster rolls is Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar. You can get your roll cold (lightly dressed with mayo) or warm (and drenched in melted butter); you can't go wrong with either. They also offer platters of fried seafood classics (whole belly clams, clam strips, wellfleet scallops, oysters, shrimp, calamari, fish 'n' chips... I could go on all day) and "world famous" onion rings. And as if that wasn't enough, they make a mean chowder and offer a raw bar, too. And non-seafood eaters, fear not! Hot dogs, burgers, fried chicken, and even salad are on the menu, too. After your lunch, enjoy some ice cream, or burn off the calories with a round at their mini golf course.