If you are interested in seeing what Cape Cod looked like before tourists found it, take some time to discover a road less travelled. Old King’s Highway, also known as scenic Route 6A, winds 34 miles though the villages of Bourne, Sandwich, West Barnstable, Barnstable, Yarmouthport, Dennis, Brewster, and Orleans along the northern side of Cape Cod. America’s largest designated historic corridor, Route 6A is recognized as one of the most scenic byways in America by Smithsonian Magazine.
With its origins as a Native American trail, Old King’s Highway later became the primary east-west cartway of early farmers and settlers of Cape Cod. In the 18th century, as the Cape’s maritime industry blossomed, sea captains homes, taverns (including our own Dan’l Webster Inn) and commerical businesses began to open along the popular passageway. Because many of the trees along 6A had been cut down to accommodate commerce, 19th century residents started to replant shade trees along the corridor which are now mature and add to the beauty of Old King’s Highway.
By the early 19th century, horse-drawn buggys were giving way to modern automobiles and tourism on Cape Cod was just starting to bustle, thus the dirt road needed to be paved. To this day, this captivating trail remains faithful to its historic origins. From green and blue marshes, scenic harbors and old general stores to local produce stands, stately sea captains homes and colorful artisan and antique shops, Old King’s Highway will transport you through centuries of Cape Cod history – a must-see for those wanting to explore the more traditional side of Cape Cod.
Get away for a few nights, stay with us at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis or Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa in Sandwich and take a drive along beautiful Route 6A….you may want to stop for a closer look at some of these nearby attractions:
Sandwich
- Shawme Crowell State Forest
- Sandwich Glass Museum
- Dexter’s Grist Mill
- Thornton Burgess Museum
- Hoxie House
- Heritage Plantation
- Wing Fort House
- Green Briar Nature Center
- Nye Homestead
