Small as it is, Sandwich has a handful of appealing shops -- some with items you're unlikely to find anywhere else. Most of the shops are concentrated in the center of town. Several of the museums also have worthwhile gift shops.
Antiques & Collectibles -- The Sandwich Antiques Center, 131 Rte. 6A, at Jarves Street (tel. 508/833-3600), showcases wares from over 100 dealers in 6,000 square feet of rooms. It's headed by a congenial auctioneer and offers virtual one-stop shopping for the likes of Sandwich glass, primitives, country furnishings -- you name it. The center is open daily year-round.
Arts & Crafts -- The Giving Tree Gallery, 550 Rte. 6A, East Sandwich, about 4 miles east of the town center (tel. 508/888-5446), is an art and fine-crafts gallery with something extra: a nature walk through bamboo trails. Intriguing sculptures are placed strategically around the property. The path through a bamboo forest is for those who appreciate a Far Eastern aesthetic. In fact, there's something very Zen about the whole Giving Tree experience. It's closed January to late May.
For the finest in art glass and the perfect souvenir of your Sandwich vacation, visit The Glass Studio, 470 Rte. 6A, East Sandwich (tel. 508/888-6681), where master glass blower Michael Magyar crafts one-of-a-kind pieces like his "sea bubbles" series and Venetian-style goblets. Watch glass blowing Thursday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
At McDermott Glass Studio & Gallery, 272 Cotuit Rd., Sandwich (tel. 508/477-0705), Dave McDermott creates exquisite handblown art glass, from vases to stemware. Glass blowing takes place Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.
Books -- Titcomb's Book Shop, 432 Rte. 6A, East Sandwich, about 4 miles east of the town center (tel. 508/888-2331), has a terrific selection of books (both new and used) relating to Cape Cod and much more. Look for the life-size statue of Ben Franklin out front.
Food & Wine -- Crow Farm, 192 Rte. 6A, 1/4 mile east of the town center (tel. 508/888-0690), is a picture-perfect farm stand purveying superb local produce like sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches, and apples, as well as flowers. It's closed Sunday in summer but open daily in spring and fall. It's closed late December through April. The Brown Jug, 155 Main St. in Sandwich (tel. 508/888-4669), is stocked with delicacies from around the corner and around the world, from fine cheeses and olive oils to rich baked goods and hearty homemade breads.
Gifts/Home Decor -- The Weather Store, 146 Main St. (tel. 508/888-1200), has a fascinating collection of meteorological paraphernalia, old and new, ranging from antique instruments to coffee-table books. Although technically open year-round, from January through April it's open by chance or appointment. At Wicked Goods, 153 Main St., Sandwich (tel. 508/888-8800), you'll find a wide range of beach-inspired gifts and just plain fun accents for the home.
Seafood -- Joe's Lobster & Fish Market, off Coast Guard Road, near Sandwich Marina (tel. 800/491-2971 or 508/888-2971), is where to go for the freshest fish and shellfish to prepare at your cottage rental.
