Heritage Museums & Gardens- Sandwich, MA

Set on 100 acres in Sandwich, Massachusetts, the Heritage Museums & Gardens is a fabulous mix of flowers, history, and architecture. With an extensive network of paths traversing the diverse property (which includes a two acre dry kettle hole formed during the last Ice Age), it can easily take all day to explore.

Centered around the 1686 Wing Homestead, the grounds contain gallery spaces, an automobile museum, and several gardens. Perhaps best known for their collection of rhododendrons hybridized by previous land owner Charles O. Dexter, the gardens also include over 1000 other plant varieties, including the country’s most comprehensive collection of hydrangeas.

The property is also home to the eclectic folk art and Americana collection of Josiah K. Lilly, Jr., as well as Josiah K. Lilly III’s classic automobile collection, featuring cars made between 1899-1962. Located in a reproduction of the Round Stone Barn at Hancock Shaker Village, the traditional beamed building provides an interesting contrast to the “modern” machinery displayed within its wall.

Also located onsite is a replica of the Revolutionary War building, “The Temple of Virtue,” which houses the museum’s Special Exhibitions Gallery. Stark and angular, it is stunning in its simplicity. A third gallery houses a working 1908 Looff carousel, along with 12,000 items of New England folk art.

The museum’s interesting architecture continues down in the dry kettle hole with its newest feature, a two story treehouse designed by architect Greg Jones. Inspired by Norwegian stave churches, and built of sustainable woods (ipe, locust, red cedar, and mahogany), it’s an interesting addition to the all around excellent property.

Although popular, with 100 acres it is possible to avoid other visitors, and explore on your own. It’s ridiculously easy to get lost in the past here; it is literally the perfect place to stop and smell the roses.