A vacation on Cape Cod is already destined to be the healthiest one you have ever planned, as you spend as much time as possible hiking, swimming, and letting the serenity of the sea cure whatever real life issues may be hanging out in your brain, but when you really want to make the most out of a Cape Cod health and wellness journey, relaxing and taking care of yourself is easier with visits to local yoga studios, wellness centers, day spas, and holistic retreats. If healing your soul, your mind and body while relaxing in the comfort of our New England Vacation Rentals peaceful sanctuaries sounds like a great idea, this guide to the ultimate Cape Cod wellness retreat will ensure that this will be the vacation you hold up as an example of perfection against all others. We’ve divided the establishments according to the towns each are in to make the guide easier to follow and although some of the towns and villages may not offer what you are looking for, remember Cape Cod is not all that large, so chances are you won’t have to drive far to find what you need.
Barnstable is the largest town on Cape Cod, consisting of seven villages, in many of which you will find our comfortable Cape Cod vacation sanctuaries, ensuring that peace and relaxation will always be close at hand. Here are some of our favorite Cape Cod spas and yoga centers in Barnstable and the villages where we offer Barnstable vacation rentals.
Looking good makes you automatically feel good and Salon 6a has been visitors look and feel good since 2007. Offering a large variety of salon services including hair and skin care, they also offer Reiki and Harmonyum, helping to ease the noises in your brain and making clients feel balanced and healed.
There are many benefits in the practice of yoga, more than just flexibility and strength, and when you explore the classes offered at Evoke Power LLC, you may find that your stress is reduced, your breathing is better, and sleep will be deeper and come easier when you return home to your Cape Cod vacation sanctuary every night of your stay. Evoke offers group and private lessons.
Considering that ingesting too much salt is not considered healthy, we were intrigued to hear that salt actually has some fantastic benefits, including improving skin, slowing skin aging, and relieving stress and fatigue and Just Breathe Salt Spa offers the perfect spot to figure out if this is what your body needs! Offering Halotherapy, which is a natural, holistic, and drug free treatment that is healthy for people of all ages, guests will recline in antigravity chairs, listening to frequency-infused music that is streaming through headphones, and simply breathe; the salt does all the rest!
Bourne is known for being a quiet town even as everyone must pass through it to get over the Cape Cod Canal. The region was a center for trading activities by the pilgrims in the 1600s and was originally considered a part of the town of Sandwich, Cape Cod’s oldest town, before being incorporated as the town of Bourne in the 1800s.
Underground Fitness is definitely one of our favorite full body Cape Cod fitness centers, offering personal training, cycling, Barre classes, Bootcamp, and of course, yoga classes. Their Restorative Flow Yoga classes is known for allowing a deeper mind body connection while bringing calm and peace to participants.
Brewster is where many local sea captains made their homes and today there is still a large selection 18th and 19th century homes that once belonged to those captains, dotting the landscape. Today visitors love to explore the Brewster Flats, tidal pools, clam beds and sandbars that are revealed by the ebb and flow of the tides, but these yoga studios and day spas listed below are another thing that draws in visitors.
Sometimes the simplest actions offer the largest impact, and before you even begin any of the Cape Cod wellness services offered by the Beach House Spa at Ocean Edge, they ask you to take a moment to make a wish for yourself. That wish will be placed into a bottle with sand from their beach and will serve as a reminder to love yourself. This small action always gives us a few moments of wonder and we think it will for you as well. Ocean’s Edge is renowned for their spa services, services that include a variety of massage, facial, and Zen rituals that will have you walking out the door feeling like a new person.
There are many different ways to heal and find sanctuary, and Rumi, a 13th century poet would remind you that the door to that sanctuary can be found inside you. The Sanctuary Healing Therapies and Gifts, however, offers another door to open providing services that include spiritual readings, Reiki treatments with crystal & sound therapy, and even private mentoring. Also offering Halotherapy in their Salt Cabin, this one stop shop for soul healing may end up being your favorite part of your Cape Cod vacation.
Chatham is known for its “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” a morbid fact due to the 3000 documented shipwrecks that took place between Chatham and Truro, but we are happy to tell you that it is also known for being a peaceful spot overlooked by the iconic Chatham Lighthouse and many family portraits are taken right here in town.
Offering a variety of yoga classes, including private ones for the shyer yogi’s, the most popular class they offer requires no registration. Just show up at Chatham Beach with a beach towel, sunglasses, $20 cash (the cost of the class for everyone 16 and over) and a happy heart, prepared to enjoy an hour and 15-minute-long class on the beach in the shadow of Chatham Lighthouse. The classes only take place during the high season, June 15 through September 8 and they are held every sunny day from 7:30 AM to 8:45 AM. On rainy days, maybe you can practice your poses in the comfort of your Chatham sanctuary!
Sol Spa doesn’t list their hours on their website, but you can give them a call and ask them at (508) 945-8772. The services provided by this beautiful spa cover the gamut from facials to Reiki work and everything in between, working with area physicians and holistic practitioners to ensure that you feel spoiled, pampered, and comfortable.
Dennis is home to some of our most popular Cape Cod sanctuaries, ranging in size from cozy 1-bedroom cottages to spacious 6-bedroom homes offering ocean views that will be just as healing to your soul as visits to the following spas, studios, or wellness centers may be.
Providing soul work for those seeking more, the owner started her yoga journey as a way of dealing with the stresses and pressures she dealt with in the hospitality industry and when COVID struck, she took the opportunity to train as a yoga teacher. The use of an infrared sauna helps her stand out in a sea of wellness professionals and she too offers halotherapy, which as you can tell from this page, is becoming a very popular therapy.
We first tried this yoga class simply because we loved the whimsical charm of the name; Very Wendy sounds like something out of a Peter Pan book, but then we kept coming back for the joy we found when moving with the instructors. Offering group yoga, art, and meditation classes on Sea Street Beach, they also will make the trip to your NEVR escape for private lessons.
The beaches of Eastham are extremely popular, and if you think you recognize the red, white, and black lighthouse that stands guard at the sea’s edge, you are probably right. The iconic structure has graced the bags of Cape Cod Potato Chips for more years than we can count.
Helping questioning people speak the truths that are from their soul, Mercedez Calleros has been performing body and energy work for over 20 years and she offers fascinating courses, including a program called the “Spiritualistic Woman” leads women on a journey into their own self-awareness. Also offering massage work, Ms. Calleros doesn’t leave mind, body, or soul untouched.
Tula Studio is a new entry to the yoga world of Eastham and we at New England Vacation Rentals are very excited about what we see already. Offering Vinyasa classes, Flow & Restore Classes, and an introduction to Yoga that will be perfect for our novice yogis, we recommend you check out what this studio brings to the table. Speaking of bringing things to the table, they are now serving fresh, cold-pressed juices that come straight from Viv’s kitchen!
Harwich has ranked as America’s second happiest seaside town by Coastal Living magazine, which brings one question to our minds; how could you not be happy living on the coast of Harwich? Many of our Harwich sanctuaries offer stunning views of the sea, ensuring that when you are not taking yoga classes or aligning your chakras, you will still feel well-balanced and at ease with your soul.
Harwich Health Center adds a new wellness option to our list, featuring chiropractic services as well as skin care and massage therapy, the chiropractor has been in the business for almost 30 years and their massage therapists offer pre-natal massage as well as deep tissue and Swedish. Reiki and Reflexology is also one of their specialties.
The clinical treatments offered by Spa A La Mer (spa of the sea) will have you returning from your Cape Cod vacation looking years younger. Including collagen 90+ treatment, hydrolift facial, and a Botinal facial that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while giving your skin back its glow of youth. Micro needling helps your skin generate collagen, evening out its skin tone and helping guests also look younger. Also providing massage, this spa is really a one stop shop for youth and renewal.
Your healing journey through the towns and villages of Cape Cod is sure to be a memorable one, and because all roads lead back to New England Vacation Rentals, it will be a comfortable and relaxing one as well. There’s no better feeling than showering off the sweat of a yoga class in our outdoor showers and when your body is feeling tired but you aren’t quite ready to go to bed yet, our homes provide a plethora of ways to wind down for the night. Reading a good book in front of a roaring fire, playing foosball with the kids, and wowing them with your skills, or simply sitting out on a patio that overlooks the sea while the sun sets on another perfect day on Cape Cod are just a few of the at home activities that will make you fall in love with your home sweet vacation home. Reserve your favorite healing and wellness escape today!
We at New England Vacation Rentals love everything about love, and our Cape Cod sanctuaries reflect that passion for the emotion, offering comfort, style, and all the little things that make couples feel the love they are already expressing for each other. Honeymooners often find their way to our doorsteps, knowing they will feel appreciated and treasured when they stay with us and if your upcoming Cape Cod weekend getaway is your first journey after the big day or even if you are celebrating many years of blissful couple-ness, the adventures you enjoy can be romantic ones as well. This ultimate and comprehensive guide to a Cape Cod romantic getaway will ensure that the heat of your love for each other will blaze strong and true every minute of your stay!
The beauty of Cape Cod is best experienced while playing outside, and these romantic things to do on Cape Cod show off our home at its best.
Love is in the air and what better way to explore Cape Cod than with a bike ride, a tandem bike even, taking you across Cape Cod two wheels at a time? The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a 25.5-mile-long paved biking trail that takes riders through many of the towns that dot our landscape, including Yarmouth, Dennis, and Brewster. Didn’t pack your tandem bike in your carry-on? That’s no problem, all you need to do is stop by Dennis Cycle Center, offering two locations on the Rail Trail in Dennis and Brewster. Offering a truly magnificent selection of bicycles for rent, their tandem bikes are very popular!
Not many people know this, but although the Pilgrims officially landed in Plymouth, they actually made a pit stop in Provincetown first, and the Pilgrim Monument, offering 116 steps and standing 252 feet into the sky, is an homage to their bravery. Now, anyone who stepped aboard a stair climber at the gym may be asking what is romantic about climbing a bunch of stairs, and while we agree that the climbing part isn’t that much fun, when you reach the pinnacle of this monument and the views of Cape Cod and the sea stretch out before you, you will forget your aching muscles, your too-rapidly-beating heart, and the fact that you are still finding it difficult to catch your breath, and fall in love. The views from the top are almost as lovely as your beautiful traveling companion, and if you haven’t asked the most important question of your life as of yet, this might be the place to do so!
Located just a short hike from Coastguard Beach, the Doane Rock Picnic Area provides a beautiful and secluded spot to enjoy a quiet picnic for two under the shelter of a tin-roofed pavilion. Prepare a feast in the fully equipped kitchen of your honeymoon hideaway or stop by Macs Market & Kitchen (4680 State Highway) and order something to devour from their grab and go menu. After your romantic picnic, it is only a short walk through cool woods to reach Coastguard Beach, and as the sea suddenly appears to you in all its magnificence, there is only one thing left to do: Grab hold of your lover’s hand and spend more quiet moments walking along shore’s edge, letting the moments fill your heart and shine from your eyes, much like the sun glistens off the ocean.
If you really want to impress that special person in your life, you need to do more than bring flowers; you need to take them to the Cape Cod Lavender Farm! Immersing yourselves in the vibrant purple of lavender in bloom, the farm lays claim to over 7000 plants and is open daily from March through December. The aromatic flowers are harvested from the end of June to the middle of July. Offering an enchanted garden and a shop where they sell lavender related items, including shirts that are the color of the blooms, skin care, food items, and even books written by local authors, couples will make magical memories at the farm.
Romance isn’t limited to the outside areas of Cape Cod, and on rainy days or even days that may feel a little too warm, these indoor activities will keep the spark alive in your relationship.
Relationships need to be fed regularly with a diet consisting of kind words, loving embraces, and laughter, and your romantic getaway to Cape Cod will provide plenty of the latter when you visit the Barnstable Comedy Club. This volunteer-driven community theater has been making people laugh for over 100 years, (yes, you read that right) and the shows held here have always been top notch, ensuring your date night will be special.
Although New England Vacation Rentals doesn’t currently offer any properties in the town of Wellfleet, we do offer more than a few in Eastham, located less than 10 minutes away, making an evening at the drive-in a very doable and very romantic activity. Drive-in theaters have disappeared from the American landscape in most states, although they did enjoy a brief resurgence during the pandemic, and through it all, Wellfleet Cinemas has stayed strong and proud since opening in 1957. Showing first-run double features all summer long during the daytime hours (the theater is only open from Memorial Day through Labor Day), the Wellfleet Flea Market is held where the cars will be parked at night, offering another romantic activity for you and your favorite traveling partner to partake in.
Having fun together is key to any successful relationship, and what could be more fun than sitting on a patio overlooking the sea while staring into each other’s eyes and sharing mugs of local beer? Tree House Brewing Company sits on the sandy beaches of Sandwich, and they also offer beer to go, so if you are anxious to get back to your New England Vacation Rentals love nest but are kind of craving some cold beers, order your favorite flavor from the Tree House web site and stop by on your way home from your romantic adventures.
A sunset walk on the beach is one of the most romantic activities, and although all the beaches of Cape Cod are romantic in one way or the other, the list below features some of our favorites.
In the daylight hours, the sandy shores of Monument Beach will be filled with families and sandcastles and the sounds of happy travelers enjoying the magic of the sea. But when the sea begins to calm and sailboats can be seen bobbing peacefully in the glassy waters, the families head home and Mother Nature’s greatest performance will appear to be for your eyes only.
This beach is known for being the spot the pilgrims first encountered the Native Americans who were the first settlers of the area, and a tablet actually marks the spot. This most definitely isn’t the first encounter you will have shared with your partner in life, but knowing you are standing together in a place where our country began will definitely become a memorable part of your own history as a couple.
Also known as Wood’s Hole, Gray’s Beach offers a boardwalk that encourages slow wandering and lots of handholding for couples. The boardwalk offers incredible views of the sea and the creatures that make the sea their home and when the sun begins to set, the sky turns to fire, and your favorite person smiles into your eyes, it just may become your most favorite moment of all!
We do talk about sunset a lot on Cape Cod, and when you see your first, you will understand our obsession with them. A sunset cruise is probably our second favorite way to enjoy the sight, and these next companies offer ones that will enhance your romantic getaway in Cape Cod.
Offering sunset cruises from Memorial Day through the first week or so in October, ticket prices at Bay Spirit Tours are quite reasonable ($40 for adults, $38 for seniors), proving once again that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to show off your romantic side. Playing soft music and serving beer, wine, cocktails, and snacks at the downstairs bar, there is no narration for this tour, but because it takes cruisers past the Kennedy Compound, they do let you know when it is near so you can check it out for yourself.
Sunset cruises by their very nature are designed to be romantic but when you want to take the romance factor to the next level of wow, a sunset sail from Catamaran Sailing Charters should be the direction you turn. Also offering morning and midafternoon charters which are worth taking a look at, for an authentic Cape Cod experience you and your favorite human will fall in love all over again as you sail across the waters watching the sky turn to fire. They don’t offer a bar on board, but guests are invited to bring their own food and drink, so maybe a picnic dinner will be in your future, a picnic dinner enjoyed as the sun sets over the sea.
Lobster Roll Cruises serves as the perfect lead into our final topic, romantic meals, but since it falls under the sunset cruise category, we will leave it right here. Cruising out of Sesuit Harbor, enjoying cocktails, wine, beer, and cocktails from your choice of two separate bars. Also serving a menu of fresh and delicious foods, your evening adventures will be fulfilling and fiery.
No romantic trip to Cape Cod would be complete without a fabulous meal from any of the restaurants listed below. Be sure to save room for dessert and finish off your night with a moonlit walk along the beach.
Offering views of the harbor and a menu filled with Italian favorites and seafood harvested from the waters around Cape Cod, their selections change regularly, and their desserts are always on point. Their Chef’s Cheesecake of the Day is worth returning more than once, just to sample the new flavors.
This seasonal favorite, only open during the summer months, is acclaimed for being the go-to special occasion restaurant and is perfect for celebrating your love. The only Forbes Five-Star rated restaurant on Cape Cod, Twenty-Eight Atlantic has also been voted most romantic, ensuring that your dining experience will be one that you never forget. Their menu is a prix-fixe menu with three courses.
Encore Bistro & Bar is housed in a charming and classic New England style cottage, but as you walk through the arched trellis covered in climbing vines, you won’t have to worry about your vacation budget as this trendy spot offers moderately priced meals. Its menu is a blend of Italian and American favorites, and although they don’t offer a dessert menu, their specialty cocktails including the Brown Buttered Old Fashion and Espresso Martini will provide a sweet finish to your meal.
Every adventure is a romantic one when spent with the one you love most in our Cape Cod cozy love nests. Contact us to learn more or reserve your favorite today and fall in love all over again in comfort and style.
Cape Cod consistently ranks as one of Massachusetts’ foremost vacation spots thanks to its world-class beaches, renowned classic streets, and delightful fresh seafood. Another popular attraction to this lovely Bay State gem is the famous Cape Cod National Seashore, an expansive 43,000-acre protected area on the peninsula’s eastern end. Here’s what makes Cape Cod National Seashore such a Cape Cod favorite.
Cape Cod National Seashore has six beautiful beaches, each offering its unique charm and thrills by the water’s edge. Marconi Beach features sweeping panoramic views and a gentle slope, making it an excellent spot for soothing swims, skimboarding, and boogie-boarding. Coast Guard Beach is a popular area for spotting local wildlife, including gray and spot harbor seals, alongside numerous avian species. Other renowned Cape Cod National Seashore beaches worth visiting include Race Point Beach in Provincetown, Head of the Meadow Beach in North Truro, and Nauset Light Beach in Eastham.
Cape Cod National Seashore hosts over 40 scenic hiking trails, perfect for a laid-back mid-morning or afternoon stroll. Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail covers 1.1 miles, offering a brief 23-minute hike through the pine forests and woodlands of Atlantic White Cedar Swamp. The 2.4-mile Sand Dune Trail passes through beautiful dunes before opening up to a beach where you can enjoy a soothing swim. Measuring nine miles, the Great Island to Jeremy Point and Tavern Loop takes nearly three hours, offering multiple elevations with picturesque vistas and a picnic area near the parking.
Hire a bike and head out for a laidback peddling session along Cape Cod National Seashore’s majestic biking trails. The Province Lands Bike Trail stretches roughly 6.6 miles, featuring numerous hills with sweeping views of the Atlantic and dunes. Another popular biking route is the Nauset Bike Trail, which stretches 3.8 miles, delivering a peaceful ride on mostly paved routes. For quality bike rentals in Wellfleet, stop by The Little Capistrano Bike Shop and enjoy an impressive selection of high-end bikes, including mountain bikes, hybrids, cruisers, and tandems.
Enjoy a relaxing kayaking session in the northern area of Nauset Marsh and Wellfleet Harbor. The Nauset Marsh in Hemenway Landing leads out to the Atlantic, offering jaw-dropping scenery and access to numerous avian species, including gulls, raptors, and waterfowl. Wellfleet Harbor features an undisturbed shoreline, delivering a pleasant and peaceful kayaking session with occasional sightings of gray seals. For quality kayak rentals in Wellfleet, check out Jack’s Boat Rental and enjoy an impressive collection of high-end equipment, including single and tandem kayaks.
Test your angling skills at one of Cape Cod National Seashore’s lovely beaches. You can fish anywhere along the Cape Cod National Seashore, provided you have a valid license from the MassFishHunt portal. Local authorities allow fishing by hook and line in designated areas on all days except Labor Day, giving you year-round opportunities to reel in a prized catch.
Cape Cod National Seashore is home to several picturesque lighthouses, highlighting the area’s strong connection to the Atlantic. Nauset Light is one of Cape Cod’s most renowned lighthouses, dating back to 1877 and repainted to its iconic red and white color in the 1940s. Highland Lighthouse remains a beacon of light after faithful service since its construction in 1979, offering sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding areas. The Three Sisters Lighthouse features three 15-foot towers set 150 feet apart along a straight line, making it among Cape Cod’s most unique lighthouses.
Take a trip down memory lane at one of Cape Cod National Seashore’s famous historical sights and learn more about the peninsula’s past and heritage. Captain Edward Penniman House houses written records and artifacts from the Penniman family dating back to the 1800s. The Marconi Station Site is the birthplace of the nation’s first transatlantic wireless station, while the Old Harbor Lifesaving Station is a museum offering tales of ancient wrecks and rescues. Other renowned local historical sights include Doane Homestead, Highlands Center, and Atwood-Higgins House, serving as Cape Cod National Seashore’s oldest house, dating back to 1730.
Cape Cod is a Massachusetts vacation hub delivering umpteen attractions, including Cape Cod National Seashore. This expansive area features multiple miles of lovely beaches, scenic trails, and riveting outdoor adventures, ideal for a memorable getaway. As you plan your Cape Cod vacation, look to New England Vacation Rentals for the area’s best rental homes. We offer an impressive collection of high-end vacation properties, including luxury vacation rental homes, pet-friendly rentals, rentals with hot tubs, and water-view rentals in 14 locations, giving you ample choice to suit your lodging needs. Contact us today to secure your Cape Cod vacation rental and enjoy your Massachusetts vacation in the most comfortable accommodation.
Over the years we have concluded that there are two types of travelers in this world. The first group is the more common one, a group in which travelers plan vacations to the places everyone wants to visit, exploring the standard landmarks, the usual beaches, and the regular hot spots that draw in people from everywhere. The second group, and today’s guide is geared to this group, loves the thrill of traveling off the beaten path, living like the locals in the regions they visit, and doing things that makes the rest of the world stand in envy of their daring. New England Vacation Rentals wants to help you find the hidden gems of Cape Cod, and as such, we have created this guide to traveling for a Cape Cod getaway and living like a local!
The first day of any vacation is always the one filled with the most excitement. The possibilities are endless and although many of the first moments on Cape Cod will be spent examining the comforts found in our New England Vacation Rentals sanctuaries, all travelers are eager to venture out and explore the first of their adventures. So, choose the room you will make your own, unpack your bags (or toss them on the floor of the closet, there will be plenty of time to unpack later) and let’s head to the beach; you know that is what you have been waiting for since you first began making plans for a Cape Cod getaway! And because you march to the beat of a different drummer, these beaches offer quiet, solitude, and the peace you seek, not crowds of rowdy vacationers.
This rocky causeway will not be a beach on which you will want to laze around on beach towels or chairs, but it will be quiet and serene while offering stunning sunset views and photo opportunities of the many birds that make this area their home.
Eastham is home to a few of our charming cottages and although the town itself is popular for its lighthouses and the fact that more than one third of the town is on the National Seashore, this beautiful beach offers sandy shores for tanning and the opportunity to explore the sea life found in small tidal pools when the tide is out.
Once upon a time, Cape Cod offered a more rustic “camp” experience for summer travelers, offering long stretches of pristine beaches, shacks with just the bare minimum of furnishings (and no air conditioning) a carefree vibe that encouraged the wearing of flip flops and tee shirts day and night. If you remember those long-ago days or have heard the tales, you may be delighted to know that you can experience something similar at Crowe’s Pasture Beach in Dennis. Take the trail that leads visitors and residents along marshlands and wooded areas in the conservation area and be amazed at the hidden beach found at the end of that dirt path. This beach offers large boulders, soft sands, and sea grass growing wild, and best of all, very view other humans will be there to muck up this Cape Cod travel experience.
After your explorations of the secret beaches listed above, you may be feeling the first pangs of hunger and although our fully equipped kitchens will definitely be used for meal prep at least a few times during your Massachusetts journey, on this first night, let’s dine out, exploring the culinary landscape of Dennis, Falmouth, and Eastham. You won’t want to travel far on an empty stomach and these local hot spots are going to be close to the beaches you just left.
If you don’t order some classic seafood your first night on your Cape Cod getaway, will you really be able to say you have arrived? Open every day from 11:30 AM until 9 PM, the Quarterdeck is a Cape tradition offering “chowdah” (this is what we call chowder on Cape Cod) lobster rolls, and all the favored New England Classics. Pay particular attention to the décor as much of it was created from pieces of wood found at MacDougall’s Boatyard and some of it dates to the 1600s.
The kitchen of Mac’s Market is open every day of the week from 10 AM until 3 PM, offering a beautiful representation of Cape Cod. Serving both as a fish market selling locally caught sea food and a cozy restaurant offering places to eat on its shaded porch, picnic tables in its “yard” and seats at the counter inside. Also offering catering services, you may be tempted to order their ready-to-eat Lobster Clambake to go, although that might be for a different day, this fun meal needs to be ordered ahead of time.
For almost 30 years, Jason’s Tavern has provided a friendly bar and restaurant where the meals are creative, the drinks are always flowing, and while some people may know your name, they will mind their own business, because this is New England after all! All kidding aside, the tavern is where locals and visitors dine together peacefully, devouring a menu filled with seafood delights and land lubbers’ specialties.
This first day on Cape Cod is going to be filled with wonders you never imagined, your entire week will be, so as the sun sets on day one, you may be ready to retreat to your Cape Cod escape to relax and recharge. Tomorrow is going to be a full one and you and your family will want to feel refreshed and ready to undertake all the adventures that are awaiting.
Just because you are a tourist doesn’t mean you have to explore like one, and our second day of adventures are going to be ones that our locals will easily recognize, starting with breakfast at the Moonakis, 460 Waquoit Highway. Open every day from 7 AM until 1:30 PM, the décor is simple, the specials are written on the walls, and the counter is where neighbors and friends sit, sip coffee, and share stories in between bites of the best omelets on Cape Cod. Today will be another memorable day, filled with adventures you will wish never had to end as you stroll off the beaten path in the villages and towns that make up what we consider paradise, so go ahead, order those pancakes to go with the meal! Fluffy, light, and so delicious you are easily going to need the extra carb power they provide.
There are 14 historic lighthouses on Cape Cod, and although visiting them is a typical touristy thing to do, there are three that we consider hidden gems. The Three Sisters Lighthouses are no longer standing over the sea providing safe harbor for vessels navigating rocky waters. Retired now, they have retreated to a wooded area off Cable Road in Eastham, spending quiet days welcoming tourists and reminiscing over the ships and boats they may have saved while sitting on the edge of the ocean at Nauset Light Station. Built in the 1800s and standing only 15 feet tall, they were quickly nicknamed the 3 sisters as they resembled women wearing white dresses and black hats.
The Chatham Lighthouse is one of the region’s most iconic lighthouses, protecting its shores since 1808 and is actually still in operation today. Many a traveler has taken a tour of its interior, climbing its 44 steps to the top landing, and taking family pictures at its base, but have you heard of the Chatham Light Beach Shack? Also known as the “Occupy Chatham South Beach” shack, located on South Beach and although it isn’t far from the lighthouse, it seems worlds away. The origins of this dilapidated shack which spends every day of its light fighting for survival is unknown, but it has become Chatham’s pet of sorts, losing bits of itself every day as nature claims her for its own. Offering a quiet place to sit and savor the beauty of the beach, the sea, and its offbeat charms, ignore the Go Away signs, search for the guestbook (and sign it!) that is often buried in the sand, and share the pictures and stories of your time at the shack on its Occupy Chatham South Beach Facebook Page.
After a day spent touring lighthouses and shacks (Don’t forget to explore Nauset Lighthouse, the most famous one on Cape Cod) it will be time to enjoy more sedentary adventures, including a dinner at Chatham Raw Bar. Located at 593 Main Street, this seasonal restaurant is one the locals are known to frequent, providing an elegant spin on classic New England seafood meals. The skies are stormy and angry inside Chatham Raw Bar, but don’t worry, it’s just a painted mural on the ceiling adding a moody charm to the meals that are about to become your newest obsession. The seafood they serve is locally caught, the vegetables are farm to table, even the pasta is handmade, showing the passion the chef has for food and for the guests who visit this wonderful spot.
The bar menu at Chatham Raw Bar is an extensive one, but if you want to sip like a local and your Cape Cod adventures have taken you in other directions, there are more than a few watering holes in the area that will bring you joy, but perhaps the one that will be a favorite for our Hyannis guests will be Flashback Retro Arcade Bar & Grille. Located at 294 Main Street and offering a variety of arcade games that represent decades of fun, this spot will remind you of those long ago days when all you wanted to do was canoodle with your sweetheart and have your name at the top of the player’s list on the Pacman game! The only difference is now you can drink while doing so!
We have filled these three days with so much excitement and fun, it would actually take a week or more to do them all in real life, so even though this says day three, don’t feel pressured, just stay for a week and enjoy! And as the sun rises on another day in paradise, maybe today will be the day you actually witness Mother Nature’s finest performance, that of the sun rising over the beaches of Cape Cod. As most people are not early risers, you don’t have to look for a hidden gem of a beach to enjoy peace and solitude while watching the fire in the sky, just head to the beach that is nearest your New England Vacation Rentals sunrise sanctuary. But if you are looking for something unique, Coast Guard Beach in Eastham is where the Mayflower first made landfall and the history of that area is indescribably fantastic.
Monomoy Island is the best place on Cape Cod to see the seals and although this is more of a guide for living like the locals, we do recommend that a seal tour should be taken. The Monomoy Island includes narration by a naturalist and explains the history of Monomoy Island, as well as the Monomoy Lighthouse.
For an authentic Cape Cod tradition, you simply must visit this low-key candy store in South Yarmouth. Offering a taste of sea and local traditions, their list of flavors is simply endless, plus they make wonderful and inexpensive gifts for the friends and family who weren’t able to join in on this trip of a lifetime!
Although this last item on our itinerary of fun is not exactly an activity, it will be fun to learn how to speak like a local, starting with the term we call locals, a Year-Roun-dah, someone who lives on Cape Cod the entire year. Whooo-wee is our nickname for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (another place you should visit) and off cape, simply meaning you are sadly heading back to the mainland.
Your very full days will be accompanied by very peaceful and restful nights when you come home every evening to our Cape Cod condos for rent! Reserve your favorite escape today!
A Cape Cod trip is a dream come true for travelers who arrive at our doorstep every day. Offering a tour of history in the structures that have been standing since before our nation declared its independence, an exploration of golden sand beaches and towering lighthouses, and an epicurean adventure that should and probably will include as much seafood as you can handle! Cape Cod is surrounded by water, and the seafood we serve at restaurants and diners all over the Cape is destined to be the sweetest you have ever tasted. We at New England Vacation Rentals have created this ultimate guide to what is destined to be your next food obsession, the seafood of Cape Cod.
Although you may not have thought about it too carefully, seafood at breakfast has been a long-standing tradition all over the world, with most people’s thoughts turning to the lox they top their bagels and schmear with every morning. On Cape Cod, however, our thoughts turn to the savory delights of the crab or lobster (this is Massachusetts, after all!) benedicts served at the restaurants listed below.
The best restaurants aren’t always the ones with the white tablecloths and snooty waiters, more often than not they are the homey establishments that have existed for years, becoming the gathering place for locals and travelers. Homeport Restaurant, a local restaurant serving breakfast and lunch for over 54 years, is one such place, open every day from 6 AM until 2 PM. Their succulent benedict created with crab cakes is known as the Baltimore and is served with crispy home fries that taste even better when you accidentally mix them in with the hollandaise sauce.
Open 7:30 AM until 3 PM every day of the week, the Sea Street Café offers an expansive benedict menu featuring a Fenway benedict with sausage, onions, and peppers, but our personal favorite? The Cape Cod Benedict, on which mini lobster cakes are the star of the show. Flaky and filled with more meat than filler, this seafood breakfast is one you won’t soon forget.
This historic restaurant in Dennis has been serving breakfast and lunch for over 73 years and is open every day from 7 AM until 2 PM. Honestly, we can say we have never had a meal that was less than wonderful at the Red Cottage Restaurant, but their Meet the Benedicts menu is what really excites us and most guests that visit one of the best seafood restaurants on Cape Cod! Offering six different benedicts, their Crabby Benny made with Chesapeake blue crab cakes and their Lobster Benny made with 8 ounces of knuckle and claw lobster meat will make you believe in love at first bite. Just don’t forget your cash, because the Red Cottage does not take credit cards.
As you visit the oldest house on Cape Cod (the Hoxie House) explore the windmills that once provided power to the homes and businesses on Cape Cod, and frolic in the surf of the National Seashore, you may find that the hearty breakfast you enjoyed in the earlier hours doesn’t quite have the staying power you had hoped for. The midday break can be important for maintaining the energy needed to continue your afternoon explorations and the seafood restaurants listed below will be the perfect spots for your lunch adventures.
One thing you will soon notice is that the best seafood restaurants on Cape Cod can be the shacks that are often crowded with diners, especially in the summer months, and the Lobster Trap Restaurant offers one of our favorite examples. Offering a true Cape Cod experience and open every day of the week at 11 AM, we can’t choose a favorite dish, but we can encourage visitors to try something unique, such as stuffed Quahog or the classic Massachusetts dish, the lobster roll.
For many diners, seafood is not their favorite food, but after just one bite of any of the meals served at Fisherman’s View, we think that opinion may change. Fresh, sweet, and imaginative, this is the perfect restaurant to try the first of what we hope will be many cups of clam chowder. Also offering a kid’s menu, it might be a great spot to introduce your pickiest eaters to a seafood meal; the fish & chips on the kids’ menu is fresh and delicious.
Hyannis is one of our larger towns on Cape Cod and the restaurant landscape is destined to be one that you will fall in love with, especially when you visit the Black Cat Harbor Shack for lunch during your summer Cape Cod trip. (Many local restaurants close during the winter months, reopening on Memorial Day weekend) The Shack is an open structure, offering picnic tables at which you can savor the freshest oysters, the creamiest lobster bisque, and soft shell clams that will make your taste buds sing.
One of the hardest parts of vacationing with children is finding restaurants that understand that no, your kids aren’t feral, they are just spirited and still learning how to handle social situations. Every meal with the kiddos has the potential to become fraught with tension, but it is at dinner time, when the youngest travelers are tired from their long day of adventures that the potential becomes almost a certainty. Fortunately, there are plenty of local seafood restaurants that are not just casual and delicious, they will adore your kids almost as much as you do.
Casual and laidback, the Lobster Shanty invites your entire family to work your way through a menu filled with seafood favorites, perhaps concentrating on their very reasonably priced lobster section. Their lobster rolls are fresh and exciting and guaranteed to haunt your dreams in a good way long after you have returned home from your vacation in paradise.
Sometimes the best way to corral a rambunctious child is by choosing to dine on the patio and letting them have a little more freedom and Brax Landing Restaurant has a beautiful patio on the water that will also give your littles something fun to watch as boats skim across the water coming in and out of the harbor. Offering a menu filled with surf and turf favorites, their crab cake sandwich will bring you joy and if you have any room left over in your belly, we recommend the chocolate mousse cake for dessert.
Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Land Ho! represents the vibe of Cape Cod, perhaps better than any other place in the region. Casual and cheery and offering a quirky décor that everyone feels comfortable and at home in, their menu is a blend of seafood favorites and land lubbers’ delights, ensuring that everyone in your traveling party will find something they adore.
Often travelers are celebrating something during their vacation on Cape Cod and because every special occasion is best enjoyed when accompanied by a fine meal, these special occasion seafood restaurants will help make your night out something you will never forget.
Offering sea views and an expansive menu of elevated seafood and land lubbers’ meals, the chef at Ocean House is making a name for himself on Cape Cod. Having received a variety of accolades in 2023, including Most Romantic Restaurant and Community Choice for Fine Dining, this upscale establishment will take your celebration to the next level of wonderful. This is a seasonal restaurant and is closed at the moment but will be opening again in the spring.
Sometimes the structure that houses the restaurant is extra special and at other times it is the food that elevates your experience, but when you dine at the Impudent Oyster, you will discover that both exist together. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and located in a building that was once a church, it still retains at least one of its arched stained glass windows, as well as its lofty ceiling, dark wood beams, and the serene ambience that could only come from a place of worship. The menu features an impeccable selection of seafood dishes, this night is the perfect night to splurge, perhaps ordering their Pesca Fra Diabla, a dish in which local littlenecks, lobsters, and an assortment of fresh seafood are simmered in a spicy red sauce and served over linguine.
Housed inside an elegant 19th century home, Cape Sea Grille is known for its innovative menu created with local ingredients, native seafood, and sustainable meats. Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesday, this special spot is open year-round, enabling even winter visitors the opportunity to enjoy a great seafood celebration. Also known for their specialty martinis, a meal at Cape Sea Grille is destined to be one that will haunt your dreams in all the best of ways.
Anyone who has done much traveling understands that the best stores are the ones the locals shop and the best restaurants are where the locals eat and our New England Vacation Rentals guide to the best seafood restaurants would not be complete without the following restaurants added to it.
This local favorite is known for its cheerful ambience, large portions, and its Irish meals, but our personal favorite is, of course, their Seafood Benny, featuring an English muffin topped with lobster, shrimp, scallops, chopped clams, and pepper and onions. Drenched in hollandaise sauce, this hearty breakfast is worth trying again and again, just ask the locals!
Pate’s has a long history on Cape Cod, starting out as a simple burger joint in 1957 and evolving over the years into a fine dining establishment that offers a chef driven menu that is simply divine. Pate’s has only had two owners over its decades in business, the Pate family who originated it and the Gardner family who have turned it into a special occasion restaurant, one in which most residents have dined at time and time again. Offering both seafood and land meals, the thought and care put into every dish they offer is obvious from first bite; try their Surf & Turf, a combination of lobster, lobster ravioli, and grilled sirloin and discover what ecstasy tastes like.
This classic New Cape Cod restaurant is a seasonal one, only open during the summer months, but it is one that is definitely worth the wait. From their traditional clam “chowdah” to their lobster rolls and fried seafood plates, they have never taken a wrong step and if you don’t feel like a native Caper as you sit outdoors at tables that overlook the harbor, you may not truly understand what a Caper is. (No, we aren’t talking about the salty buds that add flavor to your favorite dishes, a Caper is what people who live on Cape Cod sometimes call themselves.)
So it’s not a restaurant and you will probably have to prepare, serve, and clear the meal yourself, but our fully equipped kitchens offer cheerful spaces that help bring back the joy in cooking. Including lobster pots in most pantries and grills on most back patios, your home caught seafood will reflect the love you add to every meal you prepare. Reserve your favorite escape today!
Spring brings some much-needed respite from the biting winter temperatures. What better way to celebrate springtime than with a riveting escape to the lovely peninsula of Cape Cod? Here’s what to expect from this Bay State gem on your Cape Cod spring vacation.
Join in on this three-day event that celebrates the onset of spring with live performances and fine arts shows. This year, the 38th rendition of the festival will take place from May 3 to May 5, culminating with an indoor concert at Brewster Baptist Church. Come witness vendors exhibiting various crafts in an open-air arts and crafts show or participate in the 5K run or walk. Additionally, there’s a lawn display contest and a kids’ festival where little ones enjoy kid-friendly activities.
Witness Cape Cod’s finest art galleries and most talented artists at the Winter Art Series. The event happens most Saturdays from 3 PM to 5 PM, with the final installation on March 23. Plan an early spring visit and enjoy Theresa Harriman’s exquisite decorative pottery at Cape Cottage Studio. Theresa boasts over 15 years of experience in the space, making her pieces a must-see on Cape Cod.
Treat your taste buds to a sumptuous brunch at the famous Wequassett Resort. The resort plans on serving its famous brunch beginning February 18 through April from 10 AM to 1 PM. Relish your lavish buffet meal as you take in the majestic views of Pleasant Bay. Each meal features fresh and locally sourced ingredients meticulously prepared and served with complimentary mimosas or champagne.
If you’re a mixology enthusiast or looking to learn the ropes for mixing the perfect cocktail, Chatham Bars Inn offers mixology lessons at its Chef’s Table. Classes run on Fridays from 6 PM to 7 PM, each offering lessons on a different drink. If you make an early spring visit, you’ll be part of the rum class on March 22 or the tequila class on March 29. Each session begins with a welcome cocktail and then proceeds to expound on how to prepare ingredients and garnishes.
Experience the beautiful rhododendron bloom at the annual Rhododendron Festival in Heritage Museums & Gardens. Thousands of rhododendrons spanning over 100 varieties offer a breathtaking display of their bright colors throughout the garden. Take a self-guided tour of the facility as you learn more about these beautiful plants, then pose for a picture next to the walls of bright flowers. There’s a fun-filled activity guide for kids and a store where you can grab one of the signature plants as a gift for yourself or a loved one. The event runs from May 17 to May 27 from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Relish an epic biking adventure along the famous Cape Cod Rail Trail. The route passes through seven towns, including Harwich, Brewster, and Eastham, before culminating in Wellfleet. You’ll pass by picturesque pine forests, kettle ponds, and lake beaches, creating a peaceful riding excursion. The best time to enjoy a springtime Cape Cod Rail Trail bike ride is from April through early June, when temperatures allow for a snow-free experience.
Explore Cape Cod’s delightful culinary scene during Wellfleet Restaurant Week. The event lasts a week, with this year’s edition kicking off from May 29 to June 4. Restaurants participating in Wellfleet Restaurant Week offer unique menus with special items, which you can view online on the Wellfleet website.
Tap into your inner painter by attending this insightful workshop by renowned local artist Carol Maguire. The three-day event is scheduled for June 12 to June 14, from 9 AM to 3 PM, with admissions on a waitlist basis. During the class, Carol will take you through an inspirational session, teaching you how to paint pieces that look fresh and bold. Each day begins with a demonstration and exercises to guide you through color mixing and establishing the right light and dark hues.
The famous arm-shaped peninsula of Cape Cod is a vacation paradise, delivering umpteen thrills and attractions. From its stunning sandy shoreline to exciting whale-watching tours off the coast and a world-class creative scene, this Massachusetts favorite is the perfect spot for a springtime vacation. As you count down to the onset of spring, book your Cape Cod rental early with New England Vacation Rentals and choose from our impressive list of high-end holiday homes. We offer luxurious properties with ample amenities in several Cape Cod towns, including Harwich, Chatham, East Harwich, Dennis, and Brewster. Contact us today to secure your preferred Cape Cod vacation rental and relish a memorable spring holiday in this lovely Massachusetts gem.
It is that time of the year when nothing else matters. Just love and love alone. To celebrate love, you must be ready to go the extra mile and do things beyond the obvious. The 2024 Valentine’s edition gives you a chance to tour the world with the iconic Cape Cod Island being a priority destination. Here’s a highlight of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Cape Cod.
Valentine’s celebration doesn’t get better than the beach. Watching the smooth waves of the island sweep through the shores of the ocean is such a satisfying thing to do. It also doubles up as a love therapy session.
Beaches in Cape Cod also offer a platform for you to explore the feeling of sand in your toes. Enjoy walking along the shores of the island and seeing the beautiful views. A romantic walk on the beach is the perfect Valentine’s Day activity.
While there are no written rules of love, some are so pronounced that they feel like a taboo when left out. Valentine’s dinner is something you can’t afford to omit regardless of your travel destination.
With the several restaurants that have set base in the island, you will have multiple options to explore for your Valentine’s dinner. Better still, a solo date on the beachside will be a worthwhile romantic gesture.
You and your partner deserve the best relaxing experience there can be on the island. Being an active tourist destination, Cape Cod is home to several parlors offering this vital service. The experience is even much better during the Valentine’s season.
Whether you want a quick one as you hop to other activities or you prefer lengthy sessions with your partner by the side, you are in the right place for it all.
Shopping on the island is another form of Valentine’s Day adventure that awaits in Cape Cod. During this season, your partner expects you to show up and pamper them with gifts.
Besides the usual roses, cards, and chocolates, go the extra mile and get that engagement ring.
Getting a cozy holiday rental for your stay on the island is part of your Valentine’s experience in Massachusetts. With us is a set of rental properties complete with all the right amenities to match your energy for the day. Call us today for your Cape Cod Valentine’s rentals.
Nestled on the scenic Cape Cod, Harwich beckons with its charming coastal allure and vibrant community spirit. Look forward to embracing the timeless beauty of sandy shores, quaint shops, and delectable seafood. And as you explore this idyllic destination, get ready to discover the epitome of seaside living at 7 Deer Run. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath Cape Cod villa for rent lying on a quiet cul-de-sac invites you to unwind in comfort and style, offering a serene retreat just moments away from Harwich’s cultural gems and natural wonders. With that being said, get ready to immerse yourself in the warmth of coastal hospitality, creating unforgettable memories against the backdrop of Harwich’s inviting landscapes.
As you step inside 7 Deer Run Harwich, a spacious and tastefully decorated living area, providing the perfect setting for relaxation after a day of exploring the local attractions, welcomes you. The property’s fully equipped kitchen invites culinary enthusiasts to whip up delicious meals, creating a home-away-from-home ambiance. And with three cozy bedrooms that can accommodate up to six guests, everyone can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready for another day of adventure.
For those seeking relaxation, the master bedroom boasts an en-suite bathroom with a shower. Get ready to unwind and pamper yourself while taking advantage of the tranquility of your private retreat. The additional two bedrooms share a beautifully appointed bathroom, which allows guests to fulfill their needs in comfort. Convenience also extends beyond the bedrooms with a laundry room, making it easy to keep your beachwear fresh and ready for the next day’s seaside adventures.
One of the notable highlights of 7 Deer Run Harwich is its expansive outdoor space. A sprawling backyard offers a haven for both kids and adults, featuring a well-maintained lawn for play and a patio for alfresco dining. Picture yourself sipping your morning coffee or evening cocktail while basking in the Cape Cod sunshine, courtesy of these outdoor amenities.
Additionally, get ready to embrace the coastal lifestyle with easy access to pristine beaches, charming local shops, and delectable seafood restaurants. That being said, you can look forward to embarking on a vacation filled with comfort, charm, and the unique allure of Cape Cod. Your perfect getaway awaits you in this idyllic home that seamlessly blends modern amenities with the timeless appeal of coastal living.
Look forward to exploring the timeless charm of Cape Cod, where pristine beaches meet quaint villages and vibrant culture. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich maritime history and savor fresh seafood delights. And for an unforgettable stay, contact us to book your getaway at 7 Deer Run Harwich.
As the summer crowds fade away, a serene magic blankets Cape Cod, MA. Get ready to explore the peninsula’s pristine beaches and charming villages, each adorned with a unique, cozy charm during winter. To make your journey unforgettable, here’s the ultimate winter guide curated to help you explore Cape Cod. Packed with local insights, hidden gems, and must-try experiences, this guide is your ticket to savoring the Cape’s tranquil beauty. From beach strolls to delightful seafood feasts, this perfect itinerary ensures that your Cape Cod winter getaway is nothing short of enchanting.
Cape Cod’s pristine beaches aren’t just for summertime. During winter, they transform into tranquil havens, perfect for contemplative walks. The brisk sea breeze and the sound of waves breaking against the shore create an otherworldly ambiance that will soothe your soul. Look forward to dressing warmly and exploring beaches like Coast Guard Beach or Nauset Light Beach for a truly serene experience.
To truly immerse yourself in the culture of Cape Cod, explore the charming towns. Visit Provincetown, with its artsy ambiance, unique boutiques, and welcoming community. Or head to Hyannis to explore the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum and experience a slice of American history.
Cape Cod’s rich culinary scene also shines in winter. You can warm up with a bowl of clam chowder at a cozy waterfront restaurant or savor fresh lobster in a historic Cape Cod inn. The local seafood is at its finest during this season.
There are quite a few holiday celebrations to check out while you’re in Cape Cod, make sure you check the holiday strolls which are happening in many towns in the area throughout December. You definitely won’t want to miss out on the lighting of the Lobster Pot tree in Provincetown. Lastly, make sure you check out “First Night” in Chatham which is taking place on New Years Eve.
Get ready to embrace the serene charm of Cape Cod, MA, during the winter. Discover the cozy seaside towns, pristine beaches, and warm hospitality that make this a perfect winter escape. To fully appreciate this unique experience, you can reach out to us to book your stay in one of our breathtaking vacation rentals and make the most of your winter getaway.
There are two distinctly different types of travelers in this world. The first are the ones that love the carefree vibe of a summer day, traveling to places where the sun always shines, the seas are warm, and flipflops and swimsuits are the only outfit of the day. They love long days and party nights. They swim, they tan, they explore hidden beaches in popular areas and yes, they visit Cape Cod in droves in the summer months, finding everything they love right here on our historic island. But today, we want to talk to the second type of traveler, the ones for whom the nights can never be long enough and the snow can never be deep enough. These travelers declare winter their soulmate and cannot be happy without boots and a colorful parka as they trek through blankets of the white stuff. These romantic souls love the quiet of a dark night as more snow falls softly to the ground, and when they are tucked away under a colorful blanket with a fire roaring in the fireplace and a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea in hand, they are in their element. Our comprehensive winter guide to Cape Cod is designed to enhance your vacation experience to the fullest.
A Cape Cod vacation in the winter is a far different one than occurs in the summer months, and for those who fear they will have nothing to do in the snowy winter wonderland of the Cape, we at New England Vacation Rentals have created this ultimate winter guide, a day-by-day itinerary, to your vacation in our chilly paradise. And of course, the only thing better than exploring the winter adventures you can have during your stay on Cape Cod will be coming home to our seasonal sanctuaries where warmth, romance, and comfort are awaiting!
Chances are your first night at the Cape was spent getting to know the comforts of your home sweet vacation home, and perhaps you did nothing more than grab a spicy pie from Pizza Barbone in Hyannis, which happened to be located conveniently near your rental property. There is no wrong way to dive into your first night on Cape Cod, so we hope it was a pleasant one. But today is a new day, and there are a plethora of adventures awaiting you!
Breakfast is the first item on the agenda, and the Daily Paper is our first recommendation! Offering two locations in Hyannis, 644 West Main and 546 Main Street, this local diner serves breakfast all day, and their breakfasts will definitely stick to your ribs on a cold winter day. After finishing off a delicious Lobster Benedict and a couple of cups of strong, hot coffee, it is time to venture out into the cold (But not that cold, because our Cape is protected from the biggest weather issues and stays relatively warm in comparison to the rest of Massachusetts!) to one of the beaches of Hyannis. A beach in winter? We can almost hear the incredulous tone of your voice as you ask but trust us. While no one is suggesting a swim in the icy waters, the sight of snow-covered sands, gray skies, and stormy waters will reach out and take hold of your winter loving heart! The beaches—East, Kalmus, Sea Street, and Veterans—are a major draw in both winter and summer, and once you experience them, there is no going back. You will be hooked forever, and the pictures you take will offer a stark and rugged beauty that will add warmth to your home when you print and frame them.
When the need for heat arises, it may be time to head indoors, exploring a little bit of American history at the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum. Located at 397 Main Street and open Monday through Saturday from 10 to 5 (These hours can be different over holidays, or on the first Friday of every month, when they stay open until 8 PM for First Fridays events.) Hyannis served as a respite for our nation’s 35th president, serving as a playground and often acknowledged as the summer White House during his term, and this incredible museum delves deeply into his life and his legacy. Ticket prices range from free (for kids 5 and under) to $14 for adults 18 to 64, and a gift shop is filled with items that will serve as concrete reminders of the moments you spent in his favorite part of the world.
Finally, on this first, fun-filled day of your escape to the Cape, it is time to explore dinner options, which of course should be seafood related. Massachusetts is known for its sweet seafood, and even those who claim not to like it can’t resist a taste, which is why the Black Cat Tavern, located at 165 Ocean Street, is our suggestion for this night’s meal! Offering waterfront views of the harbor and an extensive menu that includes fish, oysters, clams, and so much more, you will want to save room for their Oreo cake as you possibly end your first day with a great meal and live entertainment.
After a yummy breakfast of Steak Tips and Eggs at Marshland Restaurant, located at 109 MA-6A in Sandwich, (which has made an appearance on everyone’s favorite Food Network show, Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives) you will have all the energy you need for a drive around Cape Cod and a tour of the lighthouses for which we are famous. There are 14 lighthouses on Cape Cod, but not all are easy to access, such as the Sandy Neck Lighthouse in Barnstable, which is actually a private residence and should only be viewed from a distance, perhaps by boat. But never fear; there are many more you can explore!
The Nauset Lighthouse is the most photographed one on Cape Cod, its red, white, and black structure standing out against the skies in all seasons, perched next to the classic Cape Cod keeper’s house. Located in Eastham and known as one of the Three Sisters, it was completed in 1838 and originally stood about 500 feet away from where it stands now. The Three Sisters, a trio of lighthouses constructed in 1911 after the original threesome fell into the sea, aren’t at water’s edge anymore but are located just a short walk away from Nauset Light, serving as a stately reminder to those early more dangerous days in the seas around Cape Cod.
Chatham Light is the next structure on our tour, offering a peek at an automated lighthouse still in use. Built in 1877, this pure white structure is much loved, and although they only offer tours in the summer months, a picture taken in front of the lighthouse will make an excellent photo for your annual Christmas card. If you time your travels right, you should stop into the Wild Goose Tavern, 512 Main Street in Chatham, for a bowl of their Spanish Stew, served with your choice of seared cod or scallops!
Heading back out on the road, Nobska Light in Falmouth is next on the tour. Built in 1829 and offering stunning views of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Sound, this white tower is also still in use, and watching the ferries commute from island to island from the grassy cliff is one of our favorite ways to find peace on a chaotic day.
With 14 lighthouses on the Cape, we could go on and on about each one, but the best way to learn about these important structures is to visit those you can, including all the ones we listed here, plus others such as Monomoy, Woods End, and Race Point Lighthouses. You won’t be able to tour these beautiful structures during your winter adventures, but just seeing them, photographing them, and enjoying the views from their base will make this winter trip one you will never forget. And in the evening, after being on the road all day, you may wish to just enjoy a dinner at home, and our fully equipped kitchens will make it easy to do just that!
Lying just minutes away from the most famous rock in the country, this region is at its heart, practically the birthplace of our country, and as such, winter visitors can enjoy a historic tour of Cape Cod with visits to museums and antique stores, proving once again that education can be entertaining! As with any of our suggestions, travelers can pick and choose their favorite ideas and plan out their own itinerary, but today, we want to step back in time with a tour of museums.
Breakfast, of course, is where we begin, and today’s pick of the day is for our Chatham guests. The Chatham Filling Station, located at 75 Old Harbor Road, may never have actually been a gas station, but the owners ensure that no one ever leaves hungry, filling their empty stomachs with a delicious array of foods! Preferring cash, but taking debit and credit cards with an additional fee, this locally owned business is worth visiting twice, so why not come back for lunch?
After the most important meal of the day, the adventures will begin with a visit to the Atwood Museum, located at 347 Stage Harbor Road in Chatham. Built in 1752, over 20 years before our nation fought for its independence, a major renovation project began in 2009, ensuring that it would continue to tell its story for centuries to come. The renovations were done in much of the same ways it was originally constructed, including hand-blown glass windows, ax-hewn beams, and historically correct brick-and-lime mortar was used for restoring the fireplace, ensuring that even the pickiest of architectural buffs will be pleased with the restoration.
For those who can’t find themselves excited about museums, a visit to Monomoy Salvage Antiques & Gifts will give you a taste of history that you can actually bring home with you! Located at 1134 Main Street in Chatham, you could probably spend the entire day here and not see everything they have to offer, but fortunately, they also offer an online shop that you can peruse from anywhere in the world.
If you want to continue on with your tour of museums, instead of focusing on just one, some of the best museums on Cape Cod include the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster, Highfield Hall and Gardens in Falmouth, the previously mentioned John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Museum in Mashpee. The museums we have listed here should be open during your winter visit, but you should check, just in case something changes.
We’ve crammed a lot of activities into just three days, so feel free to spread the activities out over your longer stay, but however you choose to explore the winter wonderland that is Cape Cod, we like to suggest that you take at least one day to experience all the comforts of home in our seasonal sanctuaries! Wake up early one morning, bundling up to experience a sunrise on the beaches that are nearest your escape, scramble up some eggs for a hearty breakfast, and then head back to bed for a little midmorning nap. Of course, the sofas in our living rooms are notoriously nap worthy, so maybe you will fall asleep while watching the holiday parade at Thanksgiving on large state-of-the-art televisions. On a snowy day, there is nothing more rewarding than staying in your jammies, sipping coffee or cocoa in front of a roaring fire, reading by the light of lamp placed next to the most comfortable reading chair. After another home-cooked meal, (Our kitchens make cooking fun!) clear the dishes off the table, spread out the pieces of a board game and play late into the night.
There’s a magic that winter brings to Cape Cod, and our New England Vacation Rentals seasonal sanctuaries reflect that magic. Contact us today to reserve your favorite property today!
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