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The recipe for throwing a good party is simple: start with a handful of friends or family, toss in some good music and stir in equal parts refreshing beverages and tasty food; then enjoy. If you’re the type of person who is always seeking the next greatest party, even during your vacation travels, this guide to Cape Cod nightlife will be a game changer. And because we know the recipe changes somewhat when traveling, we’ve made sure that the parties you find here offer an extra pinch of laughter and excitement!

Hot Stove Saloon, 551 MA-28 #4, Harwich Port

A good party doesn’t have to involve martinis, spiked heels and tiny appetizers made from sea foam and deer breath. Sometimes all you need is a bunch of people in jeans and sweatshirts enjoying a cold beer as they watch ‘Boys of Summer’ on the big screen. The Hot Stove Saloon in Harwich Port is where the party starts for baseball fanatics, and the pub-style food served here promises to be a lot more substantial than seafoam! Every guide to Cape Cod nightlife would include this place!

The Improper Bostonian – Live Music Venue & Bar, 626 Main Street, Dennis Port

If we didn’t mention the Improper Bostonian, then this wouldn’t be the ultimate guide to Cape Cod nightlife! The coziness of Cape Cod means you never have to drive far to have a good time, and the Improper Bostonian is a prime example. It features live bands whose music will get you out of your seat and onto the dance floor, karaoke for those who love the limelight and some of the best happy hour specials on all of Cape Cod. If you are looking for a party, you need to look no further. Just be warned: This hot night spot is only open from May through September, so plan your Cape Cod vacation accordingly!

Woodshed, 1993 Main Street, Brewster

Another nearby hot spot on the Cape is Woodshed in Brewster. Today, it stands for good times with good people. Laid back and casual, it’s a favorite with the locals, playing the songs we know all the words to. But as with The Improper Bostonian, this is a seasonal joint only, so we hope to see you hanging out here in the summer of 2019!

Book a Stay to Fully Experience the Guide to Cape Cod Nightlife

Your adventures on Cape Cod, both day and night, will get even better when you stay in one of our New England Vacation Rentals’ classic cottages. Comfortable, warm and always inviting, our homes are the best on the Cape. Reserve yours today and continue the party in your stylish home away from home!

While most people think of Cape Cod as primarily a summer vacation destination, it’s really a place that is great to visit year-round. In the spring, the days are still cool as the promise of warmer days bloom around us; summer moments are spent enjoying the beauty of the beaches, and crisp nights are welcomed in the fall. The winter may be the most beautiful season of all and if you’re looking for a change of scenery for your New Year’s Eve celebrations. Cape Cod New Years Eve is definitely something to experience!

The Last Day of The Year

Of course, you want to make every moment count! After a hearty breakfast at the Red Cottage Restaurant (located at 36 Old Bass River Road in nearby South Dennis), it’s time to bundle up and start exploring! It may be too cold to swim, but if you’ve never been to a beach in the winter, it’s time to remedy that. Mant’s Landing at Robbins Hill Road & Warrens Road may be crowded and chaotic in the summer but in the winter, the quiet peace and soft blanket of snow will soothe your soul.

Start the Evening Out Right

A good meal puts everyone in the mood for a celebration and each year, Brewster Fish House (2208 Main Street) offers a three-course gourmet dinner. Every year is different, but we can tell you that the New Year’s Eve meals they have offered in the past have been simply outstanding. Serving dishes with exotic names: Nantucket Bay Scallop with Hudson Valley Foie Gras or Wild Scottish Venison Loin with Jerusalem Artichoke. The most memorable dessert in previous years (in our opinions!) was the Dark Chocolate Tart. Rich, sweet and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, if we could end every year with that one simple dessert, our lives would be perfection.  This place is definitely a go-to when celebrating Cape Cod New Years Eve!

Celebrate Cape Cod New Years Eve in Your Vacation Rental

It’s time to say hello to 2019, celebrate Cape Cod New Years Eve and when you’re staying in one of our New England Vacation Rental’s classic escapes, there’s also no need to go out! Build a fire, make some cocoa and spend the last day of 2018 exactly how you want to spend the entire year of 2019; with your family enjoying a bond that is forever. Reserve yours today!

Cape Cod is famous throughout the world for being a vacation destination for the wealthy, the politically powerful, and upon occasion, royalty from other countries. And because of vacation property management companies like ours, it’s not just the rich and famous that visit Cape Cod; it’s a vacation spot for EVERYONE! The downside is there are certain times of the year where the beaches are crowded, the restaurant lines are long, and the streets are jammed, which can affect the joy of your Massachusetts getaway—unless, of course, you know about the secret, off-the-beaten-path things to do in Chatham that we present in this guide to treasured guests.

Things to Do in Chatham – Everyone Knows about the Chatham Lighthouse

It’s practically an institution as one of the best things to do in Chatham, but did you know we have a second lighthouse that hardly anyone visits? Isolated but not quite desolate, the Stage Harbor Lighthouse is located about half an hour away from the Harding Beach parking area, and in our opinion, rivals its more famous counterpart! The pictures you take outside this classic Cape Cod structure should be printed and framed.

Avoid the Lines and Eat with the Locals

Long lines and long waits can lead to cranky kids AND adults, but when you eat where the locals eat, you tend to bypass the extreme waits. The Captain’s Table at 576 Main Street is one of those places, hidden in plain sight right in the middle of downtown Chatham. Serving fresh seafood and classic Italian dishes as well as breakfast and brunch, it’s reasonable prices and hearty servings make this restaurant a favorite with the locals. If you love trying different kinds of food, this will be one of your favorite things to do in Chatham!

There are No Secrets here

Our New England Vacation Rentals’ classic escapes are designed to make our guests feel right at home. Warm and welcoming, a stay with us can be the most magical part of your trip, and that’s not a secret! Reserve yours today and discover what thousands who have gone before you already know: The best vacations can be made even better with the right vacation accommodations.

Every morning that we wake up in our Cape Cod cottages and homes, we once again find ourselves in awe of the beauty that surrounds us—the beaches, the lighthouses, the gray waters of the Atlantic Ocean lapping at our shores, creating scenes that never tire. And just when you think we might begin to tire of the stunning landscapes outside our doors, we find places even more beautiful and our love affair with Cape Cod begins anew. Because we want you to fall as deeply in love with the Cape as we have, we’ve compiled this list of the most beautiful Pleasant Lake MA parks to help ensure you experience the best of what Pleasant Lake (a Harwich village) has to offer!

Pleasant Lake MA Parks – Hawksnest State Park, Harwich

Hawksnest is probably our favorite Pleasant Lake MA park, even though it seems to offer the least in terms of activities. Featuring trails that lead to the promise of adventures and surrounded by tall trees and three ponds, this quiet spot is a space with the most photo-ops. The peace that surrounds you is often punctuated with the mournful call of the loon, and if you’re quick, you can catch them in flight with your camera.

Thompson’s Field, Harwich

The most beautiful spot on Earth can look barren and sad when you’re feeling down, but it’s difficult to remain sad when you visit Thompson’s Field, an enchanting park that welcomes your devoted fur babies! The sight of a happy Golden Retriever racing down the trail ahead of its owner or an English bull terrier stubbornly refusing to walk another step will bring a smile to the most jaded of travelers—and the beauty of these moments are just begging to be photographed! The lush landscape changes with the seasons, but all the beauty pales in comparison to the love in the eyes of our loyal companions frolicking happily in Thompson’s Field.

Fisherman’s Landing, Brewster

Located just under four miles away from your Pleasant Lake vacation escape, Fisherman’s Landing is a charming park situated on the banks of Sheep’s Pond which offers a tranquil spot for fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing with a good book on a warm summer’s day. Surrounded by trees that create a private cove, this beautiful area is popular in the summer, so if you’re looking for an escape to solitude, be sure to visit this enchanting place during the offseason. This is one of the best Pleasant Lake MA parks for tourists.

Our Homes Make the Perfect Escape

In our many years, we’ve learned a few things about vacations and travel, and the most important tip we can offer is the importance of your vacation accommodations! Our classic cottages, homes, and condos are designed to spoil our guests; reserve yours today and discover how our homes can make your Cape Cod vacation one you will never forget! Click here to learn more about us.

It’s no doubt that Dennis Port is a top summertime destination. Set on Cape Cod’s peninsula of quaint beachside villages, this area is picturesque in winter as well. Head to Cape Cod when the tourism season is low and enjoy this charming area without battling the crowds. Be sure to pack some layers so you can get out and enjoy some awesome things to do in Dennis Port in the Winter!

Fishing

It may be cold outside, but the fish are still biting! Book a fishing expedition with one of the many boat charters in the area and spend a day at sea. Knowledgeable Captains and guides will help you locate the best spots to land a trophy fish. The pristine Cape Cod waters are beautiful year-round, and the area has a wealth of top-notch fishing charter companies. Cook your fresh catch back at your vacation rental and enjoy a romantic dinner by the fire, it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Dennis Port in the Winter!

Swimming

Take a dip in the Rainbow Falls pool at Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis; open year-round and available to the public. Close your eyes and soak in the warmth in this outdoor heated pool. With the sound of the waterfall and the warmth of the saltwater, you will feel like you’re in a tropical paradise. In the evening, LED lights in and around the pool create a colorful ambiance.

Cape Cod Rail Trail

Traveling through State Parks, National Parks, and six Cape Cod towns, and winding its way 22 miles across the peninsula, the Cape Cod Rail Trail is a haven for walkers, joggers, bikers and cross-country skiers. The trailhead begins in South Dennis and meanders up past the National Seashore to South Wellfleet. If there’s fresh snow while you’re in Dennis Port, this is a great location for strapping on a pair of cross country skis and working up a sweat along the trail. When the trail is clear of snow, lace up and head out on a walk, run, or bike ride, stopping to enjoy the views along the way. This is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Dennis Port in the Winter!

Book a Stay to Enjoy these Amazing things to Do in Dennis Port in the Winter

At New England Vacation Rentals, we specialize in vacation rentals on Cape Cod and have over 140 vacation homes available for rent. Whether you’re looking for something with a cozy fireplace or a sweeping ocean view, our rentals are equipped with many perks and amenities. Please contact us at 508-432-0900 or via email at bookings@newenglandvacationrentals.com to make your vacation rental booking. Start planning your Cape Cod getaway today!

Everyone travels differently. Some vacationers hit the most popular spots in town, reveling in crowds and occasional chaos just for the opportunity to say they had been there; other travelers prefer quiet vacations spent living like the locals and avoiding crowds at all cost. There are no rules on how to spend your vacation, but when you visit the spots written about in all of the Brewster MA guidebooks, you may be accompanied by the masses! While staying in a cozy Brewster cottage offered by New England Vacation Rentals, however, you can live like a local and explore the hidden gems you won’t find in any Brewster MA guidebook. Time to enjoy the peace and quiet of your surroundings!

Secret Paths that Lead to Paradise

The Brewster Historical Society Museum is a place that should be on your itinerary, but that definitely isn’t the hidden gem we are talking about. Instead, we direct you to the path outside the museum! Following this wooded trail leads you to one of the more scenic beaches on Cape Cod and to Namskaket Marsh, if you feel up to a hike.

Laurino’s Tavern, 3668 Main Street

Since you’re already in the area, a visit to Laurino’s Tavern is the perfect way to end your day. It’s not a tourist spot, but a place where the locals love to gather for a slice and a beer with other like-minded diners. Serving a mixture of seafood and Italian food and offering an extensive alcohol menu, the friendly atmosphere will make you feel comfortable and right at home. This is one of the must-haves in every Brewster MA guidebook!

The Old Higgins Farm Windmill, Drummer Boy Park

Every Cape Cod visitor has taken their annual Christmas card picture in front of a lighthouse, but how many have done so in front of an authentic 1795 windmill? After moving locations three times over the centuries, this historic windmill landed in its permanent resting place in 1975. If you’re visiting from July through September, it’s open Thursday through Saturday from 1-4, offering the perfect photo op for your annual card.

Book a Stay to Explore Our Brewster MA Guidebook 

You probably won’t find this in any of the guidebooks, but we know the secret to a perfect cup of coffee is sharing it with those you love right here at the dining table of your NEVR rental! Our properties are designed to make our guests feel comfortable and at home, so go ahead, pour yourself another cup and stay for a few minutes longer. Choosing New England Vacation Rentals for your vacation accommodations was the best choice you’ve made this year!

When traveling, we all know how difficult it is to find a perfect eatery, especially when you’re traveling with children. Kids don’t always want to eat what us adults find appealing. Kids also can make it difficult to choose a place that everyone will enjoy for dining. If you’re visiting the Harwich area, consider visiting the following brunch spots that are kid friendly in Cape Cod. Your kids are sure to enjoy them.

Hangar B Eatery, Chatham

There’s nothing worse than driving around searching for the perfect brunch spot for you and your children. Fortunately, there are several delightful eateries in the area that your kids are sure to love. Hangar B Eatery in Chatham serves up delicious breakfast and lunch options. The powdered-sugar dusted French toast and chocolate croissants are sure to be a hit with the kids. Fair warning: Hangar B is quite popular. Make sure to get there early for a table because this place is definitely one of the best brunch spots that are kid friendly in Cape Cod!

Ruggies

Kids just want food they know will taste good. If you are traveling with kids, it’s best to choose an eatery that will win the kids over from the start. One of the most popular, kid-approved restaurants for brunch is Ruggies on Main Street in Harwich. From the apple crisp French toast to classics like oatmeal, your kids will definitely be able to find something on the menu that suits their liking. Ruggies has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that puts everyone, including the kids, at ease. This is one of our favorite brunch spots that are kid friendly in Cape Cod!

Lighthouse Café

While the kids just want to eat, you have to make sure you get quality kid-friendly brunch at a decent price. Consider Lighthouse Cafe, the quaint eatery on Main Street serving up brunch at a great price. The kids will enjoy the well-seasoned home fries, cranberry pancakes as well as an assortment of pastries. Plus, the generous portions are just perfect to ensure that the little ones leave brunch satisfied.

Book a Stay to Dine at Some of the Best Brunch Spots that are Kid Friendly in Cape Cod

If you’re visiting the Cape Cod area, New England Vacation Rentals is the premier choice for your vacation rental needs. We are dedicated to matching you to the rental that is best for you. Whether you want to vacation on the beach or have a need for a pet-friendly vacation home, we have you covered. Come enjoy the beauty of Cape Cod via New England Vacation Rentals.

We’ll be the first to admit that most people don’t think of Dennis Port, or of Cape Cod for that matter, as a place to spend their winter vacations. However, if you’re looking for someplace different to vacation this season, we think you should consider a Cape Cod family vacation! Anyone can visit a tropical locale (and many do) during the coldest months of the year, but some of us prefer winter to actually feel the cold! For out-of-the-box thinkers looking for something new, here’s a list of winter events and activities to keep you excited during your Massachusetts vacation—time to bundle up and get out there!

Field of Honor Display, Johnny Kelley Park

It may be a little early for winter on the mainland, but Cape Cod starts getting cold in October. Luckily, there are still plenty of things to do in Cape Cod in October. The Field of Honor Display, held at Johnny Kelley Park, runs from November 9th through November 12th; it is a winter event worth seeing. Honoring those who sacrificed so much for our freedom, the field displays over 350 American flags spread out over the park. You can sponsor a flag, enter a drawing for a custom American Icon motorcycle, or simply enjoy the feeling of Americana as you make your way through the sea of flags.

The Cape Cod Museum of Art, 60 Hope Lane

Arts and culture are very important to us, and when you visit the Cape Cod Museum of Art, you have the opportunity to experience the finest of Cape Cod culture. Featuring the best of local artists and offering free admittance on Thursday’s from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, exploring this local spot may end up being the highlight of your entire vacation in Dennis Port. This is the place to go for a perfect Cape Cod family vacation!

A Cape Cod Family Vacation for Christmas

Traditionally, you may not have traveled far during the Christmas season, but we think this year you should consider a Cape Cod family vacation. Imagine, if you will, spending a snowy Christmas Eve in one of our New England Vacation Rentals’ classic Dennis Port Cottages. As the sun sets over the ocean, the landscape outside your window becomes a magical winter wonderland, with snow sparkling under twinkling stars. Hot cocoa enjoyed by a roaring fire, Christmas movies playing on the television, sitting by a decorated tree, purchased earlier at the Christmas Tree Shops (425 Main Street, Christmas Crossings Plaza, West Dennis). These are what holiday moments are made of. Our homes are designed for your family to enjoy, and we can’t think of a better way to spend a wintry Christmas Day than right here on Cape Cod in a NEVR home—reserve yours today!

Traditionally, visitors to Cape Cod tend to head straight for many of the seafood restaurants that dot our landscape, and for a very good reason. We’re surrounded by the sea, and the sweet treats we harvest from its salty depths taste like nothing else you have ever tried. But every so often our visitors get an urge that will only be sated with the taste of a thick and juicy burger. A good burger can often be the answer to life’s problems. For those of our guests who are feeling this urge right now, we’ve provided this list of the best Harwich restaurants just for you!

Hot Stove Saloon, 551 MA-28 #4, Harwich Port

The atmosphere can be just as important as the food you eat, and when you stop in Hot Stove Saloon, the friendly ambiance adds that extra bit of savory to a burger that is already top notch. Designed with a sports-oriented décor, this is the kind of place that you go to have burgers and beers with friends old or new. The burgers are thick and juicy, the beer is cold and refreshing, and the wait staff is friendly and charming. This is definitely one of the best Harwich restaurants!

Brax Landing, 705 Route 28, Harwich Port

Eating at a restaurant with an eclectic menu is one of our favorite things to do when traveling. Each member of our family has their own likes and dislikes and being able to choose what you like is a specialty at Brax Landing. The burgers are simple and good, made with prime beef and topped with fresh ingredients that include Vermont cheddar, Applewood bacon, and delicious caramelized onions. The Boursin Burger is our favorite and definitely one of the best Harwich restaurants! Offering waterfront views and a varied menu, every member of your family will be happy at Brax Landing!

Other Amazing Harwich Restaurants

Sometimes when you eat at a restaurant with a large menu, the individual dishes lose something in translation. You’ve heard the phrase jack of all trades, master of none? Well, this is NOT the case with Mad Minnow Bar & Kitchen. We’ve tried just about everything on the menu over the years and we’ve yet to have a bad dish. As a matter of fact, their burgers are out of this world! Made with Kansas beef and topped with fresh and tasty ingredients, the only thing that makes these burgers better is the ice-cold draft beers we order to go with them!

Your Cape Cod Vacation Will Be Even Better with New England Vacation Rentals

Certain things are just better together: beer and burgers, the moon and the stars, and your Cape Cod vacation spent in a NEVR classic cottage! Reserve yours today and discover the difference the right accommodations can make in a getaway that is already destined to be pretty close to perfect!

Fall and spring seasons are paradise for fly fishing on Cape Cod. And when the bite is hot, it’s the perfect time to book a short-stay getaway to the area. The owner’s own private 3.5-acre fishing hole, this lovely home is currently available for off-season bookings. Ideally situated on Owl Pond in Brewster located on private property – Cape Cod fishing is only accessible to guests staying at the property. Fish for Rainbow, Large Brook, Brown and Tiger trout; this vacation rental offers the ambiance and amenities for both a seasoned angler and spin casting novice; truly wonderful for a few friends and couples alike.

Newly renovated, this 4 bed/3 bath home is also near popular beaches, restaurants and shopping. If you can’t make it to the Cape this fall or spring for trout fishing, consider booking during the summer months when the pond sizzles with bass! Absolute fishing Nirvana. House sleeps 10. *Rental includes a fishing boat with two seats and electric motor; float tubes and fins; two kayaks with paddles; two spin casting fishing poles, tackle box and large net.*

For more on Cape Cod fishing and what’s trending, and the “on the fly” updates, be sure to check out the My Fishing Cape Cod blog.

For more information on the property and to book direct, contact New England Vacation Rentals at bookings@newenglandvacationrentals.com or 508-432-0900 . We look forward to having you as our guest!

*The dock is currently out of the water due to conservation rules, but kayaks are nearby on a rack for use*