On Sunday, October 28th, for the ninth time in history, the Boston Red Sox walked off of the baseball
field World Series Champions. Red Sox Nation celebrated in true Boston style at the Red Sox Parade, and
our team was front and center to celebrate. At New England Vacation Rentals, moments matter. And it’s
moments like these that make us proud to live where we do.
Like our homes, every family has a story. The Cody Family, pictured here, traveled from Simsbury,
Connecticut to join in the parade festivities. Longtime (and die-hard!) Red Sox fans, they’ve been
celebrating their team for decades. Older son, Tyler, celebrated his 16th birthday on the day the Red Sox
won the series. A devoted fan since birth, there was no place Tyler, or his family, would have rather
been than watching the parade tour down Boylston.
Fenway, which is about an hour-and-a-half from Cape Cod, and easily accessible by train, is a landmark
site to visit if you’re interested in catching a game while on vacation. Whether your dream is to watch
the Boston Red Sox, or you are a fan of our Cape League pros and want to support the Yarmouth-Dennis
Red Sox, there’s always something to cheer on – and New England Vacation Rentals will make you a fan!
As cooler days begin to arrive on Cape Cod, our thoughts start to turn to the simple pleasures in life: a roaring fire in the fireplace, a cup of steaming hot coffee on a cold November morning, and a sweet treat that fills the empty spaces in our stomach as it warms our souls. Because we Northeasterners understand that a piece of pie or a cupcake or even a homemade piece of fudge is the way to anyone’s hearts, our bakeries are amongst the best in the nation! When it’s time for your Chatham vacation, be sure to make some time to stop in any, or all, of the following establishments; these are the best bakeries in Chatham!
If you’ve ever attempted to make your own pie from scratch, you understand it’s not as easy as it looks. From the crust to the filling to the toppings, it takes a pie artist to conquer the problems and create heaven. Marion’s Pie Shop has been serving pies since 1947, and even though neither of the owners today are named Marion, their pies are masterpieces of magnificent sweetness and wonder that would do Marion proud! Also serving savory pies of chicken, steak, and seafood, everything they offer is flavorful and delicious.
This sweet eatery lives up to the quality you have come to expect from the town of Chatham, serving epicurean delights that never fail to please! Known for its hearty lunches that in the summer can best be enjoyed on the wooden picnic tables set up on its lawn, it’s the scrumptious treats they make fresh every day that has us coming back time and time again. Also offering donuts and breads in addition to their pies, cakes, and pastries, if you can’t find what you’re looking for at the Chatham Village Café & Bakery, you’re not really trying!
Can you imagine a coffee shop that doesn’t serve some kind of sweet treats to go along with their main attraction, the simple cup of joe? Well, we can’t either, and Chatham Perk is the perfect spot for those moments when you want something strong, rich, and dark and a little sweet to go along with it! Their pastry display case is chock-full of tasty goodness, including cannolis, cupcakes, and personal sized pies and tarts, and if you miss out on this spot during your Chatham vacation, you’re sorely going to regret it!
A stay in one of our New England Vacation Rentals Chatham escapes! Reserve yours today and discover the top bakeries in Chatham.
You may have been dreaming about a Cape Cod visit for a very long time, but as your go-date draws even closer, do you really know how you are planning on spending your time in Pleasant Lake and the other towns and villages that make up our slice of paradise? Because we love it when our guests love their time spent on the Cape, here’s a Cape Cod itinerary for a week of fun in Pleasant Lake and the surrounding villages and towns.
Start your day of Harwich explorations out with a hearty breakfast from Ruggie’s Breakfast and Lunch, which serves a large selection of international style breakfast items. A family friendly morning spent playing at Bud’s Go-Karts is always a treat, and when hunger pains signify it is time for lunch, lobster rolls from the Wooden Shoe will be a treat to your palate. An afternoon at Bank Street Beach, and then dinner at Brax Landing Restaurant finishes your first day on Cape Cod out nicely.
A stop at Hopkin’s House Bakery and Gift Shop upon your arrival in Pleasant Lake ensures that you can sleep in and enjoy a light but tasty breakfast in your NEVR cottage. Today’s explorations of Brewster will include a stop at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, lunch or dinner (or both!) at JT’s Seafood Restaurant, and a brisk hike along the Cape Cod Rail Trail in the afternoon. This day in your Cape Cod itinerary seems like a lot of fun!
A mid-week beach day is always something special, allowing you to avoid the weekend crush, and Chatham is famous for its beaches. Lighthouse Beach is both scenic and tranquil and is the perfect spot for a Christmas card photo opportunity! Pack a cooler and spend the entire day playing, relaxing, and walking along water’s edge as you and the entire family experience the perfect Cape Cod day.
Your time on Cape Cod is drawing near its end, so let’s spend a day partaking in true New England adventures. Breakfast at the Lighthouse Café, a tour of the cranberry bogs in Harwich, and a delicious seafood dinner served in an authentic 19th century home (Cape Sea Grille) will serve as one of the highlights of your trip.
The next day in your Cape Cod itinerary has you vesting the Scargo Tower in South Dennis which offers incredible views of the island and a visit to Sodium, a gift shop, allows for the opportunity to purchase some hand-created works of art as a reminder of your stay in paradise. Dining at the Ebb Tide is a Cape Cod tradition and offers as true of a New England dining experience as possible.
Since your last day of the week will more than likely be spent traveling, why not make the most of your final full day in Pleasant Lake by staying home and enjoying the comforts of your NEVR vacation getaway? Sleep late, play board games with the family, and enjoy a home cooked meal in a home that is designed for family. Reserve yours today!
Somewhere along the way we must have blinked an instant too long, because suddenly it’s the end of September and the holidays are just weeks away instead of months! As you start looking towards Thanksgiving in Brewster, you may be feeling a little sad that a day meant for being thankful causes so much stress in your life. From shopping to cleaning to cooking and cleaning again, you’ve realized that this well-meaning holiday has become all about work and less about thankfulness every year. This year, however, is destined to be different. This year you and your immediate family are heading for Brewster for a relaxing and peaceful day filled with lots of things to be thankful for!
It can be a little unsettling imagining a Thanksgiving in Brewster without all the trimmings. The turkey, stuffing, and of course pumpkin pie are something you look forward to every year, but never fear. Your Cape Cod Thanksgiving will have everything you love about the biggest feast of the year without any of the things you hate most. Chillingsworth offers the traditional turkey dinner every year, as well as some non-traditional meals that include lobster dinners and vegetarian meals. Sleep in late, watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television, and spend this Thanksgiving enjoying the family that surrounds you!
A walk along Breakwater Beach is the perfect way to fight the traditional tryptophan overdose, but don’t overdo it; you want to save your energy for the Black Friday shopping marathon that is always a fun start to every Christmas season! For those who aren’t into shopping, you can also spend a day at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History exploring the artifacts and exhibits that fill the walls of this 17,000-square-foot establishment. Spending some time at the beach is always good, but remember it can get a little chilly, so be sure to bring some warm clothes. If you haven’t done so yet, a Christmas card photo taken in front of the Chatham Lighthouse is a local tradition for a reason; the stark beauty of a Cape Cod beach and lighthouse contrasts beautifully with the warmth of the posing family.
Our classic cottages, extraordinary views, and proximity to the spot where the pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving makes Cape Cod and our New England Vacation Rentals properties the perfect spot for your Thanksgiving in Brewster. Reserve yours today!
Whenever we start planning our next vacation, the destination is carefully chosen and decided by a number of qualifications: Is the scenery breathtaking? Are the attractions family friendly? How delicious is the food? And most importantly, what type of shopping expeditions can we expect? There’s nothing better than filling the empty spots in our suitcases and sifting through our treasures upon our return, reliving the vacation one trinket at a time. When you choose Chatham on Cape Cod for your once in a lifetime vacation getaway, you’re guaranteed an experience you won’t want to end—especially when you spend your time treasure hunting with our Chatham Shopping Guide!
Quirky, charming, and destined to be the highlight of your Chatham shopping expeditions, Ducks in the Window offers a unique gift shopping experience. Featuring rubber duckies that match the personality of everyone you know, and the opportunity to personalize some for an extra special goodie, this special shop has been a Chatham tradition since opening day!
Take a piece of the Cape home with you when you explore the wares of Mayflower Shop, offering a taste of everything that makes our village special. If you can’t find it here, you probably don’t need it anyway. While you are definitely going to enjoy the gifts, home décor, and hobby items you can find here, we bet you won’t be able to stop laughing at the selection of funny greeting cards they sell. Padding your schedule with extra time might be a wise thing when shopping at Mayflower!
When you’re this close to where our county’s dreams began, you’re going to expect the antique stores in the area will be filled with artifacts and mementoes that bring that history to life. Chatham Village Antiques offers a fascinating glimpse into America’s past; the trinkets and treasures found here will look beautiful in your home or office.
We finish our tour of Chatham’s Main Street with a visit to Yankee Ingenuity, another Cape Cod tradition. Featuring a little of this, a lot of that, and everything in between, it’s their selection of Cape Cod gifts that always bring a smile to the faces of shoppers. With soaps, jewelry, coasters, artwork and more, this special boutique should be moved to the top of your vacation bucket list and Chatham shopping activities!
As you’ll be needing a place to temporarily store your Cape Cod treasures, and knowing that the best vacations deserve the best vacation rentals, may we suggest our Chatham homes for rent? Located close to all the best shopping spots and designed to make you feel at home, we can promise THIS will be the best part of your Cape Cod escape. Reserve your stay with New England Vacation Rentals today!
A wise lyricist once sang about the changing of the seasons, and although we may be throwing a different spin on one of our favorite songs, the changing of the seasons on Cape Cod are usually followed by an exciting event that must not be missed! If you are planning a visit to our town in the next few months or so, this list of Dennis Port Attractions will give you something special to do during your stay; just plan your stay in our New England Vacation Rentals Cape Cod escapes to take place during your favorite!
Pretty much everyone remembers writing poetry during their oh-so-dramatic teen years. On September 13th, when you visit Dennis Port’s Gathering of Poets, held at 5 Hall Street, you can try it again (maybe without so much drama!) at an open mike event held from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM. Read what you have written, or read some of your favorite poetry written by others in a nurturing environment. Costing nothing to participate in, we’re sure you’ll find your stay on Cape Cod contributes to your creativity!
September is really the perfect month on the Cape, still warm enough to enjoy some time at the beach, but with the promise of fall in the air, cool enough to not feel sticky and hot, making it the perfect time for the Cape Cod Roots & Blues Festival! Held at Nauset Beach, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity, you can enjoy the perfect September day with good music, food, and drink and do a good deed at the same time!
Fall’s bounties bring a smile to our face every year, and this dinner and auction is a big reason why! Costing $35 for adults, $15 for students, and taking place at 100 Cable Road in nearby Eastham, this is your opportunity to experience Cape Cod life like a local. Featuring delicious foods prepared by students from the culinary arts department as well as from local restaurants, there will be music and more to keep you happy and occupied. Learn about local wines and keeping a garden, bid on awesome prizes in the silent auction, and of course, eat until your stomach can’t handle another bite at the 4th Annual Farm & Sea-to-Table Dinner & Auction.
Designed to bring families closer together, while still giving them the space they need, your Cape Cod vacation promises to be better than you dreamed when you stay with us. Reserve your stay today!
It may be difficult to tell from the temperatures outside where you live, but Halloween is just a short time away, and we are so excited to get the chance to celebrate with you again this October! As the days grow shorter and we start to detect the first signs of autumn coolness in the air, we notice the candy in the stores and we have already started to plan our costumes. If you’re considering a spooktacular vacation at the end of October, here’s a list of things to do in Harwich this Halloween during your stay!
What better way is there to celebrate the spookiest time of the year than with a talk by local author, Jack Sheedy, covering the topic of the supernatural on Cape Cod? Our favorite place on Earth has a long and rich history dating back to even before the pilgrims first landed on Plymouth Rock, so is there any doubt there may be some lingering spirits? Held October 28th, from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the Brooks Academy Museum on 80 Parallel Street, the topic is even more frightening because it could be real!
Halloween wouldn’t be nearly as fun without that big orange gourd that serves so many purposes, and the Pumpkin Patch, held every day in the month of October at First Congregational Church, 650 Main Street in Chatham, is the place to get them. Proceeds from the pumpkins sold benefit the Chatham Children’s Fund, so you’re doing a good deed as you celebrate the holiday!
Among the other things to do in Harwich, our neighbors in blue feature an annual run with participants being encouraged to dress in their Halloween finest! Eating too much candy and other goodies isn’t so bad when you decide to take part in the 5K, held on Sunday October 28th at Mayflower Beach in Dennis. And even if you don’t want to run, it’s not hard to get into the “spirit” of things when you watch goblins, ghouls, and other spooky specters howling their way to the finish line.
Staying close to home is fun when you stop by the Harwich Community Center’s Annual Halloween Party to play some games, trick or treat, and eat your weight in delicious goodies!
However you choose to spend your Halloween on Cape Cod, the best part of your entire trip will take place inside your cozy New England cottage. Divvy up the candy you received trick or treating, prepare some mulled wine, and sit back for a night of scary movies on the large flat screen television found in your comfortable living room! Reserve your stay today and enjoy more amusing things to do here in Harwich!
The best part of any vacation, in our humble opinion, is being able to eat the foods that make that region great: Mexican food in Arizona, barbecue in Texas, comfort foods in the south, and when on Cape Cod, ANYTHING seafood related! We’re surrounded by water; why would we want to try anything else? Fortunately, unlike those other region’s popular foods, seafood is a healthy treat, and if you’re trying to keep an eye on your waistline, you can still do so while on your unforgettable vacation in Chatham. Here’s some Chatham restaurants in the area that offer other healthy choices as well!
If you’ve never heard of the Chatham Bars Inn, then chances are someone you know has! Located at 297 Shore Road, this is a Five Star Cuisine offering luxury beachfront and private dining. You will be awed over the breathtaking panoramic views of Chatham Harbor from a high point where the restaurant sits. CBI serves this amazing mouthwatering lobster roll that tastes so rich and delicious you’ll want to have another! This Inn is a landmark in Chatham and the Cape!
Situated right in the heart of Main Street in Chatham (487 Main Street), The Squire is a local favorite for dining and entertainment. It’s pub-like atmosphere and casual flair make it cozy and comfortable. It’s open until 1:00am! A guaranteed good time will be had there!
When it comes to fresh Japanese cuisine and an authentic atmosphere, you will not be disappointed with Blue Fins! Located at 513 Main Street, you can stroll and shop all of the quaint and specialty stores and gift shops that line both sides of Main Street, work up an appetite and head over to Blue Fins for a unique lunch or dinner. The seafood doesn’t get any fresher than here on Cape Cod. So indulge!
Fresh, healthy, and delicious, The Corner Store is mostly a take-out spot, allowing you to enjoy healthy treats in the comfort of your Chatham vacation rental. Famous for their burritos served in a bowl and made with all fresh ingredients, you never knew a dish that is good for you could taste this good!
Offering locally sourced food and juices, Organic Market allows you to stock your NEVR vacation rental with the makings of healthy meals that taste good, or you can just buy their ready-made sandwiches and salads and take them for a picnic on the beach. Fresh food prepared daily will make your palate smile!
You don’t always have to go to a restaurant that serves exclusively healthy or vegan meals, sometimes you can find the right choices at places like Bistro on Main. Let the family explore the fattier options while you stick to the leaner, yet equally delicious meals! The Seafood Papardelle Diablo is chock full of sweet treats from the sea, and the spicy sauce adds a delicious kick to every bite!
Presentation is as important as taste in this charming eatery located in the downtown area. Offering mostly seafood-based choices, patrons can enjoy a full spectrum of meals that are healthy and delicious. The seared scallop rolls are a local favorite, but you can keep your meal even lighter by choosing a spinach salad and topping it with chicken, shrimp, scallops, or salmon.
Our final Chatham treat is another one where you can choose to behave or choose to be bad. It’s your vacation, and we aren’t going to judge! The good choices found here include a fresh fish of the day meal, tasty salads, and a gluten free pizza—eating healthy doesn’t have to mean you kick pizza to the curb!
Our Chatham vacation rentals are located near everything that makes Chatham special, so you’re guaranteed to have the vacation of a lifetime in one of our classic New England cottages! Our fully equipped kitchens make cooking fun, allowing you the option of creating your own healthy dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Reserve yours today and enjoy a healthy and adventurous Cape Cod vacation!
As you sit there contemplating a fall visit to Cape Cod (and more specifically, Dennis) there may be questions in your mind about undertaking such a venture. Is it a good time of the year? Will the stores and restaurants be open? Will there be anything to do during your stay? You know Massachusetts is not known for the best winter weather, but you also know that the fall leaves are such a major attraction, tourists flock to the mainland just to see the leaves. We call them leaf peepers. Dennis offers lots of site seeing on both the north side and south side of the Cape. So, the answer to those questions is a resounding YES! Fall is the perfect time to visit the Cape, and we are offering these five secrets and things to do in Dennis MA to ensure your fall trip to Dennis Port is a perfect one!
There are no words to describe the insane beauty of the leaves on Cape Cod during the fall; the colors are so vivid and bright, they appear too rich to be true. The problem is finding that optimum time to visit when they are in “full bloom.” Arrive too early and you will still see green; arrive too late and the trees will be bare and dull. Plan your trip for the second week in October and the magic of a Massachusetts Fall will be revealed!
Sometimes the simplest activities end up being the ones you remember the most, and enjoying a lobster roll waterside at the Sesuit Harbor Café promises to be one of the best moments of your trip. World famous for a reason and located at 357 Sesuit Neck Road, this is worth a top spot on your vacation bucket list.
Located on Scargo Hill Road in Dennis Village, the views of the Cape will take your breath away. This 3rd reincarnation of a tourist observatory burned down twice—once in 1874 and again in 1900. Rebuilt of cobblestone in 1901, it will probably stand forever now!
Just because it is fall doesn’t mean you have to go overboard on pumpkins, and a visit to Scargo Pottery and Art Gallery is a perfect example. Watch the artisans create magic from clay (their skill and talent never fail to amaze us!) and meander through the shop picking up a treasure or two for yourself. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a clay pumpkin to help celebrate the season!
If you’ve never been to Kream ‘n Kone, you must go and check it out! It is a family owned and operated family style restaurant serving the finest fried seafood and much more, at reasonable prices. Located at 961 Main Street, Route 28 in West Dennis, their menu can’t be beat. In addition to their seafood, they offer a variety of tasty sandwiches, broiled and grilled entrees and delicious sides. For desert you can’t pass on choosing from their 27 soft serve ice cream flavors! Overlooking the Swan River, it is comfortable, casual and inviting to a party of any size. It’s truly a family favorite!
Every day in the summer and not just on “Sundae’s”, this unique ice cream parlor is a definite stop while vacationing on Cape Cod. Located at 381 Lower County Road, Dennis Port, their ice cream and frozen yogurts are made right on the premises, using only the finest ingredients. They are known for their famous hot fudge sundaes topped with real whipped cream, and their fresh fruit sundaes that will make a great desert or mid-day snack especially on a hot summers afternoon or evening. If you’re an ice cream lover you’ll have a tough time choosing a flavor, but do so before they close!
Our Dennis Port vacation escapes are designed to be lived in, so why don’t you? Open the windows and breathe in the salty ocean air for a good night sleep. Brew a pot of coffee to enjoy with that pastry you picked up at Woolfies Old Fashioned Baking, or simply sit on the couch with a view of the water and a roaring fire in the fireplace. You’ve worked hard this year and deserve to be coddled. Reserve a home that spoils you and your entire family today!
Even though Labor Day weekend is at the tail end of our summer season, it is still the perfect time to visit Harwich, Massachusetts and see what Cape Cod is all about. With so much to do in Harwich, you might need a little help narrowing down your vacation itinerary. Here are five incredible Harwich activities to do to celebrate Labor Day:
In Harwich, you can find everything from bustling public beaches to private and secretive hidden beaches that are perfect for some additional privacy. Since July and August are the busy months in Harwich, the crowds should be a little thinner and less hectic for a family getaway. Relax with the gentle waves of the ocean and the sun setting in the background.
Cape Cod is full of delectable restaurants to dine at for a romantic evening or family fun. Enjoy a casual eatery just off the coast for lunch or visit a fine dining establishment. Labor Day weekend can be busy with tourists, so make sure you call ahead for a reservation for your lunch or dinner plans. We love the outdoor patios of Ember Pizza and Wings, The Port, Perks and the Mad Minnow. All have food and music.
Each year the Annual Labor Day Road Race is held to showcase the top 5K racers in our area. Participants are awarded in multiple categories with an overall winner announced. Stretch out your legs and see how you stack up against our New England runners!
Take a short trip over to the Pamet River and enjoy a look at Cape Cod’s agriculture highlights with the Truro Agriculture Fair. This annual event is a great way to see the various healthy produce harvested in the area and how New England’s farmers continue to protect and respect the environment. Family friendly activities will include live music, a pie eating contest, bake shows, and tons of kids’ games.
Another great local event is the Vineyard Artisan Festival, an annual celebration to support the local arts of Cape Cod. You will enjoy delicious seafood, live music, and all kinds of kids’ activities like hay rides and more. Entry is free, so bring the whole family!
Now is the time to check out Cape Cod for your next family vacation getaway and enjoy all of the great Harwich activities. Let New England Vacation Rentals help you find the perfect vacation rental that will make you feel right at home. Call us today and see what properties we have available.
SPECIALS
