One of the best things about traveling is discovering experiences that are unique to your destination. Whether it’s touring a famous brewhouse that creates your favorite beer or sampling a local culinary phenomenon, exploring things made in your vacation destination is easily one of the highlights of any trip—and when you’re on a getaway to Cape Cod, it’s no different! When you’re not adventuring around our stunning natural surroundings, you’ll find a variety of things to do that you can only find on Cape Cod. If you’re someone who adores local experiences, art, and culture, you’ll love discovering all the things made on Cape Cod!
You’ll surely recognize these potato chips, as they sell in thousands of stores and gas stations all around the country—you might even have had them as a snack on an airplane at a point in time! In the town of Hyannis, which can be found right in the heart of the Cape, you’ll find the fantastic Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory. These chips are made right here in Cape Cod, and they’re a point of local pride. Swing by the factory for self-guided tours, vintage potato chip ads, viewing windows into the factory itself, and a cute little gift shop to browse at the end. You even get a free bag of Cape Cod potato chips with your visit. It’ll be a great memory you can reminisce about when you’re back at home in the chip aisle at the grocery store!
Did you know that the town of Sandwich has a long history with the production of glass goods, dating back to the early 1800s? At the Sandwich Glass Museum, you can learn all about the fascinating history of glass manufacturing in Cape Cod. The museum offers several permanent exhibits, as well as special exhibits. From the history of goods like glassware and lamps to the contemporary art of glass blowing, this museum is perfect for both art and history lovers. You can easily spend an afternoon admiring all of the artifacts and art—when you’re done touring the museum, you can browse the gift shop art and take home your very own unique glass piece. There are even smaller replicas in the gift shop of the art you see in the museum. Truly made in Cape Cod!
It’s not just snacks and art that are made in Cape Cod, as the Treehouse Brewery in Sandwich. In fact, it might even be the perfect stop after touring the glass museum! There’s a lot to love about this brewhouse, which is located right on the shore and offers up terrific views of the sand and shore. The multi-story building boasts a large seaside deck, where you can sip on brews made right in the Cape and enjoy views of the Cape itself. Offering a wide variety of brews you can only get at the brewery, you can purchase your draft beer tickets ahead of time to secure your place with the view. Otherwise, you can also order beer for pickup from their impressive menu! Terrific for both beer aficionados and casual tasters, it’s one of Cape Cod’s best breweries.
The Atwood Museum can be found in the town of Chatham and is in an old house that was constructed back in the 1750s, offering a glimpse of life from hundreds of years ago. The house is now home to twelve galleries dedicated to Cape Cod history and art, as well as sprawling grounds that include an 18th-century herb garden. It’s a terrific option for those who’d love to learn more about the history of the Cape, and it was quite literally made on the Cape! There’s also a charming gift shop showcasing handmade products from the area. During the warmer weather, it’s a beautiful daytime activity!
Checking out an art gallery in town is one of the best ways to experience the local culture, and take a piece home to remind you of your time on the Cape. Offering everything from landscapes of the Cape to abstract works of art, it’s an ideal way to spend the afternoon. Even better, the gallery will ship any piece if you’re worried about being able to transport it home! Pieces from the artist have been exhibited in international galleries around the world, and the gallery features local events and book signings.
The best way to stay on Cape Cod is in a stunning private vacation rental—and we have the ultimate selection! Chat with us today to learn more about booking your own!
As you begin to plan your exciting getaway to America’s favorite vacation place, chances are your itinerary is filled with outdoor activities and adventures you can’t wait to experience. From visits to the Cranberry Bogs to quiet walks along the picturesque beaches, your Cape Cod getaway promises to be everything you dreamed it would be. But what about our indoor attractions? Have you made time or space for the indoor sights we hold near and dear to our hearts? If you haven’t, this guide to our favorite indoor Cape Cod attractions should definitely change your mind, especially if you want to experience everything our island home has to offer!
This small museum located not far from your vacation escape in Brewster offers a quietly wonderful good time as you explore the natural side of the Cape. Featuring exhibits that cover everything from archeology to the Preserved Bird Collection, this indoor attraction is a favorite of everyone who visits!
Offering adventures previously only found on the high seas, checking out this museum celebrating everything pirate will put you on your child’s favorite person list for more than a few minutes! Featuring pirate treasures, artifacts, and stories of the pirates personal lives, it may only take a couple of hours to get through Whydah Pirate Museum, but those may end up being the most fun hours of your trip!
There’s nothing better than spending some time inside surrounded by beauty, and when you visit the Cape Cod Museum of Art, that’s exactly the adventure you will have. Offering works created by talented artists all over the world, guests will want to spend more than an hour or two here! Offering pottery studios, art classes, and of course, artwork to view or purchase, don’t be surprised if you run into one of our staff members during your visit; we absolutely love this place and hope you will too!
Open Thursday through Saturday from 11 AM until 4 PM and Sundays from 12PM to 4PM, the once the private residence of Edward Gorey, a famous playwright, author, illustrator, and puppeteer, is now a museum dedicated to his work. Working here until his death in 2000, it still feels as if Edward is going to walk back into the room and pick up where he left off. Fans of his work will be thrilled to stop in the gift shop and pick up a little something to remind them of their visit!
As the sun sets over each day’s adventures, coming home to your New England Vacation Rentals vacation escape will be the best part of your day! Offering comfort, style, and a sense of family, our dedication to our guests’ needs makes us the right choice for vacation accommodations. Reserve your stay today!
In the best of worlds, every vacation you take would be one that would last as long as you needed to see everything there is to see, but in the real world, time off is often limited and we have to make do with what our employers see fit. This means that although you would love to have at least a month to explore our wonderful Cape Cod attractions, you may have to do it in just three short days. We think if you follow this guide, your Cape Cod getaway is guaranteed to be a memorable one!
Forcing yourself to exit the comforts of our New England Vacation Rentals’ classic rentals each morning may be one of the most difficult things you have ever done, but you only have three days to see as much of the Cape as possible, so let’s get moving! Start with breakfast at one of the best spots in the mid-Cape area, Hangar B Eatery at 240 George Ryder Road in Chatham. The stack of lemon ricotta pancakes will keep you well fueled for your day of adventures! Staying close to Chatham to alleviate travel time, your first experience is going to be a visit to the Chatham Shark Center at 235 Orleans Road. Learn all there is to know about the most misunderstood creature of the sea as you explore the exhibits, displays, and interactive exhibits found here. The rest of your day should be spent exploring the Chatham Light and the beach it presides over! In the summer you can climb to the top, but we think it’s a great place to visit no matter what time of year; family pictures taken here will make you smile!
Although every season is the right season to play on Cape Cod, summer is when the Cape is hopping, and going on Dennis adventures is going to be an experience of a lifetime. Explore your inner artist with a visit to the Cape Cod Museum of Art at 60 Hope Lane, enjoy a Massachusetts classic lobster roll at the Sesuit Harbor Café at 357 Sesuit Neck Road, or enjoy a night at the theater and some of the best community theater plays featured at the Cape Playhouse on 820 Main Street, Route 6A. Starting with the Importance of Being Earnest, shown June 12 through June 22nd and ending with Death Trap, shown August 21 through August 31st, every performance is destined to be the best one you’ve seen all year! And if you just can’t get enough lobster rolls, the Lobster Roll Sunset Cruise offered by Cape Cod Lobster Cruises costs just $45 per person! This is one of the best Cape Cod attractions in the area.
It’s your last day on beautiful Cape Cod, but don’t feel sad, there are still many Cape Cod attractions to see and adventures to be had before you say bye to Brewster! Let’s take a step back in to the past with visits to the 1799 Elijah Cobb House, the 1659 Dillingham House, and the Stony Brook Grist Mill and Museum for a peek into Cape Cod’s early days; all these buildings and a few more can be found in Brewster, allowing you more sightseeing time and less travel time before you have to leave. Sunset at Point of Rocks Landing offers a stupendous sight you will never forget, and your farewell dinner at Chillingsworth—located at 2449 Main Street and considered the best restaurant on the Cape—will end your Cape Cod escape on a high note.
It goes without saying that a stay with us will be the highlight of your getaway, but we’re going to continue saying it because it’s true! Reserve your Cape Cod rental with us today and experience a magical three days you will wish could continue forever! Click here to learn more about us.
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!
Ok, we have a secret to confess: It never really gets unbearably hot on the Cape, but every once in a while, the temperatures DO rise up over 80, and if you’re not used to the heat wave, you’ll be looking for ways to keep cool like everyone else! Summer vacations spent on Cape Cod are magical experiences that you never want to end, and when the suns shining bright overhead, we’ve come up with these Cape Cod activities to help you keep your cool! Get out your tank tops, slip into a pair of flip flops, and start planning your unforgettable Cape Cod vacation. Life doesn’t get much better than this!
The wind in your hair, the sun shining down from overhead, and the feel of the cool ocean water cradling your body are just a few reasons why a day at the beach cures all ills. Why not make it your first stop on a vacation that will be filled with magical moments from the first day to the last?
Yes, you can see a movie anytime, but when is the last time you spent a day going from theater to theater and catching ALL the movies you’ve been dying to see in the same day? The Chatham 14 Movie Theaters offers crisp and cool air conditioning and the chance to escape into a fantasy world for a few hours at a time—take advantage of it!
The Woods Hole Science Aquarium isn’t a large one, but when you’re looking to escape the heat for a few hours at a time, there’s no better place to explore! Teaching our kids that education can be entertaining, the touch tanks are especially fun for those with gentle hands, while the outdoor seal exhibit will have your entire family laughing as you watch the antics of these canine-like creatures that make their home here!
Not all our homes have pools, but if you plan ahead and rent one that does, you may discover your family never wants to leave your backyard! Greet the day with a refreshing swim, do cannonballs with your kids after a long morning of sightseeing, or float on your back at night, watching the stars above wink and twinkle. Your vacation in one of our New England Vacation Rentals homes with a pool will take you to places you never dreamed possible. Reserve yours today and discover how the RIGHT vacation rental can make all the difference!
Sometimes, you look around at your life and your best girlfriends and know that it’s time for you all to take a break and escape to a gorgeous locale for a relaxing weekend of girls-only fun. When you start to feel the siren call of a girl’s vacation, consider visiting Cape Cod’s scenic New England beauty!
Between its stunning seaside setting, its lush natural surroundings, its bevy of quaint and charming homes, and its old-fashioned main streets lined with cute shops and delicious local restaurants, Cape Cod is a vacation destination that is as blissful as it is refreshing.
Kick off your trip by renting an immaculate New England home for your girls’ getaway—an East Coast oasis ideal for unwinding and hanging out together in between sightseeing and exploring around Cape Cod. New England Vacation Rentals has an incredible variety of vacation rental properties to fit vacations of all sizes, itineraries, and budgets. Whether you want to rent out a home on the beach or be a little closer to town, we’ve got you covered!
Once you’ve picked out a place to stay, the fun really begins. Immerse yourself in the jaw-dropping splendor of Cape Cod’s Audubon Preserves, which feature acres and acres of thick forests, pristine beaches, and picturesque plant- and wildlife. Charter a boat and sail along the cape, seeing the New England coastline from the breezy comfort of the glittering ocean waves. You can find all sorts of equipment rentals and charter services along Cape Cod if you want to try out surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and other water-based activities, or you can just head to the beach to swim and lay out on the sand!
Treat yourselves to a pampering spa session at one of the many spas located on Cape Cod, including Solstice Day Spa in Hyannis, La Petite Day Spa in Chatham, and more. Grab drinks on the beach at Beachcomber in Wellfleet, or dance the night away at Sundancer’s in West Dennis. Trader Ed’s and The Chatham Squire are also worth checking out if you’re looking for a lively party scene.
For the perfect New England brunch, your options are endless. Red Cottage is an old-fashioned diner in South Dennis that has brunch for cheap, while Sea Street Café in Hyannis has breakfast all day and authentic New England cuisine. When dinner comes around, stop by Ocean House for fine dining Asian and New American food (though you may want to save this one for a very special occasion, as the menu is pricey). Cheaper and equally delicious menus can be found at the Impudent Oyster (which is housed in a former church) and Oyster Company Raw Bar & Grill. Gerardi’s Café is also well-known for their Sicilian menu, relaxed ambiance, and great selection of Italian cocktails and wines.
Contact our reservation specialists to find out more about these fantastic activities and attractions, as well as the other amazing things that Cape Cod has in-store for you during your stay when you reserve your trip in one of the charming vacation rental properties that New England Vacation Rentals has to offer today!
Spanning all over the state of Massachusetts and the Cape Cod region, the Audubon Preserves are a set of wildlife refuge parks that aim to preserve the plants, animals, and land of the area for their preservation and survival, as well as for our enjoyment and study.
Replete with stunning panoramic views, beautiful nature trails with fascinating informational guides, and even exhibits in their nature centers on the local flora and fauna, the Audubon Preserves are truly a must-see attraction during your time here on Cape Cod.
Cape Cod’s Audubon Preserves include the Ashumet Holly in Falmouth, the Barnstable Great Marsh in Barnstable, the Long Pasture in Barnstable, the Skunknett River in Barnstable, and Wellfleet Bay in Wellfleet. While there are additional properties that are included as a part of the preserves, these are the most visitor-ready with signs, information, and parking available for your convenience.
Ashumet Holly holds a rare phenomenon; an eight-acre pond of the coastal plain variety that attracts upwards of thirty species of dragonflies. There are also sixty-five types of holly trees, the threatened Spadefoot Toad, and a sanctuary for migratory birds like the Barn Swallow and the Baltimore Oriole. The trail here spans a mile and a half, and includes the Franklinia tree, which is no longer found in the wild.
Home to three of the five properties on the list, Barnstable is ripe with wildlife viewing opportunities. The Barnstable Great Marsh features incredible views of the Barnstable Harbor and the Sandy Neck Barrier Beach, as well as a sanctuary for ground nesting birds such as the Northern Harrier, American Woodcock, Willet, and Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow. It has a mile and a half long trail which weaves through two ponds and forests of shady oak. For a longer trek filled with butterflies, meadows, and tidal flats, you can hike the two and a half mile trail at Long Pasture. Meanwhile, Skunknett River’s one mile trail is a great place to see the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, cranberry bogs, and American Eels.
Finally, Wellfleet Bay has the most extensive trail at five miles in length, showcasing an exquisite view of Wellfleet Harbor and expansive salt marshes, forests of pine, and a sandy barrier beach. The exhibits at Wellfleet Bay are also the most renowned, with a field school for adults, year-round programs for all ages, summer camp programs, and more. Wellfleet Bay is also notable for its populations of Fiddler Crabs and Green Herons.
Learn more about Cape Cod and create memories amongst the many wonderful attractions and activities that are waiting for you here. Reserve your stay in one of the charming vacation rental properties that New England Vacation Rentals has available for your trip accommodations today!
The Cape Cod region of Massachusetts is one of the biggest tourist destinations in New England. This collection of small towns attracts visitors from all over the world to soak in the history of early America that resides in these towns, as well as explore the beautiful scenery during the pleasant summer season. One of the hidden gems of Cape Cod is the town of Orleans, MA, a small town with large charm that will delight any Cape Cod connoisseur. On your next trip to New England, be sure to make a stop at Orleans!
Those looking for stories of history from the early days of America will be enchanted by the story of Orleans. The area was first settled in 1693 by Pilgrims from the Plymouth Colony who were unhappy with the land they were given in the settlement. Orleans officially became a township in 1797 and was named after the Duke of Orleans in recognition of France’s assistance during the Revolutionary War. The town grew through the industries of whaling, farming, and agriculture and continued to thrive once railroads were brought into town.
Perhaps the biggest draw to the town of Orleans is the beautiful Nauset Beach and Inlet! Nauset Beach is one of the best beaches on all of Cape Cod, with its white sand, big waves, and vibrant wildlife. It is not uncommon to see groups of seals playing in the water or even see whales pass by. Nauset Inlet gives you a little more privacy from the sometimes-busy beach, and the water gets a little warmer, too! The Inlet is a great place to go clamming and kayaking, and even get a closer look at the wildlife. Both Nauset Beach and Inlet are great places to spend a sunny afternoon on Cape Cod!
In addition to the gorgeous beachfront, Orleans also offers some great things to do in the town itself! Visit the Jonathon Young Windmill, a landmark visible from just about everywhere in town. A guide can give you a tour and overview of the history of the windmill, and best of all, it’s free! The Academy of Performing Arts is a great place to spend an evening in Orleans. Founded in 1950 as the Orleans Arena Theater, the Academy continues to offer small theater productions throughout the summer season. You can also explore the French Transatlantic Cable Station Museum and learn about how the railroad shaped Orleans History.
Explore the beach, the town, and spend part of your Cape Cod vacation in the cozy town of Orleans!
(Image by Ted Kerwin via Flickr, https://www.flickr.com/photos/tedkerwin/2061583768)
During a visit to Cape Cod, one must always make time to visit the legendary and picturesque lighthouses. Below, we have a list of historic lighthouses that will impress visitors with their stories and enduring qualities. Be sure to read about them!
This historic lighthouse was built in 1855. The light was in service from 1855 to 1914; it then was extinguished until the late 1900s. The property that accompanies the lighthouse was bought by a Senator and made open to the public after him and his family entertained guests so often that it became an attraction. The Senator, Everett Stone, and his family then relit the lighthouse in 1989 as a seasonal aid for navigation. It now operates every summer and is open to the public to come and visit!
Highland Lighthouse was built in 1797 and stands as one of the oldest and highest lighthouses on Cape Cod. It went under construction in 1857 and remains in top form to this day! The lovely lighthouse is open year-round from May 1st to mid-October. Guests can walk through a guided tour of the lighthouse and even watch a 10-minute video of the history behind its use. The guided tour is offered from 10-5:30 pm. The light actively serves as an aid to navigation for the U.S. Coast Guard. It’s historic and modern day use will ensure guests a window into the unique qualities of Cape Cod lighthouses.
Nauset also boasts antique qualities. The lighthouse was built in 1887 as one of the twin lights of Chatham. It then moved in 1923 to where it stands today, which is also on the Cape Cod National Seashore. Nauset almost underwent closure in 1993 due to erosion, but the Nauset Light Preservation Society financed a move more inland so that it would remain a staple of Cape Cod history. The Preservation Society now manages it and opens it up to visitors who want to hear about its historic journey!
Each lighthouse stands as its own unique landmark in the beautiful landscape of Cape Cod. The visitors who witness and learn about these historic sites will learn the story of Cape Cod in many ways. To find out how to plan a stay and visit a lighthouse, contact us today!
Bring your destination wedding to Cape Cod this year! Cape Cod offers wonderful venues for your nuptials, from beaches to historic sites. The venues below are just a few reasons why you will want to plan your destination wedding on this amazing peninsula.
Wychmere Beach Club offers a beautiful blend of an Americana and luxury style venue. The venue sits just along the Nantucket Sound complete with an indoor event space and private beach. What better place to share your nuptials then a venue that has both the beach as your beautiful background and an indoor event space for your reception? Wychmere Beach Club makes it possible for your wedding to have class and natural beauty all at once. Friends and family will simply love to see you and your beloved married in this unique location.
The beauty of having your special day held at Sage Inn is their commitment to plan and assist you in all of the details that go into making your wedding especially unique. From hand-crafted cocktails, to an exquisite cake and their value of making the venue your “home away from home,” makes the Sage Inn truly a top choice spot to exchange your vows. The small venue is great for an intimate wedding party of up to 150 people. Its classic architecture will bring class and beauty to your ceremony in a way you will always remember. Your guests will truly be grateful to have shared the close-knit experience with you and your partner at the Sage Inn.
This venue truly shines as one of the most classic venues on Cape Cod. The historic Inn provides an ocean front experience with an authentic lighthouse giving you and your spouse to be an incredibly romantic backdrop for your wedding. The Inn boasts a phenomenal staff, as well as several types of wedding packages to meet your needs as a couple. The Light House Inn also provides in-house catering with quality cuisine and hospitable service. Make this exceptional Cape Cod gem your destination for the biggest event of your life. You and your guests will not be disappointed by the incredible service and the beautiful views.
For a destination wedding, you want the trip to be well worth it for you and your spouse and for your closest friends and family. Cape Cod can gift you this and more. Contact us today to make sure you and your family have the best quality stay while carrying out this great exchange of vows.
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