Cape Cod and Rhododendrons

The condo was only two miles from South Cape Beach at Vineyard Sound. We went to Martha's Vineyard, Provincetown, and Plymouth. Each was a short day trip. Our favorite trips were to Plymouth Plantation in Plymouth and Heritage Plantation in Sandwich.

Quick Tips:

We flew into Boston and drove to the Cape, but when there we were told it might have been easier to fly into Providence, RI. Less traffic and about the same distance. We rented a car at the airport in Boston. The drive to Cape Cod was OK once we got out of Boston.

Best Way To Get Around:

Best Things Nearby:
Two miles from beach. It was cool, but people were fishing and a few were in the water. This was the first week in June and temperatures were only in the 70s and the water would be chilly!! We walked the beach and looked for seashells. Also Mashpee Commons was nearby. Nice shopping area with the "Cape Cod" look.

Best Things About the Resort:
The Holiday Estates was a great place to stay. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We received many ideas of where to go and what to see from them.

Resort Experience:
The unit was a "home". The rooms were all good size with a full kitchen and large main bath. It was nice being in a separate building, so much more privacy than the usual condo. When we went out sightseeing it was nice and relaxing to come back "home". I would recommend this condo to anyone going to Cape Cod. Each unit had a barbeque and lounge chairs on a patio in back. Also each had their own driveway with parking area. The landscaping was pretty especially with the rhodendrons in bloom, as they were when we were there.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Not Available
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Very Good

We drove from our condo to Plymouth taking the side roads instead of the expressway. At Plymouth we went on the Mayflower II. It is an exact replicate of the original Mayflower and was made in England and sailed the Atlantic to Plymouth. On board are people dressed as Pilgrims and crew and they are loaded with knowledge of the pilgrim times. The ship was bigger inside than it looked, but I would not want to make that voyage.

We then went to the Plymouth Plantation. This was the most fun, because when we went in the village, it was like going back in time. There were "Role-players" telling about the life and work of the people living in Plymouth. They were not just telling, but living that life. It was fascinating talking to them. A Must See Place!!

We were really impressed with the Heritage Plantation. The grounds were beautiful. The rhododendrons are in full bloom the first week of June. There are 125 varieties. They have a shuttle that drives around the grounds to the different buildings. We took that all the way around just to see the landscaping. Our favorite exhibit was the Antique Auto Museum. The cars were beautiful. Each had a little story about it as to the age, price, and where it came from, etc. There was an Art Museum and American History Museum. There was also a real Wooden Horse Carousel. We rode it three times! It made us feel young again!! This place is worth visiting.

The boat was clean and roomy. We sat inside at a small table and looked out. But there was plenty of room upstairs on top also. The trip took about 35 minutes to get to the island from Falmouth. Martha's Vineyard is the name of the island and there are about five towns on it. The boat took us to Oak Bluffs. We got off there and walked around town. If you go, see the Gingerbread Houses. Everyone of them are different! We went by the beach and sat in the park. My husband took a nap on the park bench. It was very relaxing there. We also took a bus to Edgartown. Fare was only $1 each - but we are senior citizens. Edgartown it a little more busy, but it was interesting to see life on an island. Altogether it was a nice trip.

We had always wanted to go to Cape Cod, so we put in a request with RCI for either June, July, or August of 2002. We were contacted about the week of June 1, so we took it. It was a little sooner than we wanted, but we took it anyway. When we got there, we found out that this was a good time since the busy season usually starts in the middle of June. The best part of this time was the blooming of the rhododendrons. They were gorgeous!! We had no idea what we were going to do in Cape Cod, but the staff at our condo helped give us ideas.

It was different there then what I expected. I expected a big touristy place. But it was very laid back, except around Hyannis. We took side roads and saw quaint houses. Stopped at an ice cream stand and meet nice people. What was especially different for us was the "ROTARY". It is an intersection like a wheel-everyone drives around until they get to their street and then they turn. If you miss your turn you keep going in a circle. (That's what we did the first time) We were there for one week and just hit the highlights of the area. Maybe we can go back and see more someday.