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Glimpses of Cape Cod

A September 2000 trip to Cape Cod by Jsewell

By car, by foot and by bike, we explored the northern curve of Cape Cod in early September.

  • 6 reviews

Glimpses of Cape CodBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Highlights for us included the Province Lands visitor Center and the Salt Pond Visitor Center. The exhibits, trails, films and gift shops gave us a proper introduction to Cape Cod and its unique treasures. We also enjoyed the Captain Edward Penniman House, home of a whaling captain from the 1860's.

Renting bikes and riding the Province Lands trails was another highlight. They offered hilly, diverse terrain (yet not too difficult for 40-something year old parents) with spectacular views of the coast and the woods. The Old Harbor Life-Saving Station Museum also offered an interesting glimpse into an era now long past.

Quick Tips:

For my next visit I plan to stay in one of the towns in the center of the Cape. Provincetown was too busy and crowded for our taste. A central location will allow more opportunities to explore the Cape from end to end.

Best Way To Get Around:

A car is a definite must. Towns and beaches are dotted all along the Cape and each one has it's own special personality worth exploring. Ferries can transport you between Boston or Plymouth and Provincetown, while other ferries will take you to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.

Sandcastle CondominiumsBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Sandcastle Resort"

We were not at all happy with our timeshare unit. It was poorly maintained (the bathroom floor sagged in the middle threatening to dump us on the people below.) The walls were poorly insulated if at all - we could hear our neighbor snoring all night long and in the morning were awakened by elephant people dancing above us. There was no landscaping to speak of and the beach was strewn with litter.
  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by Jsewell on October 31, 2000

Sandcastle Condominiums
Route 6A Cape Cod, Massachusetts
(508) 487-9300

Province Lands TrailsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

I was a little concerned about my ability to manage the trail as it went through some hilly dune areas but I only had to walk up two hills - so it's definitely do-able for anyone in fair physical shape. The trails go through woodlands, fields and dunes and offer enough challenge to keep our 16 year old son interested without killing his aging parents. You can take a break at the beach, or the visitor center. Some small ponds made for an interesting rest point as well.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Jsewell on October 31, 2000

Province Lands Trails
Race Point Road Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Old Harbor Lifesaving Station MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Old Harbor Life Saving Station Museum"

The Old Harbor Life Saving Station Museum was moved to its present site in 1977-78. It's empty of furniture but does house a rescue boat and examples of the breeches buoy, the apparatus used by the Life Saving Station to rescue shipwrecked mariners. The park ranger on duty gave an interesting talk about the station and the men who used to work here. A short film helped bring this almost forgotten era to life.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Jsewell on October 31, 2000

Old Harbor Lifesaving Station Museum
Race Point Beach / East of Rt. 6 Cape Cod, Massachusetts
(508) 349-3785

Captain Edward Penniman HouseBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Although mostly unfurnished, this 1867 home of whaling Captain Penniman is worthy of a visit. Old homes always help me connect with the people of the past. Photos and other displays helped "flesh out" the Penniman family. What an interesting family they were. Whaling captains traveled the world in an era when few people left their home towns! and often, as in the case of Captain Penniman,they took their wives and children with them. Such an exotic lifestyle is reflected in the homes they created for themselves. The Pennimans were the first in their area to have an indoor bathroom with bathtub. Two whale jawbones, now resting in the backyard, once arched over the front walk. Mrs. Penniman's journal, available at nearby gift shops, offers a woman's perspective of the whaling industry and life onboard a whaler.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Jsewell on October 31, 2000

Captain Edward Penniman House
Fort Hill Road Cape Cod, Massachusetts 02642
(508) 349-3785

Atlantic Spice Co.Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Atlantic Spice company"

Fun! and it smells good too! Predominantly a mail order business, the Atlantic Spice Co. in Truro is a large showroom with rows and rows of herbs and spices packaged in bulk at reasonable prices. I bought a huge bag of lavendar for $4.00. An ideal stop for crafters who like to make their own wreaths and herbal gifts.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Jsewell on October 31, 2000

Atlantic Spice Co.
Route 6 at Route 6A North Truro, Massachusetts 02652
+1 508 487 6100

About the Writer

Jsewell
Jsewell
Mason, Michigan

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