If you dig an eclectic and fun B&B experience, look no further. Built in the early 1820''s by a sea captain, the Simmons Homestead, renovated by former New York adman Bill Putnam in 1987, has an appealing unpretentious vibe. The place has loads of character, much of it due to the zany personality of ''innkeeper of sorts'' Bill, whose passion for race cars (he''s also a former race-car driver) and single malt Scotch are evident in his extensive collection of both. The decor in his place might be described as farm-house goes safari--every room features an animal theme. My room paid homage to the cow, and also came complete with a ghost, much to my delight.
Guests visiting the Cape for the firs
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Guests visiting the Cape for the first time will not have to wonder what to do. Bill is extremely knowledgeable about the area and will offer you printed sheets on daytrips and scenic drives, as well as advice from his storehouse of information. His boundless enthusiasm for the area is catching, and you''ll find that his recommendations are spot-on.
Families with children and those traveling with dogs will be welcomed here, as well as social types who will enjoy the 6 pm wine hour where guests gather to chat on the porches or in the living room of the main house. This is a friendly, lively kind of place, so people looking for that 'just the two of us' feeling may want to consider an alternative. Car aficianados will be blown away by what''s stored behind the house--Bill has a large collection of British sportscars, all in knock-your-socks-off red.
Breakfast: the Simmons Homestead offers a family-style breakfast starting at 8:00 am. Non-morning persons take notice: the crowd is likely to be chipper and lively. Bill serves a down-home breakfast of eggs, sausage, melon, and homemade bread. When you''re in the dining room, you''ll notice a collection of Simmons Homestead All Purpose Drinking Mugs dedicated to guests who have stayed three times--and who have earned the affection of Bill. Bruce Jenner has a mug.
Guests have access to a hot tub on the porch, fireplaces in cooler weather, a lending library, bikes, and pretty much anything else they can think of to make them comfortable, as long as it doesn''t interrupt Bill''s Sunday morning Formula One series.
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