A leisurely drive along Route 6 on the Cape Cod peninsula takes you past many charming and quaint villages made up of many summer homes and year round compounds such as the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis. If you keep going on Route 6 to…Read More

A leisurely drive along Route 6 on the Cape Cod peninsula takes you past many charming and quaint villages made up of many summer homes and year round compounds such as the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis. If you keep going on Route 6 to the end of the road you get to Provincetown.

It's rather ironic that the location that comprises the end of the road today was actually the beginning of the settlement road for the Pilgrims and their infamous 1620 landing in Massechusetts.

Provincetown is a typical New England/Cape Cod village in look with its clapboard homes, beach plum jellies, and sand dunes. There are 3 light houses complete with foghorns that add charm and character to this fishing village. The town developed from the fishing wharfs still central to the downtown area. Fishing was an original livelihood and the town grew into a whaling center. Whale watching boats still ply the local waters.

There are postcard rustic wooden-floored cafes on the piers and main street complete with salty bearded proprietors where you get fresh lobster, clam chowder, and beer. It doesn't get any fresher than this; haul it up from the water and throw it in a cooking pot.

Provincetown has developed into an artists' eclectic town with boutique shops, art galleries, and the obligatory tourist ice cream and fudge shops. There are unusual shops like ones that specialize in kites of all shapes and sizes and bicycle novelties.

Theater is a big pastime and the town has produced some notable playwrights, such as Eugene O'Neill.

Though the shops are unique, the passing human parade on the sidewalks has taken the lesbian and gay community out of the nightclubs and openly onto the streets. There is ample nightlife in this quiet town.

In addition to the 90 minute drive from Boston via Route 6 down the peninsula, you can also reach Provincetown by ferry from the mainland to McMillan Pier in the center of town. Cape Air can fly you across the bay as well.

If you are visiting the Cape for more than just a weekend, make sure you spend a day visiting Nantucket, an island approximately 2 hours away by ferry. Nantucket is a charming place. The seaside cottages are spectacular. Ferries can be taken from numerous…Read More

If you are visiting the Cape for more than just a weekend, make sure you spend a day visiting Nantucket, an island approximately 2 hours away by ferry.

Nantucket is a charming place. The seaside cottages are spectacular. Ferries can be taken from numerous ports, but the most popular terminus is out of Hyannis. Tip: Call the Steamship Authority at least a day in advance to purchase tickets during summer months as they fill quickly.

The town is filled with many galleries, antique and gift shops. There are many restaurants through-out the island as well.

Fans of Claire Murray and her exquisite collection of home accessories will find her local store filled with many Nantucket themed hooked rugs which make an excellent souvenir of your vacation to bring home.

Local bus transport is easy to find and use if you wish to explore beyond the main town of Nantucket. In particular, hop on a bus and visit Siasconset...to those in the know, it is known simply as "Sconset". This area is filled with charming small Cape cottages covered in blooming hydrangeas during summer months. Wander down to the beach and enjoy the beauty of south end of the island before making your way back to town.

Before you go exploring, ensure you get a ferry schedule for returning back to Hyannis. Arrive a little earlier for the last ferry back each day as you don't want to leave yourself stranded. Though, there are many guesthouses and inns should you find yourself in that situation.    Close

Like Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard is the other island easily accessible by ferry off the Cape Cod mainland. Ferries leave regularly from various ports, Hyannis being the most popular and convenient one. Ensure you call ahead a day or two in advance to purchase your tickets,…Read More

Like Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard is the other island easily accessible by ferry off the Cape Cod mainland.

Ferries leave regularly from various ports, Hyannis being the most popular and convenient one. Ensure you call ahead a day or two in advance to purchase your tickets, as seats sell quickly. You may take the slow ferry or choose the faster "Flying Dolphin" catamarans that cut the travelling time in half.

Martha's Vineyard is much larger than Nantucket and its sights are much more spread out over the island than Nantucket. When you are traveling by ferry, you will be given the option to buy a seat for one of the bus tours when you disembark from the ship. The buses pick you up at the port and proceed to take you on a 2 hour tour around the perimeter of the island. The driver is usually a knowledgeable local who will point out where many of the celebrities and tv personalities have their summer homes and cottages. In particular, you will drive by the former "cottage" owned by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and now her children.

Once your tour is complete, you may then decide which areas you would like to visit for the rest of the day. Taxis are easily found and can transport you back to any other area of the island. Edgartown is the commercial hub with many inns and shops. The beaches are excellent and the tour will also point out where scenes from the movie "JAWS" were shot on these very beaches.

Martha's Vineyard is also home to the Black Dog Tavern. They were made famous recently when former President Bill Clinton was seen purchasing items here which were later given to Ms. Lewinsky.

Another option is to rent a bicycle and explore on your own, this also makes it easier should you wish to pay your respects at the grave of former actor John Belushi which is also pointed out on the tour.    Close

It is a beautiful 60-minute drive from the Dennisport, which is in the middle of the Cape to Provincetown, one of the most historic, unique places occupying the very tip of the Cape. Provincetown has thirty miles of white sand beaches, natural trails, trolley,…Read More

It is a beautiful 60-minute drive from the Dennisport, which is in the middle of the Cape to Provincetown, one of the most historic, unique places occupying the very tip of the Cape. Provincetown has thirty miles of white sand beaches, natural trails, trolley, dune and carriage tours, sunset sails, fishing, whale watching and an airport.

We strolled through the oldest art colony in the country. Dozens of galleries, craft shops and boutiques are features in this 19th century seaport. We visited the Pilgrims Monument and Museum where the history of the outer Cape is on display. The Pilgrim's Monument is the tallest structure in Provincetown. (See picture below.)

Provincetown is a colorful, unique town with "free spirited" people. Restaurants and souvenir shops abound. In addition to the numerous motels, hotels and resorts available, there are also eight Bed & Breakfast facilities and two campgrounds. In June is the annual Portuguese Festival and the Blessing of the Fleet; in November the Pilgrim Monument Lighting and the Thanksgiving Stroll Weekend.

On our return trip to Dennisport, we drove scenic Highway 6 and stumbled unto a beautiful lighthouse. It was set back off the road, but had a walkway from a parking area to the lighthouse and then continued to a high cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. From there we could see forever and imagine other adventures waiting for us across "the pond". Well, that is another story.

This scenic stretch of historic highway, once an Indian trail, is brimming with art galleries, dining establishments, distinctive accommodations and antiques and gift shops to captivate even the most discriminating shopper. Designated as one of the longest spans of historic highway in the country,…Read More

This scenic stretch of historic highway, once an Indian trail, is brimming with art galleries, dining establishments, distinctive accommodations and antiques and gift shops to captivate even the most discriminating shopper. Designated as one of the longest spans of historic highway in the country, Olde King’s Highway echoes a time when sea captains sailed home to awaiting families and artisans, eager to sell their wares, lined the byways. It is an enchanting stretch of highway no matter what the season and is sure to leave you with pleasant memories.

As you travel east through the village of Dennis, follow the signs to Scargo Lake. The Scargo Tower was built of wood in 1874 and was intended to attract visitors, who paid 5 cents for the privilege of climbing it and enjoying the view. The present tower was built of rock in 1901. From the Tower, all of the north shore of Cape Cod can be seen.

Plymouth is a short 20-miles drive from Cape Cod. There you can view the Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II, visit the shops and dine on the waterfront. Visit the Plimoth Plantation and mingle with Pilgrims who speak to you in 17th century…Read More

Plymouth is a short 20-miles drive from Cape Cod. There you can view the Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II, visit the shops and dine on the waterfront. Visit the Plimoth Plantation and mingle with Pilgrims who speak to you in 17th century dialects. Join them in the 1627 village as they go about their daily life. Off Route 3, the Plantation, café and shops are open daily late March through late November. Adults $19.00 Child $11.00. 508-746-1622. www.plimoth.org.

Cape Code Central Railroad sightseeing ride is a two-hour excursion along Cape Cod Bay from Hyannis to Cape Cod Canal. Adults $13.00 Child $9.00. There are also lunch and dinner trains. 1-888-797-7245. www.capetrain.com.

Take the Ferry to Martha’s Vineyard, rent a bike and explore the Island. Mid-May through late-October the ferry leaves every 15 minutes.

Play Golf: In one of my guidebooks, there was a list of 33 golf courses on the Cape, 19 of them are available for public use. The others are private clubs.

Sailing on the Catboat. A unique and relaxing Cape Cod tradition, this 90-minute excursion departs every two hours from Ocean Street Docks, Hyannis. The Galley offers Seafood, snacks and a well-stocked bar. Adults $20.00, Seniors $15.00, Children $5.00. Look for a coupon in guidebooks worth $1.00 off each ticket. (508) 775-0222 www.catboat.com.

Sailing on the Schooner, Bay Lady II. Take a sail aboard a 73-foot traditional gaff rig schooner and slip back in time to earlier days when the pace of life was slower. Sail across Provincetown Harbor into Cape Cod Bay. When the engine is turned off and the sails fill with wind, the schooner glides quietly across the bay with grace and beauty. Prices range from $10.00 to $15.00 for adults (depending on the time of day) Children under 12 years $6.00. Reservations are recommended. 508-487-9308 www.salcapecod.com.

As the Clintons know, there is more to the Cape than just the Cape! There are islands off the south coast that are home to the rich and famous and are a lure to us mortals as well. Nantucket and Martha's Vinyard are tourist…Read More

As the Clintons know, there is more to the Cape than just the Cape! There are islands off the south coast that are home to the rich and famous and are a lure to us mortals as well. Nantucket and Martha's Vinyard are tourist magnets that have managed to retain their charm despite the ever present giant summer crowds. Nantucket is smaller and less affected by tourists, so for those of you worried that this is a honkey tonk haven, rest easy. Bring a copy of Moby Dick and sit on the beach and watch the water and boats for a memorable day. The whaling museum in Nantucket town is worth a stop. Caution, the main street will eat up most of your camera's film and put a serious dent in your credit card unless you're steel willed. Grab a local bus (mini-van actually) tour and you'll see how the other half lives. Martha's Vinyard is much bigger than Nantucket and has a few more big towns to explore. Set at a higher pitch than Nantucket, Martha's Vinyard is more 'family friendly' with more diversions for the younger set. Edgartown is a crowded jewel, and worth one day trip. The same can be said for Vinyard Haven. Chillimark and Gay Head are more isolated and are my favorite spots. The Gay Head cliffs are beautiful and a great place to soak up the rays (rumor has it, you can get an overall tan on these beaches - hint!). Bicycles, buses and foot are the best ways to see these two places.

For the daytripper, forget taking the car over on the ferry, without reservations, you will eat up valuable sightseeing time waiting. Getting to the Islands from the Cape is easy - there are ferries from Falmouth and Hyanis. Beware of the moped! People get creamed driving these things every day. Rent one if you have good insurance or a death wish.

The Town of Chatham has a fishing pier called Town of Chatham Fish Pier. It is in Chatham on Route 28 and well worth the stop. Fishing boats come in bringing loads of fresh fish, which attract the seagulls, seals, and tourists alike. It is…Read More

The Town of Chatham has a fishing pier called Town of Chatham Fish Pier. It is in Chatham on Route 28 and well worth the stop. Fishing boats come in bringing loads of fresh fish, which attract the seagulls, seals, and tourists alike. It is so very interesting to see the hauls come in and get unloaded. It is amazing how clean things are kept. The pier will keep you interested for quite some time. There is a restaurant there where you can get fresh seafood to-go, prepared or not. It really is a very good experience and makes for wonderful photo opportunities!!!   Close

Provincetown is at the very tip of the Cape and well worth the drive to experience. We have been going there for years and always enjoy the atmosphere and choices. Of course there is the whale-watching and the great restaurants. In addition, there are the…Read More

Provincetown is at the very tip of the Cape and well worth the drive to experience. We have been going there for years and always enjoy the atmosphere and choices. Of course there is the whale-watching and the great restaurants. In addition, there are the cultural experiences of the diversity of humans. It is a lively area where tolerance reigns supreme and has a large gay/lesbian population, so some may end up feeling far too uncomfortable, but if you have an open, free spirit yearning to be exercised, P-Town is the place to do it!! There are always activities going on that bring out the life, spirit, and soul of the area, and the stores along Commercial Street are places of unique items and colorful displays. It's a fun way to spend a day, and the nightlife is as diverse as the population as far as choices!! It's well worth the trip!!   Close

Over the course of the week we spent in Mashpee, we visited various towns and got a nice taste of the cape in March. We visited Chatham. I would definitely recommend this cute little town. In addition to the great views, there is a…Read More

Over the course of the week we spent in Mashpee, we visited various towns and got a nice taste of the cape in March. We visited Chatham. I would definitely recommend this cute little town. In addition to the great views, there is a main street you can shop in. We had lunch at the Impudent Oyster (see my other journal entry on that).

We also visited Hyannis and had lunch at Albertos' (I also reviewed this restaurant in another journal entry). I have been to the cape in September before, so I know that this is a great street to shop and visit. But in March on a Sunday, there wasn't much to do except have lunch. On our drive around the Cape, we also found a couple cranbury bogs which we found facinating (see picture below).