Cape Cod

One of the nation’s favorite summertime destinations is also one of the most coveted locations to live in New England. Traditional architectural styles synonymous with the region, quaint villages, lobster rolls, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed vacation lifestyle are just a few of the things to love. Cape Cod is a 70-mile drive from central Boston, while Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are both just a ferry ride away, offering plenty of wonderful day trip options. The Cape Cod National Seashore stretches across 40 miles of pristine beaches, protected by some of New England’s most picture-perfect lighthouses.

The construction of major highways and railroads in the 1930s led to the development of the region, followed by a boom in tourism, largely thanks to John F. Kennedy. The former President’s famous Kennedy Compound is located in Hyannis, consisting of three homes on six acres. Several museums and monuments pay tribute to the former President’s legacy on the Cape. In modern times, residents enjoy a laid-back lifestyle, world-class cuisine, and a slower pace reminiscent of the good ole days.

 

• Cape Cod is a gorgeous east coast destination.
• Lobster rolls, sandy dunes, warm waters, and classic architecture bring a serene sense of peace to the community.
• Cape Cod offers a vacation lifestyle 24/7.

Locals enjoy ample time spent in the presence of the great outdoors and all it has to offer. Fishing and days spent at the park are local favorite pastimes. Nickerson State Park is one of the more popular spots. Stretching across nearly 2,000 acres, the park consists of mossy beaches, ponds, trails, and campgrounds for overnight adventures. One outdoor activity more specific to the region is the fishing tours. Guests can charter fishing boats for just a few hours or all day long in hopes of catching striped bass, bluefish tuna, and other native area fish. Day trips to nearby Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are popular weekend outings, reachable by one of the local ferries. Days spent on the Cape often end with traditional New England dinners featuring fresh seafood served in cozy, waterfront digs.

Yarmouth and Dennis are home to some of Cape Cod’s most storied communities. Charming shops and delicious meals are served just steps from the beach. These homey establishments with upscale twists have added to the appeal and aura of Cape Cod’s charm.

Gina’s by the Sea is a famous bayfront institution, particularly well-known for its shrimp scampi. This seasonal eatery has been operating from April through November since 1938. Some of their other perfected dishes consist of dijon chicken, veal parmesan, and fettuccine alfredo served with a bowl of freshly shaved parmesan cheese at every table.

Located in an old two-story house, Fin serves upscale seafood creations. Locally sourced ingredients, alfresco dining, housemade oyster chowder, and other seafood paired with an eclectic wine and cocktail list are served by a head chef who has realized his life dream of opening a Cape Cod restaurant after spending countless childhood summers here on the Cape.

Established in 1696, the Old Yarmouth Inn is a Cape Cod gem. A consistent winner of several “best of” awards, Old Yarmouth Inn does New England fare better than anyone else. Clam chowder, baked oysters, clams, and beef wellington have earned this longstanding institution a loyal following for over three centuries.

In a historic farmhouse, The Pheasant is a family-owned and operated farm-to-table eatery with a diverse menu. Dan dan duck, curry goat, clam pasta, and lamb tacos are just a few of their more unique dishes. Their Cape Cod influence and emphasis on seasonal, local ingredients has proven to be a winning combination.

Cape Cod is quite extensive, stretching 65 miles out into the Atlantic Ocean, offering 560 miles of some of the most beautiful shores in the world. Provincetown, at the northernmost tip of the Cape, is a lively gathering center for artists. Galleries, quirky boutiques, and a busy nightlife scene bring something different to the Cape. Sunset rides and sightseeing tours through Provincetown are best experienced in a pedicab. Ptown Pedicabs make getting around easy and fun. Other sites worth seeing are the lighthouses. Synonymous with the New England aesthetic, several companies offer tours, and a few even offer overnight stays. The Race Point Lighthouse is one of those, featuring lodging in the old Keeper’s House, reminiscent of a forgotten era.