Fun in Fall for the Whole Family

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Michelle

A walk on the beach is enjoyable no matter the season; but let’s face it, if they can’t go swimming, the kids would usually prefer to be somewhere else! Why not explore the awe-inspiring Autumn on Cape Cod…full of apples, pumpkins, ghosts and things that go bump in the night!

Hawk’s Wing Farm
41 Hawks Wing Road, Yarmouthport
You and your family will enjoy apple picking, pumpkin picking, wagon rides, caramel apples, face painting and fun in the barnyard and playground. The aroma of cinnamon and hot apple cider wafting from the kitchen and the cool crisp fall air only start to describe this all-organic farm in the fall. Dwarf apple tree tops are nearly always within an arms reach, with a majority of the fruit within a child’s grasp. A variety of organic selections are available to take home from the farm stand.

October is perfect for … APPLES!! Apple cider, apple pies, arugula, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, collards, escarole, kale, leeks, lettuce, mustard greens, onions, parsley, potatoes, radicchio, radishes, chard, turnips, winter squashes, butternut squash..

Visit Hawk’s Wing Farm for more information and directions.

Cob Webb Farm
1525 Osterville Road, West Barnstable
A family-owned farm filled with old-fashioned charm. Enjoy…

  • PUMPKIN PICKING – Roam around the pumpkin field and find a small, or large, or extra large, round or tall but definitely orange, “just right for you” pumpkin!
  • HAY RIDES – Tour the grounds of this beautiful little farm while munching on some treats and looking for woodland creatures. The ride will take you around the pumpkin patch, through the woods, around a pond and back to the Farm Store.
  • HAY HOUSE – Sheltered under a round roof but still open to the fresh fall air, it’s a great place to jump & roll around in the hay while learning a bit about what creatures live on a farm!
  • FARM STORE – Bring home the freshest and finest fruits and vegetables of the season; try some delicious jellies and jams while picking up corn stalks, gourds and mums to decorate your home for the fall.

Visit Cob Webb Farm for more details and directions.

 

A.D. Makepeace Cranberry Tour
158 Tihonet Road, Wareham
The Makepeace business has been growing cranberries since the 1800s. Abel D. Makepeace established hundreds of acres of bog across southeastern Massachusetts and became known as “The Cranberry King.” Today, the company farms approximately 1,750 acres of bog in the towns of Carver, Middleborough, Plymouth, Rochester and Wareham. A.D. Makepeace is the largest grower-owner of Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., and the largest cranberry grower in the world. With more than 400 growers producing nearly 25 percent of the nation’s cranberry supply, cranberries are the number one food crop in Massachusetts, having a crop value of $50 million.

Makepeace blends state-of-the-art technology with centuries-old growing techniques. Take some time to explore, tour and learn about this fascinating industry. Individual tours are available, advance reservations are required

Visit A. D. Makepeace for more information and reservations, or call (508) 295-1000.

 

Barnstable Village’s Haunted & History Walking Tour
Barnstable Village
Are you looking for something out of the ordinary to fill your evening? Discover this unique walking tour of the historic and haunted “Old Kings Highway” in Barnstable Village. You will hear stories of the conflict between the Loyalists and the American Whigs (Patriots) and how England had a stronghold on this small quaint town. There are over ten stops on the tour and eight have ghost stories. Visit Cobb’s Hill Cemetery where many strange and unusual things have taken place, and the Barnstable Tavern & Restaurant where a mischievous specter lurks in the dining room. The tour finale ends with the “Old Jail” built in the 1690’s by order of Massachusetts Bay Colony Courts, which is actively haunted.

ADVISORY: we have not personally participated in this tour. Please use discretion with children. You may wish to call the tour company to inquire about age appropriateness – (508) 771-2725.

Visit Barnstable Village’s Haunted & History Walking Tour for more information and to view other tours.

 

Cape Cod Central Railroad
252 Main Street, Hyannis
All Aboard For Fun on the Narrated Scenic Train! Climb aboard one of the Cape Cod Central’s climate-controlled passenger cars and feel the thrill as the whistle blows and your fun-filled adventure begins. The rhythm of the train and the spirit of the crew will whisk you away on an exhilarating two-hour journey by rail. You’ll pass beautiful cranberry bogs, natural woodlands, lush marshes and more as you make your way between Hyannis and the Cape Cod Canal.

Advance reservations suggested. (508) 771-3800, or toll free at (888) 797-RAIL.

Visit Cape Cod Central Railroad for more information, departure times and reservations.


 Haunted Hotel Package
At Cape Codder Resort & Spa
This isn’t a trick – it’s a true TREAT all the way! The festivities include an all-new Ghostly Halloween Musical Light Show in the courtyard, trick-or-treating in the safety of the hotel, a Halloween Dance party with prizes and giveaways, a Halloween movie (under the stars if weather permits) and storytelling around the bonfire, plus much more! The evenings activities include:

  • Early Check In
  • Face Painting from 3 – 6 with the fun factory
  • Trick or Treating in the hotel from 4 – 6
  • Ghoulish Ballooning
  • Halloween Dance Party with best costume awards
  • Halloween movie on the deck
  • Bonfire Story Telling

Visit Cape Codder’s Haunted Hotel page for more information and  reservations.

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Looking for a way to bond with your daughter?

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Luisa

Try a Mother/Daughter Spa Getaway

Luisa and AlexThey grow up so quickly, don’t they? I just sent my daughter Alex off to her freshman year at Boston College and it seems like only yesterday it was her first day of kindergarten!

During the past few months leading up to Alex’s college departure from our New Jersey home, she and I – as well as her godmother Kathy with whom she’s very close – made a point to make time for a few activities that nurtured bonding. That way when she left we had a good fuzzy feeling regarding our relationship.

For example, Kathy took Alex out the week prior to her college departgure for pedicures, manicures and dinner. Years ago Kathy started this tradition as Alex’s brithday present. Since then, these spa days have grown into a very special event that they’ve enjoyed many times a year, be it for Alex’s formal dances or just an an excurse for them to bond in a mother/daughter fashion, which they did each time.

Kathy and AlexSince Catania Hospitality has built its resort, spa and restaurant business on the foundation of strong family values, they specifically offer mother/daughter spa treatments at their three resorts — Cape Codder Resort & Spa; Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa; John Carver Inn & Spa – as a way to foster familial bonding. These mother/daughter spa days can be an integral part an off-season weekend getaway to the Cape Codder, Dan’l Webster or John Carver Inn.

Depending on your child’s or teen’s age, there are a wide variety of spa treatments to choose from at all three Beach Plum Spas. Some of the most popular parent/child treatments are massages, facials, manicures and pedicures.

Kid's Corner at the Beach Plum SpaThe Beach Plum Spas offer Kids’ Corner spa treatments for children ages four to 13 years old. While you may have heard of couples’ massages before, you might not have heard of parent and child massages. The Beach Plum Spa offers them, including those which focus only on the back, neck and shoulder area. (Note that all spa treatments require children under 18 years old to have a parent/adult guardian in the room with them during the treatment.)

With creative names like “Strawberry Ice Cream” manicure and “Chocolate Milkshake” pedicure, the Beach Plum Spa Kids’ Corner appeals to children on all levels. For example, the Strawberry Ice Cream manicure starts with strawberry exfoliation and strawberry lotion and ends with a sweet treat…a lollipop! The Chocolate Milkshake pedicure is for chocoholics: while sipping hot chocolate, the youth’s feet are soaked in a chocolate milkshake bath, exfoliated with a chocolate scrub, and finished off with chocolate mousse lotion.

Since teens’ needs are different than adults and kids’, the Beach Plum Spa also offers acne facials. These treatments are for teenagers only and use a Beach Plum Spa skin care product designed to reduce inflammation.

End note:

Although my daughter’s pre-college manicure and pedicure with Kathy has certainly been chipped away due to two weeks of hitting the college books, one thing still remains: her positive thoughts of the quality time she spent with her godmother during their many spa days over the years.

For more details on Mother/Daughter and additional Spa Packages:

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A Frenzy of Fall Festivals

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Michelle

Fall on Cape Cod is a simply glorious time of year, a true feast for the senses…from the smell of the crisp, salty ocean air to the sights of vibrant autumn colors, Cape Cod has it all, but without the crowds! To celebrate the season, the Cape comes alive in a frenzy of Fall Festivals. Escape and discover true hometown celebrations bursting with Art, Music, Food, Fun and much more!

Harwich Cranberry Arts & Music Festival
September 17 & 18
Yes, it has already past this year, but it’s definitely worth making a note of for next year! The Harwich Cranberry Festival has earned a name for itself over the past three decades as one of the top festivals of its kind in America. Highlights include an enormous art and craft sale (and we mean enormous!) and live musical entertainment, a wide selection of food and cuisine and a spectacular fireworks display. Mom and Dad will love the arts and crafts tents, as well as the fantastic Trade and Home Show. The kids will find plenty of fun, and teenagers will no doubt love the sounds of some of the top musical bands and artists in the greater Cape Cod area.

Visit www.harwichcranberryfestival.org for more information.

42nd Annual Bourne Scallop Fest
September 23-25
An exciting weekend paying homage to the native, tasty Scallop. Yearly, over three tons of succulent Scallops are deep fried and served to over 55,000 visitors. But of course, there’s much more to the Bourne Scallop Fest! Featuring a juried craft show, food court tent with everything from herb roasted chicken dinners and lobster rolls to a raw bar and burgers, Midway of rides and games and non-stop entertainment.

A special performance this year will be held on Saturday, September 24. Cape Cod’s own Siobhan Magnus will be performing solo – hopefully with a sneak peak at songs from her first solo album, ‘Beatrice Dream’ which is expected to be released this fall.

Visit www.bournescallopfest.com for complete schedules and listings.

Cape Cod Cranberry Day at Green Briar
October 1
Green Briar celebrates the native berry with cooking demonstrations in the 1903 Jam Kitchen, special exhibits on the cranberry industry on Cape Cod and homemade baked cranberry goods, clam chowder and chili.

Visit www.thorntonburgess.org/SpecialEvents.htm for directions and information.

Harvest Festival at Barnstable County Fairgrounds
October 1 & 2
The festival will include live entertainment by local bands, a marketplace of local farmers and crafters, pony rides, hayrides and much more. Again this year, in the spirit of Oktoberfest, the Harvest Festival will feature a traditional wine and beer garden. Parents and kids can spend quality time together, enjoying kiddie rides, a haunted house, pumpkin painting and the 4-H horse drill team. There will be food vendors, gardening tips and soil testing as well. This year’s theme is “The Holidays Start Here” and will feature exhibitors selling wares and services that will make ideal gifts for year-end celebrations.

Visit www.barnstablecountyfair.org/harvestfest for more information.

25th Annual Oktoberfest
October 8
The 25th Annual Oktoberfest kicks off at the Mashpee Commons’ Village Green with a 10K Road Race and Fun Run, sponsored by New Balance Mashpee. The celebration continues throughout the day with authentic German music by The Vagabonds, Magic Show, K-9 Dog Show, Fiddlers, Irish Step Dancers and exhibits by local crafters and restaurants.

Visit www.MashpeeCommons.com for more information

33rd Annual Yarmouth Seaside Festival
October 8 – 10
The Yarmouth Seaside Festival has grown into a gala event which boasts a craft fair of more than 125 crafters from all over the country, a giant parade, continual musical entertainment, high-quality children’s events, kayak and canoe race, 5K road race, greased pole contests, pie-eating contestsand fireworks display, to name just a few. Bringing together townspeople and tourists alike, this event captures a warm, fun-loving, and still FREE event for all to take part in and enjoy. A huge selection of varying crafts, and a dazzling fireworks display are what truly light up the Yarmouth Seaside Festival, but there’s plenty more to give it substance. A parade, New England cuisine, music, children’s rides, and various competitions help keep the party going all weekend long. Participate in or watch kayak and road races, and be sure to bring along a camera for the sand sculpture contest. The fantastic parade will include antique cars, marching bands, and special surprises for the children. The event itself is free, although you’ll want to bring along some money to enjoy the huge selection of food and other activities that may require a fee.

Visit www.yarmouthseasidefestival.com for more information.

Wellfleet OysterFest – family fun
October 15 – 16
A bit of a drive, but certainly worth it! This two-day street party celebrates the town’s famous oysters, clams and shellfishing traditions and brings together locals and visitors for a weekend full of hometown flavor and big time fun. The town center becomes a walking district that offers something for everyone: local cuisine, arts and crafts, children’s activities, educational exhibits, live music and the Oyster Shuck-Off competition. Satellite events away from the crowds, and many with the beautiful harbor as a backdrop, showcase all that the village has to offer: beachcombing and bird walks, a 5K road race and children’s fun run, cooking demonstrations, tasting seminars, book talks, and oyster grant tours. Kids will enjoy the moon bounce, pumpkin decorating, face painting, oyster jewelry making, a steel drum workshop, sing-a-longs and more.

Visit www.wellfleetoysterfest.org for more information.

Cape Cod Oyster Festival, Hyannis – more of an adult festival
October 15 – 16
Every Fall, Cape Cod showcases their world famous oysters to the many tourists that come to take part in the Annual Cape Cod Oyster Festival. Relax by the Hyannis Harbor, sampling the very finest of Cape Cod oysters and wine from across the world. All oyster lovers, and those simply needing a break, should make sure to get to Cape Cod this Fall. One price buys you admission to the event, which includes wine, food, and of course, oyster samples. This first-class event benefits the United Way, making it the ideal way to help others while enjoying one of Cape Cod’s most renowned commodities.

Fall for the Arts
Entire Month of October
Follow the Arts Trail throughout the month of October during the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod’s 4th Annual Fall for the Arts Festival, with 125+ special events awaiting you, including live performances by local musicians, special exhibits, arts activities for kids, readings and lectures, guided art and heritage walks, plein air painters and more.

Visit www.artsfoundation.org/fall-for-the-arts for the full line-up of Fall for the Arts events!

 

 

 

 

 

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A Road Less Travelled

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Michelle

Route 6AIf you are interested in seeing  what Cape Cod looked like before tourists found it, take some time to discover a  road less travelled. Old King’s Highway, also known as scenic Route 6A, winds 34 miles though the villages of Bourne, Sandwich, West Barnstable, Barnstable, Yarmouthport, Dennis, Brewster, and Orleans along the northern side of Cape Cod.  America’s largest designated historic corridor, Route 6A is recognized as one of the most scenic byways in America by Smithsonian Magazine.

With  its origins as a Native American trail, Old King’s Highway later became the primary east-west cartway of early farmers and settlers of Cape Cod. In the 18th century, as the Cape’s maritime industry blossomed, sea captains homes, taverns (including our own Dan’l Webster Inn) and commerical businesses began to open along the popular passageway. Because many of the trees along 6A had been cut down to accommodate commerce, 19th century residents started to replant shade trees along the corridor which are now mature and add to the beauty of Old King’s Highway.

By the early 19th century, horse-drawn buggys were giving way to modern automobiles and tourism on Cape Cod was just starting to bustle, thus the dirt road needed to be paved. To this day, this captivating trail remains faithful to its historic origins. From green and blue marshes, scenic harbors and old general stores to local produce stands, stately sea captains homes and colorful artisan and antique shops, Old King’s Highway will transport you through centuries of Cape Cod history – a must-see for those wanting to explore the more traditional side of Cape Cod.

Get away for a few nights, stay with us at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis or Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa in Sandwich and take a drive along beautiful Route 6A….you may want to stop for a closer look at some of these nearby attractions:

Sandwich

Barnstable

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Outdoor Adventures on the Lower and Outer Cape

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Jill

If your family enjoys hiking and exploring outdoors, here are a few suggestions for Cape Cod day trips I have enjoyed with my own family. Brewster is only 30 minutes from the Cape Codder Resort and Provincetown, an hour’s drive. Well worth the trip!

Brewster Mills FallsThe Brewster Mill and Herring Run
Corner of Setucket and Stoney Brook Roads, Brewster
The Brewster Mill was built to grind corn using the force of the water running from Mill Pond to the bay. In the Spring the herring come up the Stony Brook to spawn in the pond.

The Brewster Mill is open to the public, selling freshly ground cornmeal, Saturdays June 25 – August 27 from 10-2. Multiple streams tumble over rocks and under bridges in a woodland setting, a cool respite from summer beaches.

Nickerson State Park
On Route 6A, Brewster near the Orleans border
You don’t have to be camping to enjoy the woodlands of Nickerson State Park in Brewster. Maps of the park can be obtained online or at the entrance. The entrance fee is free for hiking, biking, swimming and fishing although you will need a freshwater State license to fish. Freshwater State Fishing licenses can be purchased online, any tackle shop or at some Town Clerk offices (but not Brewster). Nickerson has two clean swimming ponds, Cliff and
Flax. There is also a very cool frog and fish pond east of Cliff Pond called Little Cliff. You can rent a canoe, kayak, paddle boat or sailboat from Jack’s Boat Rentals on Cliff Pond for a reasonable family budget fee. There are hiking trails around all the ponds making it possible to find a quiet private spot, and allow a friendly dog to take a swim.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Walking Trails
Route 6A, Brewster
The exhibitions at the Museum are known for saving a rainy day, but there are also two worthy trails leading from the free parking lots. The John Wing Trail starts next to the Museum building and heads for the tidal beach through level woodlands and the salt marsh. There are many plant identification plaques and a Stonehenge like Solar installation. The bay is fun for children at any tide: walking far out into the bay at low, checking out the shallow pool creature at mid tide and swimming at high tide.

The South Trail starts across the road (Route 6A) journeys through the salt marsh of Stony Brook, (the stream of the Herring Run and the Brewster Mill) and circles around upland through a Beech tree forest. Some of the path is steep and rocky providing just enough challenge to empower youngsters.

Fort Hill, Eastham
About a mile north of the Orleans rotary, you will see a sign for Fort Hill.
There are two parking lots, one at the base of Fort Hill and one on top. Fort Hill offers a spectacular view of Nauset Marsh, Nauset Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean.

The hiking path winds along the cliff, down to a short Maple Swamp walk and through open fields reminiscent of a time when Eastham was all farmland. Great for bird, bunny and chipmunk watching.

Marconi White Cedar Swamp Walk, Wellfleet
Heading north, from Route 6, turn right for Marconi Beach.
On the way to the beach will be a parking area for the mile and a half White Cedar Swamp Walk. A raised walkway meanders through the shade of the native wetlands of high bush blueberries, bear berries along with the white cedar. The entire family will enjoy this refreshing diverse ecosystem.

Snail Road Trail, Provincetown
For me, one of the more surprising and breathtaking adventures on the Cape is the Snail Road trail. This 1.5 mile hike is not for complainers. Keep your eye out for Snail Road
when approaching Provincetown from the south on Route 6. You will see the sign on the left, but on the right are three small parking spaces along the highway pointing into the
woods. If there are already cars parked you may park along Snail Road on the other side of the highway on the left. The trail starts out in woodlands and then breaks out into a vertical climb up a dune, flows through an expanse of hot sand hills descending into scrub pines and vernal pools (some with cranberries and frogs) passes by an occasional dune shack (almost all are occupied so keep a respectful distance) and culminates at the Atlantic Ocean. Here, you will seldom see people, almost always see seals, and tern nests that
have been fenced off by the National Seashore. As you walk along the shoreline far enough from the cages, the adult terns may go into their “broken wing” performance. An injured bird is rather disconcerting when viewed for the first time until you realize almost every adult tern along the beach is hobbling and dragging a wing unless you approach and then it miraculously flies away. Fun.

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TOTO, THIS DOESN’T LOOK LIKE ROUTE 132 ANYMORE!

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Luisa

A Fun Family Vacation at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa

If you follow the proverbial yellow brick road from the Cape Cod highway (Route 6) to Route 132 in Hyannis, MA, you’ll find the Emerald City – although you might not realize it until you walk through its front doors.

Set back from Route 132 is the Cape Codder Resort & Spa: the proverbial Emerald City. My family and I recently spent two days at the resort and when I walked into the lobby for the
first time, I truly felt like Dorothy when she opened the door to Oz in Technicolor!

The Cape Codder Resort & Spa’s lobby sets the tone for the entire resort. The Cape Cod classy décor, coupled with the lush flora in the patio and pool area, really wowed me. My son, niece and nephew were impressed by all the fun family activities this full-service resort offered for us to do by day and night.

Water Play

When I vacation on Cape Cod, I’m a huge fan of sampling the many family activities on the Cape. However, on this family vacation I was very content — as was my son Ethan (9 years old), nephew Seamus (11 years old) and niece Lindsay (13 years old) — to stay at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa and enjoy all its family-friendly facilities.

The Cape Codder sports a new heated outdoor pool (complete with mood lighting at night which changes in color and sets a romantic atmosphere. For those with rooms overlooking the pool, watching it change color and mood with your significant other from the balcony of your room — once your kids are in bed — is a lovely idea.

Rainbow Falls Heated Outdoor PoolIn the morning, the three kids and I really enjoyed the pool especially the section that has a small waterfall and water arches. The water arches were great spots for photo opportunities of the kids. The pool is heated
so that it is available three-seasons.

From the pool, we walked to the nearby deck area which featured outdoor dining from the Hearth n Kettle menu. (There is an indoor Hearth n Kettle restaurant at the resort too.) Between the children’s menu and the option of breakfast foods even at lunch time, my kids were more than content. I liked that we could put on beach cover-ups, have a great meal in a casual setting, and view the surrounding beautiful flower gardens at the same time.

Since all three youngsters have visited huge indoor water parks before, I was a bit concerned that they might be blasé about the Cape Codder’s 8,200-square-foot indoor water park. At lunch time, I forewarned them that the indoor water park was not massive. However, there was no need for that – the kids had an excellent time! Ethan, Lindsay, and Seamus really had a great time on the 80- and 50-foot water slides as well as in the wave pool. We also had fun taking photos under the water mushroom and in front of the murals
of picturesque Cape Cod beach scenes.

Kids at the Indoor Wave Pool at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa

Family Friendly Activities By Day and Night

The Cape Codder has a roster of daily family activities throughout the summer, for Halloween, during the holidays and February and April school break weeks. The staff provides guests an activity sheet upon check in and activities are also posted on a board in the lobby.

Summer activities vary depending on the day of the week. Some of them include: a nightly outdoor family movie on a large screen; balloon animals made by two-time world champion balloon artists; volleyball games; face painting; making crafts; and Peek A Zoo.

Peek A Zoo is a unique show and is hosted by staff from the nearby ZooQuarium. They bring small animals from their collection and put on a show for children and parents at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa. Families get to pet and learn about each animal.

The outdoor courtyard at the Cape Codder Resort & SpaIn addition, summer evenings also offer plenty of free family entertainment which is primarily held in the flower-bedecked courtyard, weather permitting. On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, a one-man band called Mikey Maestro plays dance party music to get the kids up and moving. On Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights, the band Hazy, Hot and Humid instead plays contemporary music, which is more akin to teens’ and parents’ tastes.

“We try to mix it up as much as possible to appeal to a wide range of families yet have adult type entertainment too,” said Ray Spirlet, General and Activities Manager at the Cape Codder.

The courtyard area also features a nightly fire pit where families can toast marshmallows or make s’mores. Families can bring their own ingredients or can purchase them from the Hearth n Kettle. We especially liked the evening atmosphere in the courtyard, which is lined with torches and is adjacent to the indoor wave pool, which is open until 10 p.m.

Explore on Your Own

For those with little ones, the resort has a small playground that includes climbing apparatus and a slide. Families with grade school children and teens enjoy the games arcade too.

A great place for a family photo at the Cape CodderDuring our stay, I had to attend a one hour meeting. I felt very comfortable allowing Lindsay, Seamus and Ethan to explore the non-water resort facilities together. During that time, they played in the very affordable arcade and had dessert/ice cream sundaes at the Hearth n Kettle Deck.

We live in a very suburban area of New Jersey which is only 10 miles from Manhattan, so my radar is always up when it comes to safety. The family atmosphere that pervades throughout the resort is what nurtured my comfort level to allow the kids to walk around the resort without me.

We are Fam-i-ly

Since the Cape Codder Resort & Spa is owned by the entrepreneurial Catania family, who own Catania Hospitality, a family feeling is very pervasive throughout the resort. I constantly saw Bill Catania, President of Catania Hospitality, walking around the resort with grounds keepers and other staff to make sure everything was in
tip-top condition.

Like Dorothy whose Oz friends became her kin during her adventure, the family atmosphere at the resort was felt even by Ethan, the youngest in our group. After our two-day stay at the Cape Codder, we spent a week with a large group of extended cousins, siblings and friends in a Mid Cape house. Even though Ethan was having a great time with his cousins and friends during that time, he still often asked when we could return to the Cape Codder to again enjoy the pools, entertainment, arcade and desserts.

That’s a great compliment since, as the son of a family travel writer, Ethan has followed many a proverbial yellow brick road to family vacation destinations!

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Upcoming kids activities!

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Joyce

Cape Cod offers a a wide range of arts activities for adults and for kids! Below is a sampling of kid-friendly classes, events, performances and more happening during the month of August. And, if you are staying at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa, check out their in-house list of kids activities available to guests. A different craft project is offered each day, and kids love singing along with Mikey Maestro on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. http://www.capecodderresort.com/kids-activities.php

August 13 and every Saturday night, 5pm – 7pm
The Pizza Art Club
For kids ages 7 – 11. 2 hours of instruction, dinner & drinks.
Black Whale Gallery, 349 Main Street, Hyannis
For more information, fees and to register call 508 274-9031 or 508 771-8600.

August 13, 7:30 PM
“Family Movie Nights on The Green” featuring the classic family comedy “Ramona and Beezus”, Grab the family, the spouse, the beach chair and a picnic basket and come to the Village Green in Mashpee Commons. The flick will be screened on a 21-foot inflatable, jumbo movie screen. The cost is $10 per adult and $5 for kids under 12. All proceeds will support The Mashpee Dog Park. In the event of rain, check www.facebook.com/mashpeedogpark or call 508-477-BONE to check on the rain date.

August 15 – 19:
All About Color, Design and Fun! Art classes for kids ages 6 – 12. 9:30 am – noon, Cape Cod Museum of Art (see below)
Aug 22 – 26: Art of the Circus – classes for kids ages 6 – 12. 9:30 am – noon,
The Cape Cod Museum of Art is located at 60 Hope Lane in Dennis. For more information or to register call 508-385-4477 ext. 16 or visit www.ccmoa.org.

 

August 16, 11 am
Digging For Dinosaurs
The Cape Cod Children’s Museum, Mashpee
http://www.capecodchildrensmuseum.org

August 17 at 11:00 AM.
Kaleidoscope Children’s Theatre at the Cape Cod Melody Tent
21 West Main Street, Hyannis. Contact Information: 508-775-5630
http://www.melodytent.org. Day-of -Show Tickets are $10.50, advance $8.50

August 23 – 25, ages 6-11: Fairy Houses & Gnome Homes Art Workshop
The Cape Cod Art Association is located at 3480 Route 6A in Barnstable. For more information or to register call 508-362-2909 or visit www.capecodartassoc.org.

Fridays and Saturdays through September 3, 10 am
Academy Playhouse in Orleans presents Disney’s musical Alice in Wonderland 120 Main Street in Orleans. For more information or for tickets call 508-255-1963.
Weekly
2011 Citizen’s Bank Cape Cod Summer Concert Series – free weekly outdoor concerts across 8 Cape Cod towns. http://www.artsfoundtion.org/summer-concerts.

More activities may be found at www.CapeCodKidz.com and www.kidsonthecape.com.

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Must-see beaches on Cape Cod

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Michelle

Beautiful Cape BeachesWith almost 560 miles of unspoiled coastline, of course Cape Cod is surrounded by glorious beaches, some of the finest in the world in fact! While the Cape has much to offer, perhaps the most spectacular are its beaches, so be sure to plan at least a day or two for exploring and relaxing on one of these magnificent local treasures.

Below you will find a sampling of child-friendly beaches as well as some beauties too amazing to leave out. 

All of these beaches and so many more are here and waiting for you to explore, if only you were staying with us on Cape Cod or in Plymouth. Call or reserve your getaway online at one of our properties – Cape Codder Resort & Spa – (888) 297-2200; Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa – (800) 444-3566 or John Carver Inn & Spa – (800) 274-1620, then pick your beaches so you can make the most of your time here.

Mid-Cape- all of these beaches are just minutes from the Cape Codder:

CRAIGVILLE BEACH, Centerville – one of the most popular beaches on the Cape, Craigville is on Nantucket Sound, so the water isn’t too cold and the waves not too big. This beach is a favorite among the teen crowd.

KALMUS BEACH, Hyannis – well-known by the windsurfer crowd and a travel route for boats and ferries to the islands, there’s plenty to watch along this shore. The water is warmer with mild surf, the beach is expansive with smaller crowds and the breeze is refreshing – perfect for relaxing on a hot day.

VETERAN’S BEACH, Hyannis – delightful views of Lewis Bay, this is a popular place where families enjoy picnics and cookouts shaded by a pine grove. The Hyannis Yacht Club is located at one end of the beach, so you can admire the gorgeous yachts moored off the beach and watch the small boat races that occur frequently during the summer. Close to the Kennedy Compound, the Kennedy Memorial is adjacent to the beach.

SANDY NECK BEACH, West Barnstable – gorgeous sand dunes and cool crystal clear water make this beach simply breathtaking. You’ll need your beach shoes here as the shoreline is decorated with rocks (which make great keepsakes). Stay until dusk and build your own campfire right on the beach!

BASS HOLE/GRAY’S BEACH, Yarmouth – a long boardwalk extends over the salt marsh offering excellent views of nature’s beauty. A small beach with little water at low tide makes this a perfect spot for small children. Amenities include a playground, pavilion, grills and restroom facilities.

Lower & Outer Cape- definitely worth the trip from any of our properties:

Toddlers on beachNAUSET BEACH, Orleans – nestled along a stretch of 10-foot sand dunes with wide, sandy beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this is one of the most amazing beaches on the Cape. The water is brisk and the waves are great for swimming, surfing and on-shore fishing. Keep your eyes peeled for the occasional seal head popping up in the water. Because this beach is right on the Atlantic, the surf can be strong and thus more difficult for young swimmers.

COAST GUARD BEACH, Eastham – in the heart of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Coast Guard Beach is regularly ranked as one of the top ten beaches in the United States (ranked #8 on Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches in America 2011). Magnificent glacial cliffs, birds and seals are just some of the sights you’ll see. The water is cold and the waves strong, but worth every moment to swim right in the Atlantic Ocean. These waters are where the Mayflower first sighted land on November 9, 1620. Because this beach is right on the Atlantic, the surf can be strong and thus more difficult for young swimmers.

CROSBY LANDING, Brewster – you can walk for MILES on this beach (and at most Brewster bay beaches)! As with all Brewster beaches which are located on the Cape Cod Bay (north) side, at low tide, the “flats” are a treasure trove of coastal gems from razor clam shells to horseshoe crabs. The little ones will be entertained for hours.

RACE POINT BEACH & HERRING COVE, Provincetown – part of the Cape Cod National Seashore and named for the fierce rip tides that come around the point of the Cape, Race Point is the wilder ocean sister of Herring Cove. Race Point Lighthouse, which marks the tip of the Cape for passing vessels, is a close walk. Race Point, on the Atlantic side, has colder water with more surf. Herring Cove, on the Cape Cod Bay side, has placid, warmer waters. The Travel Channel has named Herring Cove Beach as one of America’s Best All-Time Beaches by Region. Be sure to watch for whales breaching or seals basking in the sun. The sunsets are unparalleled on the entire Cape as the sun actually seems to set into the ocean.

Upper Cape- just a short drive from Sandwich and Barnstable:

OLD SILVER BEACH, North Falmouth – what makes this beach special is the warm, incredibly clear blue-green water and nearly white fine sand. This is one of the best hidden gems of the Upper Cape!

SANDWICH TOWN NECK BEACH, Sandwich – right around the corner from Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa. Stroll the long, serene boardwalk spanning the entire marsh and creek leading to the dunes and onto the beach. Kids love jumping off the boardwalk at high tide and kayakers enjoy the winding waters. Perfect for families, this beach has the best of both worlds….calm, warm waters along the creek and a vast beach with cooler gentle surf overlooking Cape Cod Bay. Enjoy watching the boat traffic as they pass through the Cape Cod Canal or jumping the rocks on the jetties.

MONUMENT BEACH, Bourne – looking out upon the Bourne entrance to the Cape Cod Canal, this beach is situated on a small harbor and is popular with swimmers and windsurfers! Rest or sunbathe on the wooden raft out in the water or on the sandy beach – wherever you are here, the boat traffic through the canal is visible and exciting to see.

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Family Guide to Cloudy Days on Cape Cod

Posted on July 7, 2011 by Luisa

Family Lunch at Dan'l Webster InnBy Luisa and Alex

About 10 years ago, our annual two week family vacation in Cape Cod was filled with mostly rainy days.  At first, my sisters and I – who all stay on The Cape at the same time – had flashbacks to boring rainy family vacation days at the Jersey Shore and Martha’s Vineyard where there was little to do in the 1960’s and 70’s if it was not a beach day.

But our moments of concern were soon abated once I did a little research and found out there are plenty of fun things for families to do indoors on the Cape. All’s well that ends well, since my 17-year-old daughter Alex still fondly recalls “that rainy week” on Cape Cod.

Why? Because we pushed the envelope beyond the beaches and discovered many other hidden gems that still entertain us to this day when we have errant inclement weather on Cape Cod.

Luisa’s top picks of family-friendly cloudy day activities:

Cape Codder Indoor Wave Pool (Hyannis):
Cape Codder Indoor Wave PoolThe Cape Codder indoor wave pool is the ultimate in combining outdoor pleasures with any-weather action! The 8,200-square-foot indoor wave pool is where kids of all ages can enjoy the thrills of wave jumping, yet be in the secure environment of a pool. This is especially important for younger children who might not be ready for the bigger surf of the Cape Cod National Seashore. The boys in my clan especially enjoy the 50- and 80-foot water slides and spraying water fountains at the indoor wave pool. If parents are looking for something to call their own, there is a sauna and 24-person whirlpool in the pool area.

For Cape Codder overnight guests, entrance to the indoor wave pool is free. A day pass fee applies to those not staying at the resort overnight.

Cape Codder Resort & Spa (Hyannis):
Throughout the summer, the Cape Codder Resort & Spa offers plenty of daily family activities for its overnight guests. Rainy days are no exceptions when activities range from arts & crafts to bingo, and balloon animal making. The family-friendly (free) movies sure beat the crowded Cape movie theaters on a rainy day! 

The Beach Plum Spas at the Cape Codder and Dan’l Webster Inn are very popular on rainy days. Teens are welcome at the spas too; the mother/teen daughter pedicures are a nice bonding activity.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History (Brewster):
Don’t expect a natural history museum that is adorned with dinosaur skeletons, but do expect an intimate and aesthetically pleasing place that helps children realize the varied fauna that inhabits Cape Cod. From honey bee observation to “mudflat mania” and live
aquatic displays, the exhibits hold interest for all ages. My favorite is the tranquil marsh view room, complete with huge picture window for spotting birdlife. www.ccmnh.org/

Heritage Museum and Gardens (Sandwich):
There is something for all ages and genders at Heritage Museum. When my daughter Alex was young, she couldn’t get enough of riding on the fanciful carousel. Her older cousins
Zach and Jeff, on the other hand, were fascinated by Heritage’s extensive car collection. I, as an American history fan, reveled in Marching Miniatures, which are displays of toy soldiers in historically correct military gear.  Before you go, check out Heritage’s website
for special fun activities such as Family Fun Fridays.

ZooQuarium (West Yarmouth):
Just as the name suggests, this spot is part aquarium and part small zoo. I found this a great place for kids under 11 years old, specially due to its manageable size. For the little one in your family, the children’s Discovery Center and Zoorific Theater are big hits. Older children will enjoy the Tidal Touch Pool as well as the live displays of colorful fish. Check out ZooQuarium’s website for times of Zoorific Theater performances.

Alex’s top picks of teen favorite indoor activities:

Lunch at Dan’l Webster Inn (Sandwich):
Family fun at the Dan'l Webster InnNot only is the Dan’l Webster Inn super classy, but the food at its restaurant is fantastic too! Lunch at the Dan’l Webster Inn has become a new family Cape Cod tradition. On a rainy or cloudy day, my extended family drives from our Orleans and Harwich rental homes to have lunch at The Dan’l Webster Inn. My little brother and I enjoy their thin crust grilled pizzas, while my aunts often order the lobster pot pie. On the other hand, my vegetarian cousin Lindsay usually goes for the veggie burger and my mom who is allergic to dairy loves the “green” pizza, which is made with tofu instead of cheese.

Shopping in Hyannis:
Shopping on a rainy day may seem like a no-brainer for some, but it usually takes a while for us females in my extended family to convince the males in our group to come shopping with us. The town of Hyannis has options for everybody. My Mom and her sisters enjoy strolling down the Main Street in Hyannis and shopping at some of the cute stores and galleries there. My teen cousins and I like going to the Hyannis Mall, followed by our favorites at Starbucks (located in the Barnes & Noble at the Mall). There are tons of stores at the Hyannis Mall that teens like: Aeropostale, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Forever 21, Hollister, West Seal and Akoo Social Music TV. My little brother loves the indoor carousel ride at the Mall and would go on it all day if we let him!

Cape Cod Potato Chips Factory Tour:
This was one of the most memorable activities of that “rainy week” years ago. I’d never seen how potato chips are made so my cousins and I liked the short, self-guided factory tour which features the unique “kettle cooking” method. But what we enjoyed most were the free bags of Cape Cod chips at the end of the tour. I always savor eating Cape Cod Potato Chips, even when I’m back home, because it transports me in my mind to relaxing summer days on Cape Cod…be they rain or shine!

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Welcome to our Family Vacation Blog!

Posted on June 22, 2011 by webmaster

Welcome to our family vacation blog!  We are excited to share our ideas and local insider information about fun things to do around Cape Cod and our region.

To help you get the most out of your visit to Cape Cod, we post timely information along with details on family-oriented experiences we’ve had while exploring the area over the years.

Blog articles are written by the Cape Codder’s knowledgeable staff, “go-to travel mom” Luisa Frey and teen travel blogger “Alex” (Alexandra) Gaynor.  They all offer unique
perspectives on Cape Cod.

Thanks for visiting and come back again soon.

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