Cape Cod - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

paddyjoe · 07-23-2004, 06:56 PM

Me and mrs. joe are starting to plan a three or four day trip to Cape Cod in September. Anybody out there in TFP land have any advice as to places to stay and don't miss beaches?

We're open as far as which town or B&B or hotel or motel to stay, so any experiences you'd like to share, good or bad, would be appreciated. Thanks much for any info.

maleficent · 07-24-2004, 08:12 PM

It's one of my most favorite places on earth... especially in the early fall..

You are going by yourself or taking any kidlets with you? Makes a difference...

Barnstable is the biggest town on the Cape (I beleive), and has a fabulous harbor -- whale watching is the thing to do...

While the Cape is not all that big, it's divided into seperate areas, each with it's own distinct character...

Upper Cape - -which is Sandwich and Falmouth (and a few other towns)
Mid Cape -- Hyannis and Barnstable -- and you could hang with the Kennedys
Lower Cape -- Chatham - -The Chatham Bars Inn is superb and this is my favorite part of the Cape - it's a little more touristy and alittle more expensive (but it is vacation and you save for it == her you have the best of both worlds - -the Nantucket sound are here as is the Atlantic Ocean - -- and you won't have the problems of somethings being closed because summer is over.

Outer Cape Towns _ Provincetown - P'town -- has to be experienced, it can't be described with words - it's a mecca for gay men and women - it's also a big artist's colony -- tons to see and do and tons of people gawking. It's a fun place but like none other you'll see.

Chatham would be my reccommendation as to where to go, because that's what I know the best -- it's beautiful, quaint, I'd have to dig thru for real recommendations as to where to eat and all that - but in plannig your trip -- decide where on the Cape you want to go first...

paddyjoe · 07-26-2004, 03:12 PM

Thanks for the great info maleficent. Actually Chatham was the first place I was looking. Really I suppose anywhere from there up the coast to P'town. Being next to the ocean is a top priority, but would like to be close to an arts type community. And naturally, tons of great seafood. Thanks again, I appreciate the input.

maleficent · 07-26-2004, 03:16 PM

I have no idea what your budget is - -but try for at least one night in this place -- it's beautiful

http://www.chathambarsinn.com/

dylanmarsh · 07-30-2004, 02:09 PM

After Labor Day prices on the Cape and the population decrease significantly. Plus, the weather is usually still pretty warm so you can still hit the beach. Barnstable is where most people go; I was born and raised there. Here is a list of things to do and not do when visiting Barnstable:

DO: Main Street Hyannis -- lots of cool little stores and good food

DON'T: the Kennedy Memorial -- really trite and out of the way from everything worth seeing.

DO: Barnstable Bat Company Tour -- small, local baseball bat company owned by really nice people who will show you the in's and out's of making a piece of Americana.

DON'T: Veteran's Beach, Hyannis -- lots of Hobos and other forms of low-life

DO: Craigville Beach and Sandy Neck -- Craigville is where you want to go for sunning and Sandy Neck is great for digging clams at 6am when the sun is coming up.

DON'T: Cape Cod Mall -- overpriced crap you can get in your own hometown.

DO: Cape Cod Mall Cinemas -- when it rains, the locals and everyone else flocks here. stadium seating and plenty of parking.

DON'T: Kennedy Compound -- there aren't any Jersey Barriers or even a gate keeping the public out, but if you make the wrong turn and end up on Teddy's driveway, you'll have the police and Kennedy security pulling you out of your car.

DO: Barnstable Harbor -- there are two small resturants down there that have THE best seafood in the town. I swear they catch out the back door and put it on a plate for you.

DON'T: Barnstable Village -- pretty boring stuff and way out of the way.

DO: Drive around and see everything. The Cape is one of the most beautiful areas in the country. Sunday mornings are good for getting a Dunkin' Donut and a coffee and hopping from one yard sale to another.

Hope this helps and you can always PM me if you want to know more or if you have any other questions.

Rick James · 07-30-2004, 06:52 PM

oh man, cape cod rocks.
i've really only been in provincetown and always in my cousin's place, so i don't know about where to stay, but you should definitely get out to the tip if you can. you can hike all the way to the tip on the beach (herring cove & race point), and hike in the dunes too. also the tower near the middle of town has a good view in clear weather and if you're up to it climbing all those stairs is fun.
what i'd really do, if you're into biking, is get yourself to the bike paths that go through the dunes. september will likely be good weather for it. check it out here
http://www.capecodbybike.com/daytours_provtown.shtml
or here's a fun (but distorted) map
http://www.capecodbybike.com/daytours_provtown.shtml

enjoy!!!

cheeterbo · 08-06-2004, 06:21 AM

just got back this week from a week in wellfleet. timing when driving there is key. make sure you hit the bridge in before 8am or you will get traffic, i dont care what time of year it is.

also, getting out, same thing. either early or late or you'll be sitting in traffic.

some things to rec:

wellfleet drive in movie theater, also, on weekend, massive flea market there.

marconi national park beach, it was by far the best we went to in chatham & wellfleet

and, of course, oysters out the ying yang twins

bobw · 08-11-2004, 07:38 PM

Personally if I went again, I would stay in Provincetown....albeit you would need to be a bit open minded to enjoy it. There is a restaraunt there called Front Street that was one of the best meals I have ever had. The rack of lamb was awesome and they had the best creme brulee I have ever tasted.

I stayed at
http://www.newseabury.com/accommodations.html
and it was also great. It is marketed as a golf resort, but I don't golf and loved it. It is just really layed back and relaxing in the fall.

gal · 08-19-2004, 07:51 AM

I'm going there for a conference in September. In the weekend I planned to meet up with my girlfriend in Boston and stay there till Monday. After reading this though, I'm thinking we would be better off in Cape Cod. Also the hotel fares in Boston are pretty steep.. a Super 8 in Boston costs about the same as my nice hotel in Hyannis.

edit: I got that last bit wrong.. I called the hotel now, and they want $170 for the room as opposed to $94 during the conference

paddyjoe · 08-20-2004, 12:13 PM

I'd like to thank you all for your great responses. You've given me some nice hints ans advice, and I'll probably borrow a little bit from all. Anyway, we pretty much have everything set for our vacation, which starts on Sunday, Sept. 5th.

If any of you have been to these places, please start chirping:

Days 1 & 2: http://www.osv.org/

Old Sturbridge Village. I've heard alot about this place, seems like some fascinating living history. This is where we'll stay:

http://www.hotellocators.com/propert...1&destination=

Day 3: http://www.lizzie-borden.com/

The Lizzie Borden House B & B. OK, I know, I know, but mrs. joe loves this stuff, and who the hell knows, maybe see an orb or two float by.

Days 4, 5 (my birthday

), & 6: http://www.caperesort.com/main.cfm

This place is in Truro, Ma., almost to Provincetown. Seems nicely situated between Wellfleet and P'town, and right on the water. Hopefully it'll meet my criteria of local arts and beachcombing. In any event, sitting on the beach with my honey is gonna be a great way to spend my b-day.

Now...................................I'm psyched

maleficent · 08-20-2004, 12:21 PM

Sounds like a nice trip... Have been to old sturbridge village in forever, but i do remember it bieng a nice day trip... (and a brewery is always fun for a visit)

Enjoy your self - have a blast and an awesome birthday...

07-23-2004, 06:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
paddyjoe through charlatans phone Location: Northcoast	Cape Cod Me and mrs. joe are starting to plan a three or four day trip to Cape Cod in September. Anybody out there in TFP land have any advice as to places to stay and don't miss beaches? We're open as far as which town or B&B or hotel or motel to stay, so any experiences you'd like to share, good or bad, would be appreciated. Thanks much for any info.

07-24-2004, 08:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	It's one of my most favorite places on earth... especially in the early fall.. You are going by yourself or taking any kidlets with you? Makes a difference... Barnstable is the biggest town on the Cape (I beleive), and has a fabulous harbor -- whale watching is the thing to do... While the Cape is not all that big, it's divided into seperate areas, each with it's own distinct character... Upper Cape - -which is Sandwich and Falmouth (and a few other towns) Mid Cape -- Hyannis and Barnstable -- and you could hang with the Kennedys Lower Cape -- Chatham - -The Chatham Bars Inn is superb and this is my favorite part of the Cape - it's a little more touristy and alittle more expensive (but it is vacation and you save for it == her you have the best of both worlds - -the Nantucket sound are here as is the Atlantic Ocean - -- and you won't have the problems of somethings being closed because summer is over. Outer Cape Towns _ Provincetown - P'town -- has to be experienced, it can't be described with words - it's a mecca for gay men and women - it's also a big artist's colony -- tons to see and do and tons of people gawking. It's a fun place but like none other you'll see. Chatham would be my reccommendation as to where to go, because that's what I know the best -- it's beautiful, quaint, I'd have to dig thru for real recommendations as to where to eat and all that - but in plannig your trip -- decide where on the Cape you want to go first... __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

07-26-2004, 03:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	I have no idea what your budget is - -but try for at least one night in this place -- it's beautiful http://www.chathambarsinn.com/ __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

08-19-2004, 07:51 AM	#9 (permalink)
gal Insane	I'm going there for a conference in September. In the weekend I planned to meet up with my girlfriend in Boston and stay there till Monday. After reading this though, I'm thinking we would be better off in Cape Cod. Also the hotel fares in Boston are pretty steep.. a Super 8 in Boston costs about the same as my nice hotel in Hyannis. edit: I got that last bit wrong.. I called the hotel now, and they want $170 for the room as opposed to $94 during the conference Last edited by gal; 08-19-2004 at 09:00 AM..

08-20-2004, 12:13 PM	#10 (permalink)
paddyjoe through charlatans phone Location: Northcoast	I'd like to thank you all for your great responses. You've given me some nice hints ans advice, and I'll probably borrow a little bit from all. Anyway, we pretty much have everything set for our vacation, which starts on Sunday, Sept. 5th. If any of you have been to these places, please start chirping: Days 1 & 2: http://www.osv.org/ Old Sturbridge Village. I've heard alot about this place, seems like some fascinating living history. This is where we'll stay: http://www.hotellocators.com/propert...1&destination= Day 3: http://www.lizzie-borden.com/ The Lizzie Borden House B & B. OK, I know, I know, but mrs. joe loves this stuff, and who the hell knows, maybe see an orb or two float by. Days 4, 5 (my birthday ), & 6: http://www.caperesort.com/main.cfm This place is in Truro, Ma., almost to Provincetown. Seems nicely situated between Wellfleet and P'town, and right on the water. Hopefully it'll meet my criteria of local arts and beachcombing. In any event, sitting on the beach with my honey is gonna be a great way to spend my b-day. Now...................................I'm psyched Last edited by paddyjoe; 08-20-2004 at 12:17 PM..

07-26-2004, 03:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
paddyjoe through charlatans phone Location: Northcoast	Thanks for the great info maleficent. Actually Chatham was the first place I was looking. Really I suppose anywhere from there up the coast to P'town. Being next to the ocean is a top priority, but would like to be close to an arts type community. And naturally, tons of great seafood. Thanks again, I appreciate the input.

07-30-2004, 02:09 PM	#5 (permalink)
dylanmarsh Sleepy Head	After Labor Day prices on the Cape and the population decrease significantly. Plus, the weather is usually still pretty warm so you can still hit the beach. Barnstable is where most people go; I was born and raised there. Here is a list of things to do and not do when visiting Barnstable: DO: Main Street Hyannis -- lots of cool little stores and good food DON'T: the Kennedy Memorial -- really trite and out of the way from everything worth seeing. DO: Barnstable Bat Company Tour -- small, local baseball bat company owned by really nice people who will show you the in's and out's of making a piece of Americana. DON'T: Veteran's Beach, Hyannis -- lots of Hobos and other forms of low-life DO: Craigville Beach and Sandy Neck -- Craigville is where you want to go for sunning and Sandy Neck is great for digging clams at 6am when the sun is coming up. DON'T: Cape Cod Mall -- overpriced crap you can get in your own hometown. DO: Cape Cod Mall Cinemas -- when it rains, the locals and everyone else flocks here. stadium seating and plenty of parking. DON'T: Kennedy Compound -- there aren't any Jersey Barriers or even a gate keeping the public out, but if you make the wrong turn and end up on Teddy's driveway, you'll have the police and Kennedy security pulling you out of your car. DO: Barnstable Harbor -- there are two small resturants down there that have THE best seafood in the town. I swear they catch out the back door and put it on a plate for you. DON'T: Barnstable Village -- pretty boring stuff and way out of the way. DO: Drive around and see everything. The Cape is one of the most beautiful areas in the country. Sunday mornings are good for getting a Dunkin' Donut and a coffee and hopping from one yard sale to another. Hope this helps and you can always PM me if you want to know more or if you have any other questions.

07-30-2004, 06:52 PM	#6 (permalink)
Rick James Upright Location: New York City	oh man, cape cod rocks. i've really only been in provincetown and always in my cousin's place, so i don't know about where to stay, but you should definitely get out to the tip if you can. you can hike all the way to the tip on the beach (herring cove & race point), and hike in the dunes too. also the tower near the middle of town has a good view in clear weather and if you're up to it climbing all those stairs is fun. what i'd really do, if you're into biking, is get yourself to the bike paths that go through the dunes. september will likely be good weather for it. check it out here http://www.capecodbybike.com/daytours_provtown.shtml or here's a fun (but distorted) map http://www.capecodbybike.com/daytours_provtown.shtml enjoy!!!

08-06-2004, 06:21 AM	#7 (permalink)
cheeterbo Crazy Location: newyork	just got back this week from a week in wellfleet. timing when driving there is key. make sure you hit the bridge in before 8am or you will get traffic, i dont care what time of year it is. also, getting out, same thing. either early or late or you'll be sitting in traffic. some things to rec: wellfleet drive in movie theater, also, on weekend, massive flea market there. marconi national park beach, it was by far the best we went to in chatham & wellfleet and, of course, oysters out the ying yang twins

08-11-2004, 07:38 PM	#8 (permalink)
bobw Psycho Location: somewhere....	Personally if I went again, I would stay in Provincetown....albeit you would need to be a bit open minded to enjoy it. There is a restaraunt there called Front Street that was one of the best meals I have ever had. The rack of lamb was awesome and they had the best creme brulee I have ever tasted. I stayed at http://www.newseabury.com/accommodations.html and it was also great. It is marketed as a golf resort, but I don't golf and loved it. It is just really layed back and relaxing in the fall.

08-20-2004, 12:21 PM	#11 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	Sounds like a nice trip... Have been to old sturbridge village in forever, but i do remember it bieng a nice day trip... (and a brewery is always fun for a visit) Enjoy your self - have a blast and an awesome birthday... __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.