Summer at the Cape

By:Hillary Latos

From the eternal beauty of the dramatic coastline to the distinct characteristics of each seaside village dotting the Cape, nothing symbolizes a New England summer more than Cape Cod. Since its first discovery, the Cape has been a magical landscape of solitude and beauty with its 560 miles of unspoiled coastline inspiring many great American writers and artists as well as political figures who found solace in the region. Each town dotting the cape possesses their unique personalities, from the Kennedy compounds of Hyannis to the old world wealth of Nantucket to low key family friendly fishing villages to the flamboyant artist colony of Provincetown, there are plenty of enclaves to explore. In only 40 minutes on Jet Blue's direct flights from JFK to Hyannis, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard, getting to the Cape for has never been easier.

The tony island of Nantucket has its roots in whaling but has quickly become a preferred destination for old and new money, U.S. Presidents and A list celebrities. To learn more about the history of the island start at the Whaling Museum which chronicles the commercial whaling activities of the first settlers of the island and how it rose to prominence. Take time to meander through the art galleries, and charming boutiques lining the downtown area. Stay at the convenient and reasonably priced Nantucket Inn which is literally in walking distance of the airport. For a traditional New England dining experience, try the romantic Brant Point Grill at the White Elephant Hotel located overlooking the serene harbor offering an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset over the Atlantic.

For history buffs, visit the JFK Hyannis Museum in Hyannisport which celebrates the happier times of the Kennedy clan and their summer retreat in Hyannisport. As the Cape is synonymous with seafood, be sure to stop at the famous Lobster Claw in Orleans that has served some of the best seafood on the Cape for over 44 years. Bring an appetite and delve into the generous clambake teeming with clams and lobster with corn, potato and slaw for a quintessential Cape experience.

For golfers, the Ocean Edge Resort embodies the old world splendor of yesteryear with the understated elegance of the Cape in a breathtaking beachside setting with a world class golf course on site. Choose from renovated and luxurious guest rooms to well appointed 3 bedroom villas overlooking the beach. For four star, four diamond fine dining on the Cape, the gorgeous twenty eight Atlantic at the elegant Wequassett Inn serves New American cuisine that is as sublime as the 180 degree panoramic vistas over the bay.

In the unpretentious town of Dennis, The Lighthouse Inn offers affordable accommodations with private cottages on 9 Oceanfront acres overlooking an expansive ensuite beach that is quintessentially classic Cape Cod. Continue your drive to the very tip of the Cape to the colorful artist colony of Provincetown known for its creative spirit and LGBT community. Visit the Dune Shacks of Peaked Hill Bars and view the shacks where prominent 20th century writers and artists lived and penned or painted their greatest works like Eugene O'Neill, Jack Kerouac, Henry David Thoreau, Norman Mailer, and Jackson Pollack. From the hilltops, embrace the majestic power of the ocean and the ever changing landscape of nature to truly appreciate the serene beauty of the Cape.

For more information:

capecodchamber.org