Advice please on weeklong visit to Cape (Boston, Falmouth: rent, how much) - City-Data Forum

Roxie_B · 08-29-2012, 10:04 AM

We are a couple in our early 60's flying into Boston Logan 9/18 and have reservations for 4 nites in Falmouth. We may or may not go to Martha's Vineyard on Saturday, most places have a two night minimum and not sure there is two days worth of sightseeing, so looking for good ideas for area to visit for 3 days before flying out of Logan on Tues 9/25. Thank you guys!

Cape Cod Todd · 08-29-2012, 12:33 PM

Hello Roxie
You are coming to the Cape at a good time many of the tourists have gone home to get the kids ready for school so that means less traffic and the weather is still perfect. MV is a terrific place to visit but jsut a day might not be long enough. After the ferry ride from Woods Hole there is a bus that will take you to all the towns on the island and you can hop on and off at will. The Ferry will take you either to Vineyard haven or Oak Bluffs depending on the time and trip. My 2 favorite towns are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. If you have time be sure to get out to Aquinnah to overlook the cliffs.
On Cape there is lots to do. Falmouth, Chatham, and Provincetown are terrific walking towns. The main routes are rt28 that runs through Falmouth and yo ucan take this all the way to Chatham, maybe you will spot a great white shark! Then head up rt 6 to P town and climb the Pilgrim monument then back on rt 6 adn pick up rt6a which is a really nice drive all the way to the cape cod canal. Lots ot do, rent bikes or boats, eat, whale watch, go to the beach, theatre, eat, shop, plane ride, fish, eat again. Have FUN
MV is a day trip.
P town is another day but you can check out the national seashore on the way up or back.
Lots to do and oh yeah have FUN.
Todd

Roxie_B · 08-29-2012, 06:46 PM

Thanks, Todd. Do you think in mid September we will be able to find a room without a reservation on a Saturday or Sunday night? Thinking particularly of Chatham. Sure appreciate the advice.

Cape Cod Todd · 08-31-2012, 10:11 AM

You are welcome.
If you would like to stay in Chatham I would suggest doing a bit of research on the hotels motels B+B's and Inns there since there are not that many. It is desirable location so I would suggest a reservation if you find a place within your budget. If you head back West on RT 28 into Yarmouth you will find many more places to stay including some chain hotels. It all depends on what type of place you want to stay at and how much you want to spend. The Cape is not that big geographically so driving from one town to the next won't take long. Hyannis is the largest town and the closest thing to a city on the Cape and there are plenty of hotels there. They may be pricey but "Chatham Bars Inn" is amazing as well as "The Wequassett" There is another hotel in downtown Chatham adn I jsut walked by it last night but the name escapes me.
Good luck

Beachcomber4 · 08-31-2012, 11:25 AM

I think Cape Cod Todd is referring to the Chatham Wayside Inn in downtown Chatham. It is lovely. Chatham Bars is old Cape Cod at it's best. The Wequassett is just tremendous. A perfect blend of old and new. Both are very pricey but if you are looking to splurge, they are worth it.

Reservations on weekends could still be tough to come by at many hotels and b&b's - but not impossible. The 2 day minimum is often waived if you make reservations close to the date of arrival. The reason for all of this is that after Labor Day the tour buses start rolling through and weddings are very popular on Cape in September. I live in Sandwich so I always suggest people visit- I spoke with a local merchant yesterday who said while summer is by far the busiest season, the downtown is bustling right through Christmas. Many Cape towns are stretching the season by offering events throughout the year. Be sure to pick up some of the little guide books that are offered free around the Cape (often in hotel lobbies, restaurants etc). You might find an event that draws you to an area.

If you do visit Sandwich, the Glass Museum is really interesting as is Heritage Gardens. It's a lovely walk downtown along Shawme Pond and the Grist Mill and then up to the Daniel Webster Inn and along Jarves Street. Time spent along the boardwalk is a fun way to spend the afternoon. Both Hemisphere and the Aqua Grille offer outdoor dining to enjoy the view of the canal. There is a great little visitor's center that is a great source of information. SANDWICHCHAMBER.ORG

The weekend of the 21st is the Bourne Scallop Festival. (disclaimer- I haven't gone for years but it is a big draw with 50K+ people attending each year) Bourne Scallop Festival on Cape Cod The one complaint I hear from anyone who goes is that the scallops are overpriced and you can get better at a local restaurant.

What are you interested in? I agree a trip to the outer Cape is great to enjoy the natural beauty of the national seashore. Chatham is a must see. I highly recommend a seal tour. P-town is a great way to spend the day. It will be more low key after Labor Day but most businesses stay open until Columbus Day so you will get a real feel for the area. Finally, you might want to consider the Cape Cod Scenic RR. They also offer lunch and dinner trains. It's a beautiful ride literally through the marshes along 6A to Hyannis. I think you are going to find there is so much to do with so little time. Enjoy!

Roxie_B · 08-31-2012, 08:28 PM

Thank you both for the advice and good wishes. We are really looking forward to the beauty of the Cape and some cool weather.

konfetka · 09-04-2012, 05:42 AM

The Wequassett was Jackie Kennedy's favorite hotel on the Cape. It's one of the top resorts in the US and the world. Just went there for dinner on Sunday night

Beachcomber4 · 09-04-2012, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by konfetka

The Wequassett was Jackie Kennedy's favorite hotel on the Cape. It's one of the top resorts in the US and the world. Just went there for dinner on Sunday night

Interesting tidbit about the Kennedy connection- I never heard it before and I had my wedding there. It's so funny how low key people are on the Cape about the rich and famous.

MikePRU · 09-04-2012, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beachcomber4

Interesting tidbit about the Kennedy connection- I never heard it before and I had my wedding there. It's so funny how low key people are on the Cape about the rich and famous.

It's even more pronounced on MV I find. Celebrities are completely ignored. I was at the Farmer's Market in W. Tisbury in July and saw Seth Meyers (SNL) and Stanley Tucci (actor in countless movies) and no one even blinked at them. Also, I once almost ran over Larry David (Seinfeld co-creator and star of Curb Your Enthusiasm on HBO). The car I was driving had bad brakes and he was crossing the street in front of me.

Newdaawn · 09-04-2012, 05:10 PM

When we were in Falmouth several years ago there was a boat right from Falmouth you could take - buy a round trip - tour around Martha's Vinyard for the day and take the boat back later in the day. While on the Vinyard there are busses that you can take (tour) The boat was between Falmouth and Oaks Bluff I believe. We never had a problem finding accomodations in the Falmouth area in Sept. There is a decent motel right there called "All Seasons" I believe that had and indoor and an outdoor pool and a great place for lunch or dinner across the street. Breakfast is served right at the motel. If you like the ocean, Coastgard Beach is worth a visit. Also in Hyannis there is a great little museum dedicated to JFK and his time in Hyannis.