Cape Cod, Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard??? (New Bedford, Fall River: day care, school, live in)

[CoastalMaine]

Originally Posted by capecodcathy

The Sunset Grille maybe, Coastal? Not really too new. It's at Brookside Golf Club on 28 in Bourne. Fabulous food, great brunch, and a gorgeous view over the Canal and Bay. Some great eats at Mashpee Commons (if you stay away from the chains). Still love the Chart Room in Cataumet. Trowbridge has decent pub food and usually great Blues music. Not too familiar with Falmouth. They change restaurants like a teenager changes clothes.

I don't think that's it... it's in Sandwich... but... the Chart Room in Cataumet... didn't he just have a go 'round with the selectmen due to grumpy neighbors saying it was too much traffic? I think that was the place... looked great in the pic I saw in the Times.... do you know what the outcome was on that? Or do I have the wrong place?

I have a friend who plays drums at the Nimrod in Falmouth a lot... I guess it's just impromptu as different musicians just show up and do sets.... light jazz I believe...

[Atlantica]

Originally Posted by CoastalMaine

I don't think that's it... it's in Sandwich... but... the Chart Room in Cataumet... didn't he just have a go 'round with the selectmen due to grumpy neighbors saying it was too much traffic? I think that was the place... looked great in the pic I saw in the Times.... do you know what the outcome was on that? Or do I have the wrong place?

I have a friend who plays drums at the Nimrod in Falmouth a lot... I guess it's just impromptu as different musicians just show up and do sets.... light jazz I believe...

In Sandwich, Hemisphere (used to be Horizons) is a great beach bar type place. I have found the food to be consistantly good but the views are what makes the place. The adult libations are best enjoyed on the deck overlooking the entrance to the canal.

The Aqua Grille is very good too. It overlooks the boat slips.

The Sagamore Inn just reopened which is in Sagamore (Bourne). I have to say, we dined here and were not impressed. Either the portions need to be bigger or the prices need to come down about $5 per entree.

[capecodcathy]

Originally Posted by CoastalMaine

I don't think that's it... it's in Sandwich... but... the Chart Room in Cataumet... didn't he just have a go 'round with the selectmen due to grumpy neighbors saying it was too much traffic? I think that was the place... looked great in the pic I saw in the Times.... do you know what the outcome was on that? Or do I have the wrong place?

I have a friend who plays drums at the Nimrod in Falmouth a lot... I guess it's just impromptu as different musicians just show up and do sets.... light jazz I believe...

Your thinking of the Mashnee Beach Club. Or Mashnee Island Grille. Now called Quahog Republic, I think. I still call it the Boat n' Bottle!

[capecodcathy]

Love the Nimrod, too.

[holden125]

Originally Posted by capecodcathy

Also pretty convenient, if you're looking for whaling history, is New Bedford. About 40 minutes away and much less expensive than Nantucket. Lots of great architecture there, as well. And don't forget Lizzie Borden's house is a B&B!!!!

Agree on New Bedford, but Lizzie's house is in Fall River. I was just there a few weeks ago!

[holden125]

Originally Posted by CoastalMaine

Quote:
Originally Posted by holden125
They are all nice, and can all be expensive, though it's often possible to get a decent deal. Especially in September. You should note that you'll miss the crowds, but a lot of restaurants and the like may be shut in the more tourist-dependent locales. Check into the level of activity in September before booking.

That information is not accurate. You must not have spent much time on the Cape. We have a bustling year round community. I've lived here 30 years and there are very few restaurants that close in the winter any longer, except for the fish and chip stands. Some of the slower ones close for February, but those are minimal and not of a concern to someone coming in the fall.

Cape Cod is very different story. The Cape is a very large place compared to either MV or ACK, and every town on the Cape has a different character. Some are heavily built and more suburban these days, kind of short on charm. The south side of the Cape in W. Dennis, Dennisport, South Yarmouth and West Yarmouth I'd agree with that statement. Otherwise I'd disagree totally. There are bay beaches, ocean beaches, crowded towns with lots of "affordable" rental homes (read: $3000 a week instead of $20000) crammed together on narrow streets, and other towns that are more bucolic. Provincetown is (at least in summer) a very busy and crowded town with an artistic and Portuguese fishing heritage, and a large gay community. Even in summer you can get around and enjoy yourself in P'town, but September is a dream down there. Nearby Truro and Wellfleet are much quieter. Cape Cod is a pretty difficult place to sum up briefly because the various areas are so different from each other. The Cape has many beautiful places to see, but it is possible to go to the Cape and see nothing all that attractive if you choose poorly. Jeff (Dreamworks) has given some places to start, and you should check a guide for a better sense of the Cape.

I have been in Wellfleet and Truro in late September and found a lot of restaurants closed, and that was certainly the case when I went through those towns this February. More so than the restaurants, there are a lot of interesting shops and galleries that are closed off-season. The OP should find out if the particular town they're interested in checking out is more of a year-round town or not.

In terms of lack of charm, I was particularly referring to the south side in the places you mentioned, which do tend to have more affordable rentals close to the beach. I've had some very fun times in that precise part of Dennis, but someone looking for some classic New England coastal charm might not enjoy it as much. I was merely saying that the Cape is large and diverse enough that you can't google "Cape Cod motel" and be sure you're in a charming place, so you have to do more homework. I love most of the Cape, so I'm happy you were able to give more specific suggestions. But I do think parts of the Cape, such as central Hyannis, are not all that lovely, and the suburbs are creeping into the Upper Cape towns nearest the bridges.

Agree that P'town is great in September, though some people find it too crowded for comfort in the summer months. I'm OK with the summer crowds, but I know people who don't think it's much fun. Just pointing out that it's crowded. The more important point is that P'town is a very different Cape experience than, say, Chatham or Barnstable town. I love all but if the OP does have to choose one based on time constraints it's best to know what you're deciding between.

[CoastalMaine]

Originally Posted by holden125

I have been in Wellfleet and Truro in late September and found a lot of restaurants closed, and that was certainly the case when I went through those towns this February. More so than the restaurants, there are a lot of interesting shops and galleries that are closed off-season. The OP should find out if the particular town they're interested in checking out is more of a year-round town or not.

Wellfleet, Truro, and P'town are the last part of the LOWER Cape. Wellfleet has a year round population hovering around 2k. It is not a bustling year round town off season. It is a very sleepy hollow. However, the ever popular and enjoyable restaurant The Bookstore is open until late January and they reopen in March. Since she's going in September, it's not an issue. There are seasonal restaurants and galleries in Wellfleet, Truro, and P'town, but you lumped the entire Cape into your first reply to the OP and it's simply not accurate.

In terms of lack of charm, I was particularly referring to the south side in the places you mentioned, which do tend to have more affordable rentals close to the beach. I've had some very fun times in that precise part of Dennis, but someone looking for some classic New England coastal charm might not enjoy it as much. I was merely saying that the Cape is large and diverse enough that you can't google "Cape Cod motel" and be sure you're in a charming place, so you have to do more homework. I love most of the Cape, so I'm happy you were able to give more specific suggestions. But I do think parts of the Cape, such as central Hyannis, are not all that lovely, and the suburbs are creeping into the Upper Cape towns nearest the bridges.

I didn't glean any of the above clarifications from your reply to the OP which is why I answered with specifics. Much more helpful to give real data to someone coming here for the first time imo.

Agree that P'town is great in September, though some people find it too crowded for comfort in the summer months. I'm OK with the summer crowds, but I know people who don't think it's much fun. Just pointing out that it's crowded. The more important point is that P'town is a very different Cape experience than, say, Chatham or Barnstable town. I love all but if the OP does have to choose one based on time constraints it's best to know what you're deciding between.

A ride through all the Cape would be a great way to spend a few days in September, deciding themselves what areas appeal most to them. It's different for everyone.

Original Poster.... if you're looking for a rental in a specific town on the Cape in September, you might also have good luck here:

[holden125]

Originally Posted by CoastalMaine

Quote:

Originally Posted by holden125
I have been in Wellfleet and Truro in late September and found a lot of restaurants closed, and that was certainly the case when I went through those towns this February. More so than the restaurants, there are a lot of interesting shops and galleries that are closed off-season. The OP should find out if the particular town they're interested in checking out is more of a year-round town or not.

Wellfleet, Truro, and P'town are the last part of the LOWER Cape. Wellfleet has a year round population hovering around 2k. It is not a bustling year round town off season. It is a very sleepy hollow. However, the ever popular and enjoyable restaurant The Bookstore is open until late January and they reopen in March. Since she's going in September, it's not an issue. There are seasonal restaurants and galleries in Wellfleet, Truro, and P'town, but you lumped the entire Cape into your first reply to the OP and it's simply not accurate.

In terms of lack of charm, I was particularly referring to the south side in the places you mentioned, which do tend to have more affordable rentals close to the beach. I've had some very fun times in that precise part of Dennis, but someone looking for some classic New England coastal charm might not enjoy it as much. I was merely saying that the Cape is large and diverse enough that you can't google "Cape Cod motel" and be sure you're in a charming place, so you have to do more homework. I love most of the Cape, so I'm happy you were able to give more specific suggestions. But I do think parts of the Cape, such as central Hyannis, are not all that lovely, and the suburbs are creeping into the Upper Cape towns nearest the bridges.

I didn't glean any of the above clarifications from your reply to the OP which is why I answered with specifics. Much more helpful to give real data to someone coming here for the first time imo.

Agree that P'town is great in September, though some people find it too crowded for comfort in the summer months. I'm OK with the summer crowds, but I know people who don't think it's much fun. Just pointing out that it's crowded. The more important point is that P'town is a very different Cape experience than, say, Chatham or Barnstable town. I love all but if the OP does have to choose one based on time constraints it's best to know what you're deciding between.

You appear to be taking offense, but I really don't think we've got any disagreement.

Wellfleet and Truro are indeed on the lower Cape, and while there is much more to the Cape than Wellfleet and Truro, those towns are potentially places someone would wish to check out. All I was trying to say is, before picking a spot on the Cape to visit in September, it would be wise to check if the towns they want to visit are off-season "sleepy hollow" towns or will have more activity when they come.

The Bookstore, as I understand it, was having issues with their license and with their water supply, and their status was murky as a result.

In my original post on this thread, I was not trying to lump the whole Cape together so much as say that the Cape is a big place. As a result, the aesthetics and the off-season activity level do vary, and so it's important to check into specific locales rather than assuming you'll have the experience you want just because you've booked a trip to "Cape Cod."

The OP asked point blank, "Which is best to visit, ACK, MV, or CC?" There is no simple answer, and I did not have time on that evening to get into more detail about the many wonderful options on the Cape. I did want to point out that the person should get more detailed information about the various towns on the Cape before going there, and you ably provided more specific information. As you say, getting helpful information to the first-time visitor is the point.

[CoastalMaine]

Jill,

If I was you and had three or four days to 'visit over the bridge', I'd drive down route 6A all the way to P'town the first day, stopping at antique shops or old historic homes along the way. I'd stay at Provincetown Bed and Breakfast: Inn at Cook Street and sup at one of the restaurants dotting the harbor. I'm sure your hosts would be able to give your their best opinion of which choices would suit you. You may enjoy yourselves so much, you'd like to stay two nights!

The second day, I'd have lunch in Wellfleet at the Bookstore, after enjoying the artsy downtown area and the Marconi Station (site of first wireless transmittal overseas).

From there, I'd wander down to Orleans. There are some terrific galleries there to enjoy if you'd like. At the intersection of route 6A and Main St., veer left onto Main St. Continue about 1/10th of a mile (unless you see a shop you'd like to visit!) to the stop light, then turn right onto route 28 and meander down to Chatham. From what you describe of your interests, I think you'd both enjoy the village of Chatham very much. Charming center of town with delightful New England charm and architecture to enjoy. Again, I'd ask some locals what they recommend for dinner. There are wonderful selections to choose from such as Christian's, Vining Bistro, or the Impudent Oyster for starters. All are wonderful.

After dinner and wine in one of those wonderful choices, I'd sleep at:

Welcome to the Chatham Wayside Inn, Chatham Cape Cod MA

or if you really want to go all out:

http://www.chathambarsinn.com/

My third day, I would choose to take route 28 all the way to Falmouth. I would go through the two or three less attractive areas (Dennisport through West Yarmouth - think Coney Island) and I'd stop for lunch at Tugboat's in Hyannis. If you have a GPS, you'll have no problem getting directions to and from this little gem that sits on the harbor and serves delightful food on the outside patio.

From there, I'd head down Main St. and eventually back onto 28 and continue following it into Falmouth, enjoying the local flavors of each of the little hamlets you come across.

Once in Falmouth, I'd jump on the ferry with my car and spend my third night on MV. Maybe here: The Oak Bluffs Inn :: 800-955-6235 :: Rooms & Rates

I'd spend the next day scooting around the island and taking in sites... enjoying lunch at the Black Dog perhaps before ferrying back to Falmouth. I'd spend my evening in Falmouth at one of

these: Falmouth Cape Cod MA Lodging - hotels, motels, b&b, inns, guest houses, resorts, time share

The next day, I'd enjoy Falmouth center, and then drive on up into Bourne for lunch before heading back off Cape (CCCathy has suggested places to eat I think or else I'm sure she would).

If you'd like more specific information, please, as I said before, feel free to send me a direct message and I'll be happy to help you. The Cape is a wonderfully scenic, steeped in history, charming place to visit. I think you'll fall in love, just like Patti Page sings in 'Old Cape Cod'!

[CoastalMaine]

Originally Posted by holden125

You appear to be taking offense, but I really don't think we've got any disagreement. On the contrary, I've taken no offense and you shouldn't presume so.

Wellfleet and Truro are indeed on the lower Cape, and while there is much more to the Cape than Wellfleet and Truro, those towns are potentially places someone would wish to check out. All I was trying to say is, before picking a spot on the Cape to visit in September, it would be wise to check if the towns they want to visit are off-season "sleepy hollow" towns or will have more activity when they come.

The Bookstore, as I understand it, was having issues with their license and with their water supply, and their status was murky as a result. It's wide open for business as usual actually.

In my original post on this thread, I was not trying to lump the whole Cape together so much as say that the Cape is a big place. As a result, the aesthetics and the off-season activity level do vary, and so it's important to check into specific locales rather than assuming you'll have the experience you want just because you've booked a trip to "Cape Cod."

The OP asked point blank, "Which is best to visit, ACK, MV, or CC?" There is no simple answer, and I did not have time on that evening to get into more detail about the many wonderful options on the Cape. I did want to point out that the person should get more detailed information about the various towns on the Cape before going there, and you ably provided more specific information. As you say, getting helpful information to the first-time visitor is the point.

Ah, but I disagree as you'll see from the prior post. There really IS a simple answer if you know the area well enough imo which has been my only point.