It’s A Wrap

Everyone remembers their favorite childhood blanket. Read more…

Wedding Wines

Cape Cod Package Store's wine manager shares tips for great wedding wines.

As part of our special focus on weddings in this issue, Centerville’s Cape Cod Package Store wine manager and buyer Diane Slater speaks with Cape Cod Life about the perfect wine for a Cape Cod or Islands wedding reception. Read more…

Posted in Wine

Found at Sea

Eugene O'Neill came to Provincetown and found the inspiration that helped him become an American literary icon

STANDING ALONE IN THE dining room of a Provincetown cabin, Eugene O’Neill was afraid to hear the sound of his own words. Read more…

Hours of Gold, Hours of Lead

Falmouth’s legendary Highfield and Tanglewood Halls set the stage for the rise—and tragic fall—of the famous Beebe family.

Certain family names have been connected with towns on Cape Cod and the Islands for centuries. The Snows of Orleans, the Coffins and Starbucks of Nantucket, and the Nickersons and Atwoods of Chatham all have legendary connections to their respective towns. Read more…

Posted in Architecture, History

It’s rare to call a trip to the liquor store an educational experience. At Cranberry Liquors in Harwichport, owner Joe Della Morte’s knowledge of wines is as extensive as the selection offered in his store, and he is eager to help customers who come through the door with advice about the bewildering array of wine choices available on today’s market. Read more…

Posted in Wine

Readers’ Resources | Healthy Living

It’s never too late to shape up with exercise, diet and healthy living choices… Read more…

Posted in Health

Cuttyhunk

The Perfect Day in Cuttyhunk

Even further removed from the outside world than Cape Cod, Cuttyhunk and its famous isolated beauty is the perfect place for, to borrow a line from David Foster Wallace, “Getting away from being pretty much away from it all.”

Morning

If Cape Cod seems far from the mainland, then Cuttyhunk Island will seem like the ends of the earth. Anchored at the southern tip of the Elizabeth Islands, just 14 miles off Woods Hole, the island is the epitome of a quiet getaway. Most of the visitors arrive on the MV Cuttyhunk from New Bedford, or pull up on their own vessel. A morning stroll on nearby Barges Beach is a great way to begin enjoying the tranquil nature of the island. Just up the road from the ferry dock, the Cuttyhunk Fishing Club (508-992-5585) has outdoor seating for breakfast overlooking Vineyard Sound.

Afternoon

Simply known as The Island Market, this tiny general store is the one-stop-shop on the island for everything from cosmetics to groceries. A small deli counter serves up over-stuffed sandwiches that are perfect for taking down to Church’s Beach for an afternoon picnic. The island is a mecca for fishing, which makes surfcasting a pleasant way to relax over lunch. Keep in mind, however, that Cuttyhunk is a dry island. So, if you’re looking for a nice summer ale to accompany lunch, you’ll have to bring it in your luggage.

Evening

For a brief period in the evenings, between 5:30 p.m. and to 8 p.m., Soprano’s (508-992-7530) offers crispy oven-cooked pizza and fresh seafood. Just past the Corner Store (508-784-7167) and Sea Girl Gifts (508-990-9820) retail shops, visitors can buy shellfish, chowder, fish, lobsters, ice cream, and occasionally barbecued sandwiches down at the Fish Dock . Those spending the night, or at least not catching the departing ferry, should walk up Lookout Hill for unparalleled sunset views. Once the sun has gone down, viewers can see lights from Rhode Island to Martha’s Vineyard.

Annual 2013 Event

Fourth of July Golf Cart Parade
July 4, 2013
More info: www.cuttyhunk.net

Nantucket

The Perfect Day in Nantucket

An island shrouded in romance, Nantucket is like a snapshot of America’s past. Handsome whaling captains’ homes along cobblestone streets make up much of the historic downtown, which also offers sophisticated shopping and excellent dining.

Morning

Many of Nantucket’s most sought-after sites are in the world-famous village right off the ferry. However, on the easternmost side of the island lies the quaint village of Siasconset, or ‘Sconset to some, where the Sconset Café (508-257-4008) serves up unmatched breakfast fare. As with most things on the island, the food here is unique. Before heading back to town, check out the Sconset Bluff Walk. A short path off Front Street runs between the ocean and stately grey-shingled homes. You will see some beautiful gardens, and if you’re there at the right time of year, the scent of roses spilling over doorways and rooftops is delightful.

Afternoon

Back in the village, the soups and sandwiches at Fog Island Café (508-228-1818) just off Main Street provide all the energy you need to explore every nook and cranny of the island. There is plenty of fine shopping here as well as superb art galleries like the Gallery at Four India (508-228-8509). A short walk out of town takes you to Jetties Beach, where beautiful specimens wash ashore.

Evening

Off the beaten path on Bartlett Farm Road, Cisco Brewers (508-325-5929) is the best place to spend an afternoon sharing a few cold drinks. As the name suggests, American Seasons (508-227-7111) offers up an ever-changing menu filled with creative meals and cool cocktails. And if you decide to stay over night, the elegant Union Street Inn (888-517-0707) is a fine choice, as is the recently redone and charming Centerboard Inn (508-228-9696).

Annual 2013 Event

Nantucket Wine Festival
May 15–19
More info: www.nantucketwinefestival.com

Martha’s Vineyard

The Perfect Day in Martha's Vineyard

Comprising six unique towns—Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah—Martha’s Vineyard is an island oasis offering charming communities, rolling meadows, world-famous beaches—and art and culture galore.

Aquinnah • Chilmark • Edgartown • Oak Bluffs • West Tisbury • Vineyard Haven

Morning

Most day-trippers arrive on Martha’s Vineyard via ferries that dock in Vineyard Haven, Edgartown, or Oak Bluffs. If you take the ferry to Vineyard Haven, the Black Dog Tavern (508-693-9223) is just a block away and has some great breakfasts on the menu, including 27 different egg dishes, half a dozen bakery items, and homemade granola pancakes. You may want to walk off your breakfast on Main Street with dozens of retail shops offering unique finds from jewelry to fashion and coastal treasures. From there, hop on a Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) shuttle to Edgartown and stop at the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (508-627-4850) stop. Six miles of trails run through woodlands, meadows, beaches, and salt marshes.

Afternoon

After exploring Felix Neck, get back on the VTA and head for Edgartown and the upper deck of the Seafood Shanty (508-627-8622), which offers great views of the harbor, delicious Bloody Marys, and quintessential fresh seafood fare. There are also tasty sushi choices here. Sharky’s Cantina (508-627-6565) boasts a massive menu chock full of great Mexican food at unbeatable prices. Catch another bus from Church Street to South (Katama) Beach, one of the most beautiful public beaches on the island.

Evening

Before catching a ferry home make your way to Oak Bluffs for dinner at Nancy’s (508-693-0006). Nancy’s Snack Bar on the first floor is a family favorite with great views of the harbor and a casual, affordable menu, while the second-floor Nancy’s Restaurant offers finer dining, a full bar, and outdoor patio. Families traveling with children can’t miss a ride on Oak Bluffs’ vintage Flying Horses Carousel (508-693-9481). Adults can enjoy a romantic, delicious dinner at The Sweet Life (508-696-0200), which also has an impressive wine list. After dinner, take in a live performance from one of many national music acts at Dreamland (508-560-1932).

Annual 2013 Event

WMVY Big Chili Contest
January 26, 2013
More info: www.mvyradio.com

Provincetown

The Perfect Day in Provincetown

On the very tip of Cape Cod, artists of all kinds, fishermen, refugees from the city, and a large alternative lifestyle community come together in Provincetown to create a marvelous, multi-cultural coastal community that is open to all.

Morning

Waterfront dining is always a good way to start the day. Bayside Betsy’s (508-487-6566) has all the usual breakfast finds, including eggs, pancakes, cereal, granola, even stuffed potato skins or steak and eggs. The first—and indeed only––building comprising the Provincetown skyline is the Pilgrim Monument (508-487-1310), and the 252-foot climb is well worth the view. The accompanying museum commemorates the people and events that have turned P’town into a world-famous destination.

Afternoon

Bubala’s By the Bay (508-487-0773) has a cheerful look and feel all its own. There are plenty of seafood options on the menu along with items like Jamaican jerk chicken sandwiches and barbecued spareribs. Stop in at any of the town’s great art galleries, or visit the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (508-487-1750). Take in the dramatic whitecaps at Race Point Beach, or enjoy more natural wonders by visiting the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (508-487-3622) or going on a whale watch with the Dolphin Fleet (508-240-3636).

Evening

Head out for the night in a fun P’town pedicab. For great eats, the Lobster Pot (508-487-0842) is a town landmark known for its seafood. The exterior is lit up with a landmark neon sign, a subject of many Cape paintings. For theatre, live music, restaurants, shops, and some of the best people watching around, Commercial Street has it all. Many hot spots on this lively main drag through town stay open past midnight during the summer, a rare pleasure on Cape Cod.