Me and my wife are going to cape cod this weekend, but where to go?

Question

i know seeing cape cod one one day is a no way . so where should we visit. We are in our mid twenties and like unique shops (not the regulars stores we can see anywhere) and great eateries. maybe an hour or two on the beach. and then back to just strolling around shopping and having a drink or two. so where to go? martha vineyard where ive heard that unique shops are a dime a dozen but more sspread out or p-town where its almost a carnival i hear. remember this is our first time so wanna make it worth it. any special events going on this weekend?

we are not worried about somewhere to stay as we are gonna be camping. we are coming from western ma , have friends that say its about 2 1/2 hr to mid-cape and 3 hr for ptown. think i can fit in a whale watch and visit mv without my vehicle . any whale watch tours off of martha vineyard?

Answer 1

Martha's Vineyard isn't on Cape Cod; it's an island off Falmouth. There are ferries from Falmouth (Woods Hole) to the Vineyard. Provincetown is unique; but few people realize that it's about 60 miles from the bridges over the canal. With limited time you have, I'd suggest the mid-cape area (Centerville to Harwichport.)

For shops that are different, Route 6A has many. Get one of the tourist guide magazines when you arrive. There should be many listings of small local shops. (One of my favorites is Sydenstricker's Glass, on 6A http://www.sydenstricker.com/main.cfm?page=history.cfm.)

They also contain maps and directions. Have fun!

Here are 2 event calendars that show a variety of happenings.

http://www.capecodtravel.com/attractions/calendar/index.shtml

http://www.capeevents.com/results.cfm?fromdate=8%2F3%2F2007&todate=8%2F5%2F2007&Keywords=&KeywordsSearchType=OR&Town_ID=0&Cat_ID=0

**You've got to take into account the horrendous traffic. P'town is about 50 miles away from Hyannis, and at Dennis, the Mid-Cape Highway becomes an undivided two-lane road. Ain't no way to get from Hyannis to P'town in half an hour unless you fly! But there is an excellent whale watch out of Barnstable Harbor (northside, off 6A). Camping is great on the Cape...even with just a little time, you almost can't help but have fun. Beach-wise remember-the water on the northside beaches (Cape Cod Bay) are a lot cooler than the southside (Nantucket Sound). I think that also may be why more whales seem to be spotted on the Bay.

Answer 2

Honestly right now I'd be more concerned with where you will be able to get a decent place to stay. It is really hard in the summer to just go at the last minute and find a room, especially outside the Hyannis/S. Yarmouth area where there is the largest amounts of rooms (and not really the best part of the Cape IMHO, unless you really want to go partying).

Also you say one day, so guess I should be clear if you are just making this a day trip and driving on and off Cape. This would also make a huge difference because of the driving times.

Could you give a bit more info...will you be staying on Cape, where are you driving from etc. My answer would vary greatly depending on these factors. For example, Ptown is about a 3 hour drive from Boston, so that would be 6 rt which I think is way too much if you aren't staying. But then again if you are staying in Boston there are several boats you could take there that fun in themselves. Also there are some great beach towns in MA that might be better for a one day trip, with far less traffic. So if you add more info I'm sure I, or some others, could have much better suggestions for you.

Answer 3

You are going to run into troubles by going in late August. The selection of rental homes or hotel rooms is going to be very poor. Everyone is going then. That's when i went. Luckily i stayed with a friend. If you go in September the world is yours. But you run the risk of bad weather which you won't have in August. Sorry to be negative. Maybe you don't care about where you sleep so take anything that is open and spend all your time outdoors.

Answer 4

I would suggest walking along Main Street in Chatham. Although it is always crowded there is a variety of shops and great resteraunts. You could also find a good beach here. Hope you enjoy your vacation!

Answer 5

go to provincetown. i live on the cape and p-town is an awesome place. there are many great shops and the lifestyles are a little more........risky. beautiful beaches everywhere too. great place to camp is nickerson state park in brewster or atlantic oaks in eastham. have fun!

Answer 6

if you go there's plenty of stuff on the main road up and down the cape. and get the local paper will give you lots of ideas.
the place is of the hook

Answer 7

dennis and then off to p town