Photo Essay: Choose Your Own Adventure Parking at Marion’s Pie Shop

by Jeff Shaw

A blank canvas which is the front parking lot at Marion’s Pie Shop (July 28, 2024).
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

I first wrote about Marion’s Pie Shop in August 2018, way back when this creative project first launched. In that post, I focused on the joy that is every bite, of the famed, freshly baked, cinnamon nut roll. I also couldn’t help myself joining in the chorus of [coffee] complaints about “just the Keurig.” [I still believe a big revenue-generating opportunity is being missed.]

Fast forward six years later, the summer of 2024, and a recently realized a handful of photographs on my cellphone reveal a fascinating, yet lesser known, story happening at Marion’s Pie Shop. Parking wars. Hold that thought.

The six years between 2018 (again, website launch) and 2024, a lot happened (COVID-19 pandemic, my children arrived, UConn won back-to-back national titles, you know, a lot). But more relatable to this post; in 2022 the owners of Marion’s Pie Shop listed it for sale.

The asking price was $2.9 million for the property, equipment and recipes, but no deal was made. Fortunately, Blake and Cindy Stearns, owners over the last 20 years, continue the near 75-year tradition of whipping up pastries and pies six days a week. The operation is expected to continue until a buyer is found.

Back to the parking wars.

Common “north-to-south”-style parking in the front parking lot (July 7, 2024).
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw

As any patron knows, Marion’s Pie Shop is located on a busy stretch of Route 28 in West Chatham. Cars approaching from the West are often accelerating up a hill; and unless they are turning right down Ridgevale Road, have no reason to slow down in this mostly residential section.

Fortunately, traffic from the East (the side of the road of which Marion’s is located) tends to slow down thanks to regular right turns onto Sam Ryder Road to access the town transfer station. 

A few things happening here (July 6, 2024). Note the street parking off the westbound lane as well as the “east-to-west”-style parking in the front parking lot. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw

Regardless, pulling out of – or backing up from- Marion’s front parking lot in the high summer season is dicey. To make matters worse, cars, trucks, trailers, etc., car regularly parked along both sides of the road blocking your side vision while narrowing the ability for oncoming traffic to pass.

A few things are happening here (August 18, 2024). First, the green coupe broke down. Second, cars are parked on the street heading eastbound. Third, while hard to see, cars pulling into the front parking lot began to double park behind the cars already there. Desperate times, call for desperate measures re: tasty pastry.
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

But the real battle; the lack of lines in the front parking lot (crushed shell surface) means choosing your own adventure when it comes to parking ‘spaces.’

I’m not really sure what’s happening here (August 17, 2024). Cars parked in every and all directions. Mayhem at Marion’s, mayhem! Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

I’ve often heard – and sometimes noticed – that people watching is entertaining. Well, so is car parking watching, but only, at Marion’s Pie Shop.

October 9, 2024

Downtown Chatham Pub Crawl

The renovated bar at the Wild Goose Tavern. Photo credit: Wild Goose Tavern.

by Jeff Shaw

There are numerous ways to see a place. Walking, running, biking, segway, tour bus, taxi, helicopter ride, whatever. An often celebrated, perhaps more likely urban pastime, is the fabled pub crawl. 

My personal favorite – perhaps all-time – is the Running of the Santa’s [and Pub Crawl] in downtown Hartford in the mid-2000s. Proceeds raised money for the CT Children’s Medical Center. For a few years, the date was circled on everyone’s calendar and bolstered the season giving with a ton of laughs and shenanigans.

Somehow that brings me back to Chatham, downtown, the fabled Main Street. So here’s an idea for the 21 years old+ crowd, try to see Downtown Chatham [via] Pub Crawl!

Below is a suggested route:

Start

Red Run Bar and Grille bar. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Red Nun Bar and Grill, 746 Main Street

Sure, the restaurant is technically on the outskirts of the rotary, the unofficial start of downtown. But in [summer] season, this place is buzzing with activity, especially during the 22 home games of the Chatham A’s. 

The Red Nun porch has a peek-a-boo view of the baseball field. The view would be clear, if not for a row of long standing trees. And don’t get me started about the potential of building out a second floor deck to have an even better view of the field (even with the trees). That porch provides a few high tops, too. 

Stop 2

The wall mural at the Chatham Orpheum Theater. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Chatham Orpheum Theater, 637 Main Street

One word: Nonprofit. Two words: Pizza Shark. Three words: Local Nonprofit Theater. More to the point, the cozy little bar and seating area is under the radar. First, the mural. I’ve starred in awe at that masterpiece for years and still see something new each time. With six beers on tap, decent wine list and plenty of cocktails to choose from, the Theater is a great second act [performance pun intended].

Pro Tip: Time your crawl so you can take a break and go see a show!

Stop 3

Wild Goose Tavern, 512 Main Street

After undergoing an extensive renovation, the Goose bar is twice as big, so probably twice as fun? A few weeks back, I was late meeting friends, who were seated outside. The inside bartender told me I was not allowed to order a drink at the bar and bring it outside to join them, even though they had closed out their check and were mostly just enjoying the view. 

Regardless, the Goose lives inside the Wayside Inn, an iconic hotel in downtown Chatham. Much of the Wayside Inn [rooms] have a view of Kate Gould Park, where band concerts are performed every Friday in the summer as well as Shakespeare in the Park and countless other festivals and events. The back building looks onto Chatham Seaside Links.

Stop 4

The bar at Bluefins Sushi and Sake Bar. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Bluefins Sushi and Sake Bar, 513 Main Street

Yes, you read that address right [after re-reading the Wild Goose’s address]. The two restaurants face one another. 

Bluefins vibe is way more energetic, though one could argue too much stimulus with the track lighting, techno music, big screen televisions and one of the biggest “U” shaped bars that’s not named The Chatham Squire [well get there in a moment].

Despite the addictive vibe, I still cannot fully forget the former life of the location, Celestino’s, which had a reputation for either over serving or staying open late, or both. For one fateful evening, a few of us popped in there, somewhat shocked it was still open. Almost immediately we watched a young woman drop a slice of pizza onto the floor, step on it, sort of slip on it, then pick it up and eat it. So many years later, I still cannot get that image out of my mind.

I wouldn’t expect anything like that to happen at Bluefins, but hey, “those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.”

Author’s Note: I never miss an opportunity to tell that story because it was so ridiculous.

End

The fabled Chatham Squire. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Chatham Squire, 487 Main Street

I’ve written extensively (2019 post) and (2021 post) about the Squire. I’ve also enjoyed myself extensively at the Squire.

There’s not much to add other than emphasizing that the Squire is a must stop on your Downtown Chatham Pub Crawl. Cheers!

What is your suggested Downtown Chatham Pub Crawl route?

September 10, 2024

And Then There Were Seven Benches, OCRT Chatham

by Jeff Shaw

Last summer, I mused about the potential locations of bench installations along the Old Colony Rail Trail (OCRT). At the time, only one bench (I call it, “Olde Solo,” across the street from the Airport) could be found along the 4.5-mile paved recreational path. 

At the time, the Chatham Bikeways Committee was raising money to purchase and install new benches. And they did!

As of Summer 2024, the spur route of the Cape Cod Rail Trail now features six newly installed benches, to go along with Olde Solo! Equally enjoyable, I was 4 for 6 of correctly guessing the location of the new benches. Not bad. 

And who knows, maybe Bob Oliver and the Bikeways Committee read my article and used the suggestions. [If anyone did, more likely my suggestions confirmed what they already knew/studied].

Regardless, meet the six new benches of the Old Colony Rail Trail!

Location: Bench at Chatham/Harwich Town Line

What I wrote in 2023: “I cannot think of a better way to illustrate being a welcoming community that promotes outdoor recreation than with a bench as soon as people cross into Chatham from Harwich”.

Dedication: Gregory Carli Bluestein, remembering his love, life and laughter.

Location: Two Benches at Route 137 Intersection near Short & Sweet Ice Cream

What I wrote in 2023: “Sure Thing #1. The intersection of the trail and Route 137 already received a safety upgrade at the road crossing. Flashing lights on both sides warns oncoming vehicles if a rider, walker or runner is nearby. Additionally, the site has a large parking lot, that also accommodates a food truck at select times. Already on site: a small bike rack, air pressure pumps, garbage cans and a large framed map of the trail in the immediate area.”

Dedication: Given by Michael and Jia Monts

Dedication: Ana Amor Gomez-Blanchfield, Lola to James, Will, Ben, Alice andTheo

Location: Bench at Sam Ryder Road intersection

What I wrote in 2023: Nothing (I didn’t see this coming)

Dedication: Forever in our Hearts Bernice (Kim) Kenyon. Her loving and selfless dedication to family, friends, community and God continues to be an inspiration

Location: Bench at Chatham Municipal Airport

What I wrote in 2023: Nothing (wow, did I miss this obvious one.)

Dedication: The Old Cranks Bicycle Group. All friends are invited to sit. You are especially welcome if you are old and cranky.

Location: Bench at Veteran’s Field

What I wrote in 2023: “Perhaps the most obvious option when you think about it, a bench – or two, or even three – installed on the paved area above (and facing) the outfield makes a lot of sense. First, that’s literally where the OCRT officially ends. Second, there is a large framed map of the trail there as well as a garbage can, so people gather there. Three and most importantly, that is prime real estate for viewing baseball games!”

Dedication: There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships and may they always be. In loving memory of Thomas J. Raftery

So weary travelers by foot, bike, rollerblade or other human-powered modes of transportation, you now have seven benches along the OCRT to chose from. Have fun out there!

August 5, 2024

2024 Cape Cod Summer Reading List

Each summer, I [try to*] cobble together some Cape Cod-specific, -based or inspired book recommendations. The recommendations are usually from a curated source, such as a local bookstore (Where The Sidewalk Ends, etc) or reader reviews (Cape Cod Chronicle Section 2/Art Cast, etc.). Only one recommendations has truly failed me.

The short list below (and fifth “annual” as I forgot to do a 2023 list*), includes stories that take place on Cape Cod (and the Islands). Nothing too heavy; at the very least, interesting enough for an overcast day.

The Vineyard Remains, Addison McKnight 

The Vineyard Remains is the second novel by West Hartford authors Nicole Moleti and Krista Wells, who go by the pen name Addison McKnight.

A thriller that explores the “dark” side of the exclusive island’s year-round population through the eyes of two women who have come to live there for very different reasons, and whose lives are forever intertwined through secrets and tragedy. This book is half women’s fiction, half psychological suspense. While there are many books set in the Vineyard, and many authors who live there, there are not a lot of thrillers.

An excerpt of a brief synopsis from Amazon: A desperate murder committed by Angela Miller’s mother tore Angela’s life apart and brought her to Martha’s Vineyard to live with her wealthy grandparents. It’s where her cousin, Kiki King, was born and raised, and Kiki now wants nothing more than to see the world beyond its sandy perimeter. Kiki’s mother escaped it. She took a late-night swim off Tashmoo Beach and was never seen again.

Historic Storms of Cape Cod, Don Wilding

Historic Storms of Cape Cod looks back at the most severe weather events to strike Cape Cod over the last 125 years.

An excerpt of a brief synopsis from Amazon:  Cape Cod has always been in the path of deadly hurricanes and ferocious storms. Unwelcome summer visitors include the “Long Island Express” Hurricane of 1938, the Great Atlantic Hurricane of 1944, the twin Hurricanes Carol and Edna in 1954, and Hurricane Bob in 1991. These storms destroyed countless homes and left several coastal communities under several feet of water. Surging tides carried away houses with residents inside who didn’t survive and sank the Coast Guard lightship Vineyard in Buzzards Bay, killing all 12 crew members. Fall and winter brought the benchmark Blizzard of 1978, the nor’easter of January 1987, and the infamous “Perfect Storm” of October 1991 which delivered some of the highest tides ever seen on the Outer Cape.

The Outer Beach, Robert Finch

This deep dive into a life of discovery along the outer Cape Cod beaches from Orleans to Provincetown, is a must-read for the inner explorer in all of us.

An excerpt of a brief synopsis from Amazon: Robert Finch writes of its beaches: “No other place I know sears the heart with such a constant juxtaposition of pleasure and pain, of beauty being born and destroyed in the same moment.” And nowhere within its borders is this truth more vivid and dramatic than along the forty miles of Atlantic coast―what Finch has always known as the Outer Beach. The essays here represent nearly fifty years and a cumulative thousand miles of walking along the storied edge of the Cape’s legendary arm.

Finch considers evidence of nature’s fury: shipwrecks, beached whales, towering natural edifices, ferocious seaside blizzards. And he ponders everyday human interactions conducted in its environment with equal curiosity, wit, and insight: taking a weeks-old puppy for his first beach walk; engaging in a nocturnal dance with one of the Cape’s fabled lighthouses; stumbling, unexpectedly, upon nude sunbathers; or even encountering out-of-towners hoping an Uber will fetch them from the other side of a remote dune field.

July 10, 2024

Local Tavern & Grille, Family-friendly, yet Adults-Only, Sandwich

Partially consumed Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

by Jeff Shaw

Local Tavern & Grille is family-friendly restaurant, with a dog-friendly patio, and an adults-only vibe. While that description may sound mutually [“tri-ually”] exclusive, it’s not, and more importantly, it works.

Home of the former British Beer Company, ‘Local’ in Sandwich is a must-try for families, adults and for the aforementioned doggies, alike. The expansive restaurant has traditional indoor dining rooms, a private room, ample bar and enormous outdoor patio. The latter features firepits, cornhole pit, chalkboard (for kids), and comfortable outdoor furniture. 

The Kona Brewing Company brand fits the Local vibe perfectly.
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Our choice for seating was a picnic table, with extended umbrella to stay cool under the warm sun, on the patio. Our order included featured entrees (grilled salmon), pub fare (kickin’ chicken sandwich) and kiddos menu (chicken fingers, with seemingly endless French fries).

Indeed, the patio features distinguishes Local from other, similar restaurants. But in case you need more, below are a handful of “yeah, this place is solid,” amenities: 

Ample parking. The parking lot you see while passing along Route 6A is about 25% of the capacity on the side and behind the building. 

Extensive draft list. For the thirsty, adult crowd, the tap list has a great mix of local, regional and national brands. The $4 beer options are a rarity on Cape. 

Friendly and fast service. The wait staff hustles, and somehow manage a smile while doing so. 

The back parking lot with a view of the enormous outdoor patio.
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Cornhole pit. The cornhole pit is legit; with twin sets for ongoing game action. Not many Cape Cod restaurants are able to host a cornhole tournament, but Local “can.” 

Broken sea shell ‘lawn.’ Kiddos can roam free on the [broken sea shell] lawn. The ‘lawn’ is surprisingly spacous and most importaly, fenced off from the parking lot. My kiddos felt right at home working up an appetite by stomping on shells in between bursts of running around like a pack of [insert wild animal of your choice].

Eat and drink Local!

June 4, 2024