[One Particular] Harbor Lights Mini Golf, Brewster

by Jeff Shaw

The best view on “Underpants” Road. Photo credit: J. Shaw

A new standard has been set in the latest edition of mini golf on Cape Cod – and it’s happening in Brewster. [Sorry Yarmouth, which I previously described as the Mecca of Mini Golf.] Move over tidal sand flats, historic sea captains homes and acres upon acres of conservation lands, and make way for the best of Brewster – 18 holes of the most legit mini golf on Cape Cod one could imagine. (Well, not exactly, this version is likely platinum)

But first, some jest. For close to a decade, I chuckled every time I passed by Harbor Lights Mini Golf. The laughter had nothing to do with the golf course, and everything to do with the name of the road on which it is located – Underpass Road. Swap the first letter “s” and insert the letters “nt” and voila, you have Underpants Road! This comical gem was first uttered by beloved Eric Williams, of Cape Cod media lore/story telling fame (my personal favorite; and of course the Cape Cod Fun Show) – and locked onto my inner middle-schooler humor. The joke still holds strong.

A legit practice green. Photo credit: J. Shaw

Clothing references aside, as readers may recall, mini golf is serious business on Cape Cod. Competition aside, Harbor Lights Mini Golf is doing it right and others, please take note.

Beer and Wine is Available for Purchase! (Ice Cream, Too)

While this may appear counter to “family friendly,” variety is nice. (And may help you eke out a victory if your competition is a little tipsy on those trickier holes.) The suds also softens the blow of the screaming that follows a say, 5-year-old inevitably hitting their ball into the koi fish pond. Wondering where to place your beverage when it is your turn to putt…

Mini bar tops are “truly” a legit amenity. Photo credit: J. Shaw

Mini Bar Tops at Each Hole!

…fear not, there is a mini bar top at each hole! Speaking of holes…

Holes Numbers 6 and 10 are Legit!

No need to spoil the surprise, but remember, it’s just mini golf. Actually, it’s not just mini golf, it’s big business. So much so…

Harbor Lights Apparel is Legit!

Sunday red felt appropriate for bookend holes-in-one. Photo credit: J. Shaw

…they sell branded sweatshirts, t-shirts and best of all, hats! Pricey sure, but my oldest made not just one hole-in-one, but two holes-in-one, “bookends” on the round (Holes #1 and #18). [Fast forward two months, we were playing at Pirate’s Cove Mini Golf (Yarmouth location) and one of the staff at the counter commented how cool his hat is and that they (the local franchise) want to sell hats but corporate isn’t into it yet (paraphrasing).] Of course the oldest could not go home empty handed after that stellar performance. But it wasn’t too much of a hit to the wallet because…

Cash Discount!

Harbor Light offers a cash discount, the equivalent of the credit processing fee. Now sure, 3% of $30 or so isn’t too much for a single transaction. However, it will add up once the Mini Golf Masters weekly league night debuts!

I could not fathom a better location for such an event.

October 13, 2026

Photo Scavenger Hunt Series: West Chatham Walkabout

by Jeff Shaw

Within a 1.6 mile radius across sleepy parts of West Chatham, a handful of interesting things seem unusual enough to serve for an inaugural photo scavenger hunt. These “interesting things” are a little quirky, dare I say fun to just stumble upon, a few even tied to an iconic local landmark or neighborhood.

I’ll provide a hint for each location. The first and last photos are located the farthest apart.

The (Last?) Coin Payphone (it does not work)

Hint: Located between two controversial circles.

Better off sticking with your cellphone. Photo credit: J. Shaw

The Rock Directional Sign

Hint: The neighborhood has a high number of “first name” streets.

We need more of this type of street sign. Photo credit: J. Shaw

High Noon (Cheers?)

Hint: Across from an out and back (not Outback Steakhouse!).

I wonder if the owners pay a tasty licensing fee…? Photo credit: J. Shaw

Touch of Grey (Be Grateful!)

Hint: On the cut-through road that connects neighborhoods.

Hopefully the “rent has been paid and the dog has been feed!” Photo credit: J. Shaw.

The Store by the Sea (Chatharbor)

Hint: Located near a public beach named after an abundant shell.

I dare you not to smile when you drive by (or drop in!) this picturesque seaside gift shop steps from the ocean. Photo credit: J. Shaw

September 20, 2026

Father’s Sandwich[es], Burgers & Pizza

by Jeff Shaw

I recently read an interesting passage from Local, a book about finding nearby nature and wilderness. The author Alastair Humphreys cites an unprecedented trend of pub closures in England despite their cultural relevance, among other things. (The book is about exploring your hometown and [corner] pub closures were noticeable.)

While pubs on Cape Cod may not have the same history as they do in England, there are plenty of iconic ones. One of them stands out because sometimes, a sign says it all.

At Father’s Kitchen and Taphouse, many signs say it all. And they’re all good. See this restaurant review for details.

Let’s start with the nod to family – “Little Dudes Welcome.” Yes, bring your kids. Everyone is welcome.

Let’s move on with being a good family member – “Good Fathers Make Good Sons.” The location of this sign, in the corner booths, is kind of perfect.

Onto the menu. Stuck on what to order? A few jokes will put your mind at ease.

Did I mention affordability. Stop by on a Sunday and get 50% off a second burger. (For every 500 points earned, you get $30 off.)

Dining room, bar top, booths, table top. Pints, flights, you name it, they probably have it. While dimly lit inside, the vibes are bright.

The restaurant is also a stones throw away from the railroad tracks. If you happen to be sitting on the outdoor bench, you have a perfect view of an inbound or outbound train.

Just saying, entertainment (and signs, like railroad crossing) everywhere at Father’s!

August 21, 2026

“Double Plays” on Cape Cod

The Chatham Town Band and Chatham “A’s” Anglers play on the same day four (4) times in 2026, a so-called “Double Play.”

“Summer Fridays at 8:00pm means one thing; it’s band time in Chatham.” The same can be true, albeit different times and days, in Brewster, Yarmouth, Harwich, Barnstable, Falmouth [with their respective town bands]. Summer days (and nights) also mean Cape Cod Baseball League games. And wouldn’t you know it, there are many opportunities to catch a “Double Play” (band concert and baseball game on the same day in the same town) all summer long!

Here’s your guide to Double Plays this summer (while the bands play at the same time weekly; game times vary and are subject to change).

by Jeff Shaw

Fridays in Chatham. The Chatham Town Band plays at Kate Gould Park in Downtown Chatham at 8:00pm. Prior to the music (or even after), catch a few innings of the Chatham A’s at nearby Veteran’s Field, first pitch 7:00pm. Double play dates (4): June 19, June 26, July 10, July 24.

Sundays in Brewster. The Brewster Band plays at Drummer Boy Park off Route 6A in Brewster at 6:00pm. Prior to the music (or even after), catch a few innings of the Brewster Whitecaps at Stony Brook Field, first pitch 5:00pm. Double play dates (4): June 14, July 5, July 12, July 26.

Mondays in Yarmouth. The Yarmouth Summer Concert Series is located at Parker’s River Beach at 6:00pm. Prior to the music (or even after), catch a few innings of the YD Red Sox at Red Wilson Field, first pitch 5:00pm. Double play date (1): July 20.

Tuesdays in Harwich. The Harwich Town Band plays at Brooks Park in Harwich Center at 7:00pm. Prior to the music (or even after), catch a few innings of the Harwich Mariners at Whitehouse Field, first pitch at 4:30pm, 5:30pm or 6:30pm. Double play dates (5): June 16, June 30, July 14, July 21, July 28.

Wednesdays in Barnstable. The Barnstable Town Band plays at Hyannis Village Green at 7:00pm. Prior to the music (or even after), catch a few innings of the Cotuit Kettlers at Lowell Park, first pitch at 4:30pm and/or Hyannis Harbor Hawks at McKeon Park, first pitch at 6:00pm, respectively. Double play dates (1-Cotuit: July 18) (3-Hyannis: July 8, July 15, July 29).

Thursdays in Falmouth. The Falmouth Town Band plays at the Lin Whitehead Band Shell at 7:00pm. Prior to the music (or even after), catch a few innings of the Falmouth Commodores at Guv Fuller Field, first pitch at 6:00pm. Double play dates (3): June 18, July 7, July 16.

July 15, 2026

Harding’s Beach Marsh Trail Welcomes Dog Days of Summer, Chatham

by Jeff Shaw

Cape Cod is many things to many people. To many (me included), it’s all about the beach. Not that there is anything wrong with say, walking trails through the woods, fresh water kettle ponds, buttery lobster rolls or Cape League baseball games, but the seemingly endless coastline and salty air breezes is what makes Cape Cod, such an iconic and beautiful place.

So you have my attention when local officials in Chatham increased accessibility to a favorite trail through the marsh and dunes at Harding’s Beach. And by accessibility, it is now open to dogs on leash year-round (well, it’s a one-year pilot program. Let’s not mess this up!).

Indeed, the Harding’s Beach Marsh Trail, extending 3/4 of a mile (approximately 1.5 miles roundtrip) from the second parking lot to the property line of the Stage Harbor Lighthouse, is iconic in and of itself. The trail is gently sloped and extra wide along a mostly hard packed sandy surface. The trailhead eventually forks behind the Lighthouse or toward the beach. You will also find an informational sign with a brief history of the Lighthouse at this junction.

While the dunes and surrounding vegetation are largely protected piping plover nesting grounds, the shrubbery is low enough so the view extends farther than anticipated. There are spots along the trail where it kind of feels like you’re in the Province Lands of PTown.

Not convinced? See for yourself. And don’t forget to take your dog – on leash of course.

June 17, 2026