August 2018 – HappyCapeCod

Run the Cod Challenge Part 1

The placemat in the background is one of six from 1984 and one of my favorite items in our home.

Author’s Note: I never thought this would be the case, but I am a runner. It happened by chance, mostly because of my friend Frank’s family connection to the Ragnar Relay races. The challenging distances, mildly competitive divisions, team format and focus on fun, quality and travel, was a great place to start a running career. I graduated onto a few marathons (my first being the Cape Cod Marathon), a handful of halfs, and a bunch of local 10K and 5Ks. I regularly run in three local races each year, otherwise, I keep an eye out for a new race, location, or challenge to keep running fun, fresh and exciting.

All smiles on leg 1 of my first Ragnar Relay Cape Cod. And I made their photo gallery!

My “I’m a runner realization” dawned on me when people started asking questions about running and seeking input on topics from injury prevention, to gear, to training plans, to the race best bling/swag. One running buddy recently told me about a long standing running challenge she was 1/3 of the way through – Run 169 Towns Society. Not long ago, I had no idea what that meant other than knowing there are 169 towns and cities in Connecticut. She quickly filled me in that this particular challenge is to complete a timed running race in every town (169) in Connecticut. My friend is in her 30s and has already run a race in over 1/3 of the towns. Runners join the group before completing the feat, critical to figuring out how to find a race in some of the smaller rural towns where there may only be one race offered. As she explained the upcoming town races, her excitement was contagious. Later that day, I thought more about the concept of completing races in a specific geographic location and then the lightbulb went off, why not do this in my favorite place in the world, Cape Cod!

Run the Cod Challenge Part 1-The Challenge.

All jokes before starting my first marathon – Cape Cod Marathon in Falmouth.

Have you ever wanted to visit a Cape Cod town you’ve never been to, but was not sure “what to do” when you arrived? Well, if you are a runner, plan your next visit around the town’s road race. With Run 169 Town Society (CT) roots in mind, this running challenge is similar: run (or walk) a timed road or trail race in all 15 Cape Cod towns, the 2 islands and 1 off-Cape town (can’t forget our friends on the other side of the canal). Only then, have you Run the Cod!

Since the initial “light bulb moment,” I determined there were three pieces of the research puzzle that needed to be assembled. First, I needed to know if any existing local running clubs, athletic groups, or any social media savvy south shoreline runners claimed this feat or promoted a similar series/challenge. I found none. Check. Second, I needed to make sure it was even logistically possible to run a road race in every Cape Cod town. It is. Though, as expected, a few towns only offer two events per year, and many events are so small, registration pages are not set up (since permits are not yet acquired) until shortly before the race. Check. The bottom-line; no one is doing this, yet it can be done. As Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother would say, “[Cod] Challenge accepted!”

Feeling a little tired after finishing the Cape Cod Marathon in Falmouth.

The final bit of information needed was to list – and make a calendar of – all the races in each town to get a sense of the schedule. At last count, there are over 70 races on Cape Cod, the Islands as well as plenty off-Cape, particularly in Plymouth. Races are spread through the busy summer tourist season as well as shoulder seasons as part of a local celebration or annual event (Wellfleet Oysterfest hosts a 5K, New Year’s Day celebrations hosts “First Day 5ks,” some pubs host their own timed fun run, etc.), and can be a big economic driver for the host town. Check.

This challenge is a great way for runners and lovers of Cape Cod to better understand each town’s history, community and cultural identity while supporting the economy through lodging, shopping, eating and drinking (fun will be had by all). Additionally, most road races tend to have a local nonprofit partner or charitable program, which benefits from the net proceeds. That’s right, in addition to supporting the business community, you are also supporting a good cause and helping those in need. Even better! And of course, running requires a little motivation and physical activity so on top of it all, you are getting in those steps and burning off those chowder calories. Winning!

Team Monomoy Legs Tired (“Man-are-my-legs-tired was the idea) at the finish line of our first Ragnar Relay Cape Cod in 2013.

So, if you are up for traveling to – or around – Cape Cod, exploring every town, clipping on a running bib, and bringing some friends along, then join me in accepting the Run the Cod Challenge. As Barney Stinson would also say, “It’s gonna be legendary!”

Run the Cod Challenge Part 2 will feature a list of Cape, Islands and off-Cape road races. (Finding and linking all the race websites is proving to be a labor of love!)

Happy Running on Cape Cod!

Fine Dining at the Old Yarmouth Inn

The stage coach sign is hard to miss from Route 6A.

Author’s Note: Restaurants are a dime a dozen on Cape Cod, if not everywhere. It’s such a tough business and an Ohio State University study confirmed just that. According to the 2005 study, 60% of restaurants fail in their first year, and 80% fail within five years. In this case, for every Old Yarmouth Inn, there are hundreds of restaurants that have come and gone, perhaps allowing someone else to give it a try to make something (culinary) special happen. Restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, financiers, please don’t let those statistics stop you.

My family loves this place. And for a long time. It is also the restaurant where my wife and I celebrated our engagement with my parents, a few weeks after I popped the question. Indeed, there’s a little bit of modern family history in addition to the Old Yarmouth Inn’s colonial era roots.

The unique exterior takes you back in time a century or two.

The Old Yarmouth Inn lays claim as the oldest Inn on Cape Cod with origins dating back to 1696 (it is not an Inn anymore). Located along a stretch of Route 6A lined with beautifully designed shops, homes, churches and community buildings, the Old Yarmouth Inn is somewhat of a mid-cape point between the Cape Cod Canal and the Outer Cape for the weary traveler. The unique design of the Inn alone can make you stop in your tracks when admiring the exterior facade, interior craftsmanship, let alone the food, “country cozy” dining rooms, and staff hospitality. There are at least three dining areas as well as the tavern. Fireplace or not, every room in the Inn feels like a unique little nook, making you want to stay for hours, assuming you’re in good company.

One of the many dining rooms at the Old Yarmouth Inn.

I suppose the history and longevity of the Inn is part of the magic that makes people come back. And the ghosts stories; yes, the Old Yarmouth Inn promotes a story of a mischievous and good humored ghost(s) roaming the grounds. It’s a fascintating account of “connecting the historical dots” since most of the records of travelers and guests over the last 3 centuries have been lost.

This particular visit was one where I was unusually hungry. While a basket of bread is nothing to get excited about, that warm (freshly baked) bread lathered in a square of butter was worth noting. The Tito’s martini straight up also added to the elegant dining experience. The Old Yarmouth Inn’s clam chowder is above average, a thick creamy base with chunks of clams and smaller pieces of potatos mixed in with a peppery finish. Their wedge salad was served on a crispy head of lettuce with the usual fixings. The timing between each course was just right and the waitress made a point to check-in with us before the next service.

The entrees were excellent. My wife and father went with the prime rib, while my mom picked salmon. My selection was a no doubter; the haddock special, an enormous buttery filet on a bed of asparagus over red potatos with a jumbo shrimp resting atop. The picture actually does the food justice; it was delicious and worth the price.

Another memorable meal at the Old Yarmouth Inn.

Where Nothing Could Be Finer Than To Eat at Sandi’s Diner

Hana made sure to get her steps in before breakfast.

Author’s Note: Last weekend, our usually sleepy fur baby Hana the dachshund, decided to play rooster around 5:45am to make sure we all had a productive day. While I was hoping to have a lazy Sunday, we took her soothing whines to get up and going. A cool morning walk to Ridgevale Beach and down a few side streets worked up our appetites (and tired her out) to the point where we decided to play “restaurant roulette.” The game is comically simple; we pick up the local newspaper (in this case, the Cape Cod Chronicle) and open a random page. Which ever restaurant advertisement is read first is where we go for breakfast. (Restaurants, take note, you may want to increase your ad budgets!) Page 3 of the edition was none other than, “Where Nothing Could Be Finer Than To Eat at Sandi’s Diner.”

It often feels like the breakfast culture on the Cape is increasingly shifting to “grab and go” away from the traditional sit-down meal. The reasons are obvious; it’s fast (race to get that beach parking space); less expensive for customers (though no free re-fills of coffee!) and possibly less costly for the restaurants (less wait staff; smaller menu may mean less ingredients). Fortunately, the tourists and beach-goers are not completely succeeding at changing the breakfast landscape, as restaurants like Sandi’s Diner remain packed and enjoy a loyal following.

The patio of Sandi’s Diner may be the best seat “in” the house.

If you need a refresher, Sandi’s Diner is a downtown Chatham breakfast/lunch spot that opens at 4:30 a.m. EVERY DAY. The menu is straight-forward, one page menu with just the right amount of omelet, pancake, waffle, egg sandwich, fresh fruit options. The wait staff moves quick, even on busy mornings. The dining room, with counter service, is small and can “heat up” when full. There air conditioning is an exhaust fan. If you want a cooler, quieter seat with a charming view of Main Street, grab one of the two tables outside on the front porch. Though, the exhaust fan does blow near the table closest to the door.

We only had to wait a few minutes until our table for four was ready. Always one to pair coffee with breakfast , the brew was nothing special, but that’s to be expected for a diner. However, my cup was filled every time it was half full. All of us had different food selections in mind. Ellen, the better half, went with pancakes, Mom had a fruit bowl, Dad had a muffin sandwich and I went with the Benny. The presentation was a plus, food was hot, portions were plentiful and taste was above average, especially considering the range of items ordered. The pancakes were noticeably fluffy. The price was right.

We followed our breakfast with a slow stroll through a still deserted downtown as all the shops were just beginning to show signs of life. We turned around “Where the Sidewalk Ends,” (unfortunately they were not yet open), looped back and drove back to the house.

Astonishingly, the puppy who kicked off this day was wide-eyed and bushy tailed when we returned. We ended up getting in a second walk to the beach that morning. Thanks Hana and Sandi’s!

The Neighborhood Bakery: Marion’s Pie Shop

Author’s Note: Running, walking, biking or a similar forms of “foot powered transportation” is a great way to check out a new city or even see your home town from a new perspective. When I travel, almost every morning I get up earlier than I would at home, and go for a run. While fitness may be the initial motivation, “on foot” exploration allows me to get close to a waterfront, go the opposite direction down a one-way side street in a city, even stumble upon a hidden historical site, all of which may be interesting and even help determine activities later in the day. But it did not take work travel or an exotic trip to re-discover a hidden gem in plain sight in Chatham.

In this case, the hidden gem is not really hidden, it is Marion’s Pie Shop!

Ragnar Trail Vermont finisher medal. It’s a fork, spoon and bottle opener.

With a Ragnar Trail Vermont relay race just days away, I needed to squeeze in a long run to gauge strength and stamina to determine my confidence level before tackling Mt. Ascutney in central Vermont. Aiming for 6+ miles, I made up a haphazard loop from Ridgevale Beach, to Cockle Cove to the Old Colony Rail Trail west toward Harwich, followed by a u-turn back towards Chatham Municipal Airport. The final stretch would take me past Chatham’s Old Schoolhouse Ice Cream towards Sam Ryder Road.

As I emerged out of the tree covered trail, a sudden scent of cinnamon sugar hit my face; kind of like when the smell of someone grilling wafts through the air. I knew the sweet smell was not the nearby Chatham Transfer Station. In my hot, sweaty, tired mess, I realized that the smell was none other than Marion’s Pie Shop, but also that I had not visited the bakery in quite some time. Now, I’m the kind of person that tends to take signs in nature or odd coincidences as a hint to do something. In this case, the sweet air was a sign to pay homage to Marion’s Pie Shop. (Admittedly, this is not a big ask as it is down the road from the house and already has quite the reputation.) The smell of what could only be a cinnamon nut roll that helped me power through the final incline of the run got stronger as I approached the shop.

If you are not familiar with the area, Marion’s Pie Shop is the only restaurant along a fairly long residential stretch of Route 28 in West Chatham. It was not always this way. The former Ridgevale Restaurant, with the beautifully polished white 1930s Rolls Royce parked in front, use to be next to Marion’s toward Ridgevale Road (townhouses are now there) and former Flemings Seafood Restaurant, was a little further down Route 28 closer to Cockle Cove Road (a conservation area/park is there now). There also use to be another motel across from Marion’s to complement the nearby Seafarer Inn. Fortunately, Chatham Pottery and an art gallery are the other commercial “anchor tenants” in the area of what I playfully call, the Ridgevale Road Business Association. The walkability of these businesses is a great benefit of living in the neighborhood.

Unfortunately, this run was a 6:30am start, so Marion’s Pie Shop was not yet open when I rolled up around 7:30am. As I stepped through the open door, a polite college-aged youngster, likely a seasonal employee said, “Sorry, we open at 8:00 a.m.” That was fine considering my sweaty state. After some small talk, what did surprise me was his answer when I asked him about what kind of coffee they had available. The muted response was, “just the Keurig,” Ugh! For this bakery with such a huge following, those sweet heavenly smells, comfy outdoor seating, charming broken seashell driveway, it’s hard to believe “just the Keurig” was the answer. Especially with all the local coffee roasters such as Beanstock (Wellfleet), the Art of Roasting (Chatham) fighting to get playing time in our morning routines. Indeed, the coffee culture is strong (coffee pun intended) on the Cape (albeit, a bit snobby), but like wine, “Life is too short to drink bad coffee!”

The picture does not do these jumbo muffins justice.

The first attempt to taste, not just smell, Marion’s sugary goodness, was a big fail. By the time I got back to the house, showered, figured out the plan of the day, I returned to learn they were out of almost every freshly baked breakfast item. And I didn’t feel like a spinach croissant. Fortunately, that was Saturday, and on Sunday, I arrived by 8:00am and grabbed a wild blueberry muffin (and for fun, the Chatham muffin, the latter being basically baked sugar in muffin form. I recommend splitting the Chatham muffin with at least one other person!) The wild blueberry muffin was delicious, still warm from the oven, perfect portion and did not need to be toasted or smothered with butter. It was an easy reminder why this neighborhood bakery has stood the test of time. And if you were wondering, the bakery was started (by Marion) in 1947, and the current owners, Cindy and Blake Stearns, continued her tradition since 2003.

While Marion’s breakfast selections are winners, my next visit will focus on their “side dishes,” i.e., potato salad, cole slaw, pasta salad and baked beans. If these side dishes are close to the level of the breakfast goodies, I’ll happily get in line at 8:00 a.m. on a Sunday; whether or not the smell of a cinnamon nut roll is in the air.

What is your favorite neighborhood bakery?

Jingle(s) All the Way

Author’s Note: In my research to answer a family question (e.g., settle a debate) about former Thompson’s Clam Bar located in Wychmere Harbor, Harwichport, MA, I came across this 2010 article about “warm memories of local television and radio ad jingles and slogans from yesteryear.” My mind immediately went back in time to connect the “then” of the article to the “now” of one of the finer points, those classic radio ad jingles. (And yes, I found the answer to the question/debate; Thompson’s Clam Bar served over 2,000 meals a day!)

Apparently my internal alarm clock is set to the radio frequency range of Ocean 104.7-Crafted for the Cape, a radio station that covers Cape Cod. The radio station begins to come in around Exit 4 on I-495 and Exit 18 on I-195 and my brain seemingly knew to change the channel during two recent drives. If you have not yet had the pleasure of a leisurely drive on Route 28 or 6A (without traffic) listening to this station, especially through the neighborhoods dotted with charming sea captains homes in Brewster along 6A, you should give it a try. Pandora, Sirius, and Podcasts can wait.

The music ranges from Frank Sinatra to the Beach Boys to the Grateful Dead to the Doobie Brothers, with a mix of helpful updates – weather and traffic – and local news, such as events and happenings. The radio station jockeys are a positive bunch. Even when reporting something not-so-good, they always seem to add a positive twist. For example, if there is rain in the forecast, they would say, “That [rain] will help keep those lawns green,” or, “it’s going to be more of a “shopper” than a “beacher.” Hard not to appreciate the change in attitude – potentially due to the change in latitude, right Jimmy? (Couldn’t resist.)

But what sets this radio station apart from others, is that many of their advertisers proudly market to the masses with delightful radio ad jingles. That’s right, the often corny, seldom funny and mostly adorable greatest generation-era jingles, are sprinkled throughout the daily programming. I can’t recall ever looking forward to a commercial, but turns out I rarely change the channel for the chance to catch one of these rare gems. As a creative soul, I have to give these businesses a shout-out for taking a chance and “jingling all the way!”

Here are a few favorite radio ad jingles to be on the look-out for…and another to take you back to yesteryear. You may even want to save some of these links when you need a happiness pick-me-up! Go:

Barbo’s Furniture

If you like the flute, this jingles for you! On a side note, our family cottage was furnished with Barbo’s furniture for the better part of two decades. And we still have/use all of the furniture!

“Barbo’s….Barbo’s….for furniture you will live with….happily ever after!”

Bobby Byrne’s Restaurant and Pub

In this day and age, the fact that this establishment encourages talking in their ad is refreshing! Put down your phones, kids and adults, time to have a conversation again!

“Everbody’s eating, and drinking, and talking at Bobby Bryne’s!”

Cape and Island Glass

This is a “harder” take on a classic radio ad jingle (scroll down to the last song), though they are dealing with glass after all. The jingle is oddly catchy thanks to Dave Reed’s voice, and certainly memorable for the beats:

“Glass…Cape and Islands Glass…1-800-540-7742…that’s glass…Cape and Islands Glass…if you need glass…”

Casual Designs

While this jingle may make you think twice about how your home is furnished, it’s a cozy little number:

“Surround your outdoor with comfort and style… Casual Designs”

Kent’s Carpetland

Not terribly creative, but hey, singing three words still counts as a jingle in my book:

“Kent’s… Kent’s…Carpetland”

Lobster Claw Restaurant

Clearly leading the pack, it’s hard not to sing along once you know the words. It’s also on our list of places to check out this summer since we always just drive by it on our way to the Outer Cape.

“The cape in the summer is magic,

The sun, and the sea and the wind on the shore,

These days are made for families,

That’s what we’re here for.

At the Lobster Claw Restaurant,

Great dining by the sea,

At the Lobster Claw Restaurant,

We’re one big family.”

The Pancake Man

As a 9-year-old, I can attest that this ad got me with just two views. So much so, I worked over my father to drive 30 minutes for pancakes! He still remembers the syrup on the menus, as do some of our good friends, Frank and Jess with a similar experience.

“Who’s cooking breakfast as fast as he can,

Who’s cooking breakfast it’s the pancake man,

Any time of day,

You can you can,

Join us for breakfast at the pancake man,

I said the pancake man!”

Scudder Taylor Fuel

I dare someone to listen to both this jingle and their recent ad about how air conditioning saves you money, and not give them a call:

“Stay cool…stay cool…with Scudder Taylor fuel.”

Seafood Sam’s

This cheery jingle would be on the same level of the Lobster Claw except for one huge problem; I have not heard it on the airwaves since the spring. Bring it back!:

“Lobster…scallops…and clams…at Seafood Sam’s!”

Thompson’s Clam Bar

But the ultimate jingle is none other than the aforementioned classic, former Thompson’s Clam Bar. This one is personal for me. As a kid in the 1980s, with a birthday on August 30th, and at a time when kids went back to school after Labor Day, I spent many birthdays not just on the Cape, but at Thompson’s Clam Bar.

My parents and grandparents loved this place — and so did us kids. The food was piled high, lucky patrons were seated on an outdoor deck overlooking Wychmere Harbor, with sailboats regularly floating by quietly practically next to the tables! For birthday desserts, they created an ice cream scoop(s) birthday cake which forced everyone to dig in quickly before it melted. No one passed on dessert at Thompson’s! And I swear, their entire wait staff came over to the tables to sing happy birthday. It was the ultimate exclamation mark for a kid lucky enough to spend a summer and birthday on Cape Cod. My eyes are tearing as I write this and a chill just whipped through my body. Ahh, Thompson’s Clam Bar, a true lost treasure that I have not thought about for a long time until now.

Taking you back to the good old days, when kids went back to school after Labor Day, and a tower of fried clams, fries, rings and slaw ran you only $9.99. Let’s go to Thompson’s Clam Bar!

“Hey, where you going,

I’m going to Thompson’s Clam Bar,

Because that’s where the tastiest clams are.

Is the seafood good?

The best by far,

Lets go, to Thompson’s Clam Bar.

Take route 28 to the clam bar sign,

For the happiest eating from noon to 9,

At Wychmere Harbor in Harwichport,

That’s where you’ll find Thompson’s Clam Bar.

Hey, where you going,

I’m going where the tastiest clams are,

Thompsons, Where?, Thompsons Clam Bar, in Harwichport!”

What is your favorite Cape Cod memory of yesteryear?