Jeff Shaw

Photo Essay: A&P and BF, Chatham

by Jeff Shaw

Four* letters A, P, B and F, respectively, affixed to the (ground) entrances of 631 Main Street, Chatham are creating quite a buzz in town about preserving local history, no matter the size, style or scale. And for good reason.

*really just two letters are creating the buzz

Those four letters represent almost 90 years of occupancy by just two businesses at 631 Main Street in downtown Chatham. Those two businesses – the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company (better known as A&P, the American chain of grocery stores that operated from 1859 to 2015), which occupied the building “sometime before WWII” until 1959; and, local Ben Franklin “five and dime”, which moved in thereafter until closing its doors in 2025. The building was erected in 1925, so indeed, a century of entering and exiting.

The letters B and F appear on the ‘faux mosaic’ at 631 Main Street, Chatham. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw

The A&P tile mosaic has withstood the test of time (though it was “protected” by a black rug for years) and represents a design reminiscent of the popular Art Deco style of the 1920s and 1930s, hence the desire to preserve. The BF initials are not featured as glamorously and are in far rougher shape, though the design attempts to mirror the A&P mosaic. Perhaps BF can be referred to as a “faux mosaic” for comparison purposes.

An application has been filed by Lilly Pulitzer to relocate to the vacant 1925 building from a different location on Main Street. Will LP be the next initials affixed to the (ground) entrance? Only time will tell.

The currently vacant 101-year old building at 631 Main Street, Chatham. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

April 20, 2026

Sip and Sit Series: Ryder’s Cove, Chatham

Happy trails at the trailhead! Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

by Jeff Shaw

In summer 2025, a new recreation trail opened in the wooded area that surrounds the busy boatyard of Ryder’s Cove in Chatham. That trail is named the Marconi/RCA Wireless Conservation Trail, and it is the perfect setting to sit and sip a beverage of your choice.

The kiosk at the trailhead provides a history lesson. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Given that the trail is quite short (3 acre parcel), practically, it’s more of a pocket park, with a kiosk providing detail of the historic nature of the site and some seating. It also leans into the areas history; it was a recreation area for the staff of the Marconi-RCA Wireless Receiving Station from 1914 until the 1990s.

The wide and gentle terrain trail leads to the overlook. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Along the trail, there are benches and a picnic table to sit and sip, with most spots overlooking the moored boats bobbing gently in ever changing tides.

Not surprisingly, my choice of beverage was hot coffee, on a chilly late summer morning. Just across the road, you can pick up the Wireless Trail at the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center grounds, the starting point of a fun adventure – the Antenna Trail Challenge – similarly inspired by the site’s history (and a pandemic).

The view from the overlook. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Back at the turn of the 20th century, the Marconi-RCA Wireless Receiving Station was once the busiest ship-to-shore radio stations anywhere. Still standing at the site are two wireless towers, which now host osprey nesting platforms. Concrete footings of the former wireless transmission site can still be seen at Forest Beach in Chatham (osprey nests, too).

In case you need a reminder why you’re on the trail! Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Nowadays, on an average day, Ryder Cove is busy to say the least. But on an average summer day, buckle up, take a seat, sip and enjoy the show!

March 25, 2026

Ultimate Coffee Klatch in Chatham

by Jeff Shaw

There are no shortage of coffee shops in most Cape Cod towns. This fact is particularly true in Chatham, the home of what might as well be called the Ultimate Coffee Clatch. Why? An elite roster of heavy weight roasters are found in every corner of town. Let’s take a look.

Classic cars on Sunday mornings at Chatham Cookware Cafe. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Chatham Cookware & Cafe, Chatham (downtown)

Perhaps best known as the classic car hangout on Sunday mornings, the coffee brewed is Beanstock, locally roasted in Eastham. Pair the coffee with sandwiches to go, and enjoy quite an efficient way to start your day.

Express lane at Chatham Perk. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Chatham Perk, Chathamport

The home of the most affordable cup in town, a large coffee registers for under $3 (at the Chathamport location). The coffee brewed is Cape Cod Coffee – and they also operate Cape Cod Coffee on Main, a long time/former coffee shop featuring a welcoming front yard patio, near the White Marlie store. In the summer months, the Chathamport location offers a grab and go outside on the patio (drip coffee and pastries only).

“Gooey and Groovy.” Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Hey Joe and Jam, West Chatham

The long-time home of a long-closed jam shop, this premium roaster offers a “Central Perk” type coffee house vibe – ” a gooey, groovy, community cafe,” – with pricey coffees (drip is $5+ for the smallest size). Their food creations are paired with locally made jam, their jam, with names like Strawberry Field, Blueberry Thrill and Stairway to Bacon.

Seating in a swimming pool! Photo credit Jeff Shaw.

Three Fins Roasters, Chatham

This coffeehouse and cacao factory is located in a former swim club. The brewed coffee is Three Fins Roasters, with a seemingly endless menu of beans to buy and seemingly growing wholesale program.

The Chatham location seating area is actually in the former swim club’s old pool. The uniqueness comes from an equal commitment to a chocolate-making side hustle – “chocolate’s that’s good for you. ” They also operate a coffeehouse and roasters in West Dennis.

Pain D’Avignon, Chatham

The former Emmabelle’s Cafe, former Chatham Village Bakery & Cafe is now a breakfast, lunch, dinner and wine bar. They roast their beans daily at their facility on Cape Cod. But prepare to dish some dollars. A cup of drip coffee starts at $4+; a breakfast sandwich on a buttery croissant is $17. They also operate locations in Hyannis and Osterville.

Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters, Chatham (downtown)

Located [in a closet] diagonally behind the Chatham Squire, the Expresso Bar operation is quick service in a quiet garden off the main drag. The hideaway location is perfect to sit and sip. They also operate a Coffee House in Brewster and Roastery in Sandwich.

February 8, 2026

Strong Start for Snowshoeing on Cape Cod

The bridge to Ridgevale Beach, Chatham. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

by Jeff Shaw

The first day of the New Year was a morning of firsts – welcomed by a perfect blanket of freshly fallen, sparkling snow. Now that may not seem all that special, it is winter after all, but waking up to a snow covered landscape – on January 1st – on Cape Cod – was a personal first. But the snow covered scenery didn’t stop there; a trailing winter gale blasted another 2-3 inches late-morning.

Most people do not enjoy shoveling snow. But on Cape Cod, receiving enough fluff to necessitate shoveling is quite the novelty experience. Trade your five and dime plastic sand shovels for a metal bladed Snow Blaster 2000. It’s an odd feeling. I can also report that boogie boards work just as well as sleds or tubes for a little chilly downhill slide.

Looking West towards Cockle Cove Beach. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Once the storm subsided, the call to the ocean was too loud to ignore. An unplowed parking lot greeted me. The beach was empty; raw; cold and otherworldly from its peak summer, jovial appearance. The wind was still swirling, biting any and all exposed skin. The landscape desolate.

The snow was considerably lighter than most coastal storms. There was no crunch underfoot, even sand was revealed on my boot tread. I trudged to the shoreline against the wind.

Is it the Arctic Circle or a Nantucket Sound-facing beach on Cape Cod. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

But just as quickly as the winds were gusting, the light was changing. Gray skies slowly gave way for purples and blues. A bird flew overhead. The wind quieted. The storm was moving on.

The gift left behind was the uncommon ability to break trail in an actual winter wonderland, snowshoes optional.

The snow covered dunes with Bucks Creek Bridge in the distance. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

January 8, 2026

Holiday Half Dozen on Cape Cod

Cape Cod Central Railroad offers magic this holiday season via the Polar Express.

by Jeff Shaw

The following information was compiled from the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, Cape Cod Chronicle and Cape Cod Times.

BOURNE – All aboard! Magic is in the air on the Cape Cod Central Railroad’s Polar Express, where passengers will sing carols over cookies and hot cocoa. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away for a festive trip to meet Santa. Trains depart out of the Buzzards Bay depot from late November through December.

BREWSTER – The Brewster Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the annual “Brewster for the Holidays.” The festivities include a month’s worth of celebrations throughout Brewster, ending on Dec. 23. The tree lighting at Drummer Boy Park kicks off the jolly-good time on Dec. 5.

A sight to behold – Lobster Pot Tree – at the ‘tip of the world.’

CHATHAM — Christmas by the Sea returns on December 12-14, downtown Chatham transforms into a winter wonderland; you’ll find homemade cookies, strolling carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa Claus at the Kate Gould Park bandstand, a tree-lighting ceremony and festive promotions at local shops.

FALMOUTH – The Falmouth Holidays by the Sea weekend gets a rousing start with Christmas caroling at Waterfront Park on Water Street in Woods Hole Village on Friday, December 5 at dusk. Or take the trolley from Woods Hole Village to Falmouth’s historic Nobska Light to have your picture taken with Mrs. Claus as you are serenaded by The Brass Ring ensemble. There’s nothing quite like a rendition of “Jingle Bells’ as you watch the sun set over Vineyard Sound to get you in a festive mood.

Holidays by the Sea is THE theme in most Cape Cod towns this time of year.

HARWICH – The Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas In Harwich weekend gets underway on Friday, Dec. 5 with the Harwich Port Christmas Stroll and includes caroling, a tree lighting and the arrival of Santa. There will be events in East Harwich, Harwich Center and West Harwich on Saturday and more events on Sunday.

PTOWN – There is quite possibly nothing more quintessential New England than a Christmas Tree made entirely out of lobster traps. Provincetown’s Lobster Pot Tree is made using over 100 of them – all borrowed from local lobstermen – and is accentuated by 3,000+ LED lights and colorful buoys. Visit Provincetown’s Lopes Square anytime during the holiday season to capture it for an Instagram-worthy post!

There is so much to do on Cape Cod during the holidays. Let it snow!

December 2, 2025