Jeff Shaw

The “Drive-In” Comeback

The Vineyard Summer Drive-In Series logo. Photo credit: The YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard.

Author’s Note: With the upcoming holiday weekend upon us, the unofficial start to summer is here. Oh joy! Just don’t watch the news. Ugh! One step forward, ten steps back it seems. Organizers who decided to pull the plug early on 4th of July parades, fireworks, band concerts, etc, made the right call, as unpopular as it was, since people from states with surging COVID-19 cases would surely wind up in Cape crowds this weekend. Of course, there are new cases each day on the Cape, and the rest of New England, too, but at the moment, less than other hot spots. But let’s stay positive.

The holiday weekend is also marked by American flags flying proudly from many homes, buildings and attractions. Fences and rooftops display decorative bunting that screams patriotism of the red, white and blue. The smell of the classic backyard BBQ, the grilled meat, steamy corn and buttery potatoes wafting through the air remains a much anticipated tradition, even if it is BYOF (food). Just don’t forget about another classic, yet new (in some places) tradition that will also get you out of the house this summer…the Drive-In Theater!

The parking lot at this Hyannis intersection will be transformed – by inflatable screen – into a drive-in movie theater on Fridays this summer. Photo credit: Ellen Shaw.

The “Drive-In” Comeback

I find myself occasionally yearning for a simpler time, where constant smartphone “dings,” excessive picture-taking and loud phone calls often interfere with a perfectly fine moment. And that’s just from five minutes ago in my living room! The Cape offers that mix of the high-speed “modern era”; eclectic restaurant menus, second and third home mega mansions, 5K road race fund-raisers; as well as that simpler, quieter “classic era”; waterfront cottage communities, weather-worn clam shacks, ice cream sundaes (okay, timeless), and of course, Drive-In movie theaters.

The “Drive-In” is roaring back to relevance – from Connecticut to Cape Cod – as it is meets the criteria of an outdoor and socially distanced activity. Hooray! While the pandemic has not completely flipped the script of streaming movies from the comfort of the couch, to sitting in a car to do the exact same thing, it is a welcome change of pace, with a limited (seasonal) window.

I have a fond memory of sitting in the bed of a pick-up truck strewn with two sets of couch cushions, blankets, with half a dozen friends and a full cooler. The first movie was Alien, second Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom. A hint of crisp fall air would keep the senses sharp on an otherwise warm late summer evening. The stars were shining, not a cloud in the sky. The parking lot was barely half-full. Looking back, what a moment. While that description of a low-key college night may not be the case for your next drive-in movie experience — as hundreds of friends, neighbors and strangers may clamor for those coveted parking spaces — it does serve as a reminder that the simple things in life often can be quite fulfilling, even in a pandemic.

Below is your one-stop shop for “driving-in” this summer on Cape Cod:

The dirt road and grassy field will be the home to a stage, two screens and lots of vehicles this summer. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Barnstable (Hyannis)

“Movies on Main” – Located at the corner of Main Street and High School Road (across from 473 Main Street), this temporary Drive-In will feature family-friendly movies on an inflatable screen for six consecutive Friday nights beginning on July 3 from 7:15 – 11:00 pm. Admission is $20 per vehicle, with room for between 40-50 vehicles within social distancing guidelines. Attendees are encouraged to order food from downtown restaurants, some of which will deliver to your car! Most importantly, proceeds from the first three weeks will benefit the Cape Cod Resilience Fund, and proceeds from the last three weeks will benefit the Hyannis Film Festival.

Martha’s Vineyard

Vineyard Summer Drive-in – Located at 91 Edgartown Vineyard Haven Road, Oaks Bluff, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival (MVFF) and Martha’s Vineyard YMCA are partnering to bring the island The Vineyard’s Summer Drive-In. The YMCA plans to screen four family-friendly movies each week starting in early July and will run through August. The parking lot behind the Martha’s Vineyard Ice Arena will hold between 40-50 cars. Organizers are seeking sponsors (and reminding potential donors their gift is tax deductible) as the cost to attend is “pay what you can,” understanding the financial hardship the pandemic caused for many people. Organizers do not have plans to continue the drive-in after this year, so be sure to check it out this summer.

Nantucket

The Dreamland Drive-In at Bartlett’s Farm – Located at 7 Nobadeer Farm Road, Nantucket’s Nonprofit Film & Cultural Center (Dreamland) is having its Grand Opening tonight featuring Jaws! The show is already sold out. Check out this strong list of upcoming shows: Jaws, Ghostbusters, Caddyshack, Mama Mia, Twister, Empire Strikes Back, The Goonies, The Shining, Easy Rider, The Birds, and more! Members receive a discount on ticket purchases, otherwise, it is $15 for one person in one vehicle, or $30 for two or more people in a vehicle (not including member discount).

The vintage sign of the one and only Wellfleet Drive-In. Photo credit: Wellfleet Drive-In.

Sandwich

Heritage Theater – Located at 280 Route 130 in Sandwich, the recently painted (white) side of the Heritage Theater building will act as a screen, with a realigned parking lot to face that side of the building. The “new-addition” Drive-In opened on June 26 with a double-feature, the first movie (PG-13 rating) at 8:30 pm; second beginning at 10:30 pm, with plans for showings on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is $15 per person, with $12 pricing for seniors, military and children above three years old.

Truro

Payomet Performing Arts Center “Drive-In” Series – Located at 29 Dewline Road, North Truro, the powers that be are exploring a series of drive-in style outdoor concerts for this summer. While all previously announced performances for their traditional summer series have been postponed until 2021, this “drive-in” series seeks to feature local and regional talent while maintaining social distancing guidelines. Artists will perform a variety of genres geared more to listening than dancing, such as blues, folks, and jazz. The latest information will be posted to the center’s Facebook page, so stay “tuned” (music pun intended).

Wellfleet

Wellfleet Drive-in Theater – Located at 51 Route 6 in Wellfleet, the classic, seasonal Wellfleet Drive-In is one of the most well-known landmarks on the Outer Cape. First opened in 1957, catching a double-feature is a right of passage for residents and visitors alike. Admission is $13.00, with discounts for seniors and children. Current show times are 8:35 pm; and 10:20 pm (PG-13 ratings). Of note, the Provincetown International Film Festival announced a special drive-in event hosted by the Wellfleet Drive-In, as part of their modified 2020 film festival. Dubbed “Provincetown Reimagined,” the special event will run from July 16-19 with two nights of film screenings including Mischa Richter’s documentary “I Am a Town” and Sundance 2020 Dramatic Award nominee “Save Yourselves!” at the Wellfleet Drive-In along with a virtual event of which details are TBA.

Don’t sleep on a potential “Drive-In” outdoor concert series later this summer. Photo credit: Payomet Performing Arts Center.

Yarmouth

West Yarmouth Drive In – Located at 669 Route 28 in West Yarmouth (across from Captain Parker’s Pub), the site of a former drive-in that screened outdoor movies from 1958 until 1985 will be re-born after the town approved an entertainment license on June 30. The current plan is to build a stage for outdoor performances (concerts, stand-up comedy, etc), flanked by two outdoor movie screens. The blighted 22-acre property has enough space for just shy of 250 vehicles, while maintaining social distancing guidelines. The same family friendly movie would play on both screens and a double-feature would be offered for $30 per vehicle. Concessions would also be available in some capacity, but all payment would be made remotely. If all goes to plan, movies could be screened by mid-July, August and even into the “shoulder season.”

Which Drive-In do you plan to visit this summer?

Historic Chatham Outdoor Adventure

Historic Chatham’s banner displaying some of the “stops” on the virtual bus tour. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Author’s note: Earlier this month, Historic Chatham sponsored a free virtual historic bus tour of the town of Chatham to celebrate history weekend. Two 90-minute sessions circled town, featuring stops at several well known (and lesser known) locations, where a local expert (staff or volunteer) provided a brief introduction of the site. Local historian Ron Clark “drove the bus” and did a great job managing the technology and smooth transitions among multiple speakers. It has often been said that Cape Cod’s rich history, maritime, farming or otherwise, is part of what makes it special to many. In that vein, make sure to visit the historical society of any Cape Cod town for information on sites, tours and architecture. You will see Cape Cod in a whole new perspective; some of it hidden history in plain sight!

Chatham Light’s beacon reaches 24 nautical miles. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Historic Chatham Outdoor Adventure

As we ponder more outdoor activities, dare I say adventures, to fill the day, consider your options with historical roots. Even if you missed the virtual bus tour, you can embark on your own magical mystery history tour by foot, bike or car!

Below are a list of locations from the tour, a fact or two, and a call for volunteers and donations to all who are able:

Eldredge Public Library (EPL), 564 Main Street. In 1896, the EPL was a gift to the people of Chatham from native son, Marcellus Eldredge, who was a successful businessman and legislator in Portsmouth New Hampshire, but who retained close ties to his home town. EPL programs are extensive from everything like the availability of daily newspapers, sections for children and young adults, book clubs, classes, and a Friends of the Library, who provide financial support for additional programming.

Chatham Conservation Foundation’s MayoHouse, 540 Main Street. The Josiah Mayo House is home to the Chatham Conservation Foundation, which currently holds 820 acres of conservation land in its portfolio. The home was built between 1818-1820 by Josiah Mayo, a blacksmith by trade, who was Postmaster in Chatham for 40 years and portrays life on Main Street in the 19th century.

The Godfrey Windmill, 125 Shattuck Place. Ever wonder where the term, “the daily grind” comes from? Why the windmill of course! Built in 1797 by Colonel Benjamin Godfrey on Mill Hill (now Stage Harbor Road), at the time, is one of the last of the town’s grist mills to be built. It was relocated to its current Chase Park location in the 1950s. Not only is the Godfrey Mill open to the public, once a year volunteers activate the mill and reenact grinding corn meal (visitors help) just as it did in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The 1887 railroad station is free (donations welcome) to visit in the summer. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Atwood School [now the Doc Keene Scout Hall], 224 Stage Harbor Road. The former school has served as the Scout Hall since the 1920s. Unlike many buildings in Chatham, including at least one former schoolhouse, this building has not moved. Instead, the street name was changed – Stage Harbor Road, was originally called Atwood Street.

The Atwood Museum, 347 Stage Harbor Road. The Atwood Museum is home to the Chatham Historical Society that leads preservation efforts and sponsors grant awards for local projects. The property is expansive with both indoor and outdoor galleries and exhibits from everything from the Mayflower’s arrival to World War II to photos of Chatham over the years.

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge (Visitor Center), 1 Wikis Way. The 7,604 acre wildlife refuge was established in 1944 to provide a habitat for migratory birds. It is renowned for its sand stretching eight miles into the Atlantic Ocean, forming the barrier islands of North and South Monomoy. The Visitor’s Center and Refuge Headquarters is located on 40-acre Morris Island with a beach and short (3/4 miles) trail system loop.

This historic plaque tells the tale of the outdoor antenna trail exhibit at the Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum in Chatham. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Chatham Lighthouse, 37 Main Street. The original wood structures built in 1808 consisted of twin lighthouses to distinguish them (and Chatham Harbor) from Highland Light in Truro. The lighthouse has been re-built and moved multiple times over the years. However, the current beacon remains not only one of the most noticeable landmarks in town, but is currently in use for maritime rescue by the U.S. Coast Guard. The current light can be seen 24 nautical miles offshore.

The Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum, 847 Orleans Road. At the turn of the 20th century, Guglielmo Marconi completed two way communications between his 35,000 watt station in Wellfleet and Poldu England, which enabled mariners formerly isolated at sea to be able to communicate with the harbormaster and other boats. The Radio Corporation of America (RCA) acquired the assets of Marconi’s company after World War I and paved the way for modern day communication technology.

The Nickerson Family Association’s Caleb Nickerson House, 1107 Orleans Road. William Nickerson was the founder of Chatham, and this homestead (compound) celebrates the town’s founding family as well as acts as a working museum of life on Cape cod in the early 19th century.

The view northeast from Morris Island, which connects to Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Chatham Railroad Museum, 153 Depot Road. The 1887 railroad station served residents and visitors alike until 1937. A vintage, 1910 wood caboose that visitors can explore, arrived in 1963 to compliment the museum’s collection.

The Champlain Monument, [near] 608 Stage Harbor Road. The rock monument represents the first explorer, Samuel de Champlain, to land in the town in 1606.

Not on the tour, but worth noting in the context of Chatham’s history are the handful of residential properties currently under demolition delays due to the historic nature of the dwelling. Those homes are 26 Cockle Cove Road; 68 Shell Drive, 157 Cross Street, and 233 Seaview Street.

A historic cottage under a demolition delay, which expires August 3, 2020, located at 157 Cross Street. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

While this virtual bus tour was free, many of these organizations are struggling financially through the shutdown caused by the pandemic. Please consider donating to or volunteering for these organizations to help them advance their mission and ensure a bright future promoting the historical assets of Chatham.

To learn more about Historic Chatham and the bus tour, visit www.historic-chatham.org.

PJ’s Family Restaurant-Something for Everyone

It was take-out only at PJ’s Family Restaurant. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Author’s Note: During a recent drive heading east along Route 6 on the Outer Cape, the beautifully sunny, breezy day got me pining for those simple, pandemic-free, lazy summer days. Trying to make sense out of everything happening in our communities, around the region, across the country even throughout the globe, is difficult to say the least. During a moment of escape, and while passing by restaurants, galleries, shops, etc, I realized that my usual haste to score a parking space at the beach — and justify $25 daily pass – I’ve skipped out on trying many of those local businesses that make the area special. With that in mind, I’m going to make amore concerted effort to “stop and smell the roses,” and actually stop and support these local businesses I’ve been otherwise driving by for years. While my spending isn’t going to save any business struggling through the pandemic, perhaps it will provide just a tad more hope in a world that needs all it can get.

PJ’s Family Restaurant – Something for Everyone

After sending a complimentary note to”friends I have not yet met” at the Cape Cod Fun Show andCapeCod.com, I received a delightful response challenging the premise of one of my food reviews. The post in question featured award-winning clam chowder that aligned with my palate. For whatever reason, I’ve grown accustomed to the taste of the robust — I like dark roast coffee, Double IPA brews, and relevant to this topic, thick and creamy clam chowder. Yes, my shadow may as well show my daily calorie count. I grew accustomed to the creamy & thick clam chowder versions of the world, and didn’t give other styles much of a thought;broth-based, tomato based, etc. You can imagine challenging that premise got my attention. It didn’t even take that many words, “I much prefer the version at PJs in Wellfleet–thinner and amazing–they open next month and it’s like a national holiday in Wellfleet!” I had to learn more.

The recognizable sign on the corner of Cahoon Hollow Road and Route 6, Wellfleet. Photo credit: PJ’s Family Restaurant.

According to their website, PJ’s Family Restaurant started in 1971 under John and Dorothy Reeves as a “Dari-Burger restaurant” dedicated to using local, quality products and providing a good value for families. PJ’s started with the usual summer fare of fried clams, hot dogs, burgers, homemade clam chowder and onion rings, and of course soft serve ice cream. In 1993, the menu expanded to include lobsters, grilled seafood, homemade soups (famous Portuguese kale soup), fried chicken, crab cakes and other specialty items. Multiple generations have worked in the kitchen and at the counter, solidifying a local and seasonal following attracted to the fresh meals at affordable prices. The restaurant is now run by Don and Denise Reeves, along with nephew Brian Reeves.

According to local intel, PJs is also a big fave of food TV star Duff Goldman who went to high school in nearby Sandwich. The restaurant has not strayed from its family-focused roots; just ask what the “PJ’s” stands for? The answer; John Reeves’ grandchildren always called him “Pa John,” and over time the family has come to think of “PJ’s” as meaning only one thing: Pa John’s Family Restaurant.

The highly touted clam chowder to go and the buffalo chicken salad. Photo credit: Ellen Shaw.

Back to my author’s note. Last weekend, I found myself once again cruising Route 6 east, this time with a destination in mind, PJ’s Family Restaurant. The objective was straightforward, try the “thinner and amazing” chowder. Not surprisingly, food-focused road trips have become a new normal family activity. The plan was simple, order take-out and head over to Mayo Beach to sample the goods while watching the bustling harbor life. It was a good plan, the food stayed warm and the beach parking lot wasn’t too crowded. Even the cars in the parking lot seemed to follow a socially distanced, two open spaces for each parked car, pattern.

First glimpse at PJ’s broth-based clam chowder, the 12 ounce kind. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Knowing what to expect, I opened the container to obvious broth that initially looked disappointing. That was until I dipped my spoon to the bottom to stir up what lay beneath the cloudy surface. Bam! My spoon filled with the fresh clams and an evenly diced potato bounty. For that first bite, the chowder was still steaming, sweet and much lighter than expected considering a generous portion of clam chunks. The lack of creamy base was not missed. Oyster crackers were not needed. Though, oyster crackers were used 2/3 of the way towards completion just to extend the chowder-eating experience.I’m no food critic, so all I can say is, I would definitely order the clam chowder again. Thank you Eric Williams for the laying down this clam chowder challenge!

The hidden bounty of PJ’s clam chowder! Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

All soups from PJ’s comes in sizes of 8, 12 and16 ounces and one quart. I opted for the middle portion as my better half had already offered to share the buffalo chicken salad. Good thing, because my mouth was on fire after one of those chicken fingers. Did not expect the heat!Well played PJs, well played.

What is your favorite dish at PJ’s Family Restaurant?

New Beach Rules (2020 Edition)

Signage from the Cape Cod Reopening Task Force. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Author’s Note: As frustrating as it may be at times, I agree with the premise most state government leaders are using to approach the COVID response: it’s better to be safe than sorry. In other words, it’s probably best to approach reopening the economy with an abundance of caution to limit the potential for a surge in new cases, which would likely knock us back into another 3-month lockdown. After all, hundreds if not thousands of lives are at stake.

Aspects of every day life (interactions) have already changed. Simple activities seem foreign; going to the grocery store stress-free, crossing the street regularly when being approached by others on the same side of the road, “going to” a concert via live stream, even declining social invitations that just don’t seem worth the risk. Highly anticipated Cape Cod summer experiences have also been shuttered. There will not be Cape Cod Baseball League, arts and craft festivals, road races, fairs, band concerts, fireworks or parades. Life on Cape Cod is already different.

Shortly after I published “Must Play Beach Games from 6 Feet Away,” Massachusetts Governor Baker released guidance on outdoor recreation, among many other provisions of the reopening effort. I had expected the guidance to keep beaches open, which it does, but with a handful of important conditions. Turns out, much of those cherished beach games are outlawed this summer due to concerns of not being able to maintain social distancing. I assume this declaration was made out of the aforementioned abundance of caution, and not from experience because, again, the beach games mentioned can be played from a safe distance. I swear! Regardless, while the Governor’s guidance is a framework, individual towns that own and manage their own beaches can go farther in their beach rules that limit access – some already have.

This Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) mask might just about be the only way to remember the 2020 season – the one that was not. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

New Beach Rules (2020 Edition)

As of 6:00 am on May 25, beaches in Massachusetts were declared open for “passive recreation, which includes siting, sunbathing, and picnicking…” Finally, some familiar semblance of summer. While www.HappyCapeCod.com strives to always find optimism in our topics, previewing the summer beach scene on Cape Cod has been noticeably difficult. Already, the towns of Falmouth and Wellfleet have eliminated or restricted parking to limit crowds to encourage social distancing. These new beach rules – both the Bill Maher (“New Rules”) and the partygoer’s (“the beach rules!”) versions (bad joke intended), need to be promoted and covered (face covering pun intended) for those heading to the beach. Note: The information below has been compiled from Massachusetts COVID-19 Order No. 34 and a May 18, 2020 Memo from Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and will likely be updated:

A warning sign stapled to a utility pole in downtown Chatham. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Wear a Face Mask at the Beach. When social distancing is not possible, everyone 2-years-old or older without specific medical conditions, must wear a face mask. Face masks will likely need to be worn when walking through parking lots, accessing bridges and staircases, and walking to your spot in the sand.

Groups of 10 People or Less. While ten people per group may seem high, a family with a couple relatives can easily hit double digits. To achieve distance on the beach, the State did suggest that towns consider reduced parking. As mentioned above, Wellfleet already decided to not sell day passes at White Crest Beach. With Newcomb Hollow already a resident only lot, visitors will find slim pickings in Wellfleet. Falmouth is planning for 50% reduction in the number of parking spots available at each beach. Other towns are considering limiting the sale of beach stickers and day passes. All of this means you will need to get to the beach earlier or prepare outdoor alternatives.

Maintain a 12 Foot Perimeter. One journalist captured this notion quite well, “Forget about plopping down near the [beach] entrance, not wanting to lug coolers and beach gear any farther than they have to. Carry less, walk more.” Even lifeguards will have to be six feet apart from one another! While my crew usually sets up shop far away from the staircase, now most people will share that approach.

An update from the town of Wellfleet website. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Limited (if any) Amenities. While snack shacks and food trucks should be allowed to serve folks since they are basically “take out” only operations already, beachgoers may find locked restrooms and garbage cans may even be removed. Similarly, shuttle service is not part of Phase 1 of the reopening, which affects the trolley shuttle at Coast Guard Beach in Eastham and the “Funk Bus” that coves multiple beaches in Wellfleet.

Online Transactions. Cash is not king anymore. From everything from beach parking stickers to take out food, most people will be asked or instructed to pay online. Make sure your smartphone is fully charged before heading to the beach

Beach Games Outlawed – Depends? Saving the best and muddiest issue for last; the State’s reopening guidance is clear that for state beaches, “organized games remain prohibited.” However, the guidance for local beach managers is not as clear. The language reads that beach games “should not be allowed,” though individual towns have the ultimate say. Most towns will likely go further in issuing local restriction, but with law enforcement already limited simply by the number of officers, enforcing social distancing will be tricky. It seems like lifeguards may be in a position to take this on, but that means less eyes in the water, which is not good.

A final thought. The Cape Cod Reopening Task Force recently launched a dedicated website for businesses, town managers, residents and visitors to prepare for future reopening phases. Seasonal residents and vacationers are being welcomed back as long as they commit to regularly a) wash their hands, b) wear masks in public, c) socially distance at least six feet (12 feet on beaches), and d) stay home if they are sick. Visitors are still expected to self quarantine for 14 days through June 8 (Phase 1).

Must Play Beach Games – From 6+ Feet Away!

Author’s Note: With Memorial Day weekend upcoming, warm weather, and lots of sunshine, I am excited for another summer season. While this summer certainly will be different, I cannot wait to introduce my son Jay to one of my favorite places in the world, Cape Cod, USA. While the little guy will not be old enough to do much other than wiggle on a beach blanket, hopefully a “foot dip” in the inlet at Ridgevale Beach, Chatham, will be possible.

I also thought it could be fun to start a new Cape-themed annual tradition for the little guy. Of course, the Chatham band concerts, Cape League baseball games, mini golf rounds, etc would be normal staples of summer days on the Cape, my new idea is much simpilier: find the biggest, cleanest oyster shell over the course of a summer and on Labor Day weekend (around my birthday), detail it to remember that season. Likely just the name, year, and a word or two that described that summer would fit. Call it sleep deprivation or charmingly creative, the Oyster Shell Search game has begun!

Want in on some Cape Cod summer fun? There are plenty of other games — must play beach games – to be had on the beaches of Cape Cod this summer. Even better, most can be played from at least six feet away!

Must Play Beach Games – From 6+ Feet Away!

My family and friends typically spend the entire day at the beach on summer days. We literally arrive around 9:00 am, claim a spot with a wide perimeter, and don’t even think of leaving until a full tide cycle. For us, the term “beach bums,” is a badge of honor worn proudly. We pack lots of stuff; chairs, umbrellas, coolers, blankets, boards and of course beach games. While water activities are a no-brainer (bogey boarding, catching crabs/minnows or throwing the football), below are a list of fun sand-based games to keep your day in the sun, well, fun! Even better, all games listed are HappyCapeCod-approved socially distanced safe!

The sandbox in my backyard is not the best was to illustrate this game, but essentially, your rolling the golf balls into a hole in the sand. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Golf Ball Toss, 30-50 feet apart. No, this is not Chippo, ladder golf or Puttergolf. What you need: two golf balls. That’s it! You literally pack two regular golf balls, dig two holes in the sand with your heel, about the size and depth of your foot, about 30-50 feet a part. The point is to throw (roll) the golf balls in the hole, so you’ll want to clear the area of shells, debris and smooth the area in front of the hole. The game is essentially horseshoes with a twist. One point is earned for every ‘hole-in-one’ tossed/rolled, but you can “send back” both golf balls for an additional turn if you or your partner toss/roll back-to-back “holes-in-one.” First player or team to 5 points wins the game. We tried playing to 7 points, but it took too long, at least for singles. The game is surprisingly fun and best played on a sandbar or near the shore where the sand is damp. Toss the golf balls behind the hole on your side.

Nothing better than Kan Jam on the outer beach alongside giant sand dunes and breaking waves. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Kan Jam, at least 20 feet apart. Not much more needs to be written about this classic outdoor game, but I will offer a beach edition twist. What you need: Two cans, one yellow frisbee. Games are played until 21 points, and you can go over. Rebuttals are only offered if the winner tosses first. The twist is playing defense while playing singles. Hear me out; while you cannot alter a shot in front of the can, you are able to catch the frisbee after it hits the can, and would otherwise be 2 points for the other player/team. Or better yet, catch a frisbee that goes through the slot, but pops out the top! You’d be surprised how many chances one has to catch the frisbee ‘off the bounce’ once it hits the can and gets caught in the wind. At least in singles, it makes the game more fun. In either singles or doubles, you must play best of 7 and switch sides. The wind in beach Kan Jam is always a factor, and it’s a great feeling to break your opponent’s serve.

The six white buckets in the distance (four are visible) for a long range rack. Once the long range game ended, cornhole commenced. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Long Range, at least 50 feet apart. While usually reserved for yard games because packing three large plastic construction buckets is a pain, this outdoor game works on the beach. What you need: two tennis balls, 6 large plastic buckets, ocean water. You are essentially playing a three rack (triangle) in beerpong (beirut) whether singles or doubles. However, the term “long range” cannot be overstated. You separate the buckets by at least 50 feet. The object, of course, is to throw the tennis ball in each bucket. There are no re-racks. Just like beerpong, or “sand golf balls toss” explained above, if you or your teammate sinks back-to-back shots, you “send back” the tennis balls for an additional turn. The most entertaining part of this game is when someone tosses the tennis ball with a lot of height and it sinks into the bucket unexpectedly, with the water exploding up usually splashing the other team! And just like in beerpong, if one side hits the 2nd to last and last bucket, the game is over without rebuttal. Otherwise, the other team gets a rebuttal shot with each tennis ball.

Flag sticks can be easily placed on sand in addition to land. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Mini Frisbee Golf, varies but aiming points likely over 100+ feet apart. A new favorite of mine, as I designed an 18-hole course around the cottage and a 9-hole course around our yard in Connecticut. What you need: frisbees, flag (optional). The name says it all. Yard mini frisbee golf is easy to “set up” as you simply pick a target (tree, chair, mailbox, etc) and see how many tosses it takes to hit it. You can also stick a flag in the ground and just choose different “tee boxes” (areas) to toss from. For the beach version, you will likely need a flag and lots of space so you don’t upset the neighbors. Most “holes” are likely par 2s (two tosses). If you space out the tee box (first toss) to the flag/target, you will quickly see who can/cannot through a frisbee accurately. Nine holes is probably all you need on the beach to claim a champion, based on number of people playing, wind and space.

The boys of summer. Circa 1996. Photo credit: Bob Shaw.

Pro Kadima (aka, Paddleball), 6 feet apart (usually a little closer). My personal favorite beach and yard activity ever. To this day, Dan Healy and I set record for longest rally ever at 3,023 for the beach; and 5,247 for land. The latter rally took over 2 hours and Dan and I missed most of the BBQ at his house! While the rally records may never be broken, competitive pro kadima (paddleball) is a fast-paced and exciting beach game. What you need: two pro kadima paddles, rubber ball. The game is essentially volleyball. You draw a rectangle (with your foot) in the sand about 12 feet long and cut it in half so you have two sides of the court. The object of the game is to hit the ball safely in your opponents court WITHOUT spiking it. If the ball hits the line, it is a do-over. If the ball hits a player, or your opponent attempts to return the ball and it lands out of bounds, you get the point, just like tennis. The game can definitely take a little finesse, but if you like tennis, you should enjoy this game. Games are played to 15, must win by two. Whoever scores a point, serves. Rally for serve.

A young Mike Shaw, demonstrating perfect follow-through and scoop golf form. Circa 1995. Photo credit: Bob Shaw.

Scoop Golf, distance varies but aiming point usually 50-200 feet away. The evolution of this game can be traced back to building sand castles. While shovels are the more common tool for constructing sand castles, scoops allow one to dig deeper. It quickly became evident not just sand could be “scooped” but tennis balls, wiffle balls, but also (rubber) paddleballs. Eventually, it became obvious that scoop golf should be in the beach game rotation and the Shaw and Healy boys saw to it, taking it to such heights as creating single round tournaments such as the Clamshell Classic, Sam Adams Open to multiple round “majors” such as the Quarter Moon Open; Ridgevale Open, Farewell Tournament and of course, the Cape Cod Scoop Golf Masters (a 4-round tournament). There were multiple courses at Ridgevale Beach; the dunes, the ocean sand bar, inlet mud flats and pretty much any open area where we could fling rubber balls and sand in the air without upsetting strangers. What you need: plastic “scoop” shovels and (rubber) paddleballs for each player, flag, and tin coffee container for the hole. Note: The flag is key so other people walking along the beach don’t step into the hole!

Vintage certificates of past major scoop golf tournaments. Our imaginations were really kicking in the 90s. Graphic design credit: Dan Healy. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw

Wiffle Ball Home Run Derby, distance varies but everyone takes the field except the batter. Wiffle ball on the beach is right up there with pickle and pro kadima for classic beach games. So, why not make it more exciting with a home run derby. Be sure to have a thin bat, otherwise, every pitch will become a home run. Just like Major League Baseball’s derby, 10 outs is probably about right. Be sure to make lines for men’s and women’s.

Beach games are constantly evolving, and I’m sure a new game will be created or shared this summer.

Quick note on water sports: While I love playing in the water, there are really only a handful of activities you need to know: Waboba toss, bogey boarding, body surfing, and stand-up paddleboard time trails. Snorkeling on a calm, sunny day also qualifies. Happy summer to all!