Standing in front of the former West Harwich School House, which may become a maritime museum and visitor’s center featuring Captain’s Row. Photo credit: Ellen Shaw.
Author’s Note: You’ve heard it before, but its worth repeating, the off-seasons (winter) and shoulder seasons (spring and fall) are great times to visit Cape Cod. One reason, as it relates to the topic below, is less traffic. Less traffic (i.e., people) means the main roads – Route 28 and Route 6A – are wide-open and you can actually make a left turn without risking your life. It is now safe to pull-over to the side of the road and take a closer look at the sights and scenery. Some sights, often an afterthought, are historic 18th and 19th century homes, commercial buildings and churches that dot the landscape and provide a glimpse into Cape Cod’s storied past.
Some of the oldest and most unique buildings are located off the main roads of Route 28 (named “Main Street” in most towns it cuts through) and Route 6A (it is referred to as the Old Kings Highway after all). So this off-season, take a leisurely drive along these roads, but pay close attention to the stretch of Route 28 through West Harwich, from the Herring River (near the Weatherdeck Restaurant and Harbor Glen Mini Golf) to the Dennis town line. The almost 1-mile stretch is locally known as “Captain’s Row,” featuring two dozen former sea captains’ homes and historic buildings, many of which are designated on the National Register of Historic Places. Indeed, hidden history in plain sight!
Captain’s Row: Hidden History in Plain Sight in West Harwich
Captain Caleb Chase House, West Harwich. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
While I am not a local zoning expert or historian (though I did take Art History 102 in college), I do appreciate history, culture, traditions, character and origins of how things came to be. A fun example of the latter are street names. In Harwich alone, the following street names exists: Happy Way, Wheelock Road, Punkhorn Road, and Deep Hole Road. Each street has its own story, of which I do not know, other than a passing reference to an old quarry near the shoreline for Deep Hole Road. Street names are (were) often named after actual people, who originally lived or owned that land. Others, like Main Street, Ocean View Drive, or Post Road have literal meanings. While significant to local history, street signs are just that, signs, leaving the casual observer left to wonder its meaning. The same can be said for historic buildings – often hidden in plain sight – that have their own story to tell. But unlike street signs that pass the test of time, those stories and not-so-hidden history could be lost forever.
Scattered among modern homes, popular restaurants, commercial centers, and seasonal entertainment, is a West Harwich neighborhood with deep historical roots and cultural significance of Cape Cod’s past. Despite being located on a now bustling stretch of Route 28, the neighborhood “epitomizes an old Yankee colonial village. It’s an unusual slice of history,” said 9th generation resident Dr. Duncan Berry. Two dozen buildings (most of which are houses) along this corridor have been inventoried at the Massachusetts Historical Commission and identified as core historic structures, recommended to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each building is an example of a major style of American residential architecture from the 1740s to the 1940s. Yet, this history is at risk.
Captain Horace Berry House, West Harwich. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
There has been a resurgence of advocacy efforts to protect Captain’s Row, as recent proposals to demolish these historic buildings have come before town officials. One proposal to raze a sea captain’s home built in 1878 in order to develop a large retail outlet drew widespread oppostion at a public hearing before the project was later withdrawn. Another attempt was made recently to demolish a vacant historic building that drew protestors. In response, educational campaigns to raise awareness of the issue have been launched, such as “The Houses of Captain’s Row” exhibit at the Harwich Historical Society, regular letters-to-the-editor about the latest “DCPC” update (District of Critical Planning Concern) have been published and a charming aerial video of the village accompanied by amazingly “ravey” background music was posted. (Somehow the history-rave music combination works.) But the ultimate preservation effort is pursuit of a historic “designation” to protect certain buildings from demolition or major re-construction that would destroy its historic significance.
I’ve come to learn there are multiple official designations to protect historic places (cultural, historic, architectural, economic resource, transportation management, etc.). Without getting too deep into the zoning and legal protections, many neighbors would like to protect the original (historic) structure of the buildings while allowing them to be used for modern-day commercial or residential use. In other words, locals do not want to let the buildings to decay further and become mothballed museums of the past (though there actually is a plan for the former West Harwich School House to become a maritime museum and visitor’s center), but to attract businesses or residents to give a second, third, fourth or tenth life to the original property. That “next life” will be a challenge since that stretch of Route 28 is not pedestrian friendly, the town already lacks affordable housing, and some of the properties need major (costly) repairs. And of course, zoning, licensing, etc.
Captain Edwin Taylor House, West Harwich. Photo credit: Ellen Shaw.
I’ll admit, until recently, I was an oblivious passerby cruising along Route 28 through the area, but now that I understand and appreciate the history, I’d like to see these historic structures saved. Once any historic building is torn down, it’s not coming back. Further, the concentration of different styles of early American architectural in this neighborhood does seem unique compared to the usual mix of original cottages and multi-million dollar new second-home construction that line most Cape Cod towns. To raise awareness of those oblivious passerbys, plans are underway to add subtle features throughout the neighborhood such as signage and antique-like lanterns to the street lighting, more in line with the area’s history. The visual appeal will likely turn some heads.
Someone recently wrote in a letter-to-the editor, “we save buildings because they remind us of the past, of the community we wish to maintain, and sometimes because of their architectural beauty.” All of the above could be said about Captain’s Row in West Harwich. But eventually demolition delays end, owners sell, and community needs change.
Captain Gus Crowell House, West Harwich. Photo Credit: Jeff Shaw.
Can preserving the past co-exist with encouraging economic development and increasing employment opportunities?
The award-winning chowder of Captain Parker’s Pub. A must-try. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
Author’s Note: With daylight savings time having finally arrived, the days are becoming shorter, darker and colder. The “winter is coming” trifecta. Just going outside becomes a chore, with frosty mornings, gray skies and early darkness . One way to fight “hibernation feelings” is to make plans to go out to eat (we can still pack on hibernation calories!); breakfast, lunch or dinner with any and everyone you can tolerate for an hour. Kidding aside, I suggest making dining plans at the place “we’ve been meaning to try,” but keep passing by (like that rhyme?). The cold weather months are also prime opportunities to dust off family soup and hearty stew recipes that fill the kitchen air with delicious scents. A solid combination of “places I’ve been meaning to try” and “hearty soups” is located along bustling Route 28 in Yarmouth in the middle of mini golf country. Look no further than Captain Parker’s Pub!
Award-winning Chowder at Captain Parker’s Pub
In this instance, advertising worked. I cannot recall if it was reading weekly editions of the Cape Cod Chronicle, daily e-news from the Cape Cod Times, listening to Ocean 104.7 or combing through a Cape Cod Guide book, but I learned about award-winning chowder at some pub named after a Captain in Yarmouth. Like many people, I love New England clam chowder. Thick and creamy; a balance of clams and potatoes, and maybe a dash of peppercorn to give it a kick. I’m so particular about chowder, a note exists on my iPhone dedicated to a list of restaurants (only a handful) where it reads, MUST ORDER CHOWDER. Captain Parker’s Pub was recently added to the list.
The front and side door of Captain Parker’s Pub. The outdoor deck is on the top right. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
While the seed of checking out Captain Parker’s Pub was planted in my head, only a passing thought of “if I’m in the area, I’ll try to stop by,” was the plan to get there. Fortunately, the 2019 Cape Cod Mini Golf Masters cruised right through the heart of Yarmouth along Route 28 and the restaurant was just a few hundred feet away from our next destination, Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf. On that bright, sunny, warm birthday Friday, and in the midst of a mini golf bonanza, the crew descended upon Captain Parker’s Pub.
Presumably a crowd favorite, the patch of the Springfield, Vermont Police Department mounted to the ceiling. Photo credit Jeff Shaw.
For over 30 years, Captain Parker’s Pub has served award-winning clam chowder overlooking Parker’s River. The restaurant building is enormous, with two expansive bar areas and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant has and promotes a local, fun feel, with the ceiling rafters lined with patches of fire and police departments from around the world – over 5,000 to be “exact.”
Chowder prestige from some of the regions and nations best foodies. Photo Credit: Captain Parker’s Pub.
Upon glancing at the menu, it became abundantly clear that Captain Parker’s Pub is serious about their chowder. The menu reads, “World Famous, Thick and Creamy, Triple Crown Clam Chowder.” [You have my attention.] Below that introduction were the prices for a cup or a bowl; but further down is where it gets big time. There are quarts to go, and quarts of base to go. And the ultimate delicious surprise, they offer bread bowls for all soups! Somehow, I missed that and my bowl came out before I could switch to the higher caloric option. It is more common to see bread bowls on restaurant menus near ski resorts than local restaurants on Cape Cod. Big time indeed.
The top of the menu. How did I miss the Bread Bowl option?!? Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
That first spoonful was better than advertised, with a bounty of fresh clams drowning in the steaming thick and creamy chowder. The potatoes were diced the same size as the clams. It was delicious and exceeded expectations. That should come as no surprise as Captain Parker’s Pub has participated in the Cape Cod Chowder Festival, Newport Chowder Cook Off, and the Boston Chowder Festival accumulating 14 first place trophies in the process. The restaurant and chowder have been featured in four Food Network programs including Rachel Ray’s 40 Dollars a Day. Okay okay, we get it, BIG time!
The family friendly restaurant is open year round, with plenty of big screen TVs to watch “the game” and some entertaining bartenders who make it hard to leave.
What’s your favorite meal at Captain Parker’s Pub?
These oyster shells were part of the 5 tons collected at the conclusion of the two-day fest.
Author’s Note: The month of October is known for many things; pumpkins, apple cider donuts, orange, early darkness, Halloween, and the return of puffy vests. There is also the often anticipated fall festival(s). Many people may immediately picture driving through rural Vermont or New Hampshire on a crisp afternoon for prime fall foliage viewing; but last I checked Cape Cod, also in the northeast, and has a solid slate of fall events. The shoulder seasons-autumn especially-still means most seasonal restaurants and lodging remain open, if not discounted, and best of all, dogs are allowed on the beaches again! There are dozens of festivals spread from Falmouth to Provincetown, but the month of October’s ‘must do’ “Fest” is on the Outer Cape and provides a quintessential Cape Cod experience; Wellfleet’s Oysterfest. Shellfish lovers assemble!
Well fleet Oysterfest, Rather FEAST!
Those familiar with Cape Cod “lore” know that each town, if not village(s) within a town, has its own unique identity. In Wellfleet’s case, a quiet, sparsely populated town on the Outer Cape, is known by and large for beautiful beaches, a live saving station-turned iconic beach bar and a tasty little dark blue shellfish. The latter, are none other than Wellfleet oysters. Wellfleet oysters, long and strong-shelled, are unique for being plump and clean with a distinctively good balance of creamy sweetness and brine. Their exceptional flavor is a result of five important natural environmental factors; consistently cold water temperatures, high salinity of the Atlantic Ocean, large, fast-moving tides, nutrient rich marine environment (for oysters to grow), and clean water (SPAT, 2019).
Chopper Young gets plenty of practice shucking oysters ahead of Sunday’s “Shuck Off” finale.
The local nonprofit organization, Shellfish Promotion and Tasting (SPAT), not only runs Oysterfest, but more broadly, is devoted to sustaining Wellfleet’s shellfishing and aquaculture industry. The volunteer-led organization runs programming throughout the year, including shellfish farm tours, shellfish recycling, a scholarship program for high school seniors interested in a career in the marine sciences, fan-favorite art and oyster crawl and a grant program for local projects in line with their mission. SPAT provides additional background information on the famed oyster, but suffice to say, these natural resource should have an entire weekend dedicated to them.
SPAT is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the shellfish and aquaculture industry on Cape Cod.
Oysterfest, always the weekend after Columbus Day, is spread over two days with a mix of food, drink, music, arts and crafts, educational programs and the much-anticipated “Shuck-Off.” That is not a typo, the “Shuck Off” is a competition to see who can shuck 24 oysters the fastest. (If your mind is wondering, the 2018 Champion was William “Chopper” Young, Jr., who shucked 24 oysters in 2:25. The record is 1:47 by James Gray in 2008.) Entry to the festival is $10 (each day), though if you run in the “Shuck and Run” 5K on Sunday, entry on Sunday is complimentary with race bib. There are also a mix of “satellite” events, such as cooking demonstrations, pickleball round robin and the 5K Fun Run for additional fees.
Arts and crafts booths surround the food and drink booths at Oysterfest. Buy local!
As for the main draw – oysters – the ‘Fest may as well be known as OysterFEAST. There are literally dozens of oyster stands spread up and down Main Street, with every type of oysters for purchase: on the half shell, fried, grilled, Rockafeller (baked, rich sauce), chowder, and even pickled. Wondering about all those shells? That’s where the shellfish recycling mentioned above comes in. In 2018, five tons of shells from consumed shellfish was collected over the weekend. The following spring, the shells were reintroduced into Wellfleet Harbor to create a habitat for shellfish, other marine life and improve water quality by helping filter particles and pollutants, while reducing solid waste disposal at the event by 32%! Speaking of reducing waste, new in 2019, Oysterfest is going plastic-free, with all vendors using compostable paper goods while beverages will be dispensed in cans or reusable stainless steel cups.
The “Shuck & Run 5K” race bib means complimentary entry to the Fest on Sunday.
This family-friendly event is held on Main street, which is closed to all vehicle traffic. There is also a family fun area, with face painting, craft-making; and even a spelling bee. Parking is limited given the compact downtown streets, so try Mayo Beach.
What is your favorite part about Wellfleet’s Oysterfest?
Casual elegance is defined at The Beacon Room in Orleans.
Author’s Note: “We haven’t been there in a while.” Those unmemorable words were uttered one Sunday around 7:00 p.m., and a little after 8:00 p.m., a memorable dining experience was had by all. While most people look forward to, if not seek out opportunities to go out to eat (hey, it’s one less meal to prepare yourself), I’m in it to play the game, “will the meal exceed expectations.” Don’t get me wrong, like many people, I also have ‘go-to’ dishes at favorite restaurants that rarely disappoint. But with so many dining options available, I now order anything but “the usual. I wouldn’t call ordering a menu item you’ve never had a high risk, high reward decision, but when a meal truly exceeds expectations, it stays with you and it’s hard not to spread the love. Enter The Beacon Room.
Tucked away on a quiet road off Route 6A, The Beacon Room is open year round for lunch and dinner.
There’s Always Room (for surf and turf) at The Beacon Room
The Beacon Room, 23 West Road, Orleans, is a “casual, yet elegant restaurant,” set in a cozy former cottage, tucked away on a quiet road off Route 6A. By casual, most patrons are sporting shorts, sandals or sundresses; by elegant, when seated you are greeted by a fresh pressed white tablecloth, water glasses already filled and custom wine glasses hoping to be filled. The open dining room ceiling features exposed wooden rafters and a three-sided wrap-around bar, that provides a casual tavern vibe. In recent years, the outdoor space was expanded to offer a full service bar and a half dozen tables.
The former cottage is not an open dining room complete with wrap-around bar.
For dinner, The Beacon Room menu includes classic dishes, ranging from seafood fa diavolo, pan seared sole, chicken parmigiana, and New York strip steak, to name a few. The kitchen staff also ventures into the creative realm, with such tempting entrees like lobster croissant, roasted maple leaf 1/2 duck and veal short rib. But the game changer can only be found on the list of specials, none other than the lobster tail and filet surf and turf. Kick that main entree off with the gorgonzola, walnut and sun-dried cranberry salad and you are in for a treat. Even before that, opt for a martini to double-down on the elegance factor.
The beautiful lobster tail and filet mignon “surf and turf” special.
The lunch menu offers a variety of classic seafood entrees and sandwiches, the latter including a choice of potato salad, mixed greens or french fries. The restaurant also happens to be located a short walk from Hog Island Brewery, a popular local craft brewery with a large beer hall full of games such as billiards, foosball, ping pong, and shuffleboard. Not into breweries? The Beacon Room is a five minute drive to Eldridge Park, home of the Orleans Firebirds, one of ten teams in the Cape Cod Baseball League and a ten minute drive to Nauset Beach. The Cape Cod Rail Trail is also a three minute drive away.
The outdoor patio is great for a cocktail before, during or after dinner.
The Beacon Room is easily a top 5 favorite restaurant on Cape Cod. If you need another opinion, the Cape Cod Times recently wrote “[The Beacon Room in Orleans] serves up exceptional food..comfortable and casual elegance…the food is freshly made with top-quality ingredients.” The Beacon Room is open year round, seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Pro tip: while they do not take reservations, they do offer a call ahead waiting list, which usually works out for parties of four or less.
The highly coveted Cape Cod Mini Masters Tournament Trophy, created by Matt Gianquinto, debuted in 2019.
Author’s Note: Last year marked the beginning of a long-overdue, yet totally appropriate summer tradition, The Cape Cod Mini Golf Masters tournament. If your first thought is Augusta National, a PGA major tournament, one of the toughest courses in golf, green jackets, manicured greens, etc., your thoughts would be “on par” with this little gem of an event. Well, that’s the idea; multiple days, rounds, courses, and people competing for mini golf glory in a location with deep roots in the mini golf tradition – Cape Cod! With the summer season wrapping up, scheduling this absurdly fun event was a no-brainer for Labor Day weekend. End on a high note!
The inaugural 2018 Cape Cod Mini Golf Masters tournament featured 5 rounds of 18 holes, at Skull Island (Yarmouth), both Pirate’s Cove courses (Yarmouth), Arnold’s Mini Golf (Eastham) and Cape Escape (Orleans). Much to my surprise, an epic comeback during the last round stole the “green jacket” (aka bragging rights) from right under my nose. However, the 2019 Cape Cod Mini Golf Masters was a different story. The tournament featured the same amount of rounds (5 rounds of 18 holes), at Sandwich Mini Golf (Sandwich), Lightning Falls (Hyannis), Pirate’s Cove-both courses (Yarmouth) and Harbor Lights (Brewster); the important difference being, a trophy would be awarded to the winner, so much more than just bragging rights was on the line. Sure enough, consistent play (not to mention scoring 18 total strokes better than second place) was enough to score the necessary points (we used a point system that needs tweaking) to take home the trophy. It’s actually hard to believe an officially sanctioned tournament has not already claimed Cape Cod home given the quality and quantity of mini golf courses. Maybe our little tournament will go big some day…
Almost exactly one year to the day, Sebastian Arcelus, provides a little luck and good humor prior to the final round of the 2019 Mini Golf Masters.
One weird Mini Golf Masters weekend coincidence. Last year, after completing both rounds at Pirate’s Cove, our group saw Sebastian Arcelus, who played reporter Lucas Goodwin in the Netflix series House of Cards, with his family enjoying ice cream outside. Fearful of ruining their family time, we did not approach the celebrity couple (his wife Stephanie J Block, recently starred in the Cher Show, among many other credits) and later regretted not doing so. Well, wouldn’t you know it, 366 days later, Ellen and I walk into South Chatham’s Talkative Pig Restaurant, and there they all are – again! This time there was no fear. I even told Sebastian about the Mini Golf Masters and he told me, “you’re going to win it, man.” So I did.
A Tradition:Mini Golf on Cape Cod
Ever since Cape Cod became a tourist destination, mini golf is one of many family friendly activities available in almost all Cape Cod towns late morning, noon and night, light rain or shine. I’ve actually had my round interrupted due to a hail storm. Mini golf course offerings range in terms of quality, difficulty and price. As an example, Putter’s Paradise in Yarmouth costs $9.50 per person, with a free reply, plus a free round if you get a hole-in-one on the 18th hole. Pirate’s Cove, just down the road in the same town, costs $11.50 per person, with one of the most challenging courses on the Cape. Pirate’s Cove pro tip, if the courses are not busy, they will likely let you play the other course for free. Harbor LIghts in Brewster, “features” built-in bumps in the turf close to the cup on most holes, which can dramatically alter one’s score. Mini golf courses on Cape Cod are generally open from April 1 to Columbus Day, and normally the hours of 10:30am – 9:00pm.
And if you like trivia, here’s a fun fact courtesy of the Cape Cod Times: Did you know there is a difference between “Mini” golf and “Putt-Putt” golf? The name putt-putt is associated with a chain of family amusement centers, Putt-Putt Fun Center, known for their particular brand of miniature golf. In putt-putt golf, par for each hole is 2 while in mini golf par can range from 2 to 6. On Cape Cod, you will find mini golf courses. And always remember, drive for show, putt for dough.
The faces tell the story after 36 hard fought holes at Pirate’s Cove, Yarmouth, during the 2019 Mini Golf Masters.
Brewster
Harbor Lights Mini Golf, 81 Underpass Road, located off historic Route 6A in Brewster, near the Cape Cod Rail Trail, is set in a lush tree lined setting. So lush, the staff leaves bug spray on the benches, which is a nice touch but was not necessary when I last played. To add to your leisurely experience, ice cream is available on site with a few Adirondack chairs overlooking the first hole and practice green. Beware Hole #16, an intimidating Par 3 that requires some finesse or you could easily be looking at scoring a six. Many of the greens have built-in, yet subtle “bumps” in the turf that make you second-guess the best angle to the cup.
Susan’s Garden Mini Golf, 197 Shad Hole Road, bills itself as classic Cape Cod Mini Golf. The first sentence on their website reads, “Step back in time and relax.” The course was built in 1950 and has been restored and kept true to its roots. For 60 years, Susan’s Garden Mini Golf has been in business and is proud of the fact that it is not uncommon to hear adults saying they’ve been playing mini golf at Susan’s since they were children. At night, tiki torches light the course around the perennial gardens. A $1 off coupon can be found on the website.
DennisPort
Holiday Hill Family Fun Center, 350 Main Street, Dennis Port, is located off Route 28 and described as a beautiful 18 hole Cape Cod themed course overlooked by an 18 foot waterfall. Other features include a lighthouse, a covered bridge, and several bubbling fountains. A $1 off coupon can be found in the Cape Cod Guide (book).
While Harbor Lights Mini Golf is set in a lush garden, beware of bumpy greens and funny angles.
Eastham
Arnold’s Lobster and Clam Bar, 3580 State Highway Route 6, is a “long line out the door” popular seafood restaurant also serving soft serve ice cream and mini golf. What else does one need for a delightful afternoon? Actually, it is conveniently located off the Cape Cod Rail Trail, should mini golf not be enough activity to burn off those calories. The 18 hole course features scaled down replicas of Lower Cape historical landmarks in addition to a pirate ship and lush floral landscaping. Pro tip: Hole #2 is make-able in two (eagle) which would give golfers an important buffer in case later holes spell scorecard disaster. Golf costs $8.00 per person, but only $2.00 for a replay. There is also a $1 off coupon on their website.
Poit’s Lighthouse Adventure Mini Golf, 5270 State Highway Route 6, bills itself as the Outer Capes Best and Largest Nautical Themed Adventure Mini Golf Course. The 18 hole course has a 16 foot wrap-around waterfall, a winding river, and a pond with geysers. In addition to mini golf, Poit’s has a snack bar and a video arcade. It also offers free replays!
Cape Cod Gift Barn, 4180A State Highway Route 6, is a combination entertainment and shopping experience, featuring an 18-hole, two level, mini golf course in the red barn, along with an arcade, and shops for adults. The property is family-owned and used to be a turnip and asparagus farm. For those that do not know, the turnip is quite the celebrity in Eastham, MA!
Just minutes after crossing the Bourne Bridge onto the Cape, 36 holes of water-feature mini golf awaits!
Falmouth
Cataumet Light, 1370 Route 28, features an 18 hole mini golf course with three rivers, two fountains (one for wishing) and the famous Lazy Sundaes Ice Cream Shop. The mini golf course was recently redesigned and has been ranked in the Top 5 courses on Cape Cod. There is also batting cages and bumper boats on site. Word has it a few well known celebrities are known to frequent the location. Sebastian?
Harwich
Harbor Glen Mini Golf, 168 Route 28, is located at The Weatherdeck Restaurant in West Harwich. The 18 hole astro turf course includes a waterfall and pond. The setting is vintage Cape Cod and the iconic sign sends a British Open kind-of-vibe.
While I do love myself some soft serve ice cream, Barnstable Brewing, the next door neighbor to Lightning Falls, was just too tempting. The Blueberry Ale is amazing.
Hyannis Steve and Sue Par-Tee Freeze Lighting Falls Adventure Mini Golf, 455 West Main Street, is known equally for soft serve ice cream as well as 18 holes of mini golf. It features a cave and a waterfall and new turf surface, like brand new as of summer 2019. Hole #17, a Par 3, is one of the toughest holes ever conceived, with ample danger in the middle and on the sides of the green. While Steve and Sue’s following for ice cream is strong, just next door is the new brewery, Barnstable Brewing, serving craft brews, an outdoor patio and lots of pub games like giant Connect 4. Complimentary pretzel bites are a nice touch.
Martha’s Vineyard Island Cove Adventures, 386 State Road, located in Vineyard Haven, is an 18 hole adventure golf course set in extensive gardens that take you through and around caves, waterfalls and ponds. There is also a climbing wall and outdoor space that can be booked for private events. Of course, ice cream is available on the property.
Mashpee
Popponesset Mini Golf, 259 Shore Drive, is located in Popponesset Marketplace, home to shopping, restaurants, outdoor activities (summer concert performances) and of course, mini golf. This unique seaside village with colorful galleries and shops bills itself a little piece of “Olde Cape Cod.”
After surviving an unexpected hail storm, Ellen and I finished our round…only to play another round because of free replay!
Orleans Cape Escape Adventure Golf, 15 Canal Road, is a pristine nautical 18 Hole course featuring a flashing lighthouse, a Japanese pond with water lilies and koi, fishing boats, and a waterfall. The owners friendly dog also patrols the grounds and tries his best to catch a fish. Each hole is named after a Cape Cod town, including Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Wareham (off-Cape). If the turf isn’t soaked, Hole #18 “Nantucket,” is almost always a hole-in-one if you go through the waterfall.
Sandwich Sandwich Mini Golf, 159 Route 6A, is a well established, 36 Hole mini golf mecca, almost walking distance to Jarves Street/downtown Sandwich. Owner and Founder H. Maurice Burke readily admits that this adorable mini golf course is the result of his lifelong hobby. Built on his grandparents land, what started as a boyhood dream is now an extensive and creative course made up of windmills and bridges. Literally, water runs through much of the course and spills onto a few holes. Hole #10 (white scorecard) is an automatic hole-in-one if you go up and through the lighthouse.
It’s hard not to notice this already tempting sign when driving on the Cranberry Highway. But then you learn the price to play is $4 per person, and unlimited!
Wareham Cartland of Cape Cod, 3022 Cranberry Highway, is not your average mini golf course. First, the course features 20 holes, rather than the traditional 18 holes. All holes are Par 3s. And the best part, it only costs $4 for UNLIMITED play. There are also coupons on their website. Get to the course as soon as it opens so you can play a round, two or three and get over the bridge before traffic ever becomes a concern.
Sand & Surf Mini Golf, 3194 Cranberry Highway, is a Par 42 adventure filled 18 Hole mini golf course, conveniently located near Cafe2Cup Coffee House and the Lobster Pot. Navigate through waterfalls, a cave, a lighthouse, a crashed airplane, beached boats and a shivering mummy. You can also play all day for $7.99.
It’s all smiles before the competition begins.Found this gem, circa 2009, in the archives. Looks like Cove staff did some painting…
Wellfleet Wellfleet Dairy Bar & Mini Golf, 51 State Highway Route 6, is located at the entrance to the Drive-In and Cinemas, and features “retro” mini golf on a well maintained vintage mini golf course. This 18 hole course is still the original obstacle course built in 1961! If you like Patti Page’s Old Cape Cod, than this course is for you!
Yarmouth – The towns tagline “Cape Cod Within Reach” could also be “A Mini Golf Mecca“
Pirate’s Cove The Original Adventure Golf, 728 Main Street, is the Augusta National (location of the PGA’s Masters) of mini golf courses. It features not one, but two, 18 hole courses; the Captain’s Course, and the more difficult, Blackbeard’s Course. As you would expect, the Masters ain’t cheap. A round of 18 is $11.50 per adult, $10.50 per child, though there are discounts for playing 36 holes and large groups. There are multiple holes in which your ball can easily go out of play. In particular, Hole #16 on Blackbeard course is a multi-story Par 2, that has two cups to choose from based on where your ball pops out. Hole #15 on the Captain’s course has an elevated hole, so it’s easy to run up four, five or even six strokes if you’re not careful on an otherwise obstacle-free hole. History buffs will also enjoy reading about famous pirates on the tee box of each hole on both courses.
Putter’s Paradise, 119 Route 28, features a big white whale and rowing fisherman to “reel” you in as you drive by. It’s been going strong since 1979 and features many concrete sculptures, including the whale, created by local artist T.J. Neil. The best part about Putter’s Paradise, everyone gets a free replay. The $9.50 round per adult is really $4.25 per person! There is also a $1 off coupon on their website. Hole #9 (Par 3), closest to the road, forces you to “go for it” through a tight opening under a bridge, rather than “laying up,” before it. High risk, high reward.
The first course played, Skull Island, at the Inaugural Cape Cod Mini Golf Masters Tournament in 2018.
Skull Island Adventure Golf and Sports World, 934 Main Street, Route 28, is home to sports galore. If you see a big white skull, you’re at the right place. Hole #17 is an elbow Par 3 that is possible to hit a hole-in-one at the right angle. This course was actually the first location of the inaugural Mini Golf Masters tournament, and I’m happy to share I took the lead (-2) par.
Wild Animal Lagoon, 62 Route 28, features a safari setting for kids and kids at heart to putt around elephants, giraffes, and rhinos. With challenge wheels that change the rules at certain holes and signs with animal facts, this West Yarmouth mini golf location is certainly unique. A $1 off coupon can be found on their website.
What is your favorite place to play mini golf on Cape Cod?
