Category: Places

And Then There Were Seven Benches, OCRT Chatham

by Jeff Shaw

Last summer, I mused about the potential locations of bench installations along the Old Colony Rail Trail (OCRT). At the time, only one bench (I call it, “Olde Solo,” across the street from the Airport) could be found along the 4.5-mile paved recreational path. 

At the time, the Chatham Bikeways Committee was raising money to purchase and install new benches. And they did!

As of Summer 2024, the spur route of the Cape Cod Rail Trail now features six newly installed benches, to go along with Olde Solo! Equally enjoyable, I was 4 for 6 of correctly guessing the location of the new benches. Not bad. 

And who knows, maybe Bob Oliver and the Bikeways Committee read my article and used the suggestions. [If anyone did, more likely my suggestions confirmed what they already knew/studied].

Regardless, meet the six new benches of the Old Colony Rail Trail!

Location: Bench at Chatham/Harwich Town Line

What I wrote in 2023: “I cannot think of a better way to illustrate being a welcoming community that promotes outdoor recreation than with a bench as soon as people cross into Chatham from Harwich”.

Dedication: Gregory Carli Bluestein, remembering his love, life and laughter.

Location: Two Benches at Route 137 Intersection near Short & Sweet Ice Cream

What I wrote in 2023: “Sure Thing #1. The intersection of the trail and Route 137 already received a safety upgrade at the road crossing. Flashing lights on both sides warns oncoming vehicles if a rider, walker or runner is nearby. Additionally, the site has a large parking lot, that also accommodates a food truck at select times. Already on site: a small bike rack, air pressure pumps, garbage cans and a large framed map of the trail in the immediate area.”

Dedication: Given by Michael and Jia Monts

Dedication: Ana Amor Gomez-Blanchfield, Lola to James, Will, Ben, Alice andTheo

Location: Bench at Sam Ryder Road intersection

What I wrote in 2023: Nothing (I didn’t see this coming)

Dedication: Forever in our Hearts Bernice (Kim) Kenyon. Her loving and selfless dedication to family, friends, community and God continues to be an inspiration

Location: Bench at Chatham Municipal Airport

What I wrote in 2023: Nothing (wow, did I miss this obvious one.)

Dedication: The Old Cranks Bicycle Group. All friends are invited to sit. You are especially welcome if you are old and cranky.

Location: Bench at Veteran’s Field

What I wrote in 2023: “Perhaps the most obvious option when you think about it, a bench – or two, or even three – installed on the paved area above (and facing) the outfield makes a lot of sense. First, that’s literally where the OCRT officially ends. Second, there is a large framed map of the trail there as well as a garbage can, so people gather there. Three and most importantly, that is prime real estate for viewing baseball games!”

Dedication: There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships and may they always be. In loving memory of Thomas J. Raftery

So weary travelers by foot, bike, rollerblade or other human-powered modes of transportation, you now have seven benches along the OCRT to chose from. Have fun out there!

August 5, 2024

Local Tavern & Grille, Family-friendly, yet Adults-Only, Sandwich

Partially consumed Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

by Jeff Shaw

Local Tavern & Grille is family-friendly restaurant, with a dog-friendly patio, and an adults-only vibe. While that description may sound mutually [“tri-ually”] exclusive, it’s not, and more importantly, it works.

Home of the former British Beer Company, ‘Local’ in Sandwich is a must-try for families, adults and for the aforementioned doggies, alike. The expansive restaurant has traditional indoor dining rooms, a private room, ample bar and enormous outdoor patio. The latter features firepits, cornhole pit, chalkboard (for kids), and comfortable outdoor furniture. 

The Kona Brewing Company brand fits the Local vibe perfectly.
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Our choice for seating was a picnic table, with extended umbrella to stay cool under the warm sun, on the patio. Our order included featured entrees (grilled salmon), pub fare (kickin’ chicken sandwich) and kiddos menu (chicken fingers, with seemingly endless French fries).

Indeed, the patio features distinguishes Local from other, similar restaurants. But in case you need more, below are a handful of “yeah, this place is solid,” amenities: 

Ample parking. The parking lot you see while passing along Route 6A is about 25% of the capacity on the side and behind the building. 

Extensive draft list. For the thirsty, adult crowd, the tap list has a great mix of local, regional and national brands. The $4 beer options are a rarity on Cape. 

Friendly and fast service. The wait staff hustles, and somehow manage a smile while doing so. 

The back parking lot with a view of the enormous outdoor patio.
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Cornhole pit. The cornhole pit is legit; with twin sets for ongoing game action. Not many Cape Cod restaurants are able to host a cornhole tournament, but Local “can.” 

Broken sea shell ‘lawn.’ Kiddos can roam free on the [broken sea shell] lawn. The ‘lawn’ is surprisingly spacous and most importaly, fenced off from the parking lot. My kiddos felt right at home working up an appetite by stomping on shells in between bursts of running around like a pack of [insert wild animal of your choice].

Eat and drink Local!

June 4, 2024

Six Cape Cod Concert Venues to Get Your Music On

Rocking at Nauset Beach, Orleans, MA. Photo credit: Hog Island Brewery.

by Jeff Shaw

According to the Weather Channel, the world’s most famous groundhog did not see his shadow on February 2 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Therefore, an early spring is on the way. 

My reasoning for writing about outdoor concerts in freezing February is ground[hog]ed in this furry weather predictor. Early spring means summer is closer than it may appear. February is also, traditionally, the month where summer tour concert tickets go on sale. [And even if you’re more of a Potomac Phil kind of person, relax, he didn’t see his shadow either.  Oh, and while we’re at it, Groundhog Day is the definition of a re-watchable movie!]

Cape Cod is known for what you see on-Cape – world class beaches, bustling harbors, iconic bluffs and lighthouses to name a few; though those smells are a close second, salty air, fried clams, steamy chowder, oh my!

A few rungs down the ‘why Cape Cod is amazing ladder’ is for what you hear – sounds. I give you the top venues to catch some good vibrations [Beach Boys pun] on Cape Cod!

Harwich Cranberry Arts & Music Festival, Harwich

The 2024 Cranberry Festival and [affectionately called] Cranjam return at the Community Center Fields on Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15, 2024. 


This music festival is paired with a craft festival with over 180 vendors. Additionally, local brewery Devil’s Purse provides wine and local drafts. Food trucks are the main calorie option. With free parking and a laid-back bring your own chair/blanket type seating area, what’s not to like.

The two-day annual event started in the 1970s and is creeping up on a 50th anniversary. 

Cape Cod Melody Tent, Hyannis

As I wrote a few years ago, you have to catch a show at the Tent. With tandem parking on a gravel lot, the place reeks of old Cape Cod. And sure, so are some of the acts, but you may also be surprised at what tours make a “pit” stop [standing room only concert pun intended].

The current 2024 concert line-up features original acts, tribute bands and comedians. Headliners tend to be announced in the spring, so sign-up for their newsletter to learn about bookings. 

Membership enables booking tickets one week before the public and provide express access into the venue on show nights.

Margaritaville Cape Cod, Hyannis

You read that right. Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod is coming for summer 2024—the first New England location for the popular Jimmy Buffet-inspired chain. Waa-hoo!

The resort will be a rebrand for the former Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis. The revitalized resort will have over 270 rooms in addition to an indoor water park, pool, spa and restaurants. While large scale concerts are not part of this rebrand, I’d guess plenty of live “trop-rock” acts will p[l]ay their respects to the late Jimmy Buffett during the inaugural season.

Outermost Roots & Blues Festival, Orleans

About a decade ago, Hog Island Beer Company, located in Orleans, billed itself as “the Outermost Brewery.” (At the time, that geographical self-description was accurate.) Naming their flagship beer, Outermost IPA, sealed it, no matter what Outer Cape breweries (we see you Ptown) would pop up down the road [yup, another subtle Route 6 pun].

So, it should not come as a surprise when the same brewery collaborated with local musicians to create an outdoor concert of the same theme – the Outermost Roots & Blues Festival. Located in the enormous parking lot of Nauset Beach (750 spaces), this fall event returned in 2023 after a brief hiatus due to the pandemic. 

Part of what makes this event unique is that it was created locally, managed locally and even a portion of the proceeds from the festival support The Friends of Nauset Beach, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Make sure to add this concert to your shoulder season calendar.


Payomet Performing Arts Center, Truro

Tucked away down a long access road is Payomet Performing Arts Center, a nonprofit located at the Highlands Center in partnership with Cape Cod National Seashore.

Similarly to the Tent, bookings tend to be announced in the spring, so sign-up for their newsletter to learn when new acts are booked. Additionally, membership provides advanced notice to purchase tickets before going on sale to the public. Members also get a discount on tickets for most events. 

Martha’s Vineyard Beach Road Weekend, TBA!

To be honest, the news of Beach Road Weekend moving off island/from Martha’s Vineyard, back to Cape Cod, inspired this post. 

Certainly a bummer to some, the Vineyard Arts and Culture Foundation announced last month that the Beach Road Weekend music festival and Martha’s Vineyard Concert Series will not return to Martha’s Vineyard in 2024. Beach Road Weekend will relocate to a new home on Cape Cod in 2025.

The concert series debuted in 2019, but then was canceled for two years due to the pandemic. In 2022, the concert returned featuring 30 bands, including the Avett Brothers, Beck and Wilco, with Mumford and Sons headlining the 2023 line-up. 

Ultimately, costs associated with these high profile acts, enormous crowds, insurance, transporting equipment (ferrying literally tons of equipment), etc., made it unprofitable/unsustainable/unworkable.

So, the promoters are going to give it another go on-Cape in 2025. Looking forward to sea [coastal pun intended] how the next chapter unfolds.

Until then, Fins Up! [JB]

February 7, 2024

Amazing Heritage Museum and Gardens Sandwich

Gardens in bloom with an administrative building in the background. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

By Jeff Shaw

I’ve always noticed a large brown ‘historic attraction’ sign along Route 6 – the Mid-Cape Highway near [former] Exit 2. It reads Heritage Museums & Gardens and that sign should probably have blinking lights, a spotlight or one of those inflatable air dancers to emphasize the joy that is the Heritage campus.

Heritage Museums and Gardens is bustling in the summer, shoulder seasons (Halloween Spooktacular!), and even the winter. Their annual Gardens Aglow – light displays throughout the gardens, festive seasonal decor and fun activities for all – sold out in mid-November. 

A map of the grounds. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

It is no wonder this celebration of lights has become a treasured holiday tradition, just listen to this event description: “…visit with Santa in the 1913 Ford Model T…take a ride on the 1908 Looff carousel and view winter scenes from the Currier and Ives collection…roast marshmallows…go on a reindeer scavenger hunt…enjoy seasonal treats from Lily’s Café and Cape Cod Donut Truck…warn up at a fire table…view the expanded model train display.” Talk about a good time.

But I’m not here to talk about Gardens Aglow [frankly, it speaks for itself]. Heritage Museums and Gardens is great choice on overcast days, as most of the attractions are outside, so some protection from the sun is welcome.

A replica train coach of the railroad display in the Special Exhibitions Gallery.
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

The gardens are impressive, with interesting features mixed-in, such as artwork, windmills, a labyrinth, a garden maze (think corn maze), fountains, a legit tree house, and of course, buildings with exhibits. The indoor, turn of the 20th century historic carousel ride is also a must.

The museums are quite engaging on their own. The two-level classic car showroom; the history of Cape Cod becoming a tourist destination, and more importantly, how to protect it given the massive influx of people, traffic, pollution, development, etc., that accompanies such success.

A wooden bridge near the Maze Garden. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

The Hundred Acre School is one of their featured programs. “The Hundred Acre School was created to cultivate young minds using STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) as a springboard to multidisciplinary learning.” Full or half day programs are available for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grades 1 and 2. 

Accessibility is noteworthy. In addition to regular shuttles, the main pathways are paved, with ramps into the buildings. Even the trails, seashell, stone, dirt, gravel, are in good condition for strollers (walkers, not so much).

The labyrinth near the historic carousel.
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Oddly, one super random thing caught my eye in the parking lot. Spray paint on the pavement which reads, “Joggers start,” and then twenty yards away, “Walkers start”. It seems a road race begins in the parking lot. I don’t know what it entails, so I’ll have to return to find out. 

The markings of a road race in the parking lot.
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw

Another sign this is the place to be –  Shawme Pond is part of the grounds!

December 1, 2023

Homemade All the Way at Good Friends Cafe West Dennis

The Good Friends Cafe in West Dennis. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

by Jeff Shaw

I don’t know how many times the term, “best breakfast on Cape Cod,” has been typed into a search engine, but if I had to guess, Good Friends Café, West Dennis, would be a top result. (Actually, I just typed that search and guess what, Good Friends Café was #3 on Google.)

To be clear, Good Friends Café has plenty of company friends [restaurant name pun intended] in the category of best breakfast, which, quite frankly, is too broad a category. Breakfast options range from grab and go bakeries to sit-down restaurants to five-star brunches.

Plus, geography on Cape Cod makes long drives for breakfast unlikely. If you live in Sandwich, you’re probably not going to Grumpy’s for breakfast; similarly, if you live in East Dennis, you’re probably not going to Marshland for breakfast. The key joy is checking out these places when you happen to be in the area. 

But Good Friends Café has a few unique features which separate itself, enough to warrant special attention.

The menu has some fun creations. Beware, the homemade grilled breads and muffins sell out! Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Indoor and outdoor seating (seasonal). Many restaurants expanded outdoor seating during the pandemic, and most have kept it as customers like an open air dining option. It was raining on my visit, but the front patio has a clean, sleek look that is welcoming and comfortable.

Homemade grilled breads. The self-described, “Famous, thick sliced” homemade grilled breads are delicious. My version of eggs benny came with a foundation of homemade grilled cornbread, and I could not get enough of it.

Eggs Benedict on cornbread. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Name board. If your first name happens to be written on the chalk board hanging from the dining room ceiling, free coffee is headed your way. It’s the little things, right?

Open kitchen bar top seating. Not exactly unique, but that section of the dining room is decorated to resemble your friends’ kitchen. The bar top seating is clean, bright and somewhat secluded, so has a neighborhood hangout feel. 

The bar top seating and name board that provides free coffee to all Bettys. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw

Excellent service. Despite a brief wait, customers are welcomed to self-serve coffee while waiting. Similarly, once seated, the wait staff was friendly, answered questions they’ve probably been asked hundreds of times politely, regularly checked on coffee refills and provided updates on when the food would be out. I’m a little disappointed not to be briefed on the staffing schedule the following week, nor the upcoming kitchen deliveries.

It is said that time flies when you’re having fun. That’s pretty much how I felt upon leaving the Good Friends Café.

November 9, 2023