A blank canvas which is the front parking lot at Marion’s Pie Shop (July 28, 2024). Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
I first wrote about Marion’s Pie Shop in August 2018, way back when this creative project first launched. In that post, I focused on the joy that is every bite, of the famed, freshly baked, cinnamon nut roll. I also couldn’t help myself joining in the chorus of [coffee] complaints about “just the Keurig.” [I still believe a big revenue-generating opportunity is being missed.]
Fast forward six years later, the summer of 2024, and a recently realized a handful of photographs on my cellphone reveal a fascinating, yet lesser known, story happening at Marion’s Pie Shop. Parking wars. Hold that thought.
The six years between 2018 (again, website launch) and 2024, a lot happened (COVID-19 pandemic, my children arrived, UConn won back-to-back national titles, you know, a lot). But more relatable to this post; in 2022 the owners of Marion’s Pie Shop listed it for sale.
The asking price was $2.9 million for the property, equipment and recipes, but no deal was made. Fortunately, Blake and Cindy Stearns, owners over the last 20 years, continue the near 75-year tradition of whipping up pastries and pies six days a week. The operation is expected to continue until a buyer is found.
Back to the parking wars.
Common “north-to-south”-style parking in the front parking lot (July 7, 2024). Photo credit: Jeff Shaw
As any patron knows, Marion’s Pie Shop is located on a busy stretch of Route 28 in West Chatham. Cars approaching from the West are often accelerating up a hill; and unless they are turning right down Ridgevale Road, have no reason to slow down in this mostly residential section.
Fortunately, traffic from the East (the side of the road of which Marion’s is located) tends to slow down thanks to regular right turns onto Sam Ryder Road to access the town transfer station.
A few things happening here (July 6, 2024). Note the street parking off the westbound lane as well as the “east-to-west”-style parking in the front parking lot. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw
Regardless, pulling out of – or backing up from- Marion’s front parking lot in the high summer season is dicey. To make matters worse, cars, trucks, trailers, etc., car regularly parked along both sides of the road blocking your side vision while narrowing the ability for oncoming traffic to pass.
A few things are happening here (August 18, 2024). First, the green coupe broke down. Second, cars are parked on the street heading eastbound. Third, while hard to see, cars pulling into the front parking lot began to double park behind the cars already there. Desperate times, call for desperate measures re: tasty pastry. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
But the real battle; the lack of lines in the front parking lot (crushed shell surface) means choosing your own adventure when it comes to parking ‘spaces.’
I’m not really sure what’s happening here (August 17, 2024). Cars parked in every and all directions. Mayhem at Marion’s, mayhem! Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
I’ve often heard – and sometimes noticed – that people watching is entertaining. Well, so is car parking watching, but only, at Marion’s Pie Shop.
The renovated bar at the Wild Goose Tavern. Photo credit: Wild Goose Tavern.
by Jeff Shaw
There are numerous ways to see a place. Walking, running, biking, segway, tour bus, taxi, helicopter ride, whatever. An often celebrated, perhaps more likely urban pastime, is the fabled pub crawl.
My personal favorite – perhaps all-time – is the Running of the Santa’s [and Pub Crawl] in downtown Hartford in the mid-2000s. Proceeds raised money for the CT Children’s Medical Center. For a few years, the date was circled on everyone’s calendar and bolstered the season giving with a ton of laughs and shenanigans.
Somehow that brings me back to Chatham, downtown, the fabled Main Street. So here’s an idea for the 21 years old+ crowd, try to see Downtown Chatham [via] Pub Crawl!
Below is a suggested route:
Start
Red Run Bar and Grille bar. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
Sure, the restaurant is technically on the outskirts of the rotary, the unofficial start of downtown. But in [summer] season, this place is buzzing with activity, especially during the 22 home games of the Chatham A’s.
The Red Nun porch has a peek-a-boo view of the baseball field. The view would be clear, if not for a row of long standing trees. And don’t get me started about the potential of building out a second floor deck to have an even better view of the field (even with the trees). That porch provides a few high tops, too.
Stop 2
The wall mural at the Chatham Orpheum Theater. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
One word: Nonprofit. Two words: Pizza Shark. Three words: Local Nonprofit Theater. More to the point, the cozy little bar and seating area is under the radar. First, the mural. I’ve starred in awe at that masterpiece for years and still see something new each time. With six beers on tap, decent wine list and plenty of cocktails to choose from, the Theater is a great second act [performance pun intended].
Pro Tip: Time your crawl so you can take a break and go see a show!
After undergoing an extensive renovation, the Goose bar is twice as big, so probably twice as fun? A few weeks back, I was late meeting friends, who were seated outside. The inside bartender told me I was not allowed to order a drink at the bar and bring it outside to join them, even though they had closed out their check and were mostly just enjoying the view.
Regardless, the Goose lives inside the Wayside Inn, an iconic hotel in downtown Chatham. Much of the Wayside Inn [rooms] have a view of Kate Gould Park, where band concerts are performed every Friday in the summer as well as Shakespeare in the Park and countless other festivals and events. The back building looks onto Chatham Seaside Links.
Stop 4
The bar at Bluefins Sushi and Sake Bar. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
Yes, you read that address right [after re-reading the Wild Goose’s address]. The two restaurants face one another.
Bluefins vibe is way more energetic, though one could argue too much stimulus with the track lighting, techno music, big screen televisions and one of the biggest “U” shaped bars that’s not named The Chatham Squire [well get there in a moment].
Despite the addictive vibe, I still cannot fully forget the former life of the location, Celestino’s, which had a reputation for either over serving or staying open late, or both. For one fateful evening, a few of us popped in there, somewhat shocked it was still open. Almost immediately we watched a young woman drop a slice of pizza onto the floor, step on it, sort of slip on it, then pick it up and eat it. So many years later, I still cannot get that image out of my mind.
I wouldn’t expect anything like that to happen at Bluefins, but hey, “those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.”
Author’s Note: I never miss an opportunity to tell that story because it was so ridiculous.
End
The fabled Chatham Squire. Photo credit: 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 atChatham/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!
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].
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
