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

2024 Cape Cod Summer Reading List

Each summer, I [try to*] cobble together some Cape Cod-specific, -based or inspired book recommendations. The recommendations are usually from a curated source, such as a local bookstore (Where The Sidewalk Ends, etc) or reader reviews (Cape Cod Chronicle Section 2/Art Cast, etc.). Only one recommendations has truly failed me.

The short list below (and fifth “annual” as I forgot to do a 2023 list*), includes stories that take place on Cape Cod (and the Islands). Nothing too heavy; at the very least, interesting enough for an overcast day.

The Vineyard Remains, Addison McKnight 

The Vineyard Remains is the second novel by West Hartford authors Nicole Moleti and Krista Wells, who go by the pen name Addison McKnight.

A thriller that explores the “dark” side of the exclusive island’s year-round population through the eyes of two women who have come to live there for very different reasons, and whose lives are forever intertwined through secrets and tragedy. This book is half women’s fiction, half psychological suspense. While there are many books set in the Vineyard, and many authors who live there, there are not a lot of thrillers.

An excerpt of a brief synopsis from Amazon: A desperate murder committed by Angela Miller’s mother tore Angela’s life apart and brought her to Martha’s Vineyard to live with her wealthy grandparents. It’s where her cousin, Kiki King, was born and raised, and Kiki now wants nothing more than to see the world beyond its sandy perimeter. Kiki’s mother escaped it. She took a late-night swim off Tashmoo Beach and was never seen again.

Historic Storms of Cape Cod, Don Wilding

Historic Storms of Cape Cod looks back at the most severe weather events to strike Cape Cod over the last 125 years.

An excerpt of a brief synopsis from Amazon:  Cape Cod has always been in the path of deadly hurricanes and ferocious storms. Unwelcome summer visitors include the “Long Island Express” Hurricane of 1938, the Great Atlantic Hurricane of 1944, the twin Hurricanes Carol and Edna in 1954, and Hurricane Bob in 1991. These storms destroyed countless homes and left several coastal communities under several feet of water. Surging tides carried away houses with residents inside who didn’t survive and sank the Coast Guard lightship Vineyard in Buzzards Bay, killing all 12 crew members. Fall and winter brought the benchmark Blizzard of 1978, the nor’easter of January 1987, and the infamous “Perfect Storm” of October 1991 which delivered some of the highest tides ever seen on the Outer Cape.

The Outer Beach, Robert Finch

This deep dive into a life of discovery along the outer Cape Cod beaches from Orleans to Provincetown, is a must-read for the inner explorer in all of us.

An excerpt of a brief synopsis from Amazon: Robert Finch writes of its beaches: “No other place I know sears the heart with such a constant juxtaposition of pleasure and pain, of beauty being born and destroyed in the same moment.” And nowhere within its borders is this truth more vivid and dramatic than along the forty miles of Atlantic coast―what Finch has always known as the Outer Beach. The essays here represent nearly fifty years and a cumulative thousand miles of walking along the storied edge of the Cape’s legendary arm.

Finch considers evidence of nature’s fury: shipwrecks, beached whales, towering natural edifices, ferocious seaside blizzards. And he ponders everyday human interactions conducted in its environment with equal curiosity, wit, and insight: taking a weeks-old puppy for his first beach walk; engaging in a nocturnal dance with one of the Cape’s fabled lighthouses; stumbling, unexpectedly, upon nude sunbathers; or even encountering out-of-towners hoping an Uber will fetch them from the other side of a remote dune field.

July 10, 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

Iconic Events in Each Cape Cod Town Part 3: Iconic: Bourne, Dennis, Mashpee, Orleans, Sandwich, Wareham

by Jeff Shaw

Canal Day, Bourne

A cornhole tournament ($100 first place prize), 5K road race (9:15am), arts and crafts festival and food truck vendors is the line-up for Canal Day in Bourne on September 21, 2024. 

Enjoy a leisurely day along the Cape Cod Canal!

Antique Car Parade, Dennis

The 66th Annual Antique Car Parade will happen on August 25, 2024 in West Dennis. 

“Show off your prized wheels and join us for a cruise from Dennis Port to Dennis Village. The parade leaves West Dennis Beach at 11 am and winds through the villages of Dennis, ending at the Cape Playhouse where you can enjoy refreshments and visiting the car owners. There are many viewing areas along the way.”

Christmas Parade, Masphee

Mashpee Chamber of Commerce will once again support the 2024 Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 14. Celebrate the magic of the holiday season from 5:30-6:30pm with this holiday tradition in Mashpee Commons thanks to sponsorship from local businesses. 

Celebrate Our Waters, Orleans

The Orleans Pond Coalition and the Town of Orleans will once again host the 14th annual Celebrate Our Waters Festival. The event occurs during the weekend of September 13-15.

Last year, the event featured over thirty free events highlighting the natural wonder, scenic beauty, and recreational pleasure of Orleans’ priceless waterways and the unique character of the community.  

Over this fun-filled weekend, people can paddle beautiful Arey’s Pond at sunset, take a morning yoga class at Nauset Beach, tour Town Cove by kayak, bike around town, walk scenic pond trails and even tour our sparkling new Wastewater Treatment Facility.

SandwichFest, Sandwich

The oldest Cape Cod town embraces its ‘tasty’ name with its 15th Annual Street Fair. Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 5, 2024! 

Last year, the festival featured over 90 street vendors, local artists, craftsmen and retailers, children’s activities, food and more. Event hours are 10am-4pm along historic and picturesque Water Street/Downtown.

Sponsorship levels vary from Premier ($2,500) to Contributing ($50)

And don’t forget about the Gateway to Cape Cod, Wareham! Check out events in Wareham at Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce and Cranberry Country Chamber of Commerce. 

May 1, 2024

Iconic Events in Every Cape Cod Town, Part 2 – Barnstable (Hyannis), Brewster, Harwich, Provincetown, Truro

by Jeff Shaw

Quick disclaimer; there are tons of annual and notable events in each Cape Cod town. This post is the second of a three-part series seeks to highlight one of many events that could very easily be swapped in for what follows. 

My goal is to actually attend each of these events this year, but as the old adage goes, the more the merrier. I hope to see you there!

Barnstable County Fair, Barnstable (Hyannis)

“There is a Fair in the Air,” the tagline reads and cheerful jingle sings. The weeklong Barnstable County Fair returns from July 22-28 at the Barnstable County Fairgrounds. 

“Sizzling entertainment, thrilling rides, fabulous food, animals, agriculture and the world’s largest Demolition Derby converge for seven days each July.  Named the “Best Local Event of 2022” by the Cape Cod Times, the Barnstable County Fair is a summer staple not to be missed.  We bring together an incomparable slate of entertainers, the best-of-the -best in fair food, an array of sizzling rides from Rockwell Amusements, and the world’s largest Demolition Derby.  

We match that with county fair hallmarks like 4H demos, petting zoos, livestock, and an impressive display of vegetables, crafts and Americana.  This is Cape Cod’s marquee summer event!”

Tickets are not yet on sale.

Brewster in Bloom, Brewster

The 38th Annual Brewster in Bloom returns May 3-5, 2024. The 3-day event features the town parade, Brewster Band spring concert, 5K and arts and crafts festival and excursion. The 2024 Parade theme is Enchantment Under the Sea [hopefully with a cameo from Michael J. Fox!].

There are also plant giveaways and raffles, a kids fest, chowder tasting, book signings, open houses (at the historic windmill, art galleries, Cobb House Museum, etc.) and garden design talks.

Cranberry Arts and Music Festival, Harwich

The Harwich Cranberry Festival will return on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15, 2024. The Festival seeks to entertain the public, sustain artists and musicians, provide voice to community organizations, and raise funds to support local youth. The Festival provides scholarships to Harwich students graduating from high school as well as support local activities to benefit youth and families.

A related program is weekly Thursday concerts throughout the summer. Dubbed “Cranfest in the Courtyard,” begins the week after the Fourth of July, with tickets are $25 per show or $160 for a season pass.

Provincetown Carnival, Provincetown

The town at the end of Cape Cod has so many cool and fun annual events picking one is not fair. So let’s go with an oldie, but a goodie, the weeklong Provincetown Carnival!

Created by the Provincetown Business Guild in 1978, Carnival is Ptown’s original summer celebration of community, expression, and creativity. The festival attracts tens of thousands of guests from all over the world to enjoy parties, events, costume contests and the celebrated Carnival parade down Commercial Street. The 2024 theme is Renaissance X Revolution. 

It should not be missed!

Truro Treasures, Truro

The understated Truro Treasures [which is so Truro by the way] returns Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22. The three-day festival includes Antique Car Show, Grape Stomp, Treasure Hunt, Harbor to Beach 5K, Rock the Block and more! 

I mean, where else on the Cape can you find a Grape Stomp?!

April 25, 2024