The Only Old Colony Rail Trail Bench May Get Company

The only bench along the Old Colony Rail Trail (OCRT). Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

by Jeff Shaw

Over the summer, Chatham Bikeways Committee Chair Bob Oliver recommended benches be installed along the Old Colony Rail Trail (OCRT). Only a single bench exists along the 4.6-mile route at the intersection of the trail and George Ryder Road, near the Hangar B (a public cafe), leaving weary travelers nowhere to take a break.

Indeed, “not a stone, not a log, not a bench, nothing to sit on whatsoever,” Oliver said. He’s right. I biked the route recently and other than two picnic tables in a grassy area above White Pond, there is no other place to sit along the OCRT.

Currently, the Bikeways Committee is seeking sponsors for at least four additional benches to be installed along the route. Each bench will cost $2,500, with the option of including a memorial plaque. While the price point of the benches ($2,500) is way more than the memorial brick ($150-300) pathway installed in Kate Gould Park last year, I assume a local business and/or wealthy donor will scoop up this wonderful opportunity to enhance outdoor recreation in town.

As for the locations of these four benches; good question. As of this writing, I have not received a response from the Bikeways Committee regarding where these benches would be installed. 

However, having used the trail for the last 25 years or so, I have some guesses. I describe my four guesses for the four benches locations as follows: Sure Things; “Yes, But”; and a “Hail Mary”. And for a little fun, I have a bonus guess, which will be called “How Has That Not Been Done Already!”

Once the money is raised (or the Bikeway Committee responds), I’m looking forward to seeing if I’m right or wrong!

Sure Thing #1: Intersection of Route 137 and Route 28 (between Short ‘n’ Sweet Ice Cream and Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church)

Prime real estate for a bench. There is even an ice cream shop next to the parking lot!
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

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. 

Sure Thing #2: Intersection at Crowell Road 

The OCRT Trailhead at Crowell Road. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

The intersection is already billed as the Old Colony Rail Trail Trailhead (at least on Google maps), so, there should probably be a bench at the beginning/end of the trail. Additionally, there is a large framed map of the trail in the immediate area. 

Yes, But: Paved Area Where Trail Becomes Wilfred Road, near Sky Way

The quiet side of the Chatham Municipal Airport (CQX). Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

A small paved area at the end of Wilfred Road leads to an emergency access gate along the fence of the airport property. Granted, the area is a little dusty and certainly quiet compared to the bustling side with the Airport Café and Stick’n Rudder Airplane Tours. Still, a bench facing the runway with views of planes taking off and landing would be an enjoyable view while taking a break. Admittedly, the location is less than a mile from the original bench on the other side of the airport, and just down the street from the picnic tables at White Pond.

Hail Mary: Wilfred Road Overlooking Little White Pond, White Pond or Emery Pond

A view of White Pond from Wilfred Road. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Let’s be honest, a bench is best placed in a location with a scenic view. A few spots along Wilfred Road, closer to Old Queen Anne Road, would provide stunning views of area ponds. However, there is not much ground to secure a bench along the bluff, but it would be a lovely view in a quiet part of town.

How Have They Not Done That Yet!: Veteran’s Field, Paved Area Behind Outfield

The end of the sanctioned route (Veteran’s Field). Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

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!

A couple other locations that make sense, but are not as fun as the other guesses are below:

If You Insist #1: Intersection at Volunteer Park extension.

The “four corners” intersection of the OCRT. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

This location happens to be an extension trail to Volunteer Park, a public park with a skateboard park as well as ballfields. Not in view, but across from the extension path is the tennis court at Bailey’s Path, a private neighborhood. Indeed, a lot of action at this intersection.

If You Insist #2: Chatham-Harwich OCRT line.

The Chatham – Harwich line of the OCRT. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

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.

Where do you think the benches should be installed?

September 6, 2023

Train Stations on Cape Cod

The Cape Cod Central Railroad scenic lunch train approaches a crossing from the East. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

by Jeff Shaw

There are many ways to see Cape Cod – walk, bike, sail, drive, even board a helicopter or airplane. But a lesser-known option, equally enjoyable, is riding the rails.

Back in the 19th century, the railroads, transformed Cape Cod from rural farmland and fishing villages into a summer resort destination. The railroads, not boats and not (yet) cars, were the main (only?) transportation method on and off-Cape. Indeed, in 1910, the Buzzards Bay Railroad Bridge was the first bridge to be constructed (the first versions of the Bourne and Sagamore followed later), which shows railroad travel was indeed the priority.

Today, there are two passenger rail services on Cape Cod; Cape Cod Central Railroad and the Cape Cod Flyer. The former consists of scenic or holiday-themed trains with food service; the latter, more of a commuter line, with many Bostonians trading the city for the beach on weekends.

Bourne Station overlooks the Bourne Bridge above and Canal Bikeway below.
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

While you may notice an occasional passing train or hear a faint train whistle in the distance, a half dozen train stations are on Cape Cod. If you are a fan of trains, as many in my family are, the stations are worth a visit. So I took my 3-year-old son on a train station tour this month. I never thought train stations, could be exciting, but wow, chasing down the scenic lunch train to view it from multiple stations was a lot of fun!

The Roy Earl Jones, III Bourne Station, Bourne Bridge Road, Bourne

Located directly under the Bourne Bridge, the Bourne Station has a magnificent view of the Cape Cod Canal, with dozens of benches overlooking the waterway and recreational path. There are picnic tables behind the platform as well as public restrooms. 

Grey Gables Historic Train Station, 24 Aptucxet Road, Bourne

One of a handful of historic sites that comprise the Museums at Aptucxet, the Grey Gables Station was built for President Grover Cleveland, who summered on Cape Cod during his presidency. A cardboard cut-out of the president stands next to the entrance to the station during viewing hours. My son was particularly confused by the small stretch of track in front of the building that went nowhere on either end. A century-old locomotive relic is found adjacent to the parking lot. 

Gray Gables Station. Jay wonders where is the rest of the railroad track!? Photo credit Jeff Shaw.

Historic Sandwich Train Station, 42 Jarvis Street, Sandwich

Just a short walk from downtown Sandwich, the historic train station provides close viewing of trains lumbering along the line. Not that long ago, passengers boarded scenic trains at the Sandwich Station, which I recall doing in 2015 (Octoberfest Scenic Train). Somewhat ironically, given the “historic” designation of the station, the platform and awning are both worn out and parking lot lines faded. A raised platform can be found in the distance, but local vegetation has engulfed the ramp.

West Barnstable Station, 2469 Meetinghouse Way, West Barnstable

A bustling area on Saturdays, the West Barnstable Station picks up passengers for scenic trains on Saturdays (in season). The station museum is also open on Saturdays from 9:30am-1:30pm. Plus, a model train station club, located across from the parking lot, does live demonstrations on Saturdays. If you like trains, this is the place to be on a Saturday morning!

West bound trains pass Sandwich Station on the track closest to the station.
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Hyannis Transportation Center, 252 Main Street, Hyannis

The beginning or end of most scenic trains as well as weekend commuter service, the Hyannis Station is the literally the transportation center. Just steps from downtown Hyannis and the harbor, the Hyannis station houses Cape Cod Central Railroad, Cape Cod Flyer, regional and private bus services. Connections to the Nantucket Ferry are also nearby. 

Falmouth Station, Junction of Route 28A and Route 151 (Enter Shining Sea Bikeway Parking North; 22 County Road/1 Depot Road, Falmouth)

Even Cape Cod Central Railroad staff are careful not to overstate the Falmouth location as an actual station. There is no official address; just the junction of two roads act as the official directions. If you are using GPS, the recommended location is Shining Sea Bikeway Parking North. Nonetheless, a scenic dinner train departs the Falmouth “location” at 5:00pm on July 21 and August 18 only (in 2023). Talk about an unique experience!

The view of the Wareham River from Wareham Village Station platform is simply stunning.
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Other Notable Train Stations on Cape Cod

Chatham Railroad Museum, 153 Depot Road, Chatham

Since 1960, the Chatham Railroad Museum, housed in a vacant depot building, has collected thousands of railroad artifacts, including the restored wood-sided red caboose in the backyard. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated. The museum is located across from Veteran’s Field, home of the Chatham Anglers and a short walk from downtown Chatham.

Former Hyannis Train Station, 489 Yarmouth Road, Hyannis

Hidden in plain sight is a former New Haven Railroad Station across from Barnstable Airport. The enlarged white sliding door is an unmistakable feature of this former railroad building. The first-floor awning surrounding the front and left side of the building, plus the location next to the railroad tracks are also “red” flags [train crossing warning pun intended] for the history of this building.

The Buzzards Bay Station platform overlooks the Cape Cod Railroad Bridge.
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Other Notable Train Stations off Cape Cod

Buzzards Bay Station, Buzzards Bay Park

The Buzzards Bay Station may as well be named Cape Cod Railroad Bridge Station, because that’s exactly the view you have from the platform. If you are interested in watching the railroad bridge move up and down, just look East!

Wareham Village Station, 290 Main Street, Wareham

Don’t be fooled, Google maps will bring you to a former depot building, that is now outdoor seating for a nearby restaurant (the gated building is home to a dozen or so tables and chairs). The actual Wareham Village Station is located next to the Wareham Fire Department, Ladder 1. The Wareham Village Station has a stunning view of the Wareham River.

August 24, 2023

Sandwich Marina is a Cape Cod Canal Paradise

Headwaters of the Cape Cod Canal and Cape Cod Bay. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

by Jeff Shaw

If you are looking for a morning or afternoon of free entertainment, look no further than the Sandwich Marina.

The Sandwich Marina, Bay side, sits about two miles north of the Sagamore Bridge. The marina is bustling with activity, both for those with a slip and those without one.

I happened to visit during an Army Corps of Engineers boating safety event. The offerings: free fishing lessons (off the pier), coast guard boat tours and ‘dunk an engineer’ were perfect shoulder season entertainment. While that community event may have sparked the visit, plenty of activities exist without it.

Dunk an engineer kept the kiddos entertained despite the wet weather. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

First, fishing. Unrelated to the event, dozens of anglers were casting or dropping line(s) up and down the pier. The free parking at the marina is a plus.

Second, the maritime traffic in the canal. Not overwhelming, but a steady flow of vessels of all sorts, sizes and sounds. With a half a dozen benches spaced along the waterfront; the marina is a people watchers paradise.

Third, the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center is not just for directions, but an interactive walk through exhibit. Three rooms, two of which have stunning (eye level) views of the canal, explain the history of and rationale for building the Cape Cod Canal. Spoiler alert: safer passage for ships compared to the treacherous shoals that surround the peninsula. There is even a retired service boat inside the building visitors can climb aboard and explore.

A stunning view and history of the Cape Cod Canal. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Fourth, a picture-perfect picnic location. A covered set of picnic tables can be found on a slightly elevated, somewhat hidden bluff, overlooking the head of the channel. The view may even qualify for a Cape-wide top 10 views list.

Five, the restaurants. The hopping Pilot House, classic Seafood Sam’s, mainstays Superior Lobster & Seafood and Fisherman’s View Seafood Market round out the immediate, walkable area. And just a short drive down the road is Marshland, Sweet Tomato’s, Off the Grid and Beth’s Bakery and Café as well as downtown Sandwich.

Finally, the railroad. Wait, what?! Yes, trains from Cape Cod Central Railroad and the Cape Cod Flyer pass over the tracks that cross Freezer Road, the main entryway into the marina. While the Cape Cod Railroad Bridge is on the other side of the Canal, in Bourne, the train may be the best kept secret for a complete view of the channel. Though, the Sandwich Train Station, while historic and still standing, does not stop for passengers anymore.

Slightly tucked away and covered picnic area near the Cape Cod Canal, Cape Cod Bay headwaters. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw

(To be fair, the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway, also an Army Corps of Engineers Service Road, is the most common way to explore the Canal area.)

How was your visit to Sandwich Marina?

July 12, 2023

A Sidewalk for All in Harwich Port

A well-worn walking path on private property along Route 28 in Harwich Port. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw

by Jeff Shaw

Who would have thought building a sidewalk would be such a contentious issue?

It turns out that sidewalks may be the third rail of Cape Cod politics! At the very least, opposing views make for entertaining reading via letters to the editor.

I live on a street without a sidewalk, though my previous address was located in a neighborhood with sidewalks. While safety – physical separation, usually raised, between pedestrians from vehicular traffic – is the purpose of a sidewalk, they also come with responsibility. In most municipalities, if a sidewalk exists in front of your home, you are responsible for making it passable for others. Cue the snowstorms of 2011, 2012 (and maybe 2014, if memory serves), where residents had to clear sidewalks caked with feet of heavy snow. Generally, sidewalks must be clear anywhere from 24 to 72 hours depending on local ordinances or storm severity, or risk citation.

Expedited snow or debris removal is not the leading cause of opposition to sidewalks in Brewster or Harwich Port, cost and changes to the landscape are.

The view of Wychmere Harbor from Route 28, Harwich Port. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

The sidewalk project in Harwich Port is much less contentious than the one in Brewster. First, it is a small project. A sidewalk is only to be built on the water side of Route 28, the length of which is only a 0.5 mile. The cost of the project is $1.6 million. In comparison, the length of the Millstone Road project in Brewster is almost 3 miles, at a projected cost of $6 million. A dedicated bicycle lane is also part of the Millstone sidewalk project.

Second, the short stretch of roadway in Harwich Port passes bustling commercial areas. The sidewalk project on Millstone Road is almost entirely located in a residential corridor. In Harwich Port, on one end of the sidewalk project is Saquatucket Harbor, known for fishing charters and popular dockside dining, whether the grab and go cafe or Brax Landing Restaurant. The middle section includes a peek-a-boo view as well as access to the stunning Wychmere Harbor (site of former Thompson’s Clam Bar). Finally, the other end is the gateway to downtown Harwich Port with Sundae School Ice Cream and Ember’s Bar and Grill.

Another well-worn path along Route 28. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Finally, a well-worn walking path already exists through multiple lawns along Route 28. (Probably to the annoyance of local private property owners. Indeed, not a good look.) While building a six-foot-wide sidewalk will improve safety for walkers and drivers, it will also enhance the landscape more than the well worn path can, even if local property owners lose a piece of their land in the process.

The project is already approved and work is expected to begin next spring.

June 9, 2023

Food Trucks to Find on Cape Cod

by Jeff Shaw

A growing number of high-quality food trucks, offering an array of tasty options, can be found throughout Cape Cod. It’s an exciting development, fueled by the ‘grab and go’ [to the beach] summer culture, and of course, the extended dip in sit-down restaurant visitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, many diners prefer quick meals outside. Food trucks fit the bill.

For operators, the overhead of a food truck is less costly than maintaining a storefront, though many food trucks on Cape Cod are an extension of a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Unlike street food vendors/carts, food trucks have the ability to cook items to order because they have kitchens, making them more appealing (healthier?). No doubt, food trucks ironed out their place as a reliable food option found throughout Cape Cod.

But understanding the food truck scene is a bit like dumping out all the pieces of a 500-piece puzzle and trying to put it back together in the dark.

Most communities have strict regulations on where food trucks can operate (i.e., not too close to brick-and-mortar restaurants, residential communities, etc.) as well as times (i.e., after-hours at beaches, so not to compete with ice cream trucks; or parking lots where Cape Cod Baseball League teams play, so not to compete with the volunteer snack bar, etc.). Each town has its own application for food truck operations.

While each town has a list of food trucks through licensing, that information is not easily found online. Beyond town lines, there is no central website, whether by industry, region or even aficionado, listing the location and schedule of food truck operations. Some Cape Cod towns do have regular food truck vendors at certain locations (Nauset Beach, Orleans) or events (Mondays on Main Street, Chatham) throughout the summer season. But they are the exception, rather than the rule.

So, the information below is my initial attempt to solve the puzzle – with a flashlight (to continue the darkness analogy above). It is incomplete, as the applications of food truck operations in many Cape Cod towns are still pending for the upcoming summer season. But let’s take a peek of where to find some food trucks on Cape Cod.

Beaches

The majority of beaches do not have an on-site snack bar, making the mobile food truck a great solution. Well, so long as ‘ye olde ice cream truck’ does not already have a contract to operate in the area. 

Perhaps the best example of the versatility of a food truck is at Nauset Beach in Orleans. Due to shoreline erosion, the famous Liam’s at Nauset had to be razed back in 2018. The following summer, the town experimented with a handful of food trucks operating in the parking lot. By all accounts, the experiment was a rousing success, both financially as well as in popularity. 

Last summer season, you could find Capeside Kitchen Beach Patrol Food Truck and the Polka Dot Panini, operated by the Chatham Filing Station, among others, at Nauset Beach.

Farther northeast along the Atlantic side is the Leeside Café Food Truck which can be found at Newcomb Hollow Beach, Wellfleet. It’s amazing just how good a simple grilled cheese (okay, okay, a three-cheese panini) can taste amid a warm summer breeze and the roar of the Atlantic between bites.

Currently, the Orleans Select Board is looking into allowing food trucks at Rock Harbor, Bay side, which is a go-to spot for catching the sunset on a clear summer evening. That pairing would be a home run.

Bike Trails

The Cape Cod Rail Trail, Shining Sea Bikeway, Province Lands trails and similar bicycle paths are visited by thousands of people throughout the day, many of whom are burning calories by foot or bike. While some restaurants, ice cream parlors and bike shops are just off trail, some of the larger parking lots have been identified as a suitable location(s) for a food truck.

As an example, in Chatham, you can find food trucks at the Old Colony Rail Trail parking lot on Route 137, from 11 a.m. to sunset most days.

Downtown

Mondays on Main [Street] in Chatham, [Harwich] Port Summer Nights on Wednesdays, Hyannis Main Street Musical Strolls on Fridays are just a few examples of seasonal events where food trucks tend to pop-up. Though town officials and even the business community are encouraged (if not pressured) to strike that delicate balance of the location proximity between established brick and mortar restaurants and food trucks.

One would think when the population quadruples in the summer, the addition of food trucks wouldn’t seem to siphon business from the established brick-and-mortar restaurants. Turns out that may not be the case.

Festivals & Special or Private Events

Whether arts and crafts festivals, parades, Shakespeare in the Park performances, summer galas or historic celebrations, there’s a good bet a food truck will be hired to provide the food and drink.

Doing so can be of great relief for event staff or volunteers, as catered events usually require some form of licensing, food inspection, and other logistics that may be better left to businesses that deal with those issues regularly. 

The Food Truck Festival!

“There’s only so much fried seafood you can have on a summer Cape getaway. After three straight days of scallops and clams, you’ll probably be looking for some variety. The Cape Cod Food Truck Festival is the perfect solution,” wrote Joel Ang in a 2022 Boston.com article. The article talked about the annual food truck festival on Cape Cod.

On August 5, 2023, the 11th Annual Cape Cod Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival will be held in Falmouth, MA. The event features some of New England’s most popular food trucks, dishing out fan favorites, and dozens of regional and national craft breweries. It may just be the ultimate food truck experience at The Cape Cod Fairgrounds.

Bonus: Reader Poll Top 3

A recent Cape Cod Times reader poll showed the three most popular food trucks on Cape Cod are:

Cape Cod Donuts (Sandwich)

Dancing Spoons (Orleans)

Off The Grid (Sandwich)

“Happy eating! See ya.”

May 15, 2023