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.
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.”
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.
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.
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)
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 Centeris 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.
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.)
I hope you are enjoying fall on Cape Cod, the best season; sparse crowds, outdoor festivals, crisp air, and ocean/pond temperature just warm enough for a quick dip. Mix-in those fall flavors and smiles all around! Speaking of flavors and smiles…
…Last week at Cape Cod Doxie Day, I was the big winner of an Octoberfest raffle prize package – featuring, you guessed it, a mix of Octoberfest-style beers. Like, a lot of beers – too many beers – 48 to be exact (no joke, four 12-packs in addition to pint glasses, bottle opener, t-shirt, etc.). Talk about kick-starting ‘Fest season!
The family and I are now regularly hopping around festivals, farms and bakeries, and my self-control is waning with all the tempting food and drink choices. My kitchen (and refrigerator) is now home to bags of freshly picked native apples, boxes of “famous” apple cider donuts, and pumpkins and gourds galore. There are also pies, baguettes and cold apple cider. Last night, I even caught wind of a famous apple fritter on the Vineyard. Apple addiction, admitted.
Apple Picking
Crow Farm, Sandwich
Crow Farm is a 50-acre family farm located outside of historic downtown Sandwich. While they are no longer operating the farm stand, they have expanded their pick-your-own-apples program. Check out their Facebook page for the latest pick-your-own dates and times. The details: Macoun, Empire, Jonagolds, Cortland and Cameo ($25 per bag), pumpkin picking ($0.75 per pound) and a corn maze ($5 per person).
Cape Abilities Farm is one of three innovative social enterprises established by Cape Abilities—a nonprofit providing jobs, homes, transportation, social and therapeutic services for people with disabilities across Cape Cod. “Fall at the Farm,” includes pumpkins, gourds, mums, straw decorations, but for this purpose…apple butter, local apples, and organic apples are also available in the farm store.
Hart Farm Nursery and Gardens, Dennis Port
The Farm Stand at Hart Farm, open daily (including Sundays), not only offers produce standards, but also fresh apple cider and native apples. If you are a first-timer, check out their “famous” face-painted decorative pumpkins. Fun!
Hand painted pumpkins at Hart Farm. Photo credit: Hart Farm.
Coonamessett Farm, East Falmouth
Coonamessett Farm a 20-acre working farm, agricultural research center and general store located in Falmouth. The store is open from 9 am to 5 pm through fall, and carries freshly grown seasonal produce, native plants, homemade pies, sandwiches, and snacks. Purchase pick-your-own day pass and roam the fields for produce galore! (Alas, no apples.) The farm also holds seasonal activities, including pumpkin decorating for kids. For members, a Jamaican Buffett is offered Wednesdays and they’ve partnered with Buffalo Jump Cafe to offer farm to table breakfast, lunch and reservations-only dinner on the farm.
Farmer’s Markets
All four regions of Cape Cod are well stocked with farmer’s markets. While fresh, often locally grown produce is the main attraction, you never know what seasonal or surprise product may be available. Case and point, take the Falmouth Farmer’s Market, “the market features just-picked produce, local fish, artisanal cheeses, breads, handmade pasta, and such freshly baked treats as apple cider donuts.” The best part, the is a farmer’s market every day (in season), somewhere, on Cape Cod!
Now that’s a catchy ad! Photo credit: Jack and the Beanstalk.
Apple Cider Donuts
Jack in the Beanstalk, Falmouth
It is rare to find a Cape Cod bakery menu have this menu choice: “our famous Apple Cider donuts.” But exist it does, on the Upper Cape. Located next to Falmouth High School, Jack in the Beanstalk is a locally-owned produce and gourmet food store. They started making apple cider donuts in 2016 to much success and fanfare.
Anything but your typical donut shop. From their website, “If you happen upon our back door during the daytime, you wouldn’t think much of it. Just a random, non-descript purple door in the parking lot of a supermarket. However, once the sun sets, the back door swings open. With it, the sweet smells of sugary summer pour out.”
Another hot take: “Everyone from The New York Times to Condé Nast Traveler has waxed poetic about these [Back Door Donuts] sweet treats, and for excellent reason: Fresh, cheap, and available between 7 p.m. and 12:58 a.m. in-season from the rear door of Martha’s Vineyard Gourmet Café & Bakery, these doughnuts might just be the island’s worst-kept secret (as demonstrated by the nightly long lines). Raised and cake varieties are on offer, and favorite flavors include maple-bacon and butternut crunch.”
Top of the menu. Photo credit: Back Door Bakery.
You know what other item is on their menu, “Famous Apple Fritters.” I too, am pacing with anticipation. Just don’t “fall” (seasonal pun) overboard on the ferry ride!
What is your favorite apple product/place on Cape Cod?
