There and Back Again: A Cape Codder’s Tale
“Life is better on the Cape.” There are no truer words (thank you Ocean 104.7 custom crafted for the Cape) that echo in my head when driving past that glorious sign on Route 25 East leading to the Bourne Bridge, Welcome to Cape Cod! Massachusetts 2018 Cape Cod and Islands.
As soon as I see that sign– and recall that pre-recorded “custom crafted” radio tagline – I take a deep breathe and no matter how bad the drive, my day, the weather, it all evaporates on the exhale and in an instant, I’m relaxed and just a bit happier. I’m on the Cape. Hopefully that will be your experience if you are traveling this Memorial Day weekend.
Splitting my time between West Hartford, Connecticut and Chatham, Cape Cod (Mass.), I’ve come to realize the 3-hour-ish drive is sometimes a journey by itself. Chartering a plane into Chatham Municipal Airport is not going to happen, so highway it is. I’ve also come to learn there are only two and a half ways to get to Cape Cod in that 3 hour-ish window:
- All Highways: I-84 (East) to I-90 East (Mass Pike) through Hopkinton to I-495 South;
- Route 6 East through Providence to I-195 East; or
- Route 2 East through Norwich to I-395 North to I-195 East…
…and still (only) two bridges await you. Surprisingly, there’s a fair amount of traffic pockets on each of these routes. For starters, Hartford, Grafton, Foxborough, after Mansfield where I-495 goes from 3 to 2 lanes, Route 25 before the Bourne Bridge and random pockets along Route 6 on the Cape. And of course Providence and Fall River on the other routes. So let’s talk about making this 3-hour plus trip bareable, nay, enjoyable…
Ideally, every trip to the Cape would be a leisurely, enjoyable ride with the sun shining, cool breeze blowing, car full of family/friends and multiple “fun” stops along the way. But I’d be lying if this was always how I feel driving to Cape Cod. About half the time, especially in the summer, I like many others, just want to get there as fast as possible. No pit stops. Everyone gets a ration of snacks and a water bottle (hold it). But it doesn’t have to be that way. Having driven to the Cape more times than I’d like to count (hours sitting in traffic, emissions on the environment, wear and tear on the car, fuel fill-ups, you get the idea), quality stops are key to breaking up a long road trip.
All Highways. I-84 to Mass Pike to I-495
Avoid this route during rush-hour, especially in the summer months. If you have time, an early detour in Carlton, MA is worth the stop. You may have heard of this hidden gem called Tree House Brewery (kidding about the hidden part, but gem it is). Don’t even think about it unless you have nowhere to be. The stretch along the Mass Pike to I-495 is not usually stop-worthy, though The Sole Proprietor in Worchester does not disappoint with chops or catch of the day. Wrenthem Outlets off Exit 15 along I-495 may be a must stop for your other half so try to make sure that person is asleep when you drive by. Edaville Railroad in Carver is another classic hidden gem as one of the oldest heritage railroads in operation in the U.S.; it is especially appropriate for families given the Thomas the Train/Polar Express experience during the holidays. Beyond that, you are now on the Cape, so welcome! History buffs may want to take a detour off Exit 3 onto the old Cranberry Highway/Route 28 East. Prior to the development of the current three lane Route 25 expressway to the Bourne Bridge, travelers use to drive on the old one-lane road, with only a few left turning lanes. Don’t be fooled, the traffic was just as bad back then than it can be today. Fortunately, even the old cranberry highway is now two lanes each way, with Ella’s Wood Burning Oven justifying the detour. Now which bridge to take…
I-384 to Route 6 to I-195
Take it during summer rush hour. Until you get to Providence, Route 6 is a quiet country road through northeastern CT and western RI. Last year, my wife and I got caught in a flash flood/thunderstorm/lightning extravaganza and were forced to get off the road. Just by sheer luck, we pulled into the parking lot of Shady Acres Restaurant in Foster, RI. A friendly staff, inexpensive sandwich platers (less than $10), and ice cream was our immediate future. By the time we finished, the sun was starting to break through. The sudden change of extreme weather still leaves me in awe. Along Route 6, keep your eye out for Scituate Liquors, that comically displays a sign that provides a cheap laugh, “Last Stop Before Cape Cod,” even though you are still 20 miles from Providence. I like humor and can proudly share I’ve stopped to quickly buy a 6-pack to give them a little business over the years.
Route 2 to I-395 to I-195
I’ve actually only taken this route twice since it mirrors Route 6 and kind of goes the wrong direction. The only difference to Route 6 being you get tempted to stop at the Connecticut Casinos, or give up entirely on the Cape, and opt for the Connecticut shoreline. But you have nowhere to stay, so keep continuing eastward weary traveler! Once you get on I-395 north, it won’t take you long to meet up with Route 6 in Foster, RI. Once you pass the Mass. border along I-195 East, you have two potential stops, LePage’s Seafood & Grille, which is usually hopping in the evenings, but has a outdoor patio with waterfront view. A few miles down the road in New Bedford, Kyler’s Catch Seafood Market (take out only available Thursday-Sunday), is the place to stock up on reasonably priced seafood for the weekend.
While “beating Waze” is a satisfying feat, it rarely happens on drives to Cape Cod. A side trip or two will make your drive to the Cape a happy one!