An Orleans resident shares his passion for wild local orchids

Photo by: Rich Eldred

Cloaked in an aura of mystery and sculptural beauty, orchids tug at more hearts than perhaps any other flower. And how could they not? Behind their lush looks is a shocking story; no other flower has inspired such vivid stories of obsession and drama. Orchid hunters have been eaten by tigers, vanished in jungles, and even held hostage.

While Rich Eldred understands why orchid growers are drawn to these exotic tales, the South Orleans resident says he loves orchids more for their physical properties: they are elegant, evolved, and delicate.

“My fascination with orchids?” Eldred, 61, reflects. “They are the most highly evolved group of plants. The seeds are the smallest seeds in the plant kingdom, like dust.” Offering this description, Eldred claps his hands lightly and runs his fingers through the air like rain. “They produce tons of seeds,” he adds, “but don’t grow plants that often.” Even the most common local wild orchid—the Pink Lady Slipper—requires a full 15 years from germination to flowering plant.

A full-time reporter for The Cape Codder newspaper, Eldred is also a local orchid expert who has cultivated brilliant detective skills over the years to locate Cape Cod orchids in the wild, which total just 26 or 27 types. By comparison, there are 210 orchid species in the United States and Canada and more than 25,000 growing around the world; almost half of that total is found in the tropics.

Educated as a botanist and an ecologist, Eldred gave a talk titled “Orchids of Cape Cod” at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in March; the presentation was one of several lectures offered in the Brewster museum’s ongoing “Gardening for Life” series. Eldred also leads regular botany walks for both the Harwich Conservation Trust and the Botanical Club of Cape Cod and the Islands.

The wild orchid’s elusive nature is part of its allure. Eldred says he has fallen under the same spell that has transfixed millions around the world. “Orchids seem to come and go,” he says. Cape and Islands orchids, which measure six inches in height to two or three feet, require very specific growing conditions. That fact, combined with their exotic looks, make orchids special even in the eyes of locals who would rather stay inside on a Sunday afternoon than traipse through woods or meadowlands looking for orchids.

While local wildflower experts agree that the number of wild orchids found on Cape Cod is likely declining—some falling to extinction—explorers have made some discoveries in recent years. Eldred says the Small Purple Fringed orchid, for example, was spotted once, locally, at the Sandwich Fish Hatchery in the mid-1980s. Eldred was not that lucky individual, but he has been lucky in coming across other rare orchids and has a history of his own discoveries stamped in his memory—and his notebook.

Eldred once sighted about two-dozen Tessellated Rattlesnake Plantain orchids, an evergreen, near his house. “I didn’t see a one last year,” he says. He also discovered two stems of Little Ladies Tresses—at one time on the state “watch” list—growing in an unused driveway next to a garage in Orleans.

Alternately, the Leafy White orchid, with its graceful white blooms that resemble a nun’s wimple, has eluded Eldred; in fact, the flower has reportedly only been sighted once on the Cape, in a cluster of 17 plants in an old shell mound in Sandwich. “There might be none left anymore,” Eldred says.

Photos by: Rich Eldred

Local wild orchids have an elaborate pollination process and very specific habitats. Many thrive in alkaline soil, contrary to the Cape’s acidic soil. Depending on the variety, the wild orchids on Cape Cod grow in woodland areas, bogs,  dunes and hollows, dry or infrequently mown areas such as cemeteries, and sunny, wet spots. Now and then, Eldred spies an orchid growing in a home garden. “I know where to find them,” he says. “I know when they bloom.”

The Pink Lady Slipper, the Cape’s most common wild orchid, is a woodland variety that thrives in open places and in undernourished soil. This beauty has just two leaves, centered with a stalk topped with a single puffy pouch that is formed from a single petal. The flower blooms at the end of May.

Other than the Pink Lady Slipper, Eldred says seeing a wild orchid in this area is an event. There are several varieties known to have grown in this area at one time that are, he says, near impossible to see.

Eldred says his personal Holy Grail is the extremely rare Dragon’s Mouth, an orchid that resembles a crocus and has been found in quaking bogs; the flower is currently on the state’s “threatened” list. The bloom’s fragile beauty has proved its downfall: In the late 1800s, young boys in the Northeast dug up the orchids to sell them in cities. One was found in Falmouth in 1911, yet no more local sightings were reported until one in Provincetown in the 1980s, followed by another a few years ago on Martha’s Vineyard. “They are almost extinct on the Cape,” Eldred says. “You might see them in Labrador or Newfoundland.”

Rare wild orchids inspire controversy and intrigue. The pale-green Bayard’s Adder’s-mouth orchid—another that Eldred hopes to see one day—was spotted once on an old wooded road near the Barnstable-Sandwich border. Adding to its elusive nature is the fact that this  orchid—and many others—flowers for just a few weeks each year. “People debate whether it’s a true species—or just another adder’s-mouth,” Eldred says with a smile.

Following the trail of the wild Cape Cod orchid may be the most enticing journey of Eldred’s life—and his hunt is far from finished. Eldred has seen eight of the existing 26 or 27 varieties of local orchids and pursues his next great find with passion. Every walk he takes offers another opportunity.

There is something ineffable about orchids that makes them so coveted. “People get very passionate about orchids,” writer Susan Orlean says. “They just seem to get hooked.” Orlean’s gripping 1998 novel, The Orchid Thief, focuses on one man’s obsession with orchids.

One may describe Eldred in a similar way. “Orchids will be there,” he says, “then they’re not. They are disappearing from development and changes in the landscape. They are ephemeral.”

Mary Grauerholz is a freelance writer from Falmouth.

Photo by: Rich Eldred

In search of orchids

With a knowledgeable guide, a sense of curiosity, and an appreciation for the natural world, you too can become an orchid detective. According to Falmouth resident, Mario DiGregorio, there is one important rule to follow in this endeavor: Always respect nature, and never pick an orchid.

DiGregorio should know. He is a trained naturalist with an emphasis on botany, as well as the vice president of the Botanical Club of Cape Cod and the Islands; he also co-authored Cape Cod Wildflowers: A Vanishing Heritage, first published by Mountain Press Publishing Company in 1989, with Jeff Wallner. Eldred says this book was his first inspiration to set off in search of local wildflowers, including orchids. “I wanted to see every one in the book,” Eldred says.

According to DiGregorio, all of the wild orchids on the Cape and I—slands are fragile—and some are endangered and even threatened by extinction—so extreme care must be taken when viewing them in nature. “Wild orchids,” he adds, “can’t live as houseplants, anyway.”

Books can be an excellent introduction. DiGregorio’s softcover book, Cape Cod Wildflowers: A Vanishing Heritage, focuses on a number of wild orchids. Though currently out of print, the book is available by request at local public libraries. DiGregorio also recommends Wild Orchids of the Northeastern United States: A Field Guide, by Paul Martin Brown, and Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide, by Lawrence Newcomb.

Striking out on your own may prove frustrating and even fruitless. The best option is to go on a nature walk with a local conservation group or the Botanical Club of Cape Cod and the Islands (bccci.wordpress.com), which welcomes new members. The Falmouth-based Cape and Islands Orchid Society also holds events and meetings throughout the year, but the organization’s focus is on cultivated orchids.

If you are lucky enough to see a rare orchid in the wild, contact the Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program. They will want to know about it! Also, be sure to email a photo of the beautiful flower to Cape Cod LIFE at mgill@capecodlife.com.

The post Rare, wild, and ephemeral — Orchids appeared first on Cape Cod LIFE.

A preview of the 2015 Provincetown, Nantucket, and Woods Hole film festivals

Courtesy of : Nantucket Film Festival

Cape Cod and the Islands are known around the world for their gorgeous beaches, pristine natural settings, fresh and flavorful seafood, and a laidback vibe that keeps vacationers coming back year after year. In the past two decades, the region has also become a mecca for visitors who enjoy the fine art of filmmaking.

During the summer, interest in first-run independent films heats up at annual festivals in Provincetown, Nantucket, and Woods Hole. Not only do attendees have the opportunity to see films that may never appear in local theaters, they can interact with the filmmakers behind the films, and learn about the filmmaking process, the struggles, and the attention to detail involved. “This is the place to discover films before the rest of the world knows about them,” says Connie White, artistic director of the Provincetown Film Festival.

The festivals draw thousands of film enthusiasts, directors, actors, and others in the industry every year-—as well as summer vacationers curious to learn more. With many evening screenings and events, the festivals offer many cool options for cooling off. Enjoy! For more information, visit stg-capecodlifecom-staging.kinsta.cloud/readersinfo.

Living on the Edge

Courtesy of : Provincetown Film Festival

Held annually in Provincetown—on the tip of Cape Cod—the Provincetown International Film Festival honors filmmakers who live and work on the edge. “We honor filmmakers who make their audiences think,” says Connie White, the festival’s artistic director. “Their films must be provocative, adventurous, and artistically well done.”

Since its inaugural year in 1999, the festival’s mission has been to show a diverse selection of American and international narrative features as well as documentaries and short films. The festival also seeks to highlight the Provincetown community’s unique qualities, including its rich history dating back to the Native Americans, the arrival of the Mayflower Pilgrims, a fishing village with strong Portuguese connections, and an oasis for gays and lesbians. Every year, the festival hosts more than 30 events honoring filmmakers and 100 or more films are screened.

According to White, the presentation of the annual Filmmaker on the Edge Award is the festival’s signature event. John Waters, who directed films such as Hairspray (1988), Serial Mom (1994), and Pink Flamingos (1972), which  all pushed the boundaries of conventional propriety, was the first recipient of the award back in 1999. Today, Waters is a fixture at the festival, White says, and his pencil-thin mustache makes him easy to identify.

Filmmaking pioneers Kevin Smith (2010), Darren Aronofsky (2011), and Roger Corman (2012) have also received the award for their many films that have challenged social norms.

The festival’s annual “Breakfast With…” event is another staple and features panel discussions with filmmakers and other special guests. In 2014, discussions focused on topics such as first-time female filmmakers, documentaries, and the HBO film, The Case Against 8. Participating as a first-time, female filmmaker in 2014, Sheila Canavan created the documentary, Compared to What? The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank.

Over the years, the festival has drawn interest from a variety of celebrities, including actresses Debra Winger, Patricia Clarkson, and Jane Lynch.

Though the festival ends June 21, the Provincetown Film Society, the festival’s parent organization, holds events all year long. “We work with the Wellfleet Drive-In to show classic films such as Jaws,” says White. “We also showed the film, A Hard Days Night, on its 50th anniversary last year.” For tickets, visit ptownfilmfest.org, or call 508-487-3456.

The Write Stuff

Courtesy of : Nantucket Film Festival

The natural beauty of Nantucket Island may be difficult to capture or reflect in words—and that may be one of the reasons organizers of the Nantucket Film Festival work so hard each year to honor writers and the art of screenwriting. “We believe the writer is at the heart of every film,” says Bill Curran, producer of the festival, which this year runs from June 24 to 29. “We are choosing to elevate a role that doesn’t get its proper credence.”

This year’s festivities begin Wednesday, June 24, with an opening night screening at Nantucket High School. In addition, two films shot on the island are scheduled to be part of the festival lineup. “We are thrilled to show films made locally,” Curran says, “including Gray Lady (2014), which was written and directed by John Shea and features actors Eric Dane, Amy Madigan, Natalie Zea, and Rebecca Gayheart; and Peter and John (2014), written and directed by Jay Craven, and starring actors Jacqueline Bisset, Christian Coulson, Shane Patrick Kearns, Gordon Clapp, Gary Farmer, and Diane Guerrero.”

Curran says the mission of the festival, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, is to accentuate the idea that a great film does not exist without a great story. Through staged readings, late night storytelling sessions, and the annual Screenwriters Tribute Award, attendees can participate in fun and interactive events to learn about the quality writing that serves as the backbone of any well-crafted film.

Over the years, the festival’s annual Screenwriters Tribute Award has honored industry legends that have brought distinction to the art of film writing. Honorees have included Judd Apatow, the creator of Bridesmaids; Jim Taylor and Alexander Payne, the writers of Sideways; and in 2014, Aaron Sorkin, who wrote The Social Network. This year’s tribute and award ceremony will be held Saturday, June 27, at Sconset Casino.

Perhaps the most interesting live events at the festival are the stage readings and late night storytelling sessions. Past stage readings have included an adaptation of the Steven Soderbergh and Scott Kramer film, Confederacy of Dunces, featuring Will Ferrell, Rosie Perez, Alan Cumming, Moz Def, and Paul Rudd. The Late Night Storytelling sessions feature filmmakers and other guests telling five-minute stories that address a particular theme.

“This year’s theme will be fact versus fiction,” Curran says of the event, to be held Friday, June 26. “Ophira Eisenberg, writer, comedian, storyteller, and host of NPR’s weekly comedy trivia show, Ask Me Another, will once again host the evening.” Curran added that the names of the storytellers who will participate in the event are kept secret until the event, but past participants have included Rudd as well as Tina Fey, Jim Carrey, and Sarah Silverman.

Another annual event that has featured big names in the industry in the past is the All-Star Comedy Roundtable. Ben Stiller, Bill Hader, and Chris Rock have all been involved over the years.

Though the Nantucket Film Festival does attract popular celebrities and industry professionals, Curran says the festival does not suffer from overcrowding or excessive hype. “We are not a big, sprawling festival with hundreds of films to show,” Curran says. “Our festival is five days long and gives audiences a nice mirror to look at film.” For tickets, visit nantucketfilmfestival.org.

Movies, Music, Science, and More!

Courtesy of : Woods Hole Film Festival

Now in its 24th year, the mission of the Woods Hole Film Festival is to showcase the work of emerging and independent filmmakers, to highlight films that are relevant to Cape Cod, and to foster a creative and independent film community both at the festival and on the Cape.

“The festival gives audience members the opportunity to share experiences and opinions not only with the filmmaker, but with each other,” says Judy Laster, the festival’s founder. “Filmmakers also relish the opportunity to screen their film for the first time with an audience. It’s a truly unique occasion.”

This year’s festivities get underway Saturday, July 25 with a screening of Maya Forbes’ 2014 film, Infinitely Polar Bear, at Redfield Auditorium on Water Street. The film depicts the life of a father who is struggling with bipolar disorder. Over the following week, more than 100 films will be screened at various venues including the old Woods Hole Fire Station, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI), Redfield Auditorium, and Falmouth Academy’s Morse Hall.

One special event on this year’s lineup is a presentation titled, “The Kissinger Twins, Cinematic Labyrinths—Interactive and Transmedia Storytelling Showcase.” This event features film and photography duo, Dawid Marcinkowski and Kasia Kifert, and shows how they mix classic film, photography, and the latest digital technologies to create interactive, web-based cinematic storytelling.

Laster also offered details on an event from a recent festival that emphasized the importance of providing the audience with an original experience they can not find elsewhere. “Cultural icon, Wavy Gravy, attended the 2009 festival’s screening of Saint Misbehavin’, the Wavy Gravy Movie, directed by Michelle Esrick,” Laster says. “The fact that Wavy was there added to the authenticity of the screening. You could feel the audience smiling throughout the film.” The film went on to win the festival’s coveted Audience Award, the voting for which allows those who attend festival screenings to voice their opinions.

“Audience members can vote on the films they see,” Laster says. “They can create a buzz for various films by selecting them for specific awards such as the Audience Award, Best Comedy Short, Best Cape Cod Section, and Best Narrative Feature Film.”

The festival also features a loaded lineup of live music, including a performance by 6 East, a Cape Cod acoustic guitar duo. Tickets—including passes, ticket packages and tickets to individual films—go on sale July 1, at woodsholefilmfestival.org. For more information, email info@woodsholefilmfestival.org, or call 508-495-3456.

The post Marquee Attractions appeared first on Cape Cod LIFE.

The Cape & Islands offer an endless variety of wedding venues, vacation options, and fun-filled daytrips

Photo by: Kelly Cronin

Setting out to cover “great wedding venues” on the Cape and Islands is akin to scanning through all of the local history materials in the Sturgis Public Library; browsing in all of the shops, boutiques, and places to eat along Hyannis’s Main Street; or counting the seals off Chatham. Read: there’s a lot!

Writing about the region’s different vacation options and ideas for interesting and adventurous daytrips can be similarly daunting. For every luxurious resort, welcoming B&B, and comfortable campground on the Cape, there seems to be another, and another, and another, either in the next town, across the harbor, or just next door. Conclusion? The Cape and Islands have so many wonderful places to stay, visit, and tour there is literally something here for everyone to enjoy.

Having said that, in the following pages we provide descriptions, details, and anecdotes on four unique wedding venues, four spots to enjoy a relaxing vacation (a high-end hotel, a family friendly resort, a cozy B&B, and a popular campground), and itineraries for four unique daytrips— one each to Falmouth, Provincetown, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket.

Whether you’re here for a wedding, a vacation, or just to spend the day, we sincerely hope you enjoy your stay. And we’re confident that in a very short time, you too will be learning about many more wonderful resorts, restaurants, beaches, boutiques, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. Enjoy!

Matthew Gill — Wedding Articles

Liberté, the Schooner

Courtesy of: Liberté, the Schooner

Many couples celebrate their weddings at venues around Cape Cod with beautiful views of the water. But how many have the chance to get married on the water, while sailing along the coast?

Over the years, about 100 couples have married aboard the Liberté, a stunning, three-masted schooner owned by Chris and Jane Tietje. Docked in Falmouth Harbor, the ship maintains a regular, summer sailing schedule, offering three tours daily. The Liberté is also chartered for special events, including on-the-water weddings. “First of all, you can’t beat the scenery,” says Jane, “and being under sail is awesome, too. Throw in a sunset, and it’s really spectacular.”

The Liberté measures 77 feet from bow to stern, is rigged with six sails, and has room for 49 passengers. “There aren’t many sailboats that can take as many people as we can,” Jane adds.

On the big day, the wedding party gathers at the dock, where a quick safety presentation is given. Setting off, most of the sails are raised, and the ceremony begins at the couple’s direction. For the ceremony, the couple stands toward the bow, offering guests on the deck a great view of the proceedings. After saying, “I do,” the newlyweds often raise a ceremonial sail together. A champagne toast follows, as does music, dancing, and dinner.

Jane says many couples charter the Liberté because they want elegance and adventure—and a casual setting. Sometimes, the wedding party decorates the ship beforehand, and “Hawaiian” has been a popular theme. For another wedding, a festive, four-piece bluegrass band performed throughout the reception. “It all depends on what the individuals are looking for,” Jane says. “We personalize each charter to exactly what they want.”

In addition to weddings, the Liberté hosts rehearsal dinners, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and other special events. “We’ve also had wedding proposals,” Jane says. “Those are always good, too.”

Matthew Gill — Wedding Articles

Pelham House Resort

Courtesy of : Pelham House Resort

For the many couples who celebrate their wedding at Pelham House Resort in Dennisport, one of the major draws is that their wedding is the only show in town—at the resort, that is—for the entire weekend. In other words, the bride and groom and their guests occupy all of the resort’s 40 rooms for the weekend, creating a special, exclusive ambiance for the celebration.

“The biggest thing is having everyone in that one area,” says Tim Norton, the resort’s assistant manager. “We sell it as a weekend.” Typically, guests arrive on Friday, celebrate with the couple on Saturday, and enjoy the resort’s amenities throughout the weekend.

The main inn features 33 rooms, and a separate court-house offers seven individual rooms, each with king-sized beds. The bridesmaids, Norton says, usually stay in the court-house. The resort also offers an 80,000-gallon pool, a fitness room, and free Wi-Fi. On the wedding weekend, a full breakfast on Saturday and Sunday comes with the cost of a room, and plenty of parking is available for additional guests not staying at the resort.

Norton says the ceremony itself is performed either on the lawn, on the resort’s private beach overlooking Nantucket Sound, or at a local church, with the reception following at the resort. At about 10 p.m., staff set up a beach bonfire with fire pits and beach chairs. Guests don sweatshirts, toast s’mores, and enjoy the ocean breeze.

Asked to share an anecdote or two from a recent wedding, Norton says one ceremony in 2014 was accentuated by a beautiful, full rainbow that emerged from the clouds at just the right moment. “That,” he says, “was pretty cool.” Another fun detail? “Probably about 80 percent of the people that do get married here,” Norton says, “come back—often for their anniversary.”

Matthew Gill — Wedding Articles

The Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa

Courtesy of: The Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa

Beauty, luxury, history, and charm: offering each of these in spades, The Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa in Sandwich provides a wedding package few venues in the area can match. “Couples love the Dan’l Webster, because we have all the quaint, historic charm with all of the modern amenities,” says Bethany Holbert-Catania, the inn’s catering sales manager and in-house wedding planner.

Holbert-Catania  adds that the resort’s comprehensive wedding package is an attractive choice for couples. The Dan’l Webster can host everything from the ceremony and reception, to bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, and even the post-wedding breakfast.

Naturally, the package includes accommodations for the newlyweds on their wedding night. Traditional rooms feature a king-sized bed, or couples can upgrade to a suite with a step-out balcony and a heated tile floor that leads to a whirlpool tub. The suites also feature hand-done, antique furnishing reproductions.

The ceremony is often held in the garden, which overflows with daffodils and tulips in spring, and features a beautiful tree under which couples often exchange their vows. “The garden changes throughout the year seasonally,” Holbert-Catania says. “It’s very colorful and beautifully manicured.”

Alternately, the ceremony can be held at nearby Sandy Neck Beach, with transportation provided. If it rains—or in the off-season—the wedding can be held in the Conservatory, a beautiful glass-enclosed dining room; or The Music Room, a colonial style space with a baby grand piano and a gas fireplace.

For the wedding meal, many couples choose lobster chowder, followed by the chicken Oscar, featuring a boneless chicken breast served with lobster, spinach Florentine, and a bernaise sauce. Another option is the slow-roasted breast of duckling. “Everything that we do is made from scratch,” says Holbert-Catania. “It’s fantastic.”

The Dan’l Webster Inn also features a full-service spa, a cozy tavern, and a one-of-a-kind location on historic Main Street in Sandwich.

Matthew Gill — Wedding Articles

Wequassett Resort & Golf Club

Photos by: Kelly Cronin

In the months before their wedding in July of 2014, Meg and Ryan Payne had visited several different potential venues. Why, in the end, did this couple from Barnstable and Harwich choose the Wequassett Resort & Golf Club? “We knew we wanted to get married on the Cape, and we wanted that beach atmosphere,” says Meg. “We fell in love with the Wequassett as soon as we got there.”

The Harwich resort offers 120 guest rooms, four restaurants, two pools, and a spectacular view overlooking Pleasant Bay. Meg and Ryan’s ceremony was held on the lush croquet lawn overlooking the water. Nearby flower gardens added color to the festivities, as did the bridesmaids’ dresses in light, sea glass blue.

Following the ceremony, a cocktail hour was held in the resort’s new Garden Terrace pavilion, which was completed in 2014. The reception followed in the ballroom.

“It was perfect,” Meg says of her wedding day. “Everything went off without a hitch. The Wequassett staff was so organized; they made it a stress-free experience.” From the event planners, to the bartenders, to the housekeeping staff, Meg says everyone was helpful—and helped make her and Ryan feel special. “I felt like everyone was there for us specifically,” she says. “Everything was awesome.”

Meg says some memorable moments from the day included a sentimental—and unexpected—speech from one of the groomsmen, and a well-mannered performance by the ring bearer, her dog. After the wedding, the couple stayed at the resort for a few days, enjoying the great food, the pools, and evenings by the fire pits.

Describing some of the resort’s new additions, Meg says she was amazed. “Their landscape,” she says, “is like nothing you’ve ever seen.” Watching her wedding video, she adds that one can even make out butterflies in the background.

Matthew Gill — Wedding Articles

Red Jacket Beach Resort

Courtesy of: Red Jacket Beach Resort

For those seeking quality family time this summer, the Red Jacket Beach Resort offers a wonderful and affordable vacation option on Cape Cod. Located in South Yarmouth and overlooking stunning Nantucket Sound, the Red Jacket is a great spot where families can unplug and spend many enjoyable hours outdoors and with each other.

Kenneth Smith, the resort’s executive vice-president, says the Red Jacket is all about bringing people together to create special memories they can treasure and come back to. “We take our guests away from the modern distractions that detract from relaxing, having fun, and being together,” he says.

The resort offers 150 guestrooms, as well as houses, townhouses, and family suite accommodations. There is a full-service restaurant and lounge, an onsite spa, a tennis court, and three heated pools—one indoors, and two outdoors. Naturally, the resort also features magnificent views overlooking the Sound.

Throughout the summer, activities for children are organized daily, and include fishing derbys and crab races by day, and beach bonfires when the sun goes down. “Kids stay active so that mom and dad can relax during the day,” Smith says, “and there are family events in the evening so that everyone can have fun together.”

One activity intended for all is the resort’s “Dive-in Movie Night,” held one night per week throughout the summer. When the sun sets, a family-friendly film is projected onto a large screen by the pool so guests, if they’re so inclined, can watch while they swim. The Red Jacket also hosts a baseball clinic from July to mid-August, featuring players from the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod Baseball League. For more information, visit redjacketresorts.com.

Erin Murray — Vacation Articles

The Chatham Bars Inn

Courtesy of: The Chatham Bars Inn

Situated on a bluff overlooking Aunt Lydia’s Cove—and the Atlantic beyond—Chatham Bars Inn is one of the Cape’s most beloved vacation destinations. What began in 1914 as a semi-private, hunting lodge is now, 101 years later, a breathtaking resort that is synonymous with luxurious vacationing on the water.

Guests can stay in one of 217 rooms on the property, including 40 in the historic Main Inn, and many more in cottage rooms and suites spread out around the property.

The inn offers three great restaurants, including Stars, for formal dining; The Sacred Cod tavern for more casual fare  and The Beach House for cool drinks and meals just steps from the sand. Much of the fresh produce served at the restaurants comes directly from CBI’s eight-acre farm in nearby Brewster.

Naturally, the resort’s primary attraction is its location on the water, and its one-quarter mile of pristine, private beach. Taking advantage of this, the inn offers several water activities and sports including sailing and kayaking. “We are the only resort on Cape Cod with a full fleet of boats,” adds Jennifer Allard, CBI’s marketing manager. Experienced skippers lead guests on fishing charters, seal-viewing excursions, and more.

One of the resort’s beloved traditions is its classic beach clambake. Open to resort guests and visitors, the meal includes clams, lobster, potatoes, and corn, and is served on the Sunday of both Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, and every Monday through Thursday in between.

CBI also has its own 12-suite spa where guests enjoy massages, steam baths, and other treatments. Additional activities include golf, and swimming and sunbathing by the pool.

Chatham Bars Inn is also located nearby the Cape Cod National Seashore and several local beaches and iconic lighthouses; a shuttle service is available for guests to visit these areas. Just around the corner, downtown Chatham offers dozens of shops, galleries, and even a brand new, historic cinema: The Chatham Orpheum. For more information, visit chathambarsinn.com.

Erin Murray — Vacation Articles

Nickerson State Park

Courtesy of: Nickerson State Park

Cape Cod is known for its miles of sprawling, scenic beaches, but the peninsula is also home to wooded areas, kettle ponds, breathtaking trails for walking and hiking, and endless opportunities to view wildlife. Nickerson State Park in Brewster offers access to all of these natural features and a variety of fun activities. With so much to offer, the park is a coveted vacation spot for tourists and Cape Codders alike.

The park is open from mid-April through November 1 and boasts 1,900 acres of pristine wilderness. Camping is available at eight different campgrounds featuring a total of more than 400 campsites.

Inside the park, visitors can enjoy a quiet and serene sanctuary with five large ponds, which are great for swimming, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and sunbathing. The much-loved Cape Cod Rail Trail, which travels from Dennis to Wellfleet, runs right through the park, and thousands of walkers, runners, and cyclists enjoy the trail every year—especially on a warm spring or summer day.

The park is close to several beaches including Crosby Landing Beach, and is also just a short drive to a number of restaurants and attractions. In the evening, visitors can attend a performance of the Cape Rep Theater which offers both indoor and outdoor shows.

Park supervisor, Eric Levy, advises campers-to-be to plan their stay ahead of time as the campground fills up early. “People make reservations six months in advance to visit here in the summer,” Levy says, adding that from Memorial Day to Labor Day guests are allowed a maximum stay of two weeks so more visitors can experience the park. “After all,” Levy adds, “it’s the most beautiful place on Cape Cod.” Reservations can be made at reserveamerica.com.

Erin Murray — Vacation Articles

Long Dell Inn

Courtesy of: The Long Dell Inn

To many, the term “Bed and Breakfast” conjures a variety of images and memories revolving around comfort, coziness, and customer service. The Long Dell Inn of Centerville offers a heaping helping of all of these amenities.

In 2012, Donna Wren and Marc Jacobson purchased the inn, a former ship captain’s home built circa 1849. Though guest accommodation has been offered in the building for more than a century, the new owners redesigned the inn to reflect their own personalities. The ambiance is warm, inviting, and fun. Jacobson describes the décor as “coastal-comfort meets cottage-funk.”

“We used to stay in a lot of B&Bs, and we knew what we liked,” Jacobson says. “When we bought this, we loved the location and we’ve made it all our own.” The inn features seven distinct rooms each with en suite bathrooms, a carriage house, and a charming fireplace. A recently completed addition includes a new patio and a pictureesque pond with waterfalls and fish.

The innkeepers aim to make guests feel as comfortable and “at home” as they can and do their best to accommodate requests. “If someone wants to do something, like girls’ weekends, art weekends, or photography excursions,” Wren says, “we make it happen.”

The same attention to detail goes into the food the couple serves, ranging from homemade lemon ricotta pancakes, to morning glory muffins and baked peach French toast.

The Long Dell Inn is located in the heart of Barnstable and close to many popular Cape Cod attractions. For starters, the inn is just a short walk from Four Seas Ice Cream and within walking distance of scenic Craigville Beach. It’s also just a few miles from downtown Hyannis which features many great shops and restaurants and serves as the departing point for ferries traveling to and from Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

The inn is open for business April through December and for special long weekend stays like Valentine’s Day. For more information, visit longdellinn.com.

Erin Murray — Vacation Articles

Falmouth Day Trip

Photo by: Peter Partridge (Left) Photo By: Paul Rifkin (Right)

It could be said that the town of Falmouth, tucked in the southwest of the peninsula, is one of Cape Cod’s hidden gems. Offering 68 miles of coastline including 10 beautiful beaches, cultural organizations, and the only Cape Cod bike path that travels along the shore, Falmouth is a town that should not be missed.

The town’s beaches offer all of the relaxation—and nearby attractions—associated with a stay in a coastal town. In particular, Chapoquoit Beach (1) and Old Silver Beach are known for their brilliant sunset views. The Knob at Quissett Harbor also boasts very unique geography—and some fun hiking trails.

Whether a novice or an athlete in training, cyclists enjoy riding along the Shining Sea Bike Path, an 11-mile route that winds along salt marshes, cranberry bogs, woodlands, and the beautiful shore. The path begins at Route 151 in North Falmouth and travels a winding route to Woods Hole with plenty of stopping points along the way for lunch, or to enjoy the view. For those in the mood for hiking, a three-mile trail runs through Beebe Woods in East Falmouth.

History buffs will enjoy a visit to Falmouth’s Museums on the Green, a unique venue overlooking the town green offering loads of artifacts and information on the rich history of this community. The museum features two 18th-century houses which display period furniture, fine art, textiles, and more. The museums open for the season on June 9; summer hours are held from Tuesday through Saturday.

Another recreation option is the free outdoor band concerts held on Thursday nights in July and August at the Harbor Band Shell in Marine Park. Also in July and August on Wednesday nights, free, family friendly films are screened under the stars at Margaret E. Noonan Park.

No visit to Falmouth is complete without a stop at the Flying Bridge Restaurant on Scranton Avenue. A favorite among locals and visitors, the Flying Bridge offers a well-stocked menu including a seafood platter, crab cakes, and the Flying Bridge’s signature onion rings.

Mary Stanley — Day Trips Articles

Provincetown Day Trip

Photos 1, 2, & 4 Courtesy of: Chuck Anazalone, Photo 3 Courtesy of: Shutterstock/ Jathys

A trip to Provincetown is a must for anyone visiting the Cape. With its narrow streets and a vast array of quirky, colorful shops, this town overflows with art, antiques, and fantastic restaurants—and some pretty spectacular coastal scenery.

First on your trip, head out to Race Point Beach. Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Race Point is considered one of the best beaches on the Outer Cape due to its soft sands and seemingly endless sunshine. After relaxing in the sand and playing in the waves, tour the historic Race Point Light Station (4), which is a short walk from the beach. Built in 1816, the lighthouse marks the tip of the Cape for ships passing by.

In the mood for something wild? Sign up for a whale watch with The Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown. The cruises travel out to Stellwagen Bank, where sightings of awe-inspiring and magnificent whales are virtually guaranteed.

If your adventure on the high seas works up an appetite, stop in for lunch or dinner at the famous Lobster Pot Restaurant on Commercial Street (2). A Provincetown icon, The Lobster Pot serves some of the Cape’s freshest and finest seafood, including fried clams and lobster tacos. After the meal, head down the street to Lewis Brothers Homemade Ice Cream for a sweet, creamy treat. Kids will enjoy Mississippi Mud, Cookie Dough, or other flavors, while adults may opt for Mudslide Chip, or Limoncello. 

Another unique attraction is the historic Pilgrim Monument  (1,3). For those with the energy and a healthy heart, climb the 116 steps to the top of the monument, which stands 252-1/2 feet atop High Pole Hill. Then catch your breath and enjoy the breathtaking view! The monument—and the museum attached—is open daily, April through November.

Looking for a one-of-a-kind way to tour Provincetown? Why not hire a Ptown PediCab (2)! The company’s slogan offers “your chariots for hire,” and these bicycle-motorized vehicles lead visitors on one-of-a kind town and sunset tours.

Mary Stanley — Day Trips Articles

Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip

Photos by: Don Sylor

From taking a ride on an antique carousel to shopping in Oak Bluffs (2) and dining at a variety of great island restaurants, Martha’s Vineyard offers many unique options for any visitor. And with several modes of transportation—including bicycles, mopeds, buses, and taxis—traveling to and between these destinations can add to the fun.

Any Vineyard trip should include a visit to the historic Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs. Constructed in 1876, the carousel was originally operated as an amusement park ride in Coney Island, New York, before it was brought to the Vineyard a decade later. The popular merry-go-round is the nation’s oldest platform carousel and has been designated a national landmark. The ride is open on Saturdays and Sundays in spring and fall, and every day from June 21 to Labor Day.

Next, spend some time shopping on Oak Bluffs’ main boulevard, Circuit Avenue, which offers dozens of eateries and unique boutiques. Then, be sure to stroll through nearby Wesleyan Grove to view the 300 brightly decorated gingerbread cottages. The site has a unique history, as the area was first developed in the mid-19th century as a Methodist Camp Meeting site. The cottages are colorful and creatively designed, and a sight that can’t be missed!

Getting thirsty? Bad Martha’s brewery in Edgartown offers free beer tastings along with freshly baked pretzel loaves served with homemade mustard. On weekends, enjoy outdoor games and live music too.

Be sure to stop at the American Legion Memorial Bridge (1) at the Edgartown/Oak Bluffs town line. Known to many as the “Jaws Bridge” due to its prominence in Steven Spielberg’s 1975 thriller—which was filmed on the island—the span is also a popular recreation spot. For many visitors and islanders, jumping off the bridge—despite the posted warnings—has become a summertime rite of passage.

Before boarding the ferry back to the mainland, be sure to grab dinner at The Black Dog Tavern in Vineyard Haven. The Garlic Crusted Codfish is a great choice for a perfect meal to end a day on the island.

Mary Stanley — Day Trips Articles

Nantucket Day Trip

Photos Top To Bottom: Jennifer Dow, Tom Dicicco, Terry Pomett

Stepping off the ferry onto Nantucket Island, one’s day of adventure has already begun because the ship docks just minutes from Main Street and the island’s downtown. The area offers many great restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and souvenir shops—not to mention Aunt Leah’s Fudge! Reminders that this island was once the whaling capital of the world abound as visitors make their way along cobblestone streets with many historic buildings nearby, including the Nantucket Whaling Museum and the Nantucket Atheneum.

Take a short stroll to enjoy lunch at the Brant Point Grille and try the restaurant’s Nantucket Lunch Box, which features a one-half lobster roll and a cup of chowder. Yum! Later in the day, dine at nearby Galley Beach Restaurant for a sumptuous meal and a spectacular sunset.

Traveling around Nantucket is easy as a bus service conveniently visits the different villages, and taxis are available for hire. Renting a bike from Young’s Bike Shop is another fun way to get around.

Getting thirsty? Stop at Cisco Brewers (2) on Bartlett Farm Road for a one-of-a kind island experience. The company has a unique history and together with its partners, Nantucket Vineyard and Triple Eight Distillery, produces wine, spirits, and a variety of brews. A $20 tour includes an overview of the different operations and plenty of samplings. The games, the live music, and the spectacular ambiance are free.

Siasconset (4) is a must-see as well. This quaint village on the east side of the island was once famous as an actor’s colony, and the area features many examples of the Nantucket cottage ‘look.’ Purchase snacks and gifts at Sconset Market, and then head on to nearby Sankaty Lighthouse (1). Built in 1850, this historical structure was moved from an eroding cliff in 2007, and today it rests just off the fifth hole of Sankaty Head Golf Course. Tour the lighthouse on Sunday, June 21, Saturday, October 10, or by appointment.

Heading home? Island lore suggests visitors toss a penny over the ferry railing as they pass by Brant Point (3) to ensure they’ll enjoy a return visit.

Mary Stanley — Day Trips Articles

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A chatham woman expounds on a newfound passion—yoga

According to many who practice yoga, the benefits go well beyond increasing flexibility and tightening one’s core. From improving balance—both physically and philosophically—to reducing stress and bringing more peace and harmony into one’s life, many view practicing yoga regularly as synonymous with healthy living.

Chatham resident, Laurie Dickey, took up yoga nearly two years ago after noticing the positive impact it was having on her 24-year-old daughter, Rachel. “She had come home from California for a visit,” Dickey recalls, “and I could see that she had become so mature and philosophical. I could see a physical strength in her as well as a strength in her character. She was so grounded. I was inspired.”

The owner of High Pointe Properties real estate agency, Dickey, 51, says she feels yoga can be practiced by anyone at any time in life. “What I really love about yoga is that you can start practicing it at any age and anybody can do it,” she says. “Men and women of all ages and shapes can do yoga.”

Yoga is a form of physical, mental, and spiritual exercise in which participants are challenged to stretch their muscles by working through—and holding—a variety of poses. Participants are encouraged to focus their minds, and to breathe deeply and rhythmically.

Starting with an initial goal of performing a “simple” headstand, Dickey began attending classes at Dharma Connection in Sandwich in 2013. Practicing regularly, she mastered the pose within a month. “I’m always setting new goals for myself,” she says, “and I like that yoga doesn’t have us competing against other people. There are people in my classes who can do amazing poses but I don’t view them as my competition—I look at them as an inspiration.”

On a given day, Dickey can be found practicing yoga positions such as the “tree pose” or “standing bow” by a local pond or beach. Exercising outside and in beautiful surroundings inspires her. “There is a lot of energy coming from the Earth,” she says. “When I am doing a pose on the beach or on the grass, the energy from the Earth travels through my hands or my feet, and I use that energy to unblock emotional stresses in my life.”

Many who practice yoga feel that as they proceed through the various stretches and movements, they undergo a psychological change that can be as powerful and as healing as any medicine. “Yoga teaches us to live in the moment,” Dickey says. “When I am focused on living in the now, I don’t worry about what will happen tomorrow, and I don’t dwell on what happened in the past. It can be very de-stressing when you focus on living in the now.”

Dickey says practicing yoga has also allowed her to bring more joy into her life. “You have to work,” she says, “but you also have to have fun in your life, and yoga teaches us to keep those things in balance.”

The word Namaste, which is derived from Sanskrit, is recited at the end of each yoga session; yogi say the phrase serves as a reminder that everyone is connected to one another. “Namaste means the divine in me salutes the divine in you,” Dickey says. “It reminds us that we are all equal.”

Dickey is reflective when thinking of the benefits her relatively new health regime has bestowed upon her. “Yoga has brought a peace of mind and calmness to my life,” she says. “It helps me to pause and think about a situation. When your mind is quiet, it allows the solutions to come. I am a better mother, a better business woman, partner, and friend.”

The post Setting new goals—and stretching her muscles appeared first on Cape Cod LIFE.

1. Cape coasters—great for gifts or centerpieces

Looking for a gift that’s fun, creative, and says “Cape Cod?” These unique ceramic coasters ($5.25 each) may do the trick. Created by Paint the Town, Inc., the 4- by 4-inch, cork-based coasters are customized with the name of a different Cape Cod town—or “Cape Cod” itself—in a sandy script. The coasters also feature the location’s latitude and longitude points, which can serve as a reminder of where all the fun was had. Available at Splash Stationers, 126 Route 6A, in Sandwich. For more information, call 774-413-8566, or visit splashstationers.com.

2. Send a thank-you and support a great cause!

These notecards from Smudge Ink ($14.25 for 10 cards and envelopes) are a colorful way to send wedding thank-you’s, while supporting a great local cause. Based in Charlestown, Smudge Ink is a company that designs custom invitations, announcements, and stationery. The company selects different organizations to support, and a portion of the sales of these notecards benefits We Can, a Harwichport non-profit that helps Cape Cod women who are going through challenging life transitions. The cards feature vibrant flowers—or other images—and are blank inside. For more information, visit smudgeink.com.

3. Wear this jacket to the reception—or on the ferry!

Deciding between donning formal or casual attire to a wedding on the beach or a rehearsal dinner, try a TRIMDIN reversible accessory jacket ($189) in one of five styles. Designed, cut, and sewn in the USA, the jackets are made of chenille and other lightweight fabrics, which make them great for any summer occasion. The Braintree-company’s name, TRIMDIN, addresses the coats’ other main feature: the jackets are “trimmed in” by a black lining, which completes the flattering and sophisticated look. The jackets come in several colors including pink, yellow, and light green, and are sold at Tale of the Cod in Chatham and Murray’s Toggery Shop in downtown Nantucket. For more information, visit trimdin.com.

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Bourne exhibit to showcase historic town quilts

Courtesy of: The Bourne Historical Society

Jane MacDonald was perusing one final booth at a flea market in Charlotte, North Carolina in the year 2000 when she spotted them—a pile of about 30 multi-colored quilt squares, faded with age. A resident of Lake Wylie, South Carolina, MacDonald inspected the squares and noticed an interesting detail. About half of the nine-by nine-inch pieces had signatures on them, written in ink in the center. In addition, written beneath the signatures in careful script were the words “Monument, Mass.”

An avid quilter, MacDonald knew these old bits of fabric were special, but she wasn’t quite sure what she would do with them. “I recognized the history involved,” she recalls, adding that she paid $150 for the lot. MacDonald turned to the Internet, as well as genealogists and historians she would come across in the next few years, in an attempt to learn the history behind the squares. She was advised to contact the Bourne Historical Society, and in 2003 she sent the organization a letter. By a stroke of monumental luck, Thelma Loring, a historical society volunteer, was on the receiving end.

Loring, you see, is the great granddaughter of Mary C. Wing (1825-1906), a local woman who was widowed at the age of 38, who lived at the corner of Keene Street and Sandwich Road, and whose name was signed on one of the quilt squares. “It was a stroke of luck through the Internet that brought me to Thelma,” MacDonald says. “I could not believe it,” added Loring, “when Jane told me [my great-grandmother’s] name was on the quilt.”

In September of 2014, MacDonald donated—or “returned,” one might say—all 30 of the quilt squares to the town of Bourne, and the pieces are now in the historical society’s care. This summer, the society will exhibit the squares alongside two other local quilts that also date to the 19th century. Organizers hope additional historical connections will continue to unfold as more and more visitors have the chance to see the squares. “These quilts are a great little piece of history,” says Mary Sicchio, the society’s collections manager. “It tells us who was living here, how they kept busy and entertained, and that they all knew each other.”

Courtesy of: The Bourne Historical Society

The exhibit, “Antique Quilts of Bourne,” will be on display from June through September at the Jonathan Bourne Historical Center. The dominant colors in the various fabric pieces are brown and pink, and several patterns typical of the era—dots, paisley, calico and stripes—are featured. The society is currently planning an opening night gala in early June. Though the exhibit is self-guided, knowledgeable volunteers will be available to answer visitors’ questions.

The quilts in the exhibit are older than the building that houses the historical center, which dates to 1897. Also, several of the squares are inked with the date, March 19, 1863. At that time, the country was in turmoil as the North and South battled in the Civil War. Though far from the fighting, Cape Cod was heavily involved in the action, and many local residents fought on behalf of the Union.

In the town of Sandwich—which in 1863, and through the year 1884, included present-day Bourne—approximately 400 men served in the Civil War, with 54 of them losing their lives in the fighting. “All were very young,” Sicchio says. “It must have been very shocking.”

While the men fought, the women remained on the home front, charged with keeping the home and family together. The women also did what they could to aid the soldiers stationed on the front lines. Sicchio says life in the military was very different in those days, and resources were scarce, so soldiers left home carrying many of their own basic necessities such as blankets, linens, clothes, and bandages.

Several Cape Cod organizations shipped necessities to local soldiers, Sicchio says, and the quilt squares could very well have been among these items. If in fact the pieces were sent to a soldier or soldiers serving far afield, that could explain why the squares resurfaced, more than a century later, in the South.

Photo by: Josh Shortsleeve

According to Sicchio, the United States Sanitary Commission—a civilian organization established in 1861—collected donations for Union soldiers including clothing, food, and other items. Churches and Ladies Aid Societies, including one based out of the Bourne Methodist Episcopal Church (now the Bourne United Methodist Church) on Sandwich Road, also helped with the effort. Sicchio says an advertisement published in The Barnstable Patriot at that time requested donations and contributions on behalf of the troops. “Most of the Cape towns were very active [in war efforts],” Sicchio says.

Other theories exist about the quilt squares, which were never sewn together, though it appears they were at one time intended to be joined to make a single, large quilt. Sicchio says the squares could have been made to be part of a friendship quilt, which was common during that era.

Courtesy of: The Bourne Historical Society

Twelve of the individual squares bear the signature of local women, including Thirza A. Keene, Susan E. Perry, Rebecca Atkins, and Martha F. Rowell; one square, however, is signed by a man, Henry W. Weeks. Loring says Weeks’ signature on the square could indicate that he had made the quilt for someone he knew or for someone special. “It was quite unusual back then for a man to do any sewing,” Loring says. She adds that one local battalion, Company D, 29th Regiment, saw action in the South, and records show several local soldiers had the family name, Weeks. Loring says it is nice to think that the quilt may have been carefully crafted with someone special in mind.

Another clue may also point in this direction. Loring says one of the squares features the short phrase, “When this you see, remember me,” and the signatory is Hannah Blackwell. “It’s a personal touch that means, to me, that it was someone she knew,” Loring says.

Sicchio, however, says the theories about the Weeks square have not been substantiated. “It could very well have been made for a specific soldier,” she says, “but I’ve never found the smoking gun, so for now it is just speculation.”

Courtesy of: The Bourne Historical Society

Additional unanswered questions about the squares remain. It is unknown, for example, why the pieces were never sewn together. As individual pieces, they would do little to help warm a solider at night. However, to preserve the integrity of the fabric and its historic significance, Sicchio says the squares will never be sewn together. MacDonald, who owned the pieces for more than a decade, abided by this philosophy even before she knew of the quilt squares’ history. “I knew it had to remain as it was [in individual pieces],” MacDonald says. “Doing anything to the squares would ruin the legitimacy of it.”

Little is known about the individuals whose names are signed on the squares, however, many of the same surnames appear on an 1857 map of Monument, which was then a village of Sandwich. Census data from the period provides some basic details; for example, in the 1860 census, Henry W. Weeks is listed as a 23-year-old laborer married to Susan H. (Wing) Weeks, the daughter of Mary Wing, Thelma Loring’s ancestor.

While some of these questions may never be answered, the historical society is doing what it can to ensure the quilts are preserved. After receiving the quilt squares from MacDonald last year, the society showed them to a conservationist, who rated the pieces in “fair to poor” condition. For Sicchio, that only heightened the need for their preservation, and in recent months, she secured a $750 grant from the Massachusetts Arts Council to have the fabric properly preserved. The squares are now stored on thick, acid-free mats with Mylar windows to protect them from any degradation.

Courtesy of: The Bourne Historical Society

The upcoming exhibit will also feature two additional quilts created in the 19th century. The first is a fully intact signature quilt made by members of the Scusset Methodist Meeting Church, circa 1890. The congregation exists today as the Swift Memorial Church and worships just across the street from where the original church building once stood. This quilt consists of a variety of floral, check, and striped fabrics, all fashioned in the same crossed pattern, with a bright, red fabric border. At the center of each square is a white diamond design featuring four signatures, and in total, there are 228 names on the piece. “It’s basically a who’s who of Sagamore and Bournedale at the turn of the century,” Sicchio says.

The other quilt is what’s known, Sicchio says, as a “crazy quilt.” Common in the late 1800s, this style gets its name from the way in which scraps of fabric of all type, color, size, and texture, are sewn together. Credited to a local woman, Lydia Crowell, the quilt may date back as far as 1870 and features colorful stitching and a rich velvet trim. Crowell, who worked with her husband as a shopkeeper at a local general store, is also the mother of one of the Cape’s most adventurous women of her time, Hannah Rebecca Burgess. Burgess spent four years at sea with her husband, Captain William Howes Burgess, and chronicled her adventures in a series of journals.

Together, the quilts in the exhibit stitch together a small glimpse into the lives of Cape Cod residents in the mid-to-late 19th century. “There is a lot of history,” Sicchio says, “in these little scraps of fabric.”

The Bourne Historical Center, at 30 Keene Street in Bourne, is open Mondays and Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 508-759-8167 or visit stg-capecodlifecom-staging.kinsta.cloud/readersinfo.

The post There’s a Big Story behind these little squares… appeared first on Cape Cod LIFE.

This summer, try the Shore Dinner at Falmouth’s Sea Crest Beach Hotel

There is nothing like a clambake.After a day of swimming and sunbathing or otherwise adventuring around Cape Cod, relaxing in the sand to enjoy some fresh, succulent seafood as the sun goes down is a special experience. When someone else is preparing the food, it’s even better.

This summer, on every Tuesday evening in July and August, the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in North Falmouth offers its own tasty take on the timeless clambake: the Old Silver Beach Shore Dinner. “The clambake is definitely the quintessential Cape Cod experience,” says Elizabeth Rowell, the Sea Crest’s regional marketing director. “Everyone associates clambakes with summertime on the Cape. It’s perfect for families and definitely something for everyone.”

The shore dinner includes one and one-half pounds of lobster, one-half pound of local steamers, one-half pound of mussels, chorizo sausages, corn on the cob, and baby potatoes. Hamburgers are also available, as are hot dogs, barbeque chicken, and salad. Sweets include watermelon slices and a variety of warm, freshly made cookies. Iced tea and lemonade help wash everything down.

Photos by: Dan Cutrona

Prepared in the kitchen and then served on the beach, the Sea Crest’s shore dinner costs $52 per person (including tax and gratuity), or $36 for everything but the seafood. For children, the shore dinner costs $52 with seafood, $23 without.

Photos by: Dan Cutrona

The meal is served on scenic Old Silver Beach and is open to hotel guests as well as visitors, but advanced reservations are required. Tables and chairs are set up for diners on the beach’s white sands, as are the buffet station and a full bar. When the sun sets, a fire pit is lit and s’mores are made available for toasting. “It’s a very informal, toes-in-the-sand dining experience,” Rothwell says.

In recent years, the shore dinner has drawn between 150 to 200 guests per meal, and Rothwell says the event has been gaining in popularity. She adds that diners who aren’t staying at the hotel can arrive early to spend some quality time on the beach. “I don’t think there’s anything else quite like what we’re doing in our section of the Cape,” Rothwell adds. The shore dinner is held, rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, the food is served in the resort’s oceanfront dining room.

Photo by: Dan Cutrona

In addition to these meals, the Sea Crest also hosts clambake style dinners for weddings and rehearsal dinners. The resort also hosts many corporate groups, conferences, and other special events, and “the clambake is probably the most popular dinner buffet,” says Rothwell.

Another major Sea Crest attraction, Rothwell says, has nothing to do with food, and a lot to do with geography and the time of day. “The sunset at the Sea Crest,” she says. “is a huge thing. The sun sets right over Buzzards Bay, right in front of the hotel, which is right in front of the beach. In the summer, it is quite the event.”

Located at 350 Quaker Road in North Falmouth, the Sea Crest Beach Hotel features 263 guestrooms, suites, and cottages, a dining room overlooking the ocean, two pools, and a poolside bar. For more information, call 508-540-9400, or visit stg-capecodlifecom-staging.kinsta.cloud/readersinfo.

The post A Cape Cod Classic appeared first on Cape Cod LIFE.

To a first-time visitor, Chatham’s North Beach Island, South Beach, and the well-known break in the barrier beach (a.k.a. the Chatham inlet) may appear to be unique geological features that have been part of the town’s coastline forever. In reality, these areas are relatively new, crafted by the wind and waves in recent years; they are part of the changing coastline of Chatham — and of Cape Cod.

A dramatic change in Chatham’s barrier beach can be seen in these images. Once, the barrier beach extended from Orleans all the way southward to Monomoy Point. In the photo above, one can see the results of the 1987 “break” in the beach. In the more recent image, at left, one can see how erosion and the tide has created Lighthouse Beach, just to the east of Chatham Light, connecting the mainland to South Beach. Photography by Paul Andrews

Dating back to 1958, one long barrier beach stretched southward from Nauset Beach in Orleans to the southern tip of Chatham’s Monomoy Point. That year, however, a storm separated Monomoy from the mainland; two decades later, the Blizzard of 1978 split that island in two, creating North and South Monomoy. Meanwhile, for much of the 20th century, erosion has nipped away at the barrier beach, sometimes claiming three feet in a year, sometimes as much as 19 feet.

In January of 1987, a powerful Nor’easter caused the ocean to “break” through the barrier beach immediately to the east of Chatham Light. With the waters of the Atlantic rushing into Chatham Harbor, some areas of the newly exposed coast lost more than 65 feet of shoreline within a year. Much damage was incurred, and at least one summer home was lost to the sea.

Lighthouse Beach, situated just below the Chatham Lighthouse today, was created in the years following this “break” as the northern tip of South Beach curled inward—attaching to the mainland by 1994. The spot is very popular with visitors, and great for seal viewing, though finding a parking spot in summer can be a challenge.

In April of 2007, another break in the barrier beach was created during a powerful storm on Patriot’s Day. This breach was to the north of the first break, off Allen Point in North Chatham, and transformed North Beach into an island. Whereas previously one could reach the beach from Orleans via over-sand vehicle, since the 2007 break a boat has been required to access the island. Since then, 40 cottages on the location’s unstable sand have either been claimed by the sea—or razed and removed by their owners. Where once a beachside village existed, as of the publishing of this issue, only two of the cottages remained.

Longtime Cape resident, Ryan O’Connell, and his family have firsthand knowledge of what has happened to North Beach. In 1982, the O’Connells bought a cottage on the beach’s ocean side. The structure had once been the boathouse and horse barn of the Old Harbor Life Saving Station, which was relocated to Provincetown in 1977. When the O’Connells purchased the property, the distance between the cottage and the water’s edge was so vast the family did not imagine it could one day be threatened.

“I want to say we had close to a half mile to the ocean,” O’Connell recalls. The years passed—and that distance shrank rapidly. Some years, five feet of the beach was washed away; other years, it was 10 or 20 feet or more. The turning point came following the April 2007 storm. The new break caused tremendous currents in Pleasant Bay, rapidly accelerating the erosion process. Between April and May of 2014, the ocean reclaimed the last 75 feet of shoreline standing between the O’Connells’ cottage and the water’s edge. With the ocean lapping at the piles the cottage stood on, in September of 2014 the family made the painful decision to have the cottage demolished.

As a result of time and the area’s dramatically shifting sands, another important event occurred in 2007. The southern tip of South Beach reattached to South Monomoy Island. For the first time in decades, walkers, were they so inclined, could travel on foot from the Chatham Lighthouse to South Monomoy Island. This cozy arrangement would not last for long, however. In 2013, South Beach was breached again, about one and one-half miles to the south of Chatham Light. Today, some boaters use this breach as a navigation channel.

Observers of the Chatham coastline have witnessed dramatic changes in recent years, changes including the creation of a new town beach—and the transformation of another beach into an island that is rapidly eroding. The barrier beach was broken in 1987 and again in 2013, wreaking havoc on local properties while creating new channels for boaters. What does the future hold for this community on the coast? One can only gaze out over the beautiful, ever-changing landscape, and wonder.

Christopher Setterlund is a freelance writer from South Yarmouth.

The post The Changing Shape of Chatham’s Barrier Beach appeared first on Cape Cod LIFE.