The Inn at Cape Cod
Welcome Back Hallet’s Cape Cod! 29 May 2012, 3:26 pm
This week saw a wonderful event occur in Yarmouth Port – the long-time family owned Hallet’s Ice Cream Parlour re-opened after being rebuilt following a car collision into the store-font last year. EVERYONE in the area knows and loves this old-fashioned ice cream parlor, and we are very lucky that it’s just a couple of minutes walk from us. As well as many flavors of home-made ice cream, you can get shakes, sundaes, floats, frappes and freshly-made sandwiches, sodas and coffee. And you get to enjoy these in a nostalgic “drug store” enivronment reminiscent of those 50′s movies. In fact, having written this, I’m going to head out there right now! Hope to see you soon over the cones!
Cape Cod Restaurant Week: May 14-May 20, 2012 11 May 2012, 12:36 pm
If you need any excuse to spend some time on Cape Cod, here’s one of the best: Restaurant Week! From May 14 to May 20, 2012, you can enjoy culinary creations from the region’s best chefs, all offering prix fixe menus especially designed for Restaurant Week. No fewer than 51 restaurants are taking part this year, so you really will be spoilt for choice. Here are a few of our favorite dining establishments which we hope to visit during the week:
The Old Yarmouth Inn, which is just a very short stroll from the inn, and is a real favorite with Cape Cod locals and all our guests too. We NEVER need an excuse to go “next door” for dinner!; The Ocean House, in Dennisport , just an easy 20 minute drive from the inn. The location is stunning, ie, RIGHT on the ocean and the food certainly lives up to the surroundings it is served in; Gerardi”s, an authentic Italian eatery in South Yarmouth, just 15 minutes from us. We dined there last restaurant week and just loved it! And we cannot write about restaurant week without including The Naked Oyster which is on Main Street Hyannis, about 10 minutes away. We’ve had guests staying here that say the oysters they were served at the Naked Oyster were the best ever in their whole lives! How’s that for an accolade? So, we do hope to see you soon for a gourmet, NO DIET, week!
Mother’s Day 2012 In Cape Cod 3 May 2012, 3:28 pm
Not long now and many moms around the country will be waking up to the one day of the year when they don’t feel guilty about NOT cleaning the place or cooking dinner! Mother’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to let that special lady in your life know how much she’s appreciated and loved.
Most moms love flowers, so that’s always a great gift idea, but how about a trip to Cape Cod where she can really be treated like royalty and have a fun time too. Here are a few ideas for your mother’s day treat:
Over that weekend there is a fantastic exhibition, Blooming Arts, at the Cape Cod Cultural Centre where there will be some incredible floral creations from celebrated designers, each one paired with a painting by a Cape Cod artist. Lovely gifts, and all this is FREE! The exhibition runs May 12-13.
How about a brunch ride on the Cape Cod Railroad? She’ll enjoy a 3-course lunch while peeking at parts of Cape Cod that can only be seen from this scenic train ride.
Or what about a massage, facial or pedicure? How’s that for being spoiled. Our favorite local spa is Solstice Day Spa, in Main Street, Hyannis, just click the link to see their Mother’s Day contest plus lots more ideas for a great original gift. Follow her relaxing and envigorating time at the spa with a tasty and original meal just next door at the Naked Oyster restaurant.
So if any of this tempts you to treat your mom to a Cape Cod getaway for Mother’s Day, you could think about combining any of these ideas with a stay at the inn – we promise to treat her like a princess!
Edward Gorey House In Cape Cod Re-opens For 2012 Season 22 Apr 2012, 2:16 pm
We always know that summer is just around the corner when “seasonal” museums and restaurants begin to re-open after the winter. Last weekend saw the local opening of the Edward Gorey House, which is just a short walk from the inn. We have guests stay at the inn who are avid fans of Gorey, and they travel several times a year from their home in Dallas, Texas, to visit the museum . So whenever we receive a reservation from them we know something is about to happen at the Gorey House! The grand opening last weekend included a fantastic new exhibiton of “Gorey Envelope Art” showing the artist’s skills of decorating envelopes containing letters to his friend and idea collaborator Peter Neumeyer (learn more by clicking here).
One of the interesting aberrations resulting from a visit to the Gorey House is that you come away feeling like you stepped sideways into another world, one which is hard to forget, and one which you yearn to return to time and again. So make sure you plan your visit to Yarmouth Port and Cape Cod to include this fascinating and haunting home.
So Many Options For Eating Out On Cape Cod. Definitely Not “Mal-Bouffe” 20 Apr 2012, 5:27 am
When we first announced to our French friends that we were leaving the south of France to embark upon a new adventure in the U.S., they were indignant at how we were prepared to trade our idyllic life style in one of the most coveted “regions gastronomiques de France” for the awful food “mal bouffe” ( unhealthy eating ) that we could expect 3000 miles away. Then, as they continued, what would we do about finding decent wine. Well, we are now five years into that adventure, and no worse for wear. Quite the contrary, we are loving every minute of it. The food? We rave about the quality and diversity of restaurants here on Cape Cod, almost on a daily basis.
In truth, we are thoroughly spoilt living here year round, and even more so are our guests, who descend upon us every year from all points of the globe. You will probably not need reminding that they can choose to leave the car in our private parking and stroll to three of The Cape’s finest restaurants : The Old Yarmouth Inn ( 1697 ) famous for it’s “spirits” both in the glass and out of it, great seafood and of course it’s wine cellar; The Lyric with its mouth-watering contemporary cuisine, accompanied if you’re lucky by the lovely Anne’s singing; Inaho offering Japanese dishes and a sushi bar.
Maybe you just want a more casual evening. The Black Sheep is our local pub and is once again in Yarmouth Port. The grub is incredibly good, the service friendly and you can always play Trivia if you feel so inclined.
Looking for something special by the water on a warm summer evening. The Sesuit Harbor Cafe, 12 minutes from the Inn, is our summer favorite. It has an irresistible formula all of it’s own. The seafood and fish is hard to beat, the lobster roll may be the best on The Cape. The cafe has a raw bar and you can bring your own wine. All the outdoor tables share breath-taking views across Sesuit Harbor and the yacht marina. Welcome to Cape Cod!
Since we are talking about waterside dining, we have two further favorites that we love and want to share with you. A ten minute taxi ride and you’re at The Mattakeese Wharf family seafood restaurant at Barnstable Harbor. The seafood and service is excellent, and there are stunning views, so try to time your table to take in the sunset. This is a true Cape experience not to be missed, nor is the very special way in which Paul and Dana consistently treat our guests.
The Ocean House is a whole 18 minute drive away and worth that extra effort, and then some! It’s almost being unfair to the other great restaurants, if we were to call this beachside gem our favorite, so we won’t. This is a restaurant NOT to be missed. It’s classy split level layout gives diners stunning views of white sands and the ocean. The cuisine is a very innovative fusion of east meets west, which is always beautifully presented. The ambience has a bustling vibrant edge to it, but at the same time there are tables for that special intimate evening – we have been there for anniversaries. Oh, and we must not forget to thank Janet and Carie, who look after our guests so beautifully every time ( that’s not easy when it’s always so busy ). Book well ahead for this one to avoid disapointment.
So there you have it, seven of the best, each one superb in it’s own right and waiting for you to try it. There are several more worth a special mention – the likes of The Naked Oyster and Fin for example – we shall talk about these another time.
What and Where is Cape Cod? 3 Apr 2012, 4:48 am
Cape Cod is a sixty eight miles long peninsular in Massachusetts, formed by a glacier, but now seperated from the mainland by a man-made canal, the Cape is now effectively an island in the south eastern corner of New England. From New York to Boston, it is often affectionately referred to as “The Cape”, as it is now a well known and fashionable destination both for weekend breaks and summer vacations.
Technically,The Cape is one of the world’s largest barrier islands. There are more than 165 miles of some of the best beaches in the world, and it is possible even in July to find quiet stretches of beautiful white sands. It’s micro climate, maritime culture and historic villages make Cape Cod an all year round tourist destination. Visitors are also drawn by the bird and other wild life, and of course ”whale watching“. The National Seashore, which comprises a conservation belt along most of the eastern coastline, has an awesome beauty all of it’s own, and there are several Mass Audubon Reserves across The Cape that are a must for any nature lover.
One of the nicest areas to stay is in the historic district, the villages of Barnstable, Yarmouth Port and Dennis. They are all seaside communities, centrally located for easy access to the islands, whale watching, and many of the finest beaches and restaurants. There are also great opportunities for antiquing, gift shopping and visiting art galleries. This is the tranquil, leafy side of The Cape, especially in the summer when compared to the traffic jams which routinely plague Route 28 between Harwich and Falmouth.
Many travel companies and seasoned travellers alike, rate Cape Cod and The Islands as the number one attraction of New England, and indeed there may be no better introduction to the US for first time international visitors. Good travel itineries will always allow a minimum of 3 to 4 days in this breathtaking region, and if you are yet to get aquainted and need more convincing, just check out a sample of what you’ve been missing!
More News Of The Right Whales At Herring Cove, Cape Cod 24 Mar 2012, 3:20 pm
Following up on our recent blog, we have now been up twice to Provincetown to see the whales for ourselves, equiped with some decent binoculars. Our first attempt was only partially successful due to some less than perfect weather conditions. We did nonetheless see some glimpses of the Right Whales, enough to convince us to make a second trip when the conditions were much better.
It is around an hour’s drive to the northern most tip of Cape Cod from our Inn in Yarmouth Port, and we chose tuesday this week for our second trip. It was a warm sunny day (70 degrees) with only a slight breeze. So this time the water was like a millpond at Herring Cove.We walked a mile or more towards Race Point Lighthouse, all the time mesmerised by multiple sightings of whales about 200 to 300 yards from the shore. We heard the unmistakeable noise that whales make when they surface. There was so much activity it made us breathless with excitement……… tails, breaches, multiple whales. What a magnificent sight! We didn’t know where to look next - they were everywhere!
Although without question, these early spring days are perfect for whale watching from the shore, there is an element of luck involved in just how much you are going to see from one day to the next. However, there is a rich reward awaiting you, if you get that timing right.
All of our weekend guests were focused on seeing the whales, as we helped each couple to plan their day after this morning’s breakfast. We cannot wait to hear how they all got on at breakfast tomorrow.
So Many Whales To See, Thanks To The Unsung Heroes Of Cape Cod 18 Mar 2012, 2:49 pm
Whales have returned to Cape Cod waters much earlier this year and have many marine scientists scratching their heads to come up with an explanation for this. It may very well be a combination of several different factors, including the higher than usual water temperature – it is some 3 to 4 degrees warmer than the average temperature measured over the last fifteen years. A more abundant food supply may also have had some impact.
To Cape Cod residents and visitors alike, there is the opportunity to see a large number of these magnificent creatures without so much as getting your big toe wet! Although catching a glimpse of the odd whale or two from the shore is always a possibility from April through October, early spring is probably one of the best times – there are currently around 40 to 50 Right Whales just off Provincetown. The Right Whale is an endangered species, and there are thought to be only three to four hundred remaining in the world. The best vantage points are likely to be Herring Cove and Race Point, where the views could be spectacular ( if you’re lucky).We are heading up there this week with some friends, and will try to pick a suitable day weather-wise and as calm conditions as we can to ensure the best possible visibility. Watch this space to see how we get on!
As well as the Right Whale, the other species of whales most commonly seen in Cape Cod waters include the Humpback and Minke. There are Sperm Whales in much deeper water further out in the ocean, and very occasionally indeed, a Blue Whale is sighted.
Finally, we should spare a thought for the dedicated people of IFAW, the International Fund for Animal Welfare and their volunteers, who work tirelessly around the world on our behalf to preserve and save animals, often from extinction. Their International HQ is here in our street in Yarmouth Port, and it is fitting that they are on Cape Cod, as they work daily to rescue stranded and injured whales, dolphins, seals and indeed any other animal you can think of. IFAW leads the world in the science of marine mammal stranding, but their efforts are multifaceted. For example, IFAW has worked successfully with the New England fishing industry to redesign the fishing nets in an effort to significantly reduce the number of fatal whale entanglements. Work such as this and IFAW’s many other campaigns need support from the public. If this is all new to you, and you care about animals and the environment on Cape Cod and beyond, please take a look at what this wonderful organisation is doing – we can all help a little so their efforts achieve an even greater impact.
We are once again offering a great whale adventure package this year and for every package sold, we shall donate $25 to IFAW. However, if this does not appeal to you, just come and see the whales for yourself from the National Seashore. Thank you.
Our Luxury Inn Is A Great Base For Your Cape Cod Adventure 11 Mar 2012, 5:15 am
Okay, let us assume that you are coming to Cape Cod for the first time this summer. One thing’s for sure, you’ll have a hard time deciding which area to stay in, as it can be so difficult doing the necessary research and then of course choosing your accomodation. We, like anyone else who lives Mid Cape on The Olde Kings Highway, can at least help make your decision making process a more informed one, so here are just a few advantages of staying for example, in our historic village of Yarmouth Port.
Tranquility, natural beauty and rich history can all be savored during any time spent here. Our guests can spend time away from their cars enjoying Cape Cod Bay beaches, Grays Boardwalk, the old Wharf and the nature trails that abut our inn’s two acres of landscaped grounds.
The Inn At Cape Cod made an impact in local history as The Sears Hotel in the early 19th century, providing accomodation for weary stagecoach travellers. The village has more than fifty former sea captains houses as well as The Capt. Bangs Hallett’s museum to look at, and the Edward Gorey House Museum lies on the opposite side of the village green.
From the inn you can easily walk to interesting antique and gift shops, art galleries and three of the finest restaurants on the Cape.
No trip to Cape Cod is complete without a day trip to Nantucket and/or Martha’s Vineyard – the ferry terminals and airport are ten minutes away – and of course a Whale Watching excursion, which is only three miles from the inn. Because the Cape is at it’s narrowest in between Yarmouth Port on the Bay side and Hyannis on the southern shore, there are also many additional beaches just a short ride from us.
So come and join us this season and let us take the effort out of your first Cape Cod adventure. Our informative website will give you an idea of how to best spend your vacation time, and our complimentary full concierge service is at your disposal once you arrive.
Cape Cod’s First Annual Yarmouth Golf Festival 10 Mar 2012, 12:21 pm
As you may know, Cape Cod is second only to Myrtle Beach in the number of golf courses, so we are very excited to promote Cape Cod’s First Annual Yarmouth Golf Festival, to be held April 19 – 22, 2012. Participants get to play at and enjoy all the Yarmouth Courses: Bass River Golf Course, Bayberry Hills, Blue Rock and The Golf Club at Yarmouth Port. If you play them all over the event and present your score cards you will be entered into the Grand Prize Draw to win Yarmouth’s Ultimate Golf Experience! Thursday April 19 sees the Welcome Reception, Friday there is the Awards Banquet and on Saturday between 10 am and 2 pm there is the Play Golf America Day at Bayberry Hills featuring PGA Professionals from the NEPGA. There is a Mini Golf Tournament throughout the weekend and on Sunday the Closing Ceremonies will take place.
Our inn is perfectly located (no more than 10 minutes drive to any of the course) for all these events, and for early starts we offer “breakfast to go” so that you don’t miss out on that day’s goodies! So why not tie in a perfect golfing break with a stay at the Inn? Hope to see you soon.
