Cape
Cod: Your Home Away From Home
Experience
a New England autumn on a fly drive holiday to Boston
Cape
Cod: Your Home Away From Home by Hugh Parker
Finding your ideal beach
vacation destination is like searching for that perfect piece of art to
hang over the fireplace; everyone has his or her own distinct taste. If
you're spending thousands of your hard-earned dollars on a trip for your
family, every element should be perfect. With beautiful beaches, friendly
locals, and world-class restaurants and nightlife, the Massachusetts haven
of Cape Cod is a great choice for your next vacation.
Commonly
referred to as "the Cape" by locals, this paradise is located only 75 miles
from Boston's Logan Airport, allowing for easy, affordable transportation
from cities across the United States. The most popular time to visit is
between June and August, although the shoulder months of May and September
often provide the best deals on hotels and house rentals. During the height
of the summer, the temperature averages an idyllic 80 degrees, often accompanied
by a slight cooling breeze coming right off the Atlantic Ocean.
While the forty miles of
beautiful beaches might be the initial point of attraction for many visitors,
it's the Cape's wide range of activities that keep them coming back. With
the kids surfing crisp ocean waves and frolicking in the sand, Mom and
Dad are free to pursue their own interests. The fifteen towns on Cape Cod
offer ample opportunity for boutique shopping, spa services, and perusing
through art galleries. Offshore, the Atlantic Ocean contains some of the
best deep-sea fishing on the East Coast, with striped bass and tuna practically
waiting to jump on your line. Whale watching is another of the most common
tourist attractions, with guaranteed sighting being the norm. For those
prone to seasickness, the Cape boasts over 50 golf courses, including 27
public facilities.
Immediately
off the coast, the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket provide quieter,
more intimate vacation spots. While accommodation on these islands is more
expensive than on the Cape, these increased costs can be avoided by visiting
on a day trip. Frequent ferries crisscross the narrow ocean passage, with
the fastest vessel reaching Nantucket in only one hour from Cape town of
Hyannisport.
A quick afternoon nap might
be necessary, because some of your most enjoyable vacation memories will
come from evening exploration across Cape Cod. Each town boasts wonderful
options for dining out, with options for every price range. Lobster, crab
and fish brought in daily from the ocean supply the freshest seafood in
the world.
After dinner, stop in at
one of the local pubs. These colorful establishments mix a friendly blend
of tourist and townie. With a number of breweries operating on the Cape,
the local beer is a point of pride. For the more adventurous (or more tipsy),
the towns of Chatham and Yarmouth are both known for their karaoke. Several
dance clubs also operate throughout Cape Cod, along with a number of venues
offering great live music.
When planning your next family
vacation, consider Cape Cod. Gorgeous beaches, fun-filled activities and
vibrant nightlife ensure that it will become a favorite for years to come.
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