Classic Cape Cod Vacation

Dirty Water TV featuring Lighthouse Inn

2011-09-16T10:03:00.000-04:00

Dirty Water TV Videos featuring Lighthouse Inn

August 19, 1991 Hurricane Bob on Cape Cod at the Lighthouse Inn

2011-08-19T15:43:00.000-04:00

‎It was August 19, 1991 just 20 years ago, when we had an uninvited guest who really made a mess of the place! Hurricane Bob descended upon us at about 1:00 pm. Most of our guests had either left or evacuated to our former sister restaurant Bishop’s Terrace for a fun filled afternoon of lunch and games.

All of our pictures usually show the best parts of the ocean but this day was one of the worst in 50 years!

Videos

2011-08-12T09:14:00.000-04:00

Videos Dirty Water TV feature of the Lighthouse Inn, Aqua Sports & Sandbar

From Macedonia to West Dennis: A dream come true

2011-07-15T14:30:00.007-04:00

The Register Newspaper July 2011 Article: 'From Macedonia to West Dennis: A dream come true'
Features an interview of two Macedonia students, working at the Lighthouse Inn Waterfront Restaurant in Summer of 2011. Vesna Goorgievska & Vuskan Pavloviki, both are students at Sts. Cyril and Metodej University in Skopej, Pavloviki in the Faculty of Infomatics studying mathematics and PC programming and Goorgievska in the Faculty of Economics. As a couple, they applied for student visas, which allow them to work through September and then travel for a month before heading back to school. But work comes before play. Pavloviki and Goorgievska, find their jobs at The Lighthouse Inn in West Dennis the perfect opportunity to earn travel money while experiencing seaside living. When asked, "How did the couple secure jobs at The Lighthouse Inn from 4,500 miles away? “We used an American agency back home that collects job offers from all kinds of places in the U.S.,” Pavloviki says. “We wanted to live near the ocean, and we researched the different places to work online,” adds Goorgievska. “We liked what we read about Cape Cod and what the Stones offered, so we had an interview with [food and beverage manager] Bill Sherman on Skype and he hired us to start working here on June 15.”

Lighthouse Inn Waterfront Restaurant Employees
Vuskan & Vesna from Macedonia

We here at the Lighthouse Inn are delighted to have such a diverse team of employees, from all parts of the United States and reaching from Jamaica to Macedonia. All coming together to make the summer at Lighthouse Inn an enjoyable and fully functionable one. We are able to form a family here year after year by
welcoming back the old and introducing ourselves to the new employees, whom travel from all over, to experience Cape Cod while working in a fun atmosphere!. It doesnt take much to come together season after season and form an ever-growing family. After all, through the hours spent together working side by side, traveling and living together in some circumstances through the season, there consistently is a similiar bond that is formed, that far proceeds just being one anothers coworker... we grow friendships, lasting relationships, as we laugh, cry and build summer memories together as a family here at the Lighthouse Inn.

Cape Cod Independence Day (Fourth of July) Celebration

2011-07-02T18:51:00.013-04:00

Summers here and Cape Cod is one of the best places to enjoy the Independence Day weekend celebration.

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with various public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States.

Celebration for many on independence day (fourth of July) weekend includes: parades, concerts, family reunions, fun in the sun at beaches, games, barbecues and of course spectacular views of the fireworks that are sure to impress both young and older ones here on Cape Cod. Travel & Leisure magazine named Falmouth’s annual fireworks display as one of the 10 best in the country, over 50,000 people each summer.
watch the patriotic fireworks show.

Planning out your long weekend on Cape Cod and Islands? Here's a list of events going on in several towns of Cape Cod that is sure to bring fun and memories for the whole family to enjoy:

CAPE COD FIREWORKS
Friday, July 1, 2011

Orleans Fireworks - Rock Harbor, Orleans 9:00 pm

Yarmouth Fireworks- Dennis-Yarmouth High Regional High School, Station Ave. Yarmouth 9:00 pm

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Onset-Wareham Fireworks over Onset Bay - Onset Harbor 8:45 pm

Monday, July 4, 2011

Edgartown Fireworks - Edgartown Harbor, Edgartown at Dusk

Falmouth Fireworks- Falmouth Heights Beach, Grand Avenue, Falmouth 9 pm

Hyannis Fireworks- Hyannis Harbor Dusk

Barnstable Fireworks- Lewis Bay, Hyannis

Nantucket Fireworks - Jetties Beach, Nantucket with a rain date of Tuesday, July 5. Dus

Plymouth Fireworks- Plymouth Harbor 9 pm

Provincetown Fireworks- Provincetown Harbor, Provincetown 9 pm

CAPE COD PARADES

July 4, 2011- Hyannis Parade starting at 4 p.m.“Family, Friends, Fun and Freedom” Main Street, Hyannis. This year’s parade features several bands including the Barnstable High School Marching Band, Dennis-Yarmouth High School Marching Band, Colum Cille Pipe and Drums, Mike Dumas and Platform Soul and more. Kids are welcome to join in with their decorated bikes, the Greater Hyannis Civic Association is sponsoring a contest. Meet at the Village Green Band stand at 3PM to participate. Parade Grand Marshal – John Sullivan, recently retired Barnstable High School Art and Drama Teacher. Come early, shop and dine on Main Street. Parade marchers will queue up on Old Colony Road to Ocean Street. Parade officially begins at Ocean and Main Street and ends at Sea Street. Parade Parking: Public Parking on North Street. Carpooling Suggested.
July 4, 2011 - Plymouth's Fourth of July Parade ~ Hedge Rd, North Plymouth
July 4, 2011 - Chatham's Independence Day Parade ~ Main Street, Chatham 9:30-11:30am, Parade Theme: "LET FREEDOM RING!" Parade proceeds Down Main Street from the corner of Shore Road to Veteran's Field.
July 4, 2011 - Orleans 4th of July Parade ~ Eldredge Park Way, Orleans
July 4, 2011 - Provincetown 4th of July Parade ~ Provincetown
July 4, 2011 – Barnstable Village Parade - runs from corner of Railroad Ave. and Rt. 6A to the Village Hollow 8:30am where it will end for various activities
July 4, 2011 - Edgartown's 4th of July Parade ~ Main Street, Edgartown
July 4, 2011 - Falmouth - Bike and Carriage Parade - Children and families dress in creative Uncle Sam costumes. Beginning at the Village Green at 10:00 am, they parade down Main Street to Margaret E. Noonan Park where a patriotic sing along will take place. 10 am
July 4, 2011 - Bourne parade will start at 10:00am The parade route will begin at the intersection of Academy Drive/Main Street in Buzzards Bay and follow Main Street to the Bourne Veteran's Memorial Community Center.
July 4, 2011 - Wellfleet- 9AM (starts at the Town Pier) This year’s theme is ‘HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY TO THE NATIONAL SEASHORE’

CELEBRATIONS

Sunday, July 3, 2011
Eastham - Old-Fashioned 4th of July - Celebrate an old fashioned July 4th on the 1869 Schoolhouse lawn. 1 pm - 4 pm

Nantucket - Independence Day Activities on Main Street - Bike Parade, Dunk tank, watermelon & pie eating contests, face painting & puppets 10 am - 12 pm

Monday, July 4, 2011 - Sandwich Parade & Events:

10:00 AM “Spirit of Sandwich” Parade
11:30 am Field Events – Field-day type activities and our famous egg toss event.
1:00 PM Muster Events – Cool off with the Sandwich Fire Department’s
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Band Concert (Dale & The Duds) – Back by popular demand, Dale & the Duds will entertain all ages with their ‘oldies but goodies’. It’s a great way to end a busy July 4th day. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket. This is an alcohol-free event.
9:00 PM Boat Parade on Shawme Pond – The boat parade & contest is a Sandwich tradition and a memorable sight to see! Small boats are decorated by individuals/groups in creative ways using paper lanterns illuminated by candles; they astound the crowd as they parade by the bandstand.

Cape Cod by Jamie Brinkman of the San Clemente Journal

2011-07-02T15:05:00.001-04:00

Jamie Brinkman, of The San Clemente Journal, November 2010 article:

All I knew about Cape Cod, before I went there myself, I had learned from the movie Splash. I had always imagined going to that deserted white sandy beach where Darryl Hannah’s flowing blonde waves and the beach grass were both blowing in the breeze.
The sprawling beaches, quaint little towns, and of course, lighthouses all played a role in my desire to visit the East Coast and this fall, I finally got to experience that part of the country first-hand. It was October, the best time of year to visit so I’d heard, and one of my best girl-friends was getting married at a place called “The Lighthouse Inn”. We landed at Boston Logan Airport and set out to drive the hour and a half journey down the 6, or Mid Cape Freeway as it’s commonly known, except that our particular route ended up taking about twice as long thanks to my navigation skills. Whoever says that LA is hard to drive in must not have tried leaving Boston airport. Navigating around that city was like being stuck in a maze - confusing, full of tunnels, traffic, and always one step ahead of my mobile phone’s GPS navigation. However, getting lost in this extraordinary place turned out to be not such a bad thing. Historic buildings melded in with the likes of the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown, with beautiful parks seeping through the few open spaces there.
When we finally found the 6, we were at the Cape in no time at all. We arrived in the small village of West Dennis, on the south side of the Cape, around 9:50 pm and not a business was open. I began to think maybe I should call our hotel to make sure we could get in, but as we turned down Lighthouse Road, I could see comforting twirls of smoke rising from a chimney, a single light on outside the front door, and a flashing lighthouse welcoming us. I felt as if I was a visitor arriving at a friend’s home in the middle of the night, anxious to crawl into bed, and sleep off the long day of traveling.
A woman at the Inn greeted us by name, checked us in, and gave us our key - a real key, not a plastic card; how authentic! We hurried back out into the blustery night and across the lawn to our quaint, cozy ocean front cottage in the “Breezeway” and called it a night.
Upon waking the next morning, I stepped out to a view of the deep blue Nantucket Sound. The grounds were covered in green grass and cottages of all different sizes were scattered across the property. Tucked in the middle, a wooden playground beckoned children to come and play, with slides, swings, ladders and even a big pirate ship! And as if the sandy beaches and playground weren’t enough to keep children of all ages entertained, the miniature golf course, heated pool, shuffle board games and tennis courts surely would.
All I really wanted at that moment was a nice hot cup of coffee on a relaxing rocking chair on the porch overlooking the ocean. Nothing says vacation more than that, and Cape Cod is a place where you can quite easily leave all of your stress and worries behind, simply focusing for a time on the beauty, serenity and history all around. And in this place, there was lots of history.
Walking into the main building of the Inn to have breakfast, I had a chance to really take in the vast amount of antiques. Everything from the stained glass windows, to the wooden duck on the mantle, to the wallpaper going up the staircase, was a part of the original light house building or had been accumulated throughout the years. The main dining room over-looked the ocean, where guests enjoyed a complimentary warm breakfast. Sitting down I noticed there were no crowds out on the beach that morning - actually, there wasn’t really anyone out at all, except one lone fisherman casting his line over the small rock jetty. Our waitress was one of many to tell us once again that this was the best time of year to come.
The Light House Inn is seasonal, open from May to Columbus Day each year, and during the summer months, the beaches fill up to a point that would rival even T-street on a beautiful sunny day. Surprisingly, the water on this side of the Cape is warm this time of year - around 71 degrees - which is more than we could say for San Clemente water this past summer. This day it was in the high 70’s with a warm wind. However, one weekend away from their seasonal closing, a drop in temperature was in the forecast.
During the summer months, the Inn hosts many family reunions, weddings, annual conferences and vacationers from all over the world. It is a true family run, family friendly resort and has something for everyone right there on the property.
After breakfast, I chatted with Cyndi Williams, the event coordinator for the hotel and even met Gregory Stone, the owner and operator. Cyndi showed me around the property and even let us climb the two flights of stairs in the main lighthouse. Seventy-years-ago, this lighthouse and the building around it was all that was here. The Lighthouse Inn property was originally purchased in 1938 by Everett Stone with intent to develop. However, when papers were submitted too late to begin construction in the nicer weather, Everett and his wife Gladys decided to take in visitors to pay the mortgage. So many of the visitors from that summer decided to come back, that the couple revaluated their purpose for the property and turned it into the Lighthouse Inn that it is today.
Since there were very few restaurants nearby, the next year in 1939, Gladys and Everett decided their son Bob would run the dining room for the Lighthouse. Bob hired three waitresses from Wheaton College, including Mary Packard. Bob and Mary were married in 1942, starting the tradition of family operation of the Inn. They had five children of their own, and all worked at the Inn in some capacity. The day-to-day operations are now run by their son Gregory Stone and his wife Patricia. And after being dark for 75 years, the light was relit in 1989 as the only privately owned, privately maintained working lighthouse in the country.
“There are a lot of repeat visitors each year and we love that,” says Stone, “because we get to see these families year after year and get to be a part of their lives. People are always happy on vacation and we really meet some great families.”
That afternoon, we set out to explore the rest of the Mid Cape which seemed more like one large neighborhood, and included the villages of Barnstable, Yarmouth, and Dennis. As the commercial and industrial center of the Cape, this midsection only has two or three main routes - Main St., the 6 or Mid Cape “freeway” (two lane highway) and the 28. No one seemed to call these roads by the actual names which made asking for directions a little difficult, but the overall friendly demeanor of the inhabitants diminished any frustration we had with finding our way. Most of the architecture of this area originated in New England in the 17th century. Characterized by low, broad-frame buildings with steep, perfectly pitched roofs containing end gables, a large chimney and little ornamentation, this style of architecture is applied to almost every type of building from houses to gas stations, and even the Dunkin Donuts, which are literally on every corner. They infiltrate shopping centers with the same prevalence as Starbucks here. Most restaurants and businesses however were as unique as their owners, which made visiting them all the more fun.

The Cape is full of little tributaries, ponds, and marshes from the ocean which are sprinkled with sailing and fishing boats. Large expanses of sand spits and bars break up the water and create interesting geographical patterns. On the eastern edge of the Cape lies a town called Chatham, which is a stretch of white sand beach that is reminiscent of Malibu.
Walking out to the very furthest point there, it was strange to think that I was on the furthermost edge of the east coast of the country. Looking in an entirely different direction, over an entirely different ocean, I still felt at home listening to the crashing of the waves and bark of the seals, and feeling sand beneath my toes. Scallop-edged seashells, sand dollars and multicolored mussels freckled the sand, and picking them up I got nostalgic for a moment. I couldn’t remember the last time I had just looked for seashells. For the first time in awhile, I was able to focus solely on what I was doing right then and there - there was nothing but the sound of the waves and my own thoughts dancing in my head. And for me, that is what vacationing is all about - being able to decompress from the daily grind and remember to slow down enough to appreciate the simple pleasures of life. At that moment I knew I could go home to my own sand and shells in San Clemente and be reminded that across the country or even across the world we all can appreciate sand between our toes or the sound of the waves.
Cape Cod is a perfect place to find serenity and take an opportunity to slow down for a couple of days. Watching the Chatham Lighthouse flashing steadily in the distance I felt at home, even 500 miles away from my own.
Written by Jamie Brinkman
San Clemente Journal

Highlighting the ones that make it all happen at Lighthouse Inn

2011-06-30T16:45:00.000-04:00

Welcoming back the old and introducing ourselves to the new!. It doesnt take much to come together season after season and form an ever-growing family. After all, through the hours spent together working side by side, traveling and living together in some circumstances through the season, there consistently is a similiar bond that is formed, that far proceeds just being one anothers coworker... we grow friendships, lasting relationships, as we laugh, cry and build summer memories together as a family here at the Lighthouse Inn.

Memorial Day Weekend Starts it All

2011-04-29T11:56:00.000-04:00

Summer is almost here!! You may be wondering if I have my dates confused since the first day of Summer doesn't actually begin until June 21st, 2011. As that fact is true, still for many businesses, vacationers, locals and schools, the unofficial season kicks off on Memorial Day Weekend each year.

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Originated in the years following the Civil War, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971. Every year the holiday falls on the last Monday of May, a time when many show their commemoration by visiting cemeteries or memorials, gatherings between friends and family, and participating in parades. Some Parades and Ceremonies for this Memorial Day on Monday, May 30, 2011 include:

Memorial Day Parade; Ceremony, 9:45am. Village Green and Main Street, Falmouth.
Memorial Day Ceremony, 10am-11am. World War I Memorial, Main Street, Chatham.

As most of us do take this long, usually warm, weekend to gather friends and family for: barbeques, vacations, time spent on the beach, shopping and eating out. We treat this three-day holiday as if it does mark the onset of the season, there is so much to do rain or shine, it is sure to be a great getaway for the weekend. How do you plan to make the most of your Memorial Day Weekend? I've put together a few suggestions to help you out:

Spend a day at one of the 115 beautiful Sandy Beaches of Cape Cod, build sandcastles, swim, or just lay out and enjoy the sun. A must see is the Cape Cod National Seashore which consists of forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands support diverse species. Lighthouses, cultural landscapes, and wild cranberry bogs which offer a glimpse of Cape Cod’s past and continuing ways of life.

Get up close and personal with some of the world’s largest and most majestic creatures, when taking a whale watching cruise. One of the most unique and exciting things to do while on Cape Cod, a whale watching excursion should be a must do, on your list.

Ride along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which consists of 22 miles of paved surface with a few hills, and well-marked automobile crossings making it ideal for cyclists along with a wide unpaved surface to accommodate horseback riding, walkers, and runners, through the towns of Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet.

Eat ice cream at one of the many ice cream shops along Rte. 28 or tucked away in various locations close to beaches, shops, and other town center locations.

Take a ferry or plane ride to one of Cape Cod's Islands. Whether choosing to tour Marthas Vineyard and learn of its rich history, thriving culture, or taking in its miles of seemingly endless pristine beaches, clay cliffs and plentiful bird watching, or partaking in the diverse outdoor activities or the many artists, handcrafts and one-of-a-kind boutiques, the Vineyard provides these and so much more. Or maybe a day visit to Nantucket, which is known for its historical integrity, natural beauty, cultural offerings, world-class dining or shopping. Simply the relaxed atmosphere and island-style way of life may appeal to you.

Cape Cod's colorful history is the reason why the Cape contains so many great museums today. A visit to one of Cape Cod's museums is a great family outing (children are specifically catered to at many museums) and can also satisfy the most inquisitive history buff. Whether it’s a solemn remembrance at the John F. Kennedy museum or exploring treasures from the authentic pirate shipwreck The Whydah, Cape Cods museums will both educate and delight the entire family.
The rhythm of the train and the spirit of the crew will whisk you away on an exhilarating journey along beautiful cranberry bogs, natural woodlands, lush marshes and more while aboard the Cape Cod Scenic Railroad. Enjoy these scenic views between Hyannis and the Cape Cod Canal with sounds of the chugging train and whistle blows. Whether with children, couples or single passengers, there is variety of scenic excursion options to include meals as well, while on this fun-filled two-hour trip.

Enjoying a play at one of the many local theatres is sure to be a great time for both children and adults. Whether giving youth the oppurtunity to develop a love and appreciation of theater while at the Harwich Junior Theatre. Or going to theatres to experience the birth of new plays before they move on to major stages around the country, such as the Cape Cod Theatre Project. Be one of the first to give your applause to a production well done!

There's no doubt that Cape Cod has these listed activities and so much more to offer such as: jet skiing, kayaking, Shopping, Antiquing, Fishing, Miniature Golf, etc. Look out for further articles highlighting some of our local favorites. All in all, however you and your family choose to spend this Memorial Day Weekend make sure you have fun, share laughs, and explore all that Cape Cod has to offer.

Family Fun on Cape Cod at the Lighthouse Inn

2011-04-25T11:00:00.000-04:00

You are guareenteed to enjoy a time away from home, at the Lighthouse Inn. Where family and friends gather and build lasting relationships and memories that proceed long after the vacation has ended.

Just to list a few of the activities available at the Lighthouse Inn during our full season (mid May to Columbus Day):

Pirate Ship playground ,
children enjoy being Captain of their own ship

Tennis
Playground
Shuffleboard
Miniature Golf
Basketball
Volleyball
Swimming in o
and so much more...

You are bound to have a time filled with laughter and fun amongst friends and family of all ages. Whether playing a competive game of tennis, a round of ping pong in the game room or relaxing on the private sandy beach or poolside, there is always something to do at the Lighthouse inn...

Meet new friends to share in the summer fun

Just imagine going on vacation and not having to use a car once arriving on property, we are talking about the ultimate place to have a complete relaxing vacation for all. With so much to do, you might not want to leave!!

A True Cape Cod Experience

2011-04-23T10:05:00.000-04:00

Looking for a TRUE CAPE COD experience? There is no doubt that the Lighthouse Inn will have just the right amount of leisure activities & charm to facilitate you for that true Cape Cod Getaway. Whether a family with children, couple or single travelers, there's bound to be a plethora of things to do and enjoy while on vacation. Nestled in a central location of the Cape, the Lighthouse Inn in West Dennis, MA offers the ideal surroundings, situated Ocean Front along the shore of Nantucket Sound, Providing complete seclusion from the town and allow you to get lost in relaxation once entering through the two white pillars along Lighthouse Inn rd, to the beautiful nine acres of property However still having the convenience of being close to all the fascinating points of interests that beautiful Cape Cod has to offer.

Spring on Cape Cod is here!

2011-04-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

SPRING is upon us, flowers blooming, grass greener, and the sun making an appearance longer. It may have seemed to begin a little late (with snow the first few days of Spring and all), but it is here and just in the knick of time to start another great season at the Lighthouse Inn.

Opening our doors for the 73rd season on Friday, May 20th, 2011, we look forward to welcoming both past and new guests to help kick off the season.