Although there still is a bit of chill in the air, nevertheless the sun is out shininh bright on Cape Cod and
SPRING is officially here today on March 20, 2013. Besides saying goodbye to the cold days, snow and putting away the heavy sweaters and bulky jackets, the start of Spring on Cape Cod brings along the start of many events & activities to look forward too. In Spring the scenery can be just as stunning as summertime, and there are plenty of
fun things to do and places to dine and shop.
A few places opening in Spring:
There’s just something so beachside summer vacation about mini-golf. Cape Cod has scads of courses and Pirate’s Cove is one of the most popular with its splashing water falls and sculpted ‘mountains’.Children between the ages of 3-10 are the perfect age for this thrillseeking, treasure hunting voyage into Hyannis Harbor. Once aboard the Sea Gypsu every child will be transformed into an official member of the Sea Gypsy Crew. With painted faces and donned sashes your little mate will be ready for adventure aboard our working pirate ship. The Activity is nonstop, with flags to hoist , water cannons to blast, and maps to read, there is no time for lolligagin!Take your kids on an old-fashioned, swashbuckling adventure they’ll be spinning yarns about for years to come, Open Memorial Day. 728 Route 28, South Yarmouth; 508-394-6200 or 508-394-5252.
Already in existence when the Cape Cod National Seashore was created, Art’s was grandfathered and they’re now the only ones allowed to drive in several protected Provincetown beach areas. Take the one hour tour along the coast and into the spectacular dunes or go with the sunset tour or a clambake, a lighthouse tour or a surf-fishing tour. Rates start at $25 for adults and $17 for kids. Offered mid-April through Halloween. Visit www.artsdunetours.com for details. 4 Standish St., Provincetown; 508-487-1950.
Sure, the Cape is known for its exceptional seafood, but wine? This local vineyard proves that our sandy peninsula has got the goods to both dine and wine. Several varietals, ranging from Nobska Red (a Cabernet blend) to a delicious Cranberry Chardonnay, are produced from the estate-grown grapes. Stop in any time for tastings, May through December, or a tour of the winery on Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. in the summer months. 681 Sandwich Rd., East Falmouth; 508-457-5592.
Anybody will be sure to enjoy a ride aboard this traveling ode to history. Trips range from the two-hour scenic excursion to the three-hour elegant dinner train. Also offered are luncheon excursions and a family supper train with child-friendly entertainment. As you roll along, take time to notice the uniquely Cape Cod landscape. Scenic excursions from $16 to $20 and trains serving meals from $39.95 to $65.95. 252 Main St., Hyannis; 888-797-7245 or 508-771-3800.
At the seven-acre Cedar Spring Herb Farm (159 Long Pond Rd., Harwich; 508-430-4372), you can wander the organic herb gardens and winding woodland trails, or browse the small shop featuring homemade herbal remedies, skin products, fragrances and teas. The farm is open May to November, Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a different sort of experience, visit the Cape Cod Lavender Farm (Island Pond Trail, Harwich; 508-432-8397). This is the largest lavender farm on the East Coast and consists of some 14,000 plants, which combine to spread a wonderful aroma over the area when the flowers bloom in June and July.
The Pilgrims first landed in the New World in 1620 at Provincetown, as this 252 foot-tall granite tower so loftily reminds us. Join the millions who have climbed the 116 steps to the top for an incredible view of Provincetown, Cape Cod Bay and the Cape Cod National Seashore. A museum at the base of the monument offers exhibits about building the monument and Provincetown history. Open daily, April through November. Admission: $7 for adults; $5 for seniors and students; $3.50 for children. One High Pole Hill Rd., Provincetown; 508-487-1310.
Sightsee while seated as Olde Barnstable Trolley takes you on a one-hour narrated tour of the historic town of Barnstable. The tour covers four-miles of quaint streets and history-filled sites, including Olde Kings Highway, Hyannisport, Centerville and more. An excellent way to see the town and get around, the trolley can also be used as a shuttle service between eight different sites. Tickets ($10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for kids) available at the JFK Hyannis Museum, 397 Main St., Hyannis; 978-767-3761 or 508-771-TOUR.
Learn about the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the vessels and tools developed by its engineers that scientists world-wide now use. Short videos provide an introduction to WHOI, show a day in the life of the deep submersible Alvin, and highlight the 1985-1986 discovery and exploration of the wreck of the Titanic. Step inside a full-size model of the inner sphere of Alvin. Requested donation is $2. Tours available by appointment in March & April. Closed major holidays and January through March. 15 School St., Woods Hole; 508-289-2663 or 508-289-2700.
A veritable smorgasbord of classic fun; golf driving range, skateboarding park, in-line skating rink, batting and soccer cages, large game room and arcade, and the pièce de résistance: Skull Island Adventure Miniature Golf Course. The 38,000-square-foot golf course is a nod to the Swiss Family Robinson, with features like a large tree house, 20 waterfalls and 25 fountains. Open April 1st to October. Prices vary. 934 Route 28, South Yarmouth; 508-398-6070.
There are so many more things going on in Spring as well as the activities available year round:
Ryan Family Amusements centers feature candlepin and/or ten pin or duckpin bowling. They also have huge games rooms with the hottest, newest, coolest arcade games. and party rooms for all occasions. Offers Candlepin/Ten Pin/Game Room/Birthday Parties, League & Recreational Bowling, Mystic & Bumper Bowling, Automatic Scoring, Beer, Wine, Perky's Pizza and Snacks Available
1067 Route 28, So. Yarmouth, MA 02664 or 441 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601
Forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands support diverse species. Lighthouses, cultural landscapes, and wild cranberry bogs offer a glimpse of Cape Cod’s past and continuing ways of life. Swimming beaches and walking and biking trails beckon today's visitors.
(508) 255-3421 Route 6, Eastham, MA Corner of Nauset Road and Route 6 in Eastham 9am-4:30pm daily
Cape Cod Rail Trail
The Cape Cod Rail Trail follows a former railroad right-of-way for 22 miles through the towns of Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet. Its paved surface, few hills, and well-marked automobile crossings make it ideal for cyclists. The trail has a wide unpaved shoulder on one side to accommodate horseback riding, walkers, and runners.There are many opportunities to get off the trail and visit a beach. Food and water are also readily available and public restrooms can be found at Nickerson State Park, Salt Pond Visitors Center at Cape Cod National Seashore and the National Seashore Headquarters. If you do not have a bike, bike rentals are available at many points along the way. For people with disabilities, a limited number of hand-cycles are available for rent at specific bike concessions. For more information call Nickerson State Park at 508-896-3491.Rail Trail Printable Map:
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Now is a good time to start planning your vacation, as many properties offer a reduced rate in the spring season in comparison to the Peak season on Cape Cod in July and August. The Lighthouse Inn opens on May 24, 2013 for their 75th Diamond Anniversary season. To reserve a cottage or room perhaps with an Ocean view, contact the reservations office at (877) 208-2244 Ext 300.
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| Lighthouse Inn |
