Plenty of autumn fun available on the Outer Cape

By Sandi Barrett
Contributing Writer

REGION – Cape Cod is beautiful any time of year, but the fall offers special perks for shoulder season travelers. Fun October events, little to no wait at restaurants, deals on accommodations, less traffic, and good weather will contribute to your relaxing Cape getaway.

With exciting events sprinkled throughout the month of October like Oysterfest, Vinegrass Music Festival, Halloween in Provincetown, and the Full Moon Tour, the Outer Cape is a unique fall getaway.

Provincetown
Provincetown (P-town to those in the know) offers guests a more relaxing, “mingle with the locals” kind of atmosphere.

Fun October events include the Columbus Day weekend Monumental Yard Sale. A town-wide gathering featuring stores and private residences selling interesting finds. If you love a good bargain, now is the time to shop. 

The month closes out with Halloween Weekend, October 30 to November 2. P-town knows how to throw a great party, and a costume party is the ultimate celebration atmosphere. The Crown & Anchor presents “Witch Perfect,” an award-winning parody of the Disney classic, “Hocus Pocus” – in drag, of course. Check out Northeast Ursamen’s Spooky Bear Weekend for all the parties, dances, and ghoulish gatherings. 

Dine at Pepe’s Wharf Restaurant for exceptional seafood served up with beautiful water views. The 1620 Brewhouse offers elevated pub grub with a nice selection of draft beers. For dessert, check out Lewis Brothers Homemade Ice Cream – delicious, small-batch flavors like Mudslide Chip, Ginger, and White Russian sit alongside traditional ice cream flavors. 

Truro
Take an autumnal stroll in the surf on Cold Storage Beach, Ballston Beach, Corn Hill Beach, or Head of the Meadow Beach. It is a peaceful way to get your step count up without battling the crowds. The Cape Cod National Seashore’s hilly dunes and expansive ocean views are salve for your summer-weary soul. 

Highland Light, Cape Cod’s oldest lighthouse, is the spot for unspoiled panoramic views. You can tour the lighthouse, visit the exhibits, and pick up a souvenir in the Keeper’s Shop. 

The Vinegrass Music Festival is October 5. The iconic blend of Americana and bluegrass music styles offer a toe-tapping beat while you enjoy a perfectly aged wine from Truro Vineyards. Held on the vineyard grounds, the one-day autumn festival is a wonderful tradition to kick off your fall festivities. 

Wellfleet
Wellfleet’s signature October event is Wellfleet OysterFest, happening October 18 and 19. This is the 25th year celebrating these gems from the ocean. Local eateries turn out amazing nibbles, beer and wine gardens will quench your thirst, and live music fills the air as local crafters ply their wares. The iconic oyster shucking competition is not to be missed. 

 If you like museums that are a little out of the ordinary, visit Marconi Wireless Station. Here you will learn about the history of wireless communication. On January 18, 1903, the first transatlantic wireless Morse code messages between South Wellfleet and stations in England were sent. This allowed King Edward VII and President Theodore Roosevelt to pass communiques in a timely manner. 

Wellfleet is home to beautiful Atlantic facing beaches including Lecount Hollow, Cahoon Hollow, Marconi, and Newcomb Hollow. These south facing beaches along the National Seashore are quintessential Cape Cod sandy retreats in the fall. 

The Lecount Hollow Trailhead anchors one end of the 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail. Stretching from Wellfleet to Dennis, the Rail Trail is a scenic bike and walking path through charming Cape towns, local ponds, and lush backyard gardens.

Eastham
Eastham is known for its iconic Nauset Lighthouse. There are still a few tour dates open in early October to climb the lighthouse steps and take in the sweeping panoramic views. Their Full Moon Tour is October 6 and is a beautiful way to enjoy a crisp, clear coastal night.

Eastham beaches include Coast Guard Beach, Nauset Light Beach and First Encounter Beach. Fun fact, First Encounter Beach is the historic location of the first encounter between the Mayflower Pilgrims and Native Americans.

Arnold’s Lobster and Clam Bar is a popular spot for seafood. Whether you are craving a succulent lobster roll, fried-to-perfection jewels of the sea, or a classic burger and fries, Arnold’s is the spot. After your meal, work off some calories with a round of on-site mini golf. To top it all off, stroll over to the ice cream shop for everyone’s favorite beach vacation dessert.

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