By Sandi Barrett
Contributing Writer
The Lower Cape is often defined by the towns of Harwich, Chatham, Orleans, and Brewster. While November on the Cape might not be sunbathing weather, the average high is just above 50 degrees. The crisp autumn air is wonderful for outdoor adventures, shopping, and walking on the beach.
You will love exploring the stunning Cape Cod National Seashore landscape off season. It is the perfect, crowd-free time to explore the quaint fishing villages, slow-paced harbors, and quiet beaches.
Photo/Courtesy of Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
Harwich
The beautiful fishing town of Harwich is known for its pretty harbors and lovely south facing beaches. Harwich is divided into seven villages: Harwich Center, East Harwich, North Harwich, South Harwich, West Harwich, Harwich Port, and Pleasant Lake.
The Harwich Antique Center offers unique finds with a little something for everyone. Packed jewelry cases, seafaring decor, art, brick-a-brack, and a mind-boggling array of treasures, await your shopping curiosity. You can wander for hours exploring the nooks and crannies and find your most treasured Cape Cod souvenir.
Photo/Sandi Barrett
Venture outdoors along the Cape Cod Rail Trail for a lovely stroll or bike ride. The Dennis Cycle Center is open in November for bike rentals to enjoy the trail on two wheels. Bell’s Neck Conservation Lands offers 2.75 miles of salt marsh and pretty water views. Take a walk along Bank Street Beach or Red River Beach. Both beaches offer panoramic views of Nantucket Sound. The Harwich Conservation Trust also has a number of trails ideal for an autumn hike.
Fine dining at Twenty-Eight Atlantic in the Wequasset Resort is the perfect spot to celebrate. With views of Pleasant Bay and a Forbes five-star rating, you know it will be memorable. Select from a delicious prix fixe menu or a sumptuous seven-course tasting menu.
Enjoy fabulous seafood in Harwich Port with a beautiful Saquatucket Harbor view at Brax Landing. Gracing the casual dining menu are all the unusual seafood suspects including Stuffed Quahog and Lobster Rolls.
Chatham
Strolling through quaint downtown Chatham is like taking a step back in time. Many shops have seasonal closings, but the iconic Cape style shines through. There are three villages included in the town: South Chatham, West Chatham, and North Chatham.
Chatham boasts six beaches. Chatham Lighthouse Beach is close to downtown and is accessible to Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge – a perfect spot of a nature walk. Harding’s Beach in West Chatham offers views of Stage Harbor and Monomoy Island. Oyster Pond is a salt-water pond beach. The other three offerings are Pleasant Bay Beach (Jackknife Beach), Forest Beach, and Cockle Cove Beach.
Chatham Bars Inn offers an array of dining experiences. Enjoy a fine dining repast at STARS where coastal inspired cuisine is served up with Atlantic Ocean views.
Photo/Sandi Barrett
Dining with locals at the Chatham Squire is the best way to immerse yourself in the Cape Cod culture. Their Chatham Cioppino combines gifts from the sea in a beautiful tomato broth.
Orleans
Planted in the Cape Cod “elbow,” Orleans is quiet and a less touristy Cape town, included is the lone village of South Orleans.
The town boasts several beaches that are wonderful for an off-season walk along the shoreline. The Atlantic-facing Nauset Beach is the best known and attracts surfers ready to tackle its powerful waves. Skaket Beach faces Cape Cod Bay, offering tidal flats at low tide, and is the perfect spot for a long beach walk. Other Orleans beaches include Rock Harbor Beach, and Little Pleasant Bay Beach. Crystal Lake, and Pilgrim Lake are freshwater beach alternatives.
The Lost Dog Pub is a fun, casual spot for elevated pub grub, pizza, and seafood.
Brewster
Brewster, called the “Sea Captain’s Town,” is filled with historic homes. Villages in this northern enclave include South Brewster, East Brewster, and West Brewster.
The Cape Cod Rail Trail connects to Nickerson State Park in Brewster. Hiking over a dozen different trails through the woodlands and around ponds, the trails range from easy to moderate.
Enjoy Thanksgiving without all the work at the Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club. Dine with your clan (or a romantic dinner for two) for a seaside holiday meal where you can be truly grateful for the people at your table. After a delicious and worry-free culinary experience, retire to your private getaway villa for the ultimate in holiday relaxation.
A November Cape Cod getaway is a relaxing take on the iconic Cape vacation. No crowds, long walks on beautiful beaches, and leisurely dining adventures are a few of the reasons to visit the Cape this fall.
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