By Sandi Barrett
Contributing Writer
REGION – As the sun shines higher in the sky, we turn our attention to outdoor activities, which for many New Englanders, includes a visit to Cape Cod. The mid-Cape region: Barnstable, Yarmouth, and Dennis are perfect anchor spots to enjoy the entire Cape. Whether you are heading over the bridge for a weekend or a week-long getaway, Cape Cod always has great eats, wonderful sandy beaches, and fun outdoor adventures.
Barnstable
Seven charming villages make up the town of Barnstable. They are Barnstable Village, Centerville, Cotuit, Hyannis, Marston Mills, Osterville, and West Barnstable.
Numerous beaches including the popular Craigville Beach, Sandy Neck Beach, and Kalmus Beach join several other lovely sandy spots to soak up the summer sun. Covell Beach is perfect for families with young children, offering a mild surf and plenty of sand to dig into.
Hy-Line Cruises in Hyannis runs ferries to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket enabling you to extend your Cape visit to the beautiful islands.
The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum in downtown Hyannis is a pictorial tour of JFK’s family life and his love of Cape Cod.
Yarmouth
Yarmouth is split into three villages: Yarmouth Port, South Yarmouth, and West Yarmouth. Here you will find great beaches, delicious seafood, and plenty of outdoor recreation.
The beautiful soft sands of Seagull Beach along with ample paid parking make it a desirable destination for summer sunseekers. Another popular beach is Bass Hole, aka Gray’s Beach. This family-friendly spot offers a small beach with calm, shallow water and a boardwalk.
Get your steps in at the Callery-Darling Conservation Area and enjoy a 2.5 mile walk through abandoned cranberry bogs and marshes. It also passes by the Bass Hole boardwalk.
There are three distinct golf options in Yarmouth, Bass River Golf Course, Bayberry Hills Golf Course, and the Links at Bayberry Hills. Whether you are a seasoned golfer or a newbie duffer, there is an opportunity to get out and practice your swing.
Dining at Capt. Parker’s Pub is an exploration into classic New England coastal fare. It is imperative you begin with a cup of their New England clam chowder. Other traditional seafood options include stuffed quahogs, cod fish cakes, and the ubiquitous lobster roll.
Dennis
Dennis is known for its beautiful beaches, so the parking fills up early on weekends. It comprises five distinct villages: Dennis Village, East Dennis, South Dennis, West Dennis, and Dennis Port.
There are more than a dozen beaches in Dennis. The bayside beaches include Cold Storage Beach, Corporation Beach, Mayflower Beach, Chapin Memorial Beach, and Harborview Beach. The Nantucket Sound beaches include West Dennis Beach, Haigis Beach, and Sea Street Beach.
A favorite spot for uniquely crafted gifts is Scargo Pottery. Tucked away in the woods near Scargo Lake, the indoor/outdoor showroom is home to a beautiful gallery filled with must-have items.
Photo/Sandi Barrett
Golf at Dennis Pines where challenging approach shots are hemmed in by a pine forest. Alternatively, Dennis Highlands showcases the best of Cape Cod golf. If you are looking to practice your swing for an hour, the Highlands offers a beautiful practice range.
Head over to Sesuit Harbor Cafe for a quintessential clam shack dining adventure. The queue is always long but moves quickly. While one person orders, the other should scout for a picnic table – it can take a minute to find a seat. The cafe is cash only and BYOB – bring a cooler of your favorite adult beverages and enjoy some of the best seafood on Cape Cod while relaxing with views of Cape Cod Bay.
Photo/Sandi Barrett
Where to stay
Heading to the Cape for a day can be a traffic challenge. Most visitors plan on a long weekend or week-long vacation. Either way, there are several wonderful spots to rest your head after a day of toes-in-the-sand fun.
The Red Jacket Beach Resort in South Yarmouth has everything you would want in a beachy resort town. Located on Parker’s River, there is a beautiful beach just steps from your room – no car, no shoes, no problem.
The Chapter House in South Yarmouth is a picturesque Victorian mansion transformed into a charming inn. It is the perfect spot for a refined getaway stay.
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