Why Cape Cod ?
Families can enjoy a variety of activities, such as visiting Cape Cod’s many beaches, Children’s Museum, taking a whale-watching cruise, or exploring the historic lighthouses dotted along the coastline. Whether it's a leisurely day spent at the beach, sampling seafood at local eateries, or engaging in the various recreational activities available, Cape Cod offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for visitors looking to create lasting memories.
Discovering the Charm of Chatham, MA
Chatham, Massachusetts, nestled on the southeastern tip of Cape Cod, offers visitors a quintessential New England experience. With its picturesque scenery, rich history, and vibrant local culture, Chatham is a treasure trove of unique shops and delightful eateries. Whether you're browsing for unique gifts or savoring fresh seafood, this charming town provides a perfect blend of shopping and dining opportunities. Here’s your guide to some of the best shops and restaurants in Chatham.
Explore Chatham’s Unique Shops
Chatham’s Main Street is the heart of the town's shopping district, lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and specialty stores. Here are a few must-visit shops:
Chatham Village Market: A local favorite, this market offers a variety of gourmet foods, fresh produce, and Cape Cod souvenirs. It's a perfect spot to pick up ingredients for a beach picnic or a casual dinner.
Where the Sidewalk Ends Bookstore: This charming, family-owned bookstore offers a great selection of books, including works by local authors and Cape Cod-themed literature. It’s a cozy place to find your next read or a thoughtful gift.
Yankee Ingenuity: Known for its eclectic collection of gifts, jewelry, and home decor, Yankee Ingenuity is a shop where you can find anything from whimsical wind chimes to fine art crafted by local artisans.
Chatham Wind and Time: Famous for its extensive collection of clocks, watches, and weather instruments, this shop is a paradise for those who appreciate craftsmanship and timeless pieces.
Savor the Flavors of Chatham’s Restaurants
Chatham's dining scene is as diverse as it is flavorful, with options ranging from casual seaside eateries to upscale dining establishments. Here are some local favorites:
The Impudent Oyster: A landmark in Chatham, this restaurant is known for its creative seafood dishes and charming ambiance. The menu features local catches and innovative preparations, making it a must-visit for any seafood aficionado.
Bluefins Sushi & Sake Bar: Offering a sophisticated take on Japanese cuisine, Bluefins serves up fresh sushi and a selection of premium sakes in a sleek, modern setting.
Chatham Bars Inn: For a more upscale dining experience, visit this historic hotel's restaurant. It offers exquisite views of the ocean and a menu that highlights local, seasonal ingredients in dishes both classic and contemporary.
The Squire: A favorite among locals and visitors alike, The Squire is the place to go for a lively atmosphere and hearty New England fare. It’s also a great spot to enjoy a local brew and catch up on the town’s happenings.
Coffee Shops and Bakeries
No visit to Chatham is complete without stopping by one of its cozy cafés or bakeries:
Marion's Pie Shop: Renowned for its homemade pies and pastries, Marion's is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you prefer apple, cherry, or a savory option like chicken pot pie, Marion's has something to delight your palate.
Café Chew: A popular spot for breakfast and lunch, Café Chew offers delicious sandwiches, soups, and salads, along with freshly baked goods and excellent coffee.
Chatham is not just a place to visit; it's a destination to experience. Every shop and restaurant has its own story, contributing to the town’s unique charm and appeal. Whether you're shopping for unique gifts, enjoying the local cuisine, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Chatham is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, come and discover the many treasures that await in this delightful Cape Cod town.
Enjoying the Great Outdoors on Cape Cod: Biking, Fishing, Golfing and Whale Watching
Cape Cod is not only a haven of scenic beaches and historic charm but also a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're cycling its extensive bike trails, fishing its bountiful waters, or watching majestic whales, there's no shortage of adventures. Here’s where to go and what to do for the best biking, fishing, and whale watching on Cape Cod, with a special focus on Chatham and the surrounding areas.
Cape Cod's National Seashore
Experience the beauty of Cape Cod's National Seashore. Stretching over 40 miles along the eastern coast of the peninsula, this protected area offers unspoiled sandy beaches, marshes, ponds, and uplands supporting diverse ecosystems. Visitors can enjoy panoramic ocean views, glimpse historic lighthouses, and explore walking trails that meander through habitats rich in birdlife.
Biking on Cape Cod
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a standout for biking enthusiasts. This 25.5-mile trail runs through several towns including Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, and Wellfleet. It’s beautifully paved and offers a relatively flat terrain, making it suitable for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. The trail provides a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of Cape Cod, passing through forests, fields, marshes, and lakes.
Nickerson State Park, located in Brewster, offers more challenging trails amidst its 1,900 acres of wooded terrain and kettle ponds. It's perfect for those who want a more rugged experience.
Here are some of the top biking trails on Cape Cod.
Fishing in Chatham
Chatham is famous for its excellent fishing spots. Chatham Pier and Fish Market is a great place to observe local fishermen hauling in their daily catch, and it's also a spot where you can join a fishing charter.
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge offers fantastic opportunities for saltwater fishing, especially for striped bass and bluefish during the warmer months. You can take a boat to the more remote parts of Monomoy Island for a truly unique fishing experience.
Golfing
Golfing in Chatham, Massachusetts, is a delightful experience that combines the natural beauty of Cape Cod with the historic charm of the town. Chatham's golf courses are renowned for their scenic vistas, encompassing views of the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque New England landscape.
Whale Watching
For whale watching, Chatham is ideally located to access the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, one of the top destinations in the world for whale watching. Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch based out of Provincetown and Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises out of Barnstable offer guided tours that bring you up close to these magnificent creatures, including humpbacks, finbacks, and minkes.
Whether you're cycling through lush landscapes, casting a line in the Atlantic, or watching whales breach against a sunset, Cape Cod offers a multitude of outdoor activities that cater to nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its combination of natural beauty and quaint charm, complemented by top-notch dining options, Cape Cod remains a premier destination for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
Click here to visit Captain John Boats. For whale watching and fishing.
Discover the Vibrant Charm of Provincetown
Nestled at the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown (affectionately known as "P-Town") is a vibrant community that embodies the spirit of diversity and creativity. This historic seaside town is famous for its beautiful beaches, eclectic art scene, and welcoming atmosphere. At Lost Horizons Cape Cod, we encourage our guests to explore Provincetown's charming streets, where art galleries, lively entertainment, and maritime heritage blend into a rich cultural tapestry. Whether you're watching whales breach off the coast, sampling seafood fresh from the harbor, or enjoying a sunset stroll along the pier, Provincetown offers an array of experiences that capture the unique character of Cape Cod. Our luxury rentals provide the perfect home base for an unforgettable adventure in one of the Cape’s most beloved locales.
Here is more information about shops, restaurants and activities in P-Town.