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It’s a rare thing when you can say you’ve touched both the Atlantic and Pacific and felt the sand of both coasts between your toes in one week. After leaving LA on Monday, working for a few days, and then packing up all over again, Scott and I found ourselves enjoying Massholes on the highway and the greenery abounding. We spent a night or two with his parents and then headed to the Cape, where we’d spend a beautiful week with dear friends, acting like a wealthy couple eating large amounts of seafood and speaking in an Atlantic accent. Well, doing at least one of those. Before I get into the details, here’s a reminder that it’s ON the Cape, not IN the Cape. #localknowledge. Also, I know general public goods and services are better in the Northeast, but I am impressed that the beaches on the Cape were so much cleaner and more accessible. I love to see public-use wheelchairs specially designed for sand, functioning toilets and sinks, and snack bars at every beach (at least in Dennis.) Now let me share some of the places we went to.
Beaches
Sandy Neck Beach (A rock beach we quickly browsed. We didn’t stay long.)
Corporation Beach
We went to Corporation Beach twice. The first time was the time we learned that there are capacity limits and wait lines for beaches here, and it's not too bad to wait in a line if you can. The second, we came late enough to skip the line entirely.
Mayflower Beach
A cold, windy, cloudy beach day spent wrapped in a towel, reading. Sometimes it's nice to just be near the ocean.
Food
OYSTERS, everywhere
The first place we went to was Skipper Chowderhouse in Yarmouth, which was a major tourist spot. We got it done on day 1 and decided never again to go to a restaurant selling that much merch. The second place for oysters was at Mac’s Shack - a dozen wellfleets… and then another dozen for dessert.
Tumi, Hyannis
Peruvian-Italian fusion. Ceviche and seafood pasta with lobster (my veggie risotto not pictured).
Corporation Beach Snack Bar, Dennis
Didn’t eat, but was tempted. Snack bars like this abound at Mass beaches, which is something I've never seen and am not used to in Texas. Had a homemade sandwich instead, made with multigrain grain bun, arugula, smoked mozz, heirloom tomato, and harissa mayo.
Mac’s Shack, Wellfleet
My first clam chowder of the trip since all the others had bacon and I draw the line at animals having legs, apparently. I got red curry scallops with bok choy and rice, Scott got Halibut with lobster mash. And of course, the previously mentioned oysters.
Keltic Kitchen Pt. 1 and 2, Yarmouth
Part 1: Scott got corned beef hash, I got lox potato pancakes, and we shared the french toast flight. Part 2, just days later: Unpictured second round of corned beef hash, a veggie omelet, and pancakes.
Fin, Dennis
lobster mf donut. French onion soup made with toro (tuna) stock instead of beef stock. Some kind of miso salmon with mushrooms and rice, and some kind of miso haddock with mushrooms and rice. Realized afterward that we basically ordered the same things with different fish, but the true star there was the mushrooms.
Seafood Shanty, Buzzard’s Bay
Last grab before leaving the Cape and endless lobster rolls behind. Lobster salad roll with an extra bun because portions were so good we made two out of one, and another clam chowder without bacon *heart eyes*
Other
Whale Watch and Provincetown - Best video I can share right now. Humpbacks and dolphins swimming together. Seals and another kind of whale were also spotted on the cruise. So incredibly worth it.
Highfield Hall & Gardens, Falmouth
A historic house and grounds that we discovered by accident after a failed attempt to visit Martha’s Vineyard via ferry. Turns out there are at least 10 hoops to jump through to get on MV, but what a happy accident to discover Highfield.
Barnstable Preservation Run
I love trail running! And I love that Mass is full of easy, accessible trails! Even if they're filled with bugs in the summer!
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, South Yarmouth
Oddly don’t have photos to share because they’re all of Scott’s hole-in-ones and he doesn’t want to show face in the dispatch. Just trust me that it was the sickest mini golf place ever. I got a hole-in-one too. And Scott did borrow a Master’s polo from his brother for the occasion.
Shining Sea Bikeway, Falmouth to Wood’s Hole and back
Most beautiful bike ride I've ever been on, that's for sure.
BONUS:
Boston Suburb Nature (Great Brook and NARA)
Great Brook State Park, a state park 5 minutes from Scott's parents, is my favorite place for a trail run. And NARA Park, a pretty little manmade pond, might be my new favorite for swimming in the summer.
Rover Pics - What you’ve all been waiting for: The best of the best from our catsitter.
Silly geese! That one from our petcam is just too good.
And that’s all for this dispatch, folks. Please stay tuned for another incoming dispatch regarding general summer life in Brooklyn!
Calista shares her travel experience, and it is as if the reader is right there with her. Her words and photos leave you feeling like a second visit is necessary ( especially Nara Park near Scott’s parents ). Who is Scott?
Calista shares her travel experience, and it is as if the reader is right there with her. Her words and photos leave you feeling like a second visit is necessary ( especially Nara Park near Scott’s parents ). Who is Scott?
Nancy C.