Cape Cod: The Nostalgic Summer Vacation

When I traveled to Cape Cod for the first time this summer, something about it felt familiar. The sun, the water, the kids riding bikes through the neighborhoods, walking to the local general store, the nightly trips to the local ice cream parlor are the hallmarks of a quintessential summer vacation when I was growing up. There is so much to do, but there is also an inexplicable pull to slow down – to designate the afternoons for reading, pouring over a puzzle, or taking a nap. If you happen to get an afternoon thunderstorm, what a treat! Visiting Cape Cod, was like meeting someone for the first time, but instantly connecting like old friends.   Accommodations   Quaint bed and breakfasts are the island’s mainstay accommodation, but visitors should be diligent about booking early, especially during summer. Minimum night stays are also commonplace.   AirBnBs are another popular option on the Cape, and I think we found a gem hidden in plain sight. Above the independent, woman-owned bookstore, Brewster Book Store, is the delightful Book Nook. The host and co-owner of the bookstore, Jessica, created a private, cozy, book-filled, one-bedroom oasis that was the perfect home base for our trip. It is located along the main thoroughfare, Old King’s Highway (6A), and an easy walk to popular breakfast, coffee, and lunch spots in Brewster. Staying above a bookstore is a dangerous proposition for an avid reader like myself, but I’m not mad about it, and I can’t wait to visit again!   Activities   Cape Cod is home to 40 miles of coastline designated as National Shoreline. Beaches, hiking trails, and iconic New England lighthouses allow visitors to connect with the Cape’s natural beauty, learn about its evolution, and how to preserve it for future generations.   The village of Hyannis is synonymous with the Kennedy family, and for those interested in American Presidential history, they have created the Kennedy Legacy Trail. The Kennedy Legacy Trail begins at the JFK Hyannis Museum and includes 10 historic stops along the 1.6-mile trail. Stops include the church that the Kennedys were parishioners of while on the cape and the site of JFK’s Presidential Election Acceptance Speech. Don’t forget to stop by Kilwin’s Ice Cream for original recipe ice cream or a delicious piece of fudge.   One of my favorite throwback experiences was enjoying a double feature at the Wellfleet Cinema Drive-In Theater. It opened in 1957, and it feels like stepping back in time when sock hops, poodle skirts and classic cars were all the rage. Even though it has a classic retro vibe, they show currently released family-friendly movies.   Another all-American, summer staple that is prevalent on the Cape is mini-golf. With nearly 20 different courses, you will never be far from a fun hour or two of putting through obstacles and whimsical creatures. Our nephew recommended Cape Escape Adventure Golf and the delightful nautical decor made for an entertaining evening.   Is there anything more American than baseball? The Cape Cod Summer Baseball League is one of the nation’s most prestigious collegiate summer baseball programs. It was founded in 1885, and its recent alumni include Yankee’s all-star Aaron Judge. There is no admission charge for the games, and it is a fun way to enjoy the waning hours of daylight with the community.   Cape Cod is not a world-renowned wine region. Still, Truro Vineyards has some delicious varietals visitors can taste while enjoying the summer sun in an Adirondack chair or picnic table. Spirit tastings from South Hollow Spirits and food from local food trucks are also available, making it an easy place to enjoy the afternoon.   Eat   There is no shortage of eateries on the Cape, and it is not surprising that seafood dominates the cuisine, but there are many delicious options. The most popular independent coffee shop is Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters. The line was consistently out the door. They have several direct-trade partners and have prioritized environmental sustainability and economic development. For the coffee purist, this is the place to go. Our favorite breakfast sandwich was found at Sunbird Provisions. The hearty bread, thick-cut bacon, and citrus mayo made it the perfect start to our day. They also had a mouthwatering selection of pastries and sweets. I also love that they shoutout the small businesses they source from on their website!   If you prefer sandwiches for lunch, The Peacemaker and ACK Gioia were both excellent. The Peacemaker is more of a classic sandwich shop with signature sandwiches and the option to build your own. Their homemade lemonade is also delicious. ACK Gioia is actually a cheese shop owned by a mother-daughter duo that specializes in artisanal, hand-pulled cheeses. They also have a fantastic selection of pastries and homemade breads. In addition to the mozzarella, pesto and tomato sandwich, we definitely walked out with a Brewster Bun (or two!).   We were advised to get to Mac’s Shack early because it gets busy and we should have taken that advice more seriously. This is a popular seafood restaurant that features traditional seafood dishes, a raw bar and sushi alongside a creative cocktail menu. We sampled the sushi menu and ate our fill of maki rolls. Last but not least, Stone L’Oven is the place to go for that pizza night craving. Their Neapolitan-style pizzas are cooked in a stone-fire hearth and you can either go with one of their original creations or build your own.   Now you are ready to embark on your own nostalgic vacation to Cape Cod – don’t forget to send a postcard home!