Cape Cod Sunset © imsorrybrendan
Named for the large quantities of cod caught by its founder ship
in 1602, Cape Cod is a 70-mile (113km) peninsula that is likened to
a flexed arm bent at the elbow extending from the main body of
Massachusetts; it is the premiere vacation destination in New
England with its charming historic towns and small villages, miles
of sandy beaches and wind-sculpted sand dunes. Millions of visitors
from around the world flock to the amazing natural beauty of the
Cape, and although known as the playground for the rich and famous
and mostly geared for big spenders, there is plenty of sun, sea and
sand for everyone to enjoy.
Provincetown, at the tip of the Cape's 'fist', is the gay centre of
New England and long renowned as an artistic colony with more than
20 art galleries. It is also the liveliest resort town on the Cape.
Stretching from Provincetown (which was the landing site of the
first Pilgrims in the 17th century) down to the pretty town of
Chatham, from the 'fist' to the 'elbow' of the peninsula along the
Atlantic Ocean, are 40 miles (64km) of dunes and desolate beaches
protected within the Cape Cod National Seashore. Wellfleet is a
quieter and picturesque town untouched by commercial development,
and famous for its oysters.
The commercial towns along the horizontal stretch of the arm
represented by the 'biceps' offer the obvious attractions of
shopping, exquisite dining and beach activities, but there is also
whale-watching, walking and biking. However, be prepared for summer
crowds and traffic-filled roads, especially between June and
August, when prices are high and accommodation booked out.
Otherwise come in the off-season when the colder beaches afford
solitude and the towns have quietened down. Cape Cod is also the
gateway to the beautiful vacation islands of Martha's Vineyard and
Nantucket.
Attractions
Nobska Lighthouse © powi
Cape Cod Lighthouses
Cape Cod is home to a number of picturesque lighthouses that
draw sightseers year-round. At one point there were more than 20 in
the peninsula, however many of those have been decommissioned and
knocked down. Those remaining have varying degrees of difficulty in
access:...
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Martha's Vineyard Harbour © bowena
Martha’s Vineyard
Believed to have been named by mariner Bartholomew Gosnold for
his daughter Martha, with the 'vineyard' referring to the abundance
of wild grapes growing on the island, Martha's Vineyard is a
favourite summer destination for New England's wealthy elite.
Tourism is the main economy,...
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Nantucket canals © milesgehm
Nantucket
Thirty miles (48km) off the coast of Cape Cod, the island of
Nantucket is smaller and more remote than Martha's Vineyard, and is
an escape from city stress and the chaos of everyday life. Miles of
unspoilt beaches, rolling wind-swept moors, solitary windmills...
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