Cape Cod travel itinerary help

[kgizo]

DH and I will be there the last week in Sept. Any must-dos besides a whale watching trip (on my list, just hope we aren’t too late in the season to see them). Should we do Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard or just pick one? I’m open to restaurant suggestions as long as they have a non-fish option since DH loves fish and I don’t. We will be staying in Dennisport.

 

[lovedogs]

Random, but please visit the hot chocolate sparrow. They have tons of tasty chocolate, and their frozen hot chocolate is GLORIOUS. I forget where on the cape it is, but it was close enough to where we were staying that we made the drive, and it was totally worth it

 

[MollyMalone]

Hi, @kgizo -- I've been going to the Cape (S. Chatham) every year for the past 30+ years; September is a fabulous time to be there!

Even with a week-long visit, think you'll be hard-pressed to "do justice" to the Cape, so my suggestion would be that you pick either the Vineyard or Nantucket, rather than try to do both Islands since that would occupy essentially 2 full days. And I'll vote for Nantucket because there's more to see-do, and a variety of restaurants, within easy proximity of the ferry docks than is the case on Martha's Vineyard. E.g., the exceptional Whaling Museum is just several blocks from the docks.
https://nha.org/visit/museums-and-tours/whaling-museum/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attract...s-Whaling_Museum-Nantucket_Massachusetts.html

You can take a high-speed ferry to Nantucket from Harwich Port, which is closer to Dennis Port than driving into Hyannis to board one of the ferries there. And parking for the Harwich Port-Nantucket ferry is free for day-trippers: you'll have to pay $12-$15 at this time of year for parking in one of the Steamship Authority's lots in Hyannis.
https://www.freedomferry.com/
Here's the basic info that includes the Freedom ferry's schedule through Columbus Day weekend, when they cease operations for the season:
https://www.freedomferry.com/SchedulePDF/PeakScheduleForWeb.pdf

For a whale-watch cruise, I recommend the Dolphin Fleet out of Provincetown:
https://whalewatch.com/
Even late September is usually a good time to see whales; the only possible snafu in the next couple of weeks might be if one of the tropical storms roils the waters (and the whales). Here's the Dolphin Fleet's Facebook page where they post info about each week's sightings:
https://www.facebook.com/DolphinFleetWhaleWatch

In addition to poking around Provincetown on the day of your whale watch cruise, consider booking a trip with Art's Dune Tours:
https://www.artsdunetours.com/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attract...ours-Provincetown_Cape_Cod_Massachusetts.html
Ordinarily, I'd be suggesting one of Art's dusk or evening tours, but because of the recently developing concerns over mosquitos in the area carrying West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, think I'd opt for a daytime tour.

I personally would set aside another whole day for one or more of the beaches that are part of the Cape Cod National Seashore Park
https://www.nps.gov/caco/index.htm
-- the Marconi and the Nauset Beaches are my personal favorites there,
https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/guide-to-beaches.htm
stopping first at the Salt Pond Visitor Center at the edge of the National Seashore parklands as you come from Dennis Port:
https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm

Check the National Seashore's Events calendar for the days you think you might want to go there; any of the programs the National Park Rangers offer should be terrific:
https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

Forest Beach Designer-Goldsmiths, in picturesque downtown Chatham, is my favorite jeweler on the Cape:
https://www.capecodcharms.com/
See what you think of the menus at the nearby Impudent Oyster
https://www.theimpudentoyster.com
and the Chatham Squire
http://www.thesquire.com/
And Marion's Pie Shop, on Rte. 28 outside of Chatham proper and en route to/from Dennis Port, is a don't-miss in my book for a variety of toothsome treats and comfort foods:
https://www.marionspieshopofchatham.com/

I've never dined in Dennis Port, but I can recommend the Skipper Chowder House to the west in South Yarmouth:
https://skipperrestaurant.com/
If the weather is decent (and the non-fish fare is sufficiently appealing), think you'd especially enjoy lunch on their upstairs, tented deck that has a view of the beach and water across the street. But even in late September, there will still be a fair number of tourists on the Cape (especially from the UK, Germany, Australia, and Canada), so if you opt for lunch there -- or just about anyplace else -- you're best off arriving before noon or after 1:30 - 2 pm.

 

[Efe]

Hot Chocolate Sparrow is in Orleans. It is a fantastic place!

 

[MollyMalone]

The Hot Chocolate Sparrow is only about a 10-minute drive from the Salt Pond Visitor Center
https://goo.gl/maps/NFmSziBqBygdbbyL8

 

[kgizo]

@lovedogs - I enjoy chocolate as much as diamonds so thanks or the tip about the Chocolate Sparrow.

@MollyMalone - Thanks for your awesome and detailed response! Based on my cursory search there is so much to do I wasn’t sure if I’d be a fool for missing Martha’s Vineyard or a fool for trying to do both so think I will follow your advice and plan for Nantucket. I’m off to look up the other tips you provided. Especially the FB whale watching page - didn’t see that at all in my research.

 

[rainydaze]

Second, Third and Fourth the Hot Chocolate Sparrow and Art's Dune Tours.

The Beachcomber restaurant in Wellfleet.

The Talkative Pig in Chatham.

You can get a permit to have a fire after 5:30pm on one of the National Seashore Beaches (Coast Guard, Nauset Light, Marconi, and I think there's one other.) You have to call the Salt Pond Visitor Center; normally you have to get there in person by 9am but this time of year you should have no problem.

Ridgevale Beach in Chatham. Incredible mix of tidal pools and exploring on one side with the wide open ocean and sandy beach on the other side. Get both at the same time! Excellent shell hunting.

 

[rainydaze]

PS - The Coconut Mocha Sparrow is my fave from the HCS. It's a rich treat all on its own though, so beware if you order it!

 

[MollyMalone]

I'm heading to the Cape this Thursday, @rainydaze . Usually dine at home on fresh seafood & have not been to The Talkative Pig even though it's not far from the house. But now I think we'll head there one night -- thanks for the recommendation!

 

[rainydaze]

That's wonderful @MollyMalone !! I hope you enjoy it if you do make it over there! I love their herbed chicken wing appetizers. Their Caesar's salad is also excellent.

 

[rainydaze]

Also we especially love biking the rail trail in the fall weather. It starts right in Dennis and goes all the way up to Wellfleet. The Hot Chocolate Sparrow is right off of it, makes for a wonderful day to bike to that, treat yourself, and continue on. Another great stop along the RT is Arnold's in Eastham (seafood, ice cream, more, mini golf... it's another 'famous' CC destination). That will be a ways from where you are staying, but if you are active and like being outside I highly recommend spending a day biking the Trail!

Oh! Fort Hill in Eastham is breathtaking. Two small parking lots but this year you should have not trouble pulling up. There are some trails to walk here or you can just sit and take in the views.

 

[soxfan]

Mayflower beach is spectacular for sunsets and to walk about a mile out in low tide to see all the little sea creatures.

Ocean house restaurant in Dennis is amazing. A little pricey and you will need reservations. Ask for a table overlooking the ocean.

If you are only doing one, I suggest Nantucket over the Vineyard. I've been to both and much prefer Nantucket!

 

[soxfan]

And one of the BEST things to do on the cape- spend a day hiking and swimming at the kettle ponds in NIckerson state park in Brewster. I prefer Cliff pond. THese kettle ponds were made by retreating glaciers and the water is crystal clear. SO clean.

 

[Gussie]

2 words - LOBSTER ROLLS

If I lived there, I would have rolls for days, lol

 

[tigertales]

I'm just down the road a bit in Rhode Island...not to freak you out, but do take heed of the Triple E issue we have going around these parts. Pack your bug spray!

https://www.capeandislands.org/post/mosquito-carried-virus-eee-arrives-cape-cod#stream/0

Hope you have a wonderful time! This is the best time of year to go!

 

[Arcadian]

you all are making me homesick!! There are times I miss Massachusetts a lot. I got invited up for Christmas by friends that are still there. I did start laughing because I don't have any coats warm enough for that anymore. Its a consideration though.

 

[SimoneDi]

@kgizo where exactly are you staying? While the Cape is small it’s still 1.5-2hrs from upper to lower Cape.

ETA: Nvm I just saw that you said staying in Dennis Port.

 

[kgizo]

@rainydaze, @soxfan, @Gussie, @tigertales and @SimoneDi - Thank you all for your advice! One last question, are the mosquitos bad on the beaches? I was hoping that ocean breezes keep them away and could do a sunset dune tour, but will pass if the mosquitos are active at that time.

 

[SimoneDi]

@kgizo mosquitos are not bad on the beech, especially not in late September. I will gather my recommendations as well and share them here.

 

[soxfan]

No, it's the greenies (biting green flies) you need to worry about but not at this time of year.....

 

[soxfan]

OH! And don't forget to visit Cuffy's for a cape cod sweatshirt!

 

[MollyMalone]

The mosquito-EEV alert is still posted on the US Park Service website for the Cape Cod National Seashore. So if you book the sunset Dunes tour, I’d follow their alternative recommendation of long sleeves, long pants & slathering on some DEET. But as a Lyme Disease “survivor,” I am admittedly more cautious than many about trying to avoid insect-borne diseases.

 

[Loves Vintage]

So many great tips in here. We go to the Cape every year and we LOVE it. We really like the Audubon in Wellfleet. Have gone out on this boat several times, but not sure if they are closed for the season: https://barnstableecotours.com/

 

[DiamondGal28]

If you are an ice cream fan, a visit to Sundae School is a must!

http://www.sundaeschool.com/

 

[kgizo]

Random, but please visit the hot chocolate sparrow.

Hi, @kgizo --
And I'll vote for Nantucket because there's more to see-do, ...
For a whale-watch cruise, I recommend the Dolphin Fleet out of Provincetown
In addition to poking around Provincetown on the day of your whale watch cruise, consider booking a trip with Art's Dune Tours:
I personally would set aside another whole day for one or more of the beaches that are part of the Cape Cod National Seashore Park
stopping first at the Salt Pond Visitor Center at the edge of the National Seashore parklands as you come from Dennis Port:
See what you think of the menus at the nearby Impudent Oyster
And Marion's Pie Shop,

Hot Chocolate Sparrow is in Orleans. It is a fantastic place!

The Hot Chocolate Sparrow is only about a 10-minute drive from the Salt Pond Visitor Center
https://goo.gl/maps/NFmSziBqBygdbbyL8

Second, Third and Fourth the Hot Chocolate Sparrow and Art's Dune Tours. The Talkative Pig in Chatham.

PS - The Coconut Mocha Sparrow is my fave from the HCS. It's a rich treat all on its own though, so beware if you order it!

The Hot Chocolate Sparrow is right off of it, makes for a wonderful day to bike to that, treat yourself, and continue on. Another great stop along the RT is Arnold's. Fort Hill in Eastham is breathtaking.

Ocean house restaurant in Dennis is amazing. I've been to both and much prefer Nantucket!

And one of the BEST things to do on the cape- spend a day hiking and swimming at the kettle ponds in NIckerson state park in Brewster.

I'm just down the road a bit in Rhode Island...not to freak you out, but do take heed of the Triple E issue we have going around these parts.

@kgizo mosquitos are not bad on the beech, especially not in late September. I will gather my recommendations as well and share them here.

OH! And don't forget to visit Cuffy's for a cape cod sweatshirt!

The mosquito-EEV alert is still posted on the US Park Service website for the Cape Cod National Seashore.

So many great tips in here. We go to the Cape every year and we LOVE it. We really like the Audubon in Wellfleet.

If you are an ice cream fan, a visit to Sundae School is a must!
http://www.sundaeschool.com/

The PS tour of the Cape was a huge success! The weather was fairly cool so it kept the mosquitos and crowds away. We were able to do many of your suggestions: Art Dune sunset tour, The Chocolate Sparrow (made it there the 1st day!), The Ocean House, Nickerson State Park (great hiking trails), Arnold’s, The Impudent Oyster, The Talkative Pig, Fort Hill, Salt Pond Visitor’s Center, Cuffy’s, Marion’s Pie Shop, and the Dolphin Fleet tour. We saw and ate too many wonderful things to list here . Thanks again to you all for your help!!

If we didn’t do one of your suggestions it was either closed (Audubon in Wellfleet and Sundae School) or we ran out of time.

 

[kgizo]

Had the beach pretty much to ourselves at Art’s Sunset tour.


In Nantucket we did a Capture Nantucket Tour. Highly recommend!


Seeing the whales was the highlight for me. Some were feeding and others breaching. So amazing!

 

[kgizo]

A menu pic instead of the traditional flower pic


Window shopping in Nantucket.
Delicious treats and good lighting.

 

[soxfan]

OMG you fit in so much! Glad you had such a great vacation!