Hub and Spoke: Cape Cod

Known for its temperate weather, scenic beaches, and rich American history, Cape Cod has plenty of things to see and do. Historically named for producing large quantities of cod and mackerel offshore, Cape Cod is often referred to as the “flexing arm” of Massachusetts because of its shape. Famous naturalist writer Henry David Thoreau also wrote about the area.

Cape Cod is made up of 15 towns (all comprised of smaller villages) and 560 miles of seashore. The area is also home to 42 world-class golf courses and 13 historic lighthouses, which is one of the most concentrated collections of lighthouses in the country. Lighthouses in the region have been important tools in keeping ships safe as more than 3,000 shipwrecks have occurred around the Cape in the past 300 years. Cape Cod is home to over 200,000 people
year-round and, during the busy summer months, the area’s population triples.
Many people have summer homes here, though the majority of the Cape’s year round residents are retired.

Upper Cape

The Upper Cape is the area closest to the mainland of Massachusetts. The
main towns in this area include Bourne, Sandwich, Falmouth, and Mashpee. In
1916, construction of the Cape Cod Canal was completed, providing a way
for ships to maneuver from Cape Cod Bay to Buzzard’s Bay instead of having to
travel around the peninsula. All of Cape Cod is technically surrounded by water.

Travelers will want to visit the Heritage Museums and Gardens located in
Sandwich. Here you can see 76 acres of beautiful gardens, usually best seen
between March and October, as well as antique cars, a military museum, a windmill, unique American art and a beautiful antique carousel. If your group is planning on visiting during the holiday season, you can see the annual Spectacle of Lights, an elaborate display of festive holiday lights that improves every year. The Spectacle of Lights runs from late November through New Year’s Day.

From the Museums and Gardens, it’s a short trip to the Woods Hole Science
Aquarium to see seals, fish, turtles and other creatures in this research aquarium. Spencer Baird, who was appointed by President Grant in 1875 to conduct marine research in the area, chose Woods Hole as the location to build this research lab. Admission is free, but donations are  accepted.

Near the aquarium is the Nobska Light, one of the 13 lighthouses on Cape Cod.
Known for its temperate weather, scenic beaches and rich American history, Cape Cod has plenty of things to see and do. Historically named for producing large quantities of cod and mackerel offshore, Cape Cod is often referred to as the “flexing arm” of Massachusetts because of its shape. Famous naturalist writer Henry David Thoreau also wrote about the area.

Cape Cod is made up of 15 towns (all comprised of smaller villages) and 560
miles of seashore. The area is also home to 42 world-class golf courses and 13 historic lighthouses, which is one of the most concentrated collections of lighthouses in the country. Lighthouses in the region have been important tools in keeping ships safe as more than 3,000 shipwrecks have occurred around the Cape in the past 300 years.

Cape Cod is home to over 200,000 people year-round and, during the busy summer months, the area’s population triples. Many people have summer homes here, though the majority of the Cape’s year round residents are retired.

Mid-Cape

Located at the “elbow” of the Cape is the section known as Mid-Cape.
Barnstable, Dennis and Yarmouth are a few major towns in this
area. Many tourists are attracted to this area because of its many
beaches. Most of the concentration of the Cape’s population
lives here.

This area was also frequently visited by John F. Kennedy and his
family. His father owned an estate in Hyannisport and his family spent
many summers here throughout his life, even during his presidency. In fact, you
can visit the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum where you will discover exhibits full of photos, videos and narrated accounts of the life and times of the
Kennedy family.

In Barnstable, you can see the oldest library building in the United States.
Constructed in 1644, the Sturgis Library is visited regularly by travelers and has recently been voted as one of the most loved libraries in the United States and Canada in the book titled Heart of the Community: The Libraries We Love, to be published in October of this year.

For those who would enjoy a scenic tour experience of Cape Cod, the Cape Cod
Central Railroad connects Hyannis to the Cape Cod Canal area in Sandwich.
The ride features two hours of narrated scenic views including lush forests, sand
dunes and the small villages along the way. They also offer dinner rides and live
theater rides on occasion.

Lower Cape

The area of the Cape that narrows and bends northward is referred to as Lower
Cape. Towns include Brewster, Chatham, Harwich, and Orleans. Riddled with
beaches and ponds, many families have their summer homes in this area. In addition to summer residents, it is also the home of many cranberry bogs, especially in the Harwich area.

Visitors in the Orleans area can see the Jonathan Young Windmill. One of many windmills on the Cape, this historic landmark is significant because it still has all of its original mechanical parts intact. It was originally built in the early 1700s and moved in 1839 to its current location. In 1990, the Orleans Historical Society gave the windmill to the town and it’s now a part of Town Cove Park.

In nearby Brewster, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History is where visitors
can learn about different species of animals that inhabit the Cape, as well as
enjoy bird-watching tours, hiking trails, flower gardens, interactive exhibits, artwork and a gift shop. Nature lectures are also provided year-round.

While you’re on the coast, enjoy whale watching or a seal cruise at the
Outermost Harbor Marine. During the summer, many visitors watch humpback
whales from different sites and, while the whales head to warmer waters farther
south in the winter, seals make their way to the mild climate of the Cape. During
the winter months, seals can be spotted from almost any beach.

Outer Cape

The northernmost tip of Cape Cod is referred to as Outer Cape. Provincetown,
Eastham, Truro, and Wellfleet are the major towns that make up the part of the
peninsula that resembles the wrist and clenched fist of the Cape. Another area
famous for beaches, ponds and tourist attractions, this region is also where the
first landing of the Pilgrims occurred before they hit the mainland shore at
Plymouth Rock. In fact, the village of Provincetown erected a Pilgrim
Monument tower in the early 1900s to symbolize that event. Provincetown is a
widely known art community.

Along the beach at Wellfleet is the site of another historic event. In 1903, the first successful wireless communication attempt between the United States and
England was completed by Guglielmo Marconi. That site is known as Marconi
Station. Because of this transmission, Marconi is widely considered the “father
of radio.”

Along with the beaches, the Outer Cape also offers many art galleries, including
Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill. View many pieces of art and sculpture, as well as poetry and other writings, many of which were inspired by this part of the country. This area is famous for its lure of artists and writers because of its natural, unique and unspoiled beauty.

Visiting the Cape can truly rejuvenate any traveling group. Soaking in the pleasures of nature and catching a glimpse of what the Pilgrims saw when they first traveled to the New World can be a much needed change from the constant concrete and fast pace so many of us have come to know.

By Matthew David
Courtesy of: leisuregrouptravel