3 Things You Shouldn’t Miss in Cape Cod

6th January 2017: After an amazing two days sightseeing in the fantastic city of Boston, we drove ourselves down to Cape Cod, a sandy peninsula extending from the east coast of Massachusetts into the Atlantic Ocean. It is the shape of a fishhook or, for some, of an arm bent at the elbow, forming a fist at land’s end. It was a joy to discover the sights of Cape Cod, with its beautiful landscapes and historical charm; here are three things you definitely shouldn't miss.

1 - History

Cape Cod has a fascinating history, which is evident in its many museums and monuments. It was in Provincetown, on the tip of the Cape, that the Pilgrims made their first landing in 1620, and also off the shores of Provincetown that the Mayflower Compact, the proclamation of freedom that was the forerunner of the Declaration of Independence, was signed.

For those who’d like to take a step back in time, a day out to Plimoth Plantation is a definite must! Complete with costumed role players, its 17th century village recreation, allows you to see exactly how things were done in a small farming and maritime community. Whether you wish to know about education, religion, cooking, gardening or child rearing, their stories and viewpoints will fascinate anyone. With everything from modest timber-framed houses to heritage breed livestock, it’s a wonderful cultural and historical experience.

2 - Dunes Tour

In Provincetown I was lucky enough to enjoy a dunes tour, which opened my eyes to the true beauty of Cape Cod. This relaxing, scenic ride took us along the spectacular Atlantic shoreline, before driving through the beautiful sand dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

The “Cape”, as it is fondly known, offers some of America’s most exceptional scenery. In 1961, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy established the Cape Code National Seashore, which includes more than 50 miles of white sandy beaches and 43,000 acres of unspoilt landscape.

Cape Cod offers some of the most magnificent sand dunes and high sand cliffs on the Atlantic coast of North America, with long stretches of sandy beaches, extensive salt marshes, ponds, bays, steams, rivers, harbours, herring runs, and world famous cranberry bogs, there are just so many beautiful facets that the landscape has to offer.

3 - Food

A visit to Cape Cod simply wouldn’t be complete without trying the local cuisine, and for anyone who loves seafood it’s a haven. Located on the freedom trail, you’ll find the ‘ye olde Union Oyster House’, America’s oldest restaurant. Dating back 250 years, this building had many different uses, before becoming a seafood house in 1826. It’s the perfect place to try oysters and lobsters, fresh from the ocean, as you soak up the historic atmosphere.

I’d definitely recommend you try the Clam chowder, simply delicious!

Cape Cod is a place for breathing deeply; taking a moment to stop and look, and being glad you are alive. Once you have experienced the natural beauty and charm of the region, you will always want to return, if only to rekindle the memories.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact me, as there is so much more to tell you.

Mandy Phillips, Travel Specialist