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The Ultimate Friends’ Getaway Guide for the Cape and Islands
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You don’t need to wait for a milestone birthday or special occasion to celebrate the magic of friendship. Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Island offer the perfect backdrop for reconnecting and making new memories on your next friends’ getaway. So come as you are and make up for lost time. Here’s a mini-guide to get you started!
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Funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
On Cape Cod, a joyful spirit fills the air throughout the season. Greet Santa as he cruises into a local harbor, and check out one or more of the Cape’s festive village strolls. The Sandwich Glass Museum’s annual Glassblowers’ Christmas Celebration is a chance to browse and purchase intricate hand-crafted ornaments by local glassblowers. Just down the street at Heritage Museums & Gardens, the annual Gardens Aglow will transport you into a winter wonderland, with miles of twinkling lights adorning the 100 acres of gardens and woodlands. In downtown Provincetown, admire a fully illuminated tree made from over 100 lobster pots borrowed from local lobstermen; in the distance, the 252-foot Pilgrim Monument will stay lit through the holiday season.
Martha’s Vineyard shines as bright as a lighthouse during the holidays. It’s a chance for you to step back in time onto an island that, gorgeous at any time of the year, assumes a certain glow come winter. The 40th Annual Christmas in Edgartown December 9-12 returns, with carriage rides and themed shopping from December 10 to 13. Artisans will also offer goods at several Vineyard pop-ups, including Heather Gardens, and the Workshop Gallery. And don’t miss the Teddy Bear Suit scavenger hunt.
The holidays will sail back into the harbor on Nantucket as well, beginning with the Nantucket Historical Association’s Festival of Wreaths, an annual fundraiser that features wreaths made by local artists, businesses, and schoolchildren. The wreaths will be hung with care from November 19–27, with bidding until 8 pm on November 25.
Nantucket
Winter is coming and the Cape’s storied dining establishments are ready. The Frost Bar at Brewster’s Ocean Edge Resort entices guests with outdoor fire pits, panoramic water views and private heated igloos, where you can warm up with a Jack Frost cocktail or S’mores Skillet. Greenhouse dining remains in full bloom at Scargo Café in Dennis, where up to six guests can cozy up in outdoor gazebos well into the winter months, as an alternative to the restaurant’s indoor dining. At The Canteen in Provincetown, savor dynamic local flavors from a seat in the restaurant’s seasonal heated tent.
Nothing warms away the winter chill like a piping hot bowl of award-winning New England clam chowder. The Black Dog Tavern in Vineyard Haven adds extra scumptious house made croutons. The Offshore Ale Company, also located in Oak Bluffs, makes a traditional chowder that also goes heavy on the clams. The Wharf Pub boasts a chowder that’s as buttery as it is thick.
Nantucket restaurants warm visitors the traditional way, with glowing fireplaces and cozy confines. The Brotherhood of Thieves is a classic island pub. Think brick walls and low, wood-raftered ceilings and two fireplaces. It serves an array of local favorites, including Island Quahog Chowder. Situated in the heart of historic downtown, or the Whale boasts an expansive 22-seat oak bar staffed by a friendly crew that adds extra warmth to enjoy its American bistro cuisine.
Christmas on Cape Cod - Photo by Orleans Chamber of Commerce
Nantucket Christmas Tree Lighting
Clam Chowder from the Wharf Pub in Edgartown
Martha's Vineyard - Edgartown Town Hall in lights
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Nantucket Christmas Stroll Dory
Photo by Paul Scharff
The Ultimate Friends’ Getaway Guide for the Cape and Islands
Choosing the right place to stay is essential to your trip’s success.
On Cape Cod, choose from an oceanfront hideaway at Pelham House Resort, old world charm at the grand Chatham Bars Inn or out-of-the-box experiences like luxury “glamping” and souped-up Airstream trailers at AutoCamp Cape Cod. Over on Nantucket, the Carlisle House Inn is housed in a former whaling captain’s home, offering charm and comfort in the heart of the downtown historic district. Martha’s Vineyard’s lodging options range from the award-winning Nobnocket Boutique Hotel to the relaxed privacy of a traditional New England retreat at Winnetu Oceanside Resort.
In addition, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket offer a wide range of vacation rentals, ensuring every friends’ getaway finds the headquarters that best suits the groups’ needs when it comes to location, size, amenities and price point.
STAY
Airstream trailers at AutoCamp Cape Cod.
Nothing brings people together like a meal, and the Cape and Islands offer a tantalizing range of dining venues where you can toast to friendship.
DINE
Nantucket boasts impeccable seafood at such island hotspots as CRU Oyster Bar. Or check out fun local curiosities like The Club Car, which serves California-inspired cuisine and classic cocktails inside a vintage train car from the old Nantucket Railroad.
Cape Cod’s dining options include elevated comfort food with breathtaking views at Fanizzi’s by the Sea in Provincetown, fresh local cuisine just steps from the water at the legendary Ocean House Restaurant in Dennis, and dynamic harborside seating at the Flying Bridge Restaurant in Falmouth.
In addition to its terrific restaurants, Martha’s Vineyard offers vacationers the unique opportunity of hiring a private, personally cooked dinner from an accomplished chef. A chef such as Food Minded Fellow will create the locally-sourced meal of your group’s dreams, be it family-style feast or complex tasting menu, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Chef Gavin Smith
With jaw-dropping vistas and spirited culture, the Cape and Islands offer something for everyone, from thrill-seekers and adventurers to those looking to kick back and unwind.
PLAY
Several breweries are revolutionizing the Cape and Islands’ craft beverage scene, among them Cape Cod Beer, Cisco Brewers on Nantucket, and Bad Martha Beer, located on both the Cape and Martha’s Vineyard.
For the competitive crew, Ten Pin Eatery on Cape Cod offers bowling, escape rooms and a golf simulator, in addition to classic pub food and creative drink menus. Fans of live music should hit up The Chicken Box, a beloved Nantucket venue with a colorful history and a passion for good times. For gangs who want to let loose, The Ritz Cafe on Martha’s Vineyard is a cherished local dive bar and venue, featuring rock shows, karaoke and more.
No trip to the Cape and Islands is complete without some quality outdoor time, and the diversity of offerings means that every crew can find their ideal way to enjoy the gorgeous New England weather. Golf is a local favorite; spectacular courses are found on Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, making it easy to choose the perfect fairway for any group's mood and skill level. Stunning beaches are also available across the region, whether the gang feels like sunbathing, sunset watching or surfing the waves.
Chef Gavin Smith
On Nantucket, adventurers can check out Young’s Bicycle Shop or Nantucket Bike Rentals for a trek to Jetties Beach to kayak around the Bay, or a nature ride to the charming village of Siasconset to explore the Sankaty Lighthouse. Groups on Martha’s Vineyard can get time on the water with sailing or fishing charters, or check out Island Spirit Kayak for a fabulous nighttime Paddle Board Glow Tour. Cape Cod offers a range of fun seaside adventures, including Provincetown dune tours with sunset clambakes, thrilling whale watching expeditions, or kayak excursions around picturesque harbors, kettle ponds and inlets.
Friends looking for a more relaxed vibe will also find an abundance of options on the Cape and Islands to create the chill trip of their dreams. Luxurious spas on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket ensure that rest and rejuvenation are always close at hand. Shopping the area’s charming local stores is also a pleasure that’s not to be missed. Cape Cod’s Mashpee Commons, in addition to each Cape town’s bustling village centers, are full of whimsical finds, gifts, books, art and more. Nantucket’s local merchants offer everything from charming antiques to gorgeous clothing and beyond. In addition to lovely local shops in all six Island towns and at the native-owned Aquinnah Circle Cultural District shops, Martha’s Vineyard boasts local makers like Stephanie Wolf Designs, which offers private jewelry making classes for friends looking to share a special experience.
The Spa at Chatham Bars Inn
Vacations are where bonds are strengthened, and memories are made. When planning a getaway with special friends, look no further than Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket for the perfect setting to relax and recreate with the ones you love. Visit www.capecodchamber.org, www.mvy.com and www.nantucketchamber.org today to learn more and get the fun started.
@visitcapecod
@visitmarthasvineyard
@ackchamber
No trip to the Cape and Islands is complete without some quality outdoor time, and the diversity of offerings means that every crew can find their ideal way to enjoy the gorgeous New England weather. Golf is a local favorite; spectacular courses are found on Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, making it easy to choose the perfect fairway for any group's mood and skill level. Stunning beaches are also available across the region, whether the gang feels like sunbathing, sunset watching or surfing the waves.
Friends looking for a more relaxed vibe will also find an abundance of options on the Cape and Islands to create the chill trip of their dreams. Luxurious spas on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket ensure that rest and rejuvenation are always close at hand. Shopping the area’s charming local stores is also a pleasure that’s not to be missed. Cape Cod’s Mashpee Commons, in addition to each Cape town’s bustling village centers, are full of whimsical finds, gifts, books, art and more. Nantucket’s local merchants offer everything from charming antiques to gorgeous clothing and beyond. In addition to lovely local shops in all six Island towns and at the native-owned Aquinnah Circle Cultural District shops, Martha’s Vineyard boasts local makers like Stephanie Wolf Designs, which offers private jewelry making classes for friends looking to share a special experience.
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