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Cape Cod
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I t doesn’t get much more quintessential New England than Cape Cod. When you’re ready to take a break from the games, towering dunes, crisp Atlantic air and some of the freshest seafood in the country await. Just over an hour drive (or 90-minute ferry ride) from Boston, Cape Cod is an easy escape from the chaos of the city. (Just be sure to factor in time for the area’s infamous bridge traffic if you’re driving—that hour drive can easily turn to hours on the wrong day.)
Cape Cod’s allure lies in its diversity; just about anyone can feel welcome here. You’ll find stately, old-money homes in Chatham and Hyannis (home to the Kennedy compound). Further up Route 6 (the only road that traverses the Cape from top to bottom) you’re met with family-friendly beaches, clam shacks and rustic natural charm. At the very tip of the peninsula, artists and the LGBTQ+ community flock to Provincetown’s free spirit and cosmopolitan environment.
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No trip to the Cape is complete without spending a day (or preferably a few nights) in Provincetown. An artist and LGBTQ+ enclave for decades, this small town at the very end of the Cape is where big city culture meets New England charm. The town is centered around Commercial Street, where you’ll find endless shops, galleries, museums and restaurants of every variety. Artists have long been drawn to the town due to its stunning natural light and scenery. (Jackson Pollack, Tennessee Williams and Andy Warhol all found inspiration here.) On a stroll through the galleries on Commercial Street, you’ll find pastel-hued seascapes catering to every budget. But it’s not just painters who find a home in “P-Town.” On any given summer night, you’ll find live performances from edgy young artists, world-famous drag queens and Broadway stars.
Cape Cod beaches conjure all sorts of classic seaside New England images: sandy dunes, sea grass gently blowing in the wind, foamy waves lapping seashells onto the shore. Some of the best beaches in New England can be found on the Cape Cod National Seashore. To truly experience the beauty of this area in its rustic glory, head to the Nauset Light Beach in Eastham. Before settling into your beach chair, visit the Three Sisters Lighthouses, which were relocated slightly inland due to dune erosion. Then, find a quiet place to relax with a book on the sandy shores, with the classic Cape Cod dunes as your backdrop. Pro-tip: the further into the Cape you go, the quieter—but no less gorgeous—the beaches will get.
Lobster, clam chowder, oysters: You’ll find all the classic New England seafood here. But the best part about the Cape is how fresh it is, often going from the ocean to your plate in a matter of hours. (On menus across the Cape, you’ll find the word “local” before many seafood selections.) For some of the best fruits of the sea, head to Wellfleet. Situated on the Outer Cape, this tiny hamlet is home to the famous Wellfleet oyster. You’ll find this variety all over the Cape, but grab a seat at The Wicked Oyster Company on Main Street to also sample other classic Cape favorites including local scallops and clams. If fried clams are more your thing, Mac’s Seafood offers a sit-down restaurant (Mac’s On the Pier) as well as a classic “shack” for on-the-go dining (Mac’s Shack).
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