Featured Stories & Articles from Cape Cod Travel Magazine: New & Noteworthy on the Cape & Islands 2011

ACTIVITIES
It’s the beauty and natural environment that draws visitors from all over the world to Cape Cod and the Islands and nurturing that environment has always been a priority. Now a new program gives businesses an official green verification letting visitors know that they are Cape & Islands Green. Once a business passes a comprehensive program of requirements such as waste reduction, energy and water conservation, and purchasing of environmentally conscious products, they’re qualified to display the Cape & Islands Green seal in their place of business. Look for the Cape & Islands Green seal and support this environmentally-friendly approach to serving you, our visitors. For information on the program go to www.capeandislandsgreen.org or Cape & Islands Green on Facebook.

The National Marine Life Center (120 Main St., Buzzards Bay; 508-743-9888: www.nmlc.org) is dedicated to rehabilitating stranded marine animals for release back into their natural environment. Each year, Cape Cod becomes a “stranding hotspot” as hundreds of federally protected animals beach themselves on our shores. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the NMLC’s Marine Animal Discovery Center is open free of charge to the public and features exhibits and educational programs about marine wildlife, strandings, rehabilitation and conservation. (HAVE PHOTO – EMAILED TO CL BY MICHELE – 12/30 @ 2:51 P.M.+ additional pics on Bristol server)

Heritage Museums & Gardens (67 Grove St., Sandwich; 508-888-3300: www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org) premiered its newest exhibit last July. Within a naturally formed kettle hole is Hidden Hollow, a place where kids can walk the discovery trail; jump, crawl and balance on logs, stumps and wood beams; build a fort; play in the sand; create nature-inspired art; sing and dance on the outdoor stage, read in the nature library and much, much more. This April look for Historic New England’s traveling exhibition America’s Kitchens, where visitors can experience the history of the American kitchen from the Colonial Period to the present through interactive exhibits.(Photos on Dennis Server)

Last spring, Cape Cod Beach Chair (1150 Queen Anne Rd., East Harwich; 800-809-1750: www.capecodbeachchair.com) in Harwich, which manufactures and sells high-quality, wood-framed beach chairs, added to their business. With the purchase of a 5,200-s.f. antique barn, the company was able to accommodate a workshop and beach chair showroom and their new venture, Adventure Chatham (www.adventurechatham.com)—specializing in stand-up paddleboard sales, rentals, lessons and guided excursions. Customers can either pick up their paddleboards or have them delivered. Adventure Chatham also rent kayaks and bikes. (Photos on Dennis Server)

To experience the breathtaking sights of the eight-mile spit that is Monomoy Island, step aboard The Perseverance, a 43-foot catamaran. Monomoy Island Excursions (702 Rt. 28, Harwich Port; 508-430-7772: www.monomoysealcruise.com) offers cruises through one of the area’s most beautiful natural wildlife refuges. Aboard this U.S. Coast Guard certified vessel, you’ll be able to take in the views of the Monomoy, Stage Harbor and Chatham lights, as well as snap pictures of seals and a diverse species of birds. These narrated tours last approximately two hours. They also offer 30-minute evening cruises, for just $10, and private and group charters. Reservations are highly recommended.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing, low-key evening or some lively music, Bay Spirit Tours (180 Ocean St., Hyannis; 508-771-0107: www.bayspirittours.com) has got you covered. The Bay Spirit, a 63-foot catamaran once used for dolphin watching, offers a variety of charters departing the Hyannis waterfront at the Ocean Street docks. The 45- to 60-minute sunset cruise sails around Hyannis Harbor and Lewis Bay offering views of the Kennedy compound. The 75-minute lighthouse tour passes by the Point Gammon Light on Great Island. For a glimpse of wildlife, opt for the three-hour seal eco tour. PHOTO ON BRISTOL SERVER

LODGING
Considering a family reunion or wedding on the Cape? Consider the Elnathan Nye House (33 Old Main Rd., North Falmouth; 508-563-6679: www.elnathannyehouse.com) a Georgian Colonial with historic charm and elegant amenities. The venue is privately owned and can accommodate a large gala event or small, intimate affair. The property, which is on the National Historic Register, is stunningly preserved. Perfect for weddings, rehearsal dinners or any other special soiree, the grounds include a large barn and ample room for a tented event, accommodating up to 200 people. The main house can accommodate up to 45. Open during the spring, summer and fall months. PHOTO ON BRISTOL SERVER.

Annabelle and Simon Hunton have completed a major refurbishment of The Platinum Pebble Inn (186 Belmont Rd., West Harwich; 800-321-3155; www.platinumpebble.com). This eight room luxury bed and breakfast, located close to the beach, now boasts completely refitted private bathrooms for each room and two exquisite garden suites with fireplace and cathedral ceiling. Simon and Annabelle have brought a European touch to the beautiful inn where international visitors will be thrilled to find English, Italian, Dutch, French and German spoken. PHOTO EMAILED TO C.L. FROM JKD: 1/27 AT 12:32

At the Breakers Resort (61 Chase Ave., Dennisport; 866-873-2766: www.innseason.com) renovations have been completed in a dozen rooms and, just in time to kick off the summer season, they’ll be refurbishing an additional 20-plus rooms and the lobby. The guest rooms have been increased in size at the beachfront property, which is situated along gentle Nantucket Sound making it perfect for families who have tots just taking to the water, and each unit features all new furnishings and fixtures.

White Elephant Hotel Residences (50 Easton St., Nantucket; 508-228-2500: www.whiteelephanthotelresidences.com), owned by Nantucket Island Resorts, was recently honored with an award for design excellence in the 2010 Housing Design Awards sponsored by the American Institute of Architecture (AIA) and Boston Society of Architects (BSA). The property, built in 2008 as an extension of the White Elephant Hotel, was designed by Arrowstreet Architecture to provide a private residential experience with the services of a hotel. The hotel itself was also listed as one of the top 50 resorts in the world by Travel + Leisure for 2010. (Photos on Dennis Server since Nov.)

A longtime Cape Cod landmark has just completed a major renovation. Visitors to Sea Crest Beach Hotel (350 Quaker Rd., Old Silver Beach – North Falmouth; 508-540-9400: www.seacrest-resort.com), perched on 700 feet of private shoreline along Old Silver Beach, will find a stunning new lobby and many fresh guest rooms. Additional renovations scheduled for 2011 include a new restaurant and poolside bar and new al fresco function space and restaurants. (HAVE PHOTOS – EMAILED TO C.L. BY MICHELE: 12/17 @ 12:29)

The Moses Nickerson House bed and breakfast, built in 1839 as a sea captain’s manse, was recently purchased and renovated, reopening last spring as the Chatham Gables Inn (364 Old Harbor Rd., Chatham; 508-945-5859: www.chathamgablesinn.com). According to Brian Dougherty, who co-owns the inn with his partner Nick Roberts, their goal “was to create a sophisticated yet charming retreat within a historic setting, where guests would receive first-rate services and amenities.” Mission accomplished: the inn has already been rated as a five-star property by TripAdvisor. (Have photos on Dennis Server since Dec.)

RESTAURANTS
This longtime favorite gathering locale of actual, real-life Cape Codders is under new ownership and has a new name, Hanger B (At Chatham Municipal Airport, 240 George Ryder Rd., Chatham; 508-593-3655: www.hangarbcapecod.com). It’s tucked away on the top floor of the airport’s miniscule hangar with a large deck overlooking the runway. From fresh-squeezed juices to hand-crafted breakfasts and lunches, Chef Brian Erskine is wowing people. The red flannel hash is a winner at breakfast and the red velvet cupcakes are the perfect ending to lunch. Absolutely everything is house-made at Hangar B and it shows!

The Naked Oyster Bistro and Raw Bar (410 Main St., Hyannis; 508-778-6500: www.nakedoyster.com ) recently made a move from their previous location, on Independence Drive, to the west side of Puritan Cape Cod clothing store on Main Street. (Chris – pull Naked Oyster photo from their ad – Golf Fall 2010. They also have photos on Dennis Server of the interior of the new place.)

The Retailer’s Association of Massachusetts has honored Joe’s Beach Road Bar & Grille @ the Barley Neck Inn (5 Beach Rd., East Orleans; 508-240-3058: www.barleyneck.com) as “Restaurant of the Year” for providing patrons with “exceptional service, menu selection and a pleasurable overall experience.” (Sent photos via e-mail 1/25/11.)

Bert’s Landing (140 Warren Ave., Plymouth; 508-591-7321: www.bertslanding.com) has long been a warm and welcoming place for locals and visitors alike. Now, with new owners at the helm and a recently updated look and refreshed menu, it should be even more so. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some comfort food, musical entertainment and truly spectacular ocean views. Overlooking Plymouth Beach, the family-owned and –operated restaurant serves juicy 10 oz. burgers made with beef ground fresh daily as well as seafood, pasta, some lighter fare and a savory Yankee pot roast. Bert’s is a casual and kid-friendly place. For the grown-ups, they carry more than 100 micro brews and an extensive line of martinis, margaritas and specialty drinks. (Robin is sending photos. She has yet to take them. I have to hound her again.)

Restaurateur Dave Colombo, with business partner Scott Brownlee, purchased and completely renovated the harbor-side Black Cat Tavern (165 Ocean St., Hyannis; 508-778-1233: www.blackcattavern.com) last summer. This season the Black Cat Summer Shack will open next door and will be all about casual food done right: fried clams, lobster rolls and sandwiches, and burgers and salads all available either to go or to eat-in. Grab a spot out front overlooking and savor fresh seafood or their homemade ice cream and watch the ferries go by. A wide selection of made-in-the-U.S.A. Black Cat apparel is also available. (Chris: pull Black Cat pic from his ad…fall 2010 Golf)

New to the town of Falmouth is the Quahog Republic Dive Bar (97 Spring Bars Rd., Falmouth; 508-540-4111: www.quahogrepublic.com), which opened in May 2010 in Falmouth after 12 years on Mashnee Island in Bourne. QR Dive Bar’s signature, casual menu features pub food kicked up a notch, including its award-winning quahog chowder, homemade stuffed quahogs and famous Aussie Burger. The Dive Bar’s atmosphere is Cape Cod casual and all about laid-back fun. Live entertainment by local musicians is offered on weekends. Become an “Official Citizen” while dining there by purchasing apparel, gear and accessories, which sport their “live give relax” slogan.

Make a perfect evening on Cape Cod even more perfect with a picnic on the beach, courtesy of Centerville Lobster & Fish Market (1600 Falmouth Rd., #12, Centerville; 508-771-0123). This locally owned and operated take-out restaurant features Cape-fresh seafood and is open for lunch and dinner. It boasts clambakes-to-go as well as a host of dishes made with the best local fare. A children’s menu is also available. And if you’re intimidated by all the cracking, crushing and splitting of lobster consumption, fear not; the folks at the market will do it for you, free of charge. Call ahead and order your dinner. Pick it up. Head toward the beach.

SHOPPING
Centerville Pie Co. (1671 Falmouth Rd., Centerville; 774-470-1406: www.centervillepies.com) had a stellar year. Their new business, started in 2009, was featured on “The Oprah Winfrey Show®” in September as part of the “Ultimate Wildest Dreams” episode, where it was announced that gourmet food purveyor Harry & David would distribute their pies to a larger audience. Since then, Centerville Pie Co. has created 30 more jobs for people with disabilities at CapeAbilities non-profit organization. Centerville Pie Co. got another boost from “The Oprah Winfrey Show®” two months later when they were listed as one of Oprah’s “Ultimate Favorite Things” in November.

Recognized by The Oprah Magazine as having “the best smoked salmon in the country,” the Nantucket Wild Gourmet & Smokehouse (1223 Main St., Chatham; 508-945-2700: www.nantucketwildgourmet.com) is popularly known for its support of sustainable fisheries and a “buy fresh, buy local” policy. Fisherman Drew Poce and his team have become masters of the smoking process, cooking their seafood in small batches while using pesticide-free aged hard woods. Also available is a variety of other gourmet products. Open year-round, the smokehouse offers daily tastings and can schedule tours for anyone interested in learning more about their process.

Since opening, Cape Kaleidoscopes (12 Market St., Mashpee; 508-477-0661: www.capekaleidoscopes.com) in April 2010, owners Jon and Suzanne Green have attracted quite the loyal following. The store boasts the handcrafted work of over 25 artists from around the country and includes kaleidoscopes in all types of materials with various prices; from toy scopes for pre-schoolers, to “limited edition” works or themed pieces. The kaleidoscopes are crafted of wood, metal, dichroic or stained glass. The store also carries handcrafted jewelry and quilts, photos and notecards.

Kelly Chasson, owner of Barnstable Village's newest home decor store, has always loved decorating and beautiful objects. Now she is finally putting those two passions to work. She describes her new store, Neutral Territory (3179 Main St., Barnstable; 508-744-7145) as “timeless and classic,” carrying "pieces you can keep forever." The 1,100 s. f. shop is filled with everything from classic furniture, glassware, grass rugs and lamps to socially conscious gifts, organic candles, pillows, throws, soaps and more. Open-year round. (have photos. On Dennis server. Posted last week.)

Style and savings, together at last. At Simply the Best (21 Joy St., Mashpee; 774-521-3848: www.simplythebeststores.com), a family-owned jewelry store with a new location on the Cape, you’ll find a wide variety of fashion jewelry at incredible prices; most of the store’s merchandise is priced under $30. Brothers Nicolas and Spencer Slottje opened the first Simply the Best store in New York in January of 2010, hoping to “create the ultimate bargain-hunting destination for fashion jewelry.” In addition to jewelry, they also carry a full spectrum of women’s accessories such as handbags and scarves.

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