Cape Cod - Index

Cape Cod - travel_guide_2008 - Index

The Visitor Center offers interactive films and exhibits on the
operation and history of the canal. For more information, call
the Cape Cod Canal Field Office (Academy Drive, Buzzard’s
Bay; 508-759-4431) or the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center (60
Ed Moffitt Drive, Sandwich; 508-833-9678). The Visitor Center
is open from the beginning of May through mid-October.
Cape Cod Canal | Cape Cod
The primary purpose of the Cape Cod Canal is to provide a safe channel for
vessels passing between Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound. On average, the
canal saves 135 miles of open sea travel around the tip of the Cape, which can be
dangerous to navigate. But the Cape Cod Canal has come to serve another
purpose: recreation. COURTESY OF HYLINE CRUISES
3 | Our Heritage
Enjoy the rolling lush lawns, gorgeous gardens and eclectic
collections found in the 100-acre wonderland of the Heritage
Museums and Gardens (67 Grove St., Sandwich; 508-888-3300).
If you visit in spring, the rhododendrons will be in bloom in
various hues of pink; in summer, the daylilies create swaths of
blazing color; in fall, the changes in foliage become apparent;
during the winter holidays, the grounds are bedecked with
enchanting light displays. Among the three museums are the
Shaker round barn replica, which houses a collection of
gleaming antique automobiles—including a 1930 Duesenberg
driven by screen star Gary Cooper—and the Art Museum,
exhibiting such art and artifacts as early folk portraits and
whalers’ scrimshaw. Take a spin on the restored Charles I.D.
Looff 1912 hand-carved carousel. The American History
Museum houses military and Native American artifacts, as well
as antique toys. Feel free to make a day of it. You’ll find food at
the Carousel Café—or bring a picnic lunch to savor on the
grounds. Open daily April 1 to Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $12 for adults; $10 for age 60 and over; $6 for ages 6
to 16; free for children under 5. Holiday Spectacle of Lights, 5
p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Nov. 23 through Dec. 31.
Admission: $10 for adults; $5 ages 6 to 16; children 5 and under
and members, free.
4 | Seal Watching
The Lower Cape’s answer to whale watches is seal watches.
Thousands of gray seals haul out along Chatham’s east coast,
just a short boat trip from shore. Several services provide upclose
views of the frolicking protected marine mammals:
Beachcomber Seal Watch (508-945-5265), Outermost
Adventures (508-945-5858) and Monomoy Island Ferry (508-
945-5450). Prices range from $15 for kids to $25 for adults.
Please call for schedules.
■ activities cape & islands
5 | Rail Trail
For outdoor enthusiasts, the 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail (508-
896-3491) from Dennis to Wellfleet offers one of the best ways
to catch back-door glimpses of the real Cape Cod. Tool on two
wheels in the sunshine and ocean air along a paved path that
runs past houses, cranberry bogs, salt marshes, ponds and
country stores. Following the former right of way of the Old
Colony Railroad, the trail has recently undergone rehabilitation
to ensure a smoother ride. While bicyclists predominate, the
trail also accommodates in-line skaters, runners, walkers and
horseback riders (on the unpaved shoulder). No motorized
vehicles are allowed. Bicycle rentals, food and water are
available at several points along the trail. You’ll also find
opportunities to exit the trail to visit a beach or a village center.
An 8-mile extension from Harwich to Chatham takes bicyclists
along main roads through parts of Harwich and along the
shoreline past such landmarks as Chatham Light and the
Chatham Fish Pier.
HELMET LAW
Massachusetts law requires that any person age 16 or younger operating a bicycle, in-line skates, a
skateboard,scooter or other manually propelled vehicle with wheels wear a helmet.The law applies to any
public right of way,including bicycle paths.
6 | Train Ride
Rail fans are bound to enjoy a ride aboard the Cape Cod Central
Railroad (252 Main St., Hyannis; 888-797-7245 or 508-771-
3800). Trips range from the two-hour scenic excursion to the
three-hour elegant dinner train, featuring a five-course meal
served in vintage dining cars. Also offered are two-hour
luncheon excursions and a family supper train, featuring
entertainment for children. While rolling along 46 miles of
track, you’ll see sand dunes, salt marsh, cranberry bogs and
woodlands. Fares range from $18 to $65; $14 to $30 for children
under 12.
7 | Lighthouse Tours
Lighthouses are as much a part of Cape Cod and the Islands as
the sea. For centuries they have guided mariners to safety
through treacherous shoals. You’ll find eight working
lighthouses on the Cape alone, mile-for-mile one of the largest
concentrations of working lighthouses in the world. Be sure to
check out the Cape Cod Highland Lighthouse (27 Highland
Rail Trail | Cape Cod
For outdoor enthusiasts, the 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail (508-896-3491) from Dennis to
Wellfleet offers one of the best ways to catch back-door glimpses of the real Cape Cod.
Tool on two wheels in the sunshine and ocean air along a paved path that runs past
houses, cranberry bogs, salt marshes, ponds and country stores. KINDRA CLINEFF
www.capecodtravelguide.com
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