re: Cape Cod in July

Cape Cod in July is awesome. My folks had a place in Harwich Port dating back to the mid 1990's. Sadly we had to sell it in 2022 when our dad passed and my mother went into a nursing home. Lot of memories of the Cape and Harwich Port/Chatham is my favorite part. Hated selling as I don't know how much we'll get back now.

I know where the Winstead is but have not been to it. There is another one in Harwich Port near the beach so I wasn't clear which one (near the public beach access, which requires a sticker on your car to park, pain in the arse, etc.). If you are used to Florida beaches, beaches on the Cape are a big adjustment. My youngest first visited there when she was like 5 and said "Nana, this beach sucks." She's spoiled by Destin.

Harwich Port is a neat town but Chatham is the fave. Lot of nice shops and places to eat really in both towns. Chatham ballpark is not far from you.

Ferries go out of Harwich Port to Nantucket. I've done these several times. Freedom Ferry is the company and you likely should get a reservation. Much prefer Nantucket over Martha's Vinyard. Last I went in 2022, there is a building right next to where you get off the ferry with an LSU flag so it still might be there. If you just want to walk around Nantucket, don't get a vehicle as parking is a bitch, but if you do want to get out around the island, they do rent jeeps within a short walk of the ferry. You can go out to see the seals on Great Point which is very cool. You'll need to drive on the beach with deflated tires. Takes getting used to but its worth it. Murray's Toggery Shop is nice for clothes, and I'm coincidentally wearing Nantucket Reds today. Or The Whale is a cool restaurant there with a nice area out back. Whaling Museum is neat too. If you rent a vehicle, try to go by Siasconset and drive around a bit. Houses have flowers on them. Very cool.

If you go to Martha's Vinyard, Edgartown is the favorite by far. Less crowded. Steamship Authority out of Hyannis will be closest ferry for you.

As for food, I'll start with the best - Sundae School in Harwich Port for ice cream. Best I've ever had. Gets crowded at night. Otherwise, the old man was a big fan of Brax which is casual dining in Harwich Port. My mother preferred Clancy's, but that's more in Dennisport, which is not too far. In Chatham, Wild Goose Tavern in the Chatham Wayside Inn is pretty good. Chatham Bars Inn is really nice too and there is a great view from the veranda in the front. If you want a lobster roll, go to the Chatham Fish Pier. You can watch boats unload but there is also a small shack there that sells the best lobster rolls, fried fish, etc. That's a can't miss.

I'm actually headed to Boston in a couple of months to bring my mom to her final resting point. Not sure we'll make it to the Cape but we will try.

Happy you are going. Truly a beautiful place.