SUMMER 2021
SUMMER 2021
FOOD & DRINK
$6.99
Alfresco dining, takeout spots, and food trucks we love.
LOCAL SCENE
A new venue brings music to West Yarmouth.
DOWN BY THE WATER
Discover beaches by car and kettle ponds by kayak.
PHOTOG RAPHER: JANE ME SSINGER ARCHITE CT: JI LL NEUBAUE R ARCH ITECTS
WWW.MI DCAP E.COM • (800) 295-9220 SOUT H DEN NI S • ORLE ANS • WE LLFLEET • FA LMOUTH • MIDDL E BOR O • MA RTHA 'S V INEYARD
EDITOR’S NOTE SUMMER 2021 KELLY CHASE kchase@capecodandtheislandsmag.com Editor-in-Chief
ERIC BRUST-AKDEMIR ericbrust@capecodandtheislandsmag.com Creative Director / Publisher
PATRICK O’DONNELL patrick@capecodandtheislandsmag.com 203.913.7691 A s s o c i a t e P u b l i s h e r & M a n a g e r, Business Development
REBECCA BANAS rebecca@capecodandtheislandsmag.com 508.825.6499 Advertising Account Executive
Inside our Summer issue, you’ll find stories that encourage
exploration. Alice Lesch Kelly, a writer and kettle pond kayaker, talks to local experts about which ponds are best for launching (“Pond Paddling,” 46). Cape and island ponds are less populated than coastlines in the summer months, but they are filled with wildlife, which makes every expedition fun. Of course, the region’s miles of sandy coast are on many to-do lists this summer. Kelly also shows us how to find the perfect beach spot—and it doesn’t involve sinking through the sand with beach chairs on your back. Instead, you can hop in your car: Many Cape and island beaches are accessible to those who have over-sand vehicle permits (“Beach Cruisers,” 40). Nonetheless, sometimes beaches are best enjoyed at a more leisurely pace. Photographer Marcy Ford captures the local beachcombing experience and shares her collection, which reveals the mosaic wonder of an ice cream cone worm’s sand tube, among other gems (“Treasures on the Shore Line,” 34). Further inland, writer Lisa Connors explores the peaceful trails of the Cape Cod Lavender Farm. She chats with owners, Cynthia and Matthew Sutphin, who collaborate with a number of local businesses to create one-of-a-kind items, such as chocolate-covered pretzels drizzled with lavender (“Keep Calm and Lavender On,” 96). For those who are craving some socially distanced social activities, we have you covered too. Writer Bill Higgins features five beloved ballparks on the Cape as the Cape League makes plans to reopen this summer. Higgins also interviews Peter Gammons, sportswriter and media personality, about the significance and joys of the local league (“Home Game,” 66). There is so much more to discover inside this issue—from takeout food spots to the story behind our cover photographer, Ben Whelan, who heads into the surf in summer or winter to capture shapes of waves before they break (Final
KATHY RUSINOSKI kathy@capecodandtheislandsmag.com 508.971.4643 Advertising Account Executive
FATIH AKDEMIR fatihakdemir@capecodandtheislandsmag.com
Accounts Receivable/ Managing Publisher LISA CAVANAUGH, LISA LEIGH CONNORS, JAMES ELLIS, MEREDITH FARAHMAND, SKIP FINLEY, MARCY FORD, BILL HIGGINS, ALICE LESCH KELLY, COURTNEY LINCOLN, JENNY SHEA RAWN, BRETT WARREN, LAUREN WOLK C o n t r i b u t i n g Wr i t e r s JULIA CUMES, DAN CUTRONA, RODRIGO ERENO, MARCY FORD, ALEX GAGNE, MICHAEL & SUSAN KARCHMER, JENNY SHEA RAWN BRIAN VANDEN BRINK, BEN WHELAN Contributing Photographers
DAWN ORVIS
Proofreader / Fact-Checker CAPECODANDTHEISLANDSMAG.COM @CAPEANDISLANDSMAG Cape Cod & The Islands Magazine is published quarterly by Scorton Creek Media © 2021
P.O. BOX 723 East Sandwich, MA 02537 Printed in the U.S.A. Cape Cod and the Islands is proud to work with a Certified Green Press. Printed on paper that is 100-percent postconsumer waste recycled fiber and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. Printed by Lane Press, a FSC/ SFI-certified printer in Burlington, Vermont, Lane Press gets 98 percent of its electricity from sources other than greenhouse gas-producing carbon fuel. Inks are bioderived and use low-volatile organic compounds.
Thought, 128). Enjoy the stories and the season ahead!
Thank you for reading. Kelly Chase
Editor-in-Chief
2 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
April 2021 Volume 2/Issue 1 For advertising: sales@capecodandtheislandsmag.com For Job or intern inquiries: info@capecodandtheislandsmag.com Letters to the editor: feedback@capecodandtheislandsmag.com
P O L H E M U S S AV E RY DA S I LVA
Built on Tradition. Designed to Endure. 25 years and hundreds of successful projects later, we remain committed to design that is lasting and noteworthy, and craft that sustains, inspires and works in harmony with this beautiful natural environment. Learn more at psdab.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Skip Finley was a professional radio executive for most of
his first 50 working years who decided to become a writer. His publisher, the Naval Institute Press, recently named him Author of the Year for his book, Whaling Captains of Color - America’s First Meritocracy. Skip also won the Afro American History and Genealogical Society’s Non-Fiction, Regional Book Award for 2020. Widely acknowledged as a radio expert, he is gratified to live on Cape Cod where radio began, as per his article in this issue on Guglielmo Marconi. HISTORY, 70
Lisa Cavanaugh is a lifestyle writer who grew up in
New England. After graduating from Boston College and working in Off-Broadway production in NYC, she moved to Los Angeles where she became a Hollywood story editor, producer, and writer. Now back as a full-time Cape Codder, Lisa and her husband, a commercial fisherman, reside in the Yarmouth house that was originally her grandparents’ home. In this issue, she explores camping destinations and a new music venue in her town, and she dives into the nitty gritty of raising chickens. CAMPING, 53; CHICKEN COOPS, 102
Julia Cumes is a South African-born photographer based on Cape Cod. She’s passionate about storytelling, has photographed projects around the globe and is a frequent contributor to Cape Cod and the Islands. For this issue, Julia photographed the Music Room in West Yarmouth. MUSIC ROOM, 30
Jenny Shea Rawn MS, MPH, RD is a registered
dietitian, recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator. Her website (jennyshearawn.com) features local seafood recipes, coastal-living inspiration, and all things Cape and islands. Jenny lives in Falmouth with her husband and two young children. In this issue, she shares three recipes using local seafood that are best enjoyed al fresco. Follow her on Instagram at @JennySheaRawn for seaside inspiration, and seafood recipes, tips, and tricks. RECIPE, 110
Brett Warren’s poetry has been published in Cape
Cod Poetry Review, The Comstock Review, Green Fuse, Primavera, and Provincetown Magazine. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has been a professional editor her entire adult life. She also owned the Cape Cod Chat House, a contemporary art gallery and cultural venue in Dennis Village from 2011 until 2015. A member of two poetry groups, Sea Glass Poets and Critical Friends, she lives on the bicep of Cape Cod. WRITER’S SHACK, 126 4 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
View our entire collection at
www.westbarnstabletables.com
2454 Meetinghouse Way (Rte. 149), West Barnstable, MA 02668 | Open Daily 9-4 | 508-362-2676
INSIDE THE ISSUE
P78. SIX EASY WAYS TO ADD CURB APPEAL
P34. Treasures on the Shoreline
P40. BEACH CRUISERS
P102. HOW TO START A BACKYARD CHICKEN COOP
P118. Summer Dining Guide P70. WHERE RADIO BEGAN 8 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
capecodandtheislandsmag.com
EVENTS
12 / A Collection of the Season’s Live and Virtual Events.
COMMUNITY
30 / The Music Room Opens in Yarmouth.
LIFE + STYLE:
34 / Beachcombing: Treasures on the Shoreline 40 / Beach Cruisers: Drive on to the Sand and Away From the Crowds 46 / Pond Paddling: Where to Launch Your Canoe or Kayak 54 / Happy Campers: Pitch a Tent This Summer 60 / A Beginner’s Guide to Golf: Give it a Swing 64 / Diamonds in the Rough: Seven Golf Courses in Seven Days
PROFILE
66 / Peter Gammons and the Cape League: A Feel-Good Story
HISTORY
70 / The Bluffs of Wellfleet: Where Radio Began
REAL ESTATE
78 / Six Easy Ways to Add Curb Appeal
HOME DESIGN
86 / Warm Welcome: A Chatham Cape Gets a Modernist Addition
P86. Warm Welcome
GARDEN
96 / Keep Calm and Lavender On: A Trip to the Cape Cod Lavender Farm 100 / Running Down Wildflowers in Barnstable
A DAY IN THE LIFE
102 / Fine-Feathered Friends: How to Start a Backyard Chicken Coop
RECIPE
110 / Three Simple and Sustainable Local Seafood Recipes
FOOD & DRINK
118 / Dining Alfresco: Your Summer Dining Guide 122 / A Visit to Falmouth’s Aquatic Brewing
BOOKS
124 / Great Reads for the Sunny Season
WRITER’S SHACK
126 / The Work of Local Poet Brett Warren
FINAL THOUGHT
128 / Wave Photography with Ben Whelan
ON THE COVER
P110. Fresh From the Dock
Photographer Ben Whelan captures a wave at Nauset Beach in Orleans.
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EVENTS
Insight at Cape Cod Museum of Art
Summer Calendar
Our curated list of events to celebrate the season on Cape Cod and the islands.
Wildflower Garden Walk at Green Briar Nature Center
INSIGHT AT CAPE COD MUSEUM OF ART THROUGH JUNE 20, 2021
In January, the Cape Cod Museum of Art invited all visual artists in the United States to submit artwork reflecting their interpretations of the word INSIGHT. Over 500 artworks were submitted by 272 artists from 30 states across the country. Only 65 artworks have been selected from 60 artists in 16 states by juror Grace Hopkins Artist and Gallery Director, Berta Walker Galleries. 60 Hope Lane, Dennis 508-385-4477, ccmoa.org
THE NAPI AND HELEN VAN DERECK COLLECTION: PART III AT PROVINCETOWN ART ASSOCIATION AND MUSEUM THROUGH JULY 25, 2021
This third installment of the Napi and Helen Van Dereck Collection features the work of an array of historic Provincetown artists, including Evelin Bodfish Bourne, Oliver Chaffee, William Halsall, Charles Hawthorne, Blanche Lazzell, and Lillian Meeser, among others. 460 Commercial Street, Provincetown 508-487-1750, paam.org
HYARTS ARTIST SHANTIES THROUGH OCTOBER 2021
This town-run program provides affordable rental space for Cape Cod artists and artisans to work and sell at these seaside studios. This program provides prime visibility and opportunities for artists to gain 12 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
“RFK: Ripple of Hope” at JFK Hyannis Museum
and improve business, marketing and selling skills, connect with other artists and meet visitors from around the region and the world. Artist Shanties at Harbor Overlook 51 Ocean St., Hyannis Artist Shanties at Bismore Park 180 Ocean St., Hyannis
HAPLESS CHILDREN AT THE EDWARD GOREY HOUSE THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2021
Childhood here is depicted as a barren and harsh landscape where dark sedans glide out of frame—an unsavory underworld where monstrous villains (and the occasional benevolent monster) lurk. Hapless Children runs at the Edward Gorey House through December 31, 2021. Appointments are highly recommended (by calling the House at 508-3623909). 8 Strawberry Lane, Yarmouth Port 508-362-3909, edwardgoreyhouse.org
“RFK: RIPPLE OF HOPE” AT JFK HYANNIS MUSEUM THROUGH 2022
The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum is pleased to announce the return of a special exhibit to commemorate the life and legacy of Robert F. Kennedy as it reopens for the 2021 season. The “RFK: Ripple of Hope” exhibit has been assembled in collaboration with RFK Human Rights Foundation. “The theme ‘Ripple of Hope’ comes from Senator Kennedy’s most famous and powerful speech delivered in Cape Town, South Africa,” says the exhibit curator Rebecca Pierce-Merrick. “It’s a fitting title for our exhibit as well because that’s exactly what his life
capecodandtheislandsmag.com
of public service created – a ripple of hope that continues to reverberate through the generations since his passing.” 397 Main St, Hyannis, 508-790-3077, jfkhyannismuseum.org
YARMOUTH SAND SCULPTURE TRAIL THROUGH OCTOBER 2021
Ever seen beach sand transformed into beautiful art? Watching the professional sculptors at work on Yarmouth’s Sand Sculpture Trail is almost as intriguing as the finished product. Past sculptures have depicted everything from mermaids and lobsters to unicorns and whales. Download the trail map at yarmouthcapecod.com and start exploring! You can visit the trail from May through October.
May you always have a shell in your pocket and sand in your shoes.
yarmouthcapecod.com
WELLFLEET RESTAURANT WEEK JUNE 2-8, 2021
Presented by the W ellfleet Chamber of Commerce, Restaurant Week is a week-long event t hat gives both locals and visitors an opportunity to enjoy all that Wellfleet has to offer before the kicking off the busy summer season. There are no tickets or passes required for W ellfleet Restaurant Week.Simply dine out o r shop at a participating restaurantor business, and enjoy special menuitems and offerings. wellfleetrestaurantweek.com
WILDFLOWER GARDEN WALK JUNE 2-30, 2021
Join an informal guided tour of the awardwinning Wildflower Garden. Stroll the paths of this garden containing over 300 plants. Advance registration is not required for this drop-in program on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Green Briar Nature Center & Jam Kitchen 6 Discovery Hill Road, East Sandwich 508-888-6870, thorntonburgess.org
A CELEBRATION OF NANTUCKET SOUND
Times like this require an experienced REALTOR®. Please contact me for your real estate needs. I am here to help you and would love to hear from you. We have purchased two homes with Ronnie Mulligan as our Realtor. Both experiences have been exceptional. She is very knowledgeable, professional. and always goes the extra mile. Ronnie had all the information we needed. We would highly recommend her to anyone looking to buy a property. She would be our only choice for a Realtor on Cape Cod!
Ronnie Mulligan 508.633.0613 rmulligan@kinlingrover.com 4 Wianno Avenue Osterville, MA 02655
JUNE 3 & JULY 15
A Celebration of Nantucket Sound is an educational webinar series designed to celebrate Nantucket Sound’s exceptional environment, robust history, and cultural SUMMER 2021 » 13
EVENTS importance to the Cape and Islands. These monthly webinars provide free, accessible, and fun learning opportunities for individuals and families in the safety of their own homes through Zoom. 508-775-9767, saveoursound.org
PROVINCETOWN PRIDE JUNE 4-6, 2021
Provincetown Pride is an annual celebration highlighting what Provincetown has always been known for: LGBTQ+ awareness, empowerment, and diversity. There will be multiple events, parties, and Pride programming throughout the weekend. ptown.org, 508-487-2313
14TH INTERNATIONAL ENCAUSTIC VIRTUAL CONFERENCE JUNE 5 & 6, 2021
Bringing a community of artists together with gallerists, curators, critics, and collectors engaged with wax, printmaking, mixed media, and professional practices can still happen. The 14th International Encaustic Conference is directed by Cherie Mittenthal and produced by Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill. The keynote speaker will be Joan Snyder. Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill 10 Meetinghouse Rd, Truro 508-349-7511, castlehill.org
HERITAGE ANNUAL AUTO SHOW JUNE 12, 10 A.M. - 2:30 P.M.
This family friendly event highlights antique and classic automobiles, hot rods, and custom cars in excellent original or restored condition. This year’s show will highlight the Cape Cod Chapter of the Early Ford V8 Club. Heritage Museums & Gardens 67 Grove St., Sandwich, heritagemuseumsandgardens.org
PROVINCETOWN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL JUNE 16-25, 2021
Celebrating its 23rd installment, the Provincetown Film Festival (PIFF) is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to showcasing new achievements in independent film and honoring the work of emerging as well as acclaimed directors, producers and actors. PIFF is committed to serving its communities who are often outside of the mainstream, in the margins, or otherwise underserved, but have a voice critical to the evolution of artistic expression. provincetownfilm.org
14 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
Your Boston / Cape Cod Real Estate Connection Consistently Ranked Top Producers in Boston and Cape Cod Ready to start your search or sell experience in Boston or Cape Cod? Get in touch with Witter & Witter so we can show you the Compass difference. wwbostoncapecod@compass.com 508.776.6636 compass.com WITTER & WITTER IS A TEAM OF REAL ESTATE AGENTS AFFILIATED WITH COMPASS, A LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER AND ABIDES BY EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY LAWS.
EVENTS
Chatham Bars Inn Pig & Oyster Roast
NANTUCKET FILM FESTIVAL JUNE 17-28, 2021
The 26th annual Festival will feature a robust program of online screenings, as well as drive-in screenings and intimate garden screenings and conversations (all in-person gatherings are being planned in compliance with local and state public safety guidelines). nantucketfilmfestival.org
PROVINCETOWN PORTUGUESE FESTIVAL JUNE 24-27, 2021
This four-day annual festival has live music, parties, games, food, and more. The festival culminates with The Blessing of the Fleet, which involves decorated boats gathering at the Provincetown Harbor for a procession through town. Portuguese Square, Ryder St., Provincetown 508-487-2313, provincetownportuguesefestival.com
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PIG & OYSTER ROAST JUNE 29, 2021
Kick off the summer season with Chatham Bars Inn at the Beach House Grill. The fun filled Annual Pig & Oyster Roast features a whole pig roast, local roasted, baked and raw oysters along with a low country boil, cash bar and live music. Call the Chatham Bars Inn for more information. 297 Shore Rd, Chatham, 508-945-6871 chathambarsinn.com
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS AT CAPE COD PLAYHOUSE JULY 7-17, 2021
One of the most captivating musicals ever to be adapted for the stage, An American in Paris is inspired by the Academy Awardwinning film and features the music of George and Ira Gershwin. 820 Rte 6A Dennis Village, Dennis capeplayhouse.com
capecodandtheislandsmag.com
Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival
CAPE COD HYDRANGEA FESTIVAL
importance of sustainability, conservation and gardening ethics for the long-term health of the island. Scheduled for July 13th-15th, the festival celebrates gardening through creative in-person and virtual lectures and workshops, exquisite garden tours, and children’s activities.
JULY 9-18, 2021
The Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival is an annual celebration of the region’s blue, pink, and white signature flowers and everything gardens on Cape Cod! This ten-day festival’s main attractions are the daily tours of private gardens, each designed and maintained by the individual homeowners and carrying a unique charm. capecodchamber.org
CHATHAM ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
JULY 10 & 11, 2021, AUGUST 7 & 8, 2021
This Chatham Arts and Crafts Festival displays products like original watercolors, basketry, ribbon accessories, fine jewelry, mosaic tile, nautical crafts, slate, felting, floral design, stained glass, wearable
ackgardenfestival.org
art, country woodcrafts, custom signs, embroidery, stone castings, candles, pet treats, wood burning, paper craft and much more. Community Center Lawn, Main St., Chatham
NANTUCKET GARDEN FESTIVAL JULY 13-15
The 12th Annual Nantucket Garden Festival highlights the unique and beautiful garden ecosystems on Nantucket and focuses on the
NANTUCKET COMEDY FESTIVAL JULY 15-17, 2021
Founded in 2007 by Kevin Flynn, the Nantucket Comedy Festival is an annual summer event that brings top comedic talent to Nantucket Island as the major fundraiser for Stand Up & Learn™, an island-based, year-round comedy education program serving Nantucket’s children. The Nantucket Comedy Festival envisions Nantucket as a community connected by laughter. nantucketcomedy.com
SUMMER 2021 » 17
Looking to buy or sell a home on Cape Cod? We are your local, full time, year-round Realtor team.
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508.505.7370
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@CapeCodProperties
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@TeamMartinLapsley
Ross Coppelman Half a century of timeless designs
1439 Rt. 6A East Dennis, MA 508 385 7900 | www.coppelman.com designs © ross coppelman goldsmith, inc.
SUMMER 2021 » 19
EVENTS
HYDRANGEA WORKSHOP AT HIGHFIELD HALL AND GARDENS JULY 18, 2021
Barbara Conolly, MPS, MCLP, presents a talk and demonstration on the many varieties of hydangea, special characteristics, how to plant different types, best pruning practices, best methods of amending soil specific to variety, how to dry different varietal blooms, and watering needs. Highfield’s several varieties of hydrangeas will be featured too. All questions are welcome to help you grow the most beautiful ubiquitous Cape Cod flowering shrub. 56 Highfield Drive, Falmouth highfieldhallandgardens.org
PROVINCETOWN JAZZ FESTIVAL: KRISANTHI PAPPAS & CAPE COD JAZZ QUINTET AUGUST 2, 2021
Wildly upbeat! Swing to a great evening of music. Performance starting at 8:00 PM Cultural Center of Cape Cod 307 Old Main St., South Yarmouth 508-274-2513, provincetownjazzfestival.org
GREASE AT CAPE COD PLAYHOUSE AUGUST 4-14, 2021
Dust off your leather jackets, pull on your bobbysocks and take a trip to a simpler time as Danny and Sandy fall in love all over again. Here is Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys” and their gumsnapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical. 820 Rte 6A Dennis Village, Dennis capeplayhouse.com
MARTHA’S VINEYARD AFRICANAMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL AUGUST 6-14, 2021
Feature, documentary, and short films produced by and starring African Americans from across the world. All screenings and events take place at Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center (MVPAC) located adjacent to Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.
100 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Vineyard Haven mvaaff.com
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SUMMER 2021 » 21
Perk Up!
EVENTS
NANTUCKET RACE WEEK AUGUST 14-22, 2021
Everything you need to get going! • smoothies • fresh juices • hot coffee • espresso • cappuccino • a box of perk! • pastries
• breakfast sandwiches • muffins • bagels • perk donuts • soups • panini
• café sandwiches • lobster rolls • clam chowder • sandwich platters • cakes • catering
daily specials!
Nantucket Race Week is nine days of regattas, awards ceremonies, and parties hosted by Nantucket Yacht Club and Great Harbor Yacht Club to benefit Nantucket Community Sailing. Race Week is the largest fundraiser for Nantucket Community Sailing, and supports youth sailing for island children. nantucketraceweek.org
POPS BY THE SEA AUGUST 15, 2021
Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea concert features the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra on the Hyannis Village Green. The event raises funds for the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod. 367 Main St., Hyannis 508-362-0066
PROVINCETOWN CARNIVAL 2021 307 Orleans Road, N. Chatham • 508-945-5005 ChathamPerk.com • Open 7 Days A Week ~ Year Round!
AUGUST 15-21, 2021
The Provincetown Business Guild has been busy creating a fun, safe and fabulous week and while it may be different—it will still be a blast so don’t miss it! Carnival 2021’s theme is Somewhere Over the Rainbow! 508-487-2313, ptown.org
celebratedbespokeweddings.com
PROVINCETOWN JAZZ FESTIVAL: PETER & WILL ANDERSON AND LESLIE BOYLE AUGUST 16, 2021
Illuminated by an infectious groove! Jazz lover’s will agree, this is an entertaining experience. Performance starts at 7:30 PM. Cultural Center of Cape Cod 307 Old Main St., South Yarmouth 508-274-2513, provincetownjazzfestival.org
PROVINCETOWN TENNESSEE WILLIAMS THEATER FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 23-26, 2021
“If We Can, We Will… Again” The Festival seeks to promote Tennessee Williams’s connection to the Cape by celebrating his avant-garde spirit and cultural contributions to the artistic community through a series of invigorating performances each year. twptown.org
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EVENTS
CAPE COD MUSIC IN THE PARK
Local bandstands, town greens, and beaches feature local bands throughout the summer. Check town and band websites for details on start times and updates on safety precautions. SUNDAYS
Brewster
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Eastham
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Dennis
Dennis Village Green Gazebo, Route 6A, Dennis South Yarmouth
Parkers River Beach, 160 South Shore Drive, South Yarmouth
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Cape Cod Pendant
an east Wind silver exclusive available online at www.eastwindsilver.com
Cape Cod’s online source for silver jewelry since 1999
Orleans
Nauset Beach, 250 Beach Road, Orleans Harwich
Brooks Park, 16 Oak St., Harwich TUESDAYS
Eastham
Salt Pond Visitors Center, Route 6, Eastham Harwich
Brooks Park, 16 Oak St., Harwich Mashpee
The easT Wind silver Co., lTd.® PO Box 750 • Chatham, MA 02633 888.800.9033 • www.eastwindsilver.com
Mashpee Community Park, 13 Great Neck Road, Mashpee WEDNESDAYS
Barnstable Village
Barnstable Village Courthouse Stage, Courthouse Complex, Route 6A, Barnstable Village 24 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
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Hyannis
Hyannis Village Green, Main St., Hyannis Chatham
Kate Gould Park, 500 Main St., Chatham Orleans
Rock Harbor Beach, Rock Harbor, Orleans Provincetown
Herring Cove Beach, Provincelands Road, Provincetown THURSDAYS
Buzzards Bay
Buzzards Bay Park, Main St., Buzzards Bay Eastham
Salt Pond Visitors Center, Route 6, Eastham Sandwich
Len Savery Bandstand, Behind former Wing Elementary School, Route 130, Sandwich North Truro
Truro Public Library, 7 Standish Way, North Truro Dennis Port
Dennis Port Village Green, 29 Hall St., Dennis Port Falmouth
Music and Arts Pavilion at Marina Park, Scranton Avenue, Falmouth
MEXICAN SHRIMP “CEVICHE”
Ceviche is an easy and healthy preparation to enjoy fresh seafood. This is a mock ceviche as the raw seafood is poached before marinating in citrus juices.
1 lb. raw, peeled & deveined shrimp (fresh scallops or any firm white-fleshed fish will also work well) 1 envelope ST. OURS CLAM BROTH 1 cup water ¼ tsp dried oregano 6 Tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice (about 3 limes) 2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon) 2 Tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice (about ½ orange) ½ cup red onion, diced 1 jalapeño finely diced 1 cup chopped tomato ¼ cup cilantro, diced 1 avocado, diced Tortilla chips for serving Bring 1 cup water to a boil. Add 1 envelope St. Ours Clam Broth and oregano. Stir to dissolve Clam Broth and add shrimp. Poach shrimp for 2 minutes in the broth, remove with a slotted spoon, then shock in ice water to stop cooking. Cool and reserve broth. Dice shrimp and add to citrus juices. Add cooled clam broth. Chill for 2 hours. Add red onion, jalapeño tomato and cilantro. Chill 1 hour more. To serve, stir in diced avocado. Serve with tortilla chips.
When you need authentic Seafood Flavor, think inside the shell. Clam stock made from steaming fresh, sustainable, North Atlantic clams is dried to produce All Natural, non-GMO and gluten free St. Ours Clam Broth. Find our product at a store near you or visit our website to order online
www.SaintOurs.com Cape Tip Fish & Lobster Mart (Provincetown) Cook Shop (Brewster), Fishermen’s View (Sandwich), Market Basket, Seahorse/Cape Cod Chowder (Marion), Uncle Bill’s Country Store (N. Falmouth), Stop & Shop (local rack)
781-331-8520 email@SaintOurs.com
SUMMER 2021 » 25
EVENTS Osterville
Osterville Village Library Green, 43 Wianno Avenue, Osterville FRIDAYS
Chatham
Kate Gould Park, 500 Main St., Chatham Falmouth
Margaret E. (“Peg”) Noonan Park, 250 Main St., Falmouth Hyannis
Aselton Park, 135 South St., Hyannis
LIVE AT THE MUSIC ROOM IN YARMOUTH 541 Main St., West Yarmouth 508-694-6125 musicroomcapecod.com (check website for updates) JAMES MONTGOMERY June 18 MYSTIC BOWIE’S TALKING DREADS June 19 AMY HELM June 25 BIG SAM’S FUNKY NATION June 26 CHRISSI POLAND July 1 ANA POPOVIC July 3 ALYA BROWN AND ROB BELLAMY July 8 ONE BAR HEATER USA (SCOTT BROWN) July 9 EIGHT TO THE BAR July 10 GUMBO GRITS AND GRAVY July 11 ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY July 13 ARI HEST July 15 ANTHONY GERACI AND THE ALLSTARS July 16 PERFORMERS ON THE GO July 18 SUNNY WAR July 23 HARPER AND MIDWEST KIND July 24 CHRISSI POLAND July 29 JASON D WILLIAMS July 30 GA-20 July 31 LESLIE MENDELSON August 6 JAMES ARMSTRONG August 8 ARI HEST & THE JACOB JOLLIFF BAND August 12 ALBERT CUMMINGS August 13 EDDIE SCHEER AND THE LOVE DOGS August 14 THORNETTA DAVIS August 19 PAUL NELSON BAND August 20 JOHN BUTCHER AND FRIENDS August 21 SOUL BOX August 27 DANA FUCHS August 28 PAPA CHUBBY September 4 KAT WRIGHT September 11 AMYTHYST KIAH September 23 DEDICATED MEN OF ZION September 24 26 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
List Your Vacation Rental with Us!
ASGCC PROVIDES FREE SERVICES YEAR-ROUND HIV/STI Screenings PrEP/PEP Navigation Narcan Access Syringe
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• Homeowners pay us no commissons • Vacationers pay us no booking fees • Homeowners have direct communication with vacationers
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Locally owned & operated since 1997 • Listing more than 4,000 properties on the Cape & Islands
Info@WeNeedaVacation.com • 774-323-3911 • 15 Cape Lane, Brewster
SUMMER 2021 » 27
EVENTS
EXPEDITION BLUE WAYPOINTS A new geographic trail spanning 10 towns on the Cape & Islands will highlight and educate on the diversity of the region’s Blue Economy. This interactive self-guided trail will showcase the region’s special connection to the water surrounding us, from both economic and social perspectives.
BARNSTABLE
CHATHAM
NANTUCKET
Bismore Park (S and N) 180 Ocean St., Hyannis
Chatham Fish Pier 54 Barcliff Ave. Ext., Chatham
Children’s Beach 15 Harbor View Way, Nantucket
Overlook Park 51 Ocean St., Hyannis
Chatham Light Overlook 38 Main St., Chatham
Aselton Park 135 South St., Hyannis
Stage Harbor/Bridge St. 90 Bridge St., Chatham
PROVINCETOWN
BREWSTER
Oyster Pond Beach 80 Stage Harbor Rd., Chatham
Washington St. Landing Washington St., Provincetown 363 Commercial Landing 363 Commercial St., Provincetown
Breakwater Point Breakwater Rd., Brewster
FALMOUTH
Mants Landing Paines Creek Rd., Brewster
Woods Hole Pump House Water St. Woods Hole
Atlantic Ave. Landing Atlantic Ave., Provincetown
Head of Harbor Robbins Rd., Falmouth
West End Parking Lot 55 Commercial St., Provincetown
Falmouth Marine Park, 180 Scranton Ave., Falmouth
MacMillan Pier and Provincetown Waterfront Memorial Park 19 Ryder St. Ext., Provincetown
BOURNE Monument Beach Emmons Rd., Bourne Canal Views 10 Aptucxet Rd., Bourne National Marine Life Center 110 Main St., Buzzards Bay Buzzards Bay Park 90 Main St., Buzzards Bay
MARTHA’S VINEYARD Owen Park Beach 19 Owen Park Way, Vineyard Haven
Find out about Cape Cod Blue Economy and Expedition Blue Waypoints at ExpeditionBlue.org
Commercial St. Landing 113 Commercial St., Provincetown
SANDWICH Multiple locations at Sandwich Marina 12 Freezer Rd., Sandwich (Fuel Dock, Old Marina Office, Playground and Sandwich Marina Overlook)
YARMOUTH Smugglers Beach 220 South St., South Yarmouth
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On the shores of Buzzards Bay, Fairhaven is filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants, and it is steeped in history. Fort Phoenix is an American Revolutionary War-era fort where kids can see old cannons and catch events like “Pirates and Privateers.” Throughout town are European-influenced buildings that were commissioned by Henry H. Rogers, an American industrialist. Take a guided walking tour, or wander through town on your own and discover the many stories of Fairhaven.
MARKET STOP
The Huttleston Marketplace features handmade arts and crafts, fresh locally grown farm produce, food products (sauces, jams, honey, baked goods), vintage collectibles, upcycled items, and more. More than 65 booths are scheduled to set up each Saturday through September 18. While about one-third of the vendors are signed up for the entire season, the rest of the booth spaces vary from week to week, making each visit to this popular marketplace a unique experience.
Take a Daytrip to
Fairhaven
Saturdays, May 22 through September 18, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Rain or shine) Fairhaven Visitors Center Lawn/Fairhaven High School Lawn, 141 Main St., Route 6, Fairhaven
REVOLUTIONARY ROOTS
Beginning in late June, the Fairhaven Office of Tourism will introduce a new weekly program for history buffs called “Early American Monday.” Reenactors of the late Colonial and early Federal period will be set up at different stations on the lawn of the Academy Building to talk to the public about life during the late-1700s and to demonstrate early American skills.
Monday afternoons, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., June 21 through August 9 (Weather permitting) Fairhaven Visitors Center lawn, 141 Main Street, Fairhaven
PIRATE TALES
Hear tales of pirates, Revolutionary War era privateers, and historical Fort Phoenix, presented by Greybeard, an 18th century gunner from the privateer sloop Broome, Abigail Black, a ship doctor who grows herbal remedies in her village garden when she’s not at sea, and Caleb the Powder Monkey, a lad who knows how to load and fire a cannon. “Pirates and Privateers” is a fun, interactive presentation for adults as well as class field trips for grades 3 and up as well as for scout troops, clubs, and home school groups.
Friday mornings, 10:00 a.m., June through September (Weather permitting) Fort Phoenix, south end of Fort St., Fairhaven
For more information on visiting Fairhaven, please visit fairhaventours.com or call the Fairhaven Office of Tourism at 508-979-4085. Fairhaven Office of Tourism 141 Main St., Fairhaven
*Public Health Orders: Please check mass.gov/MAtraveler for the most up-to-date travel orders directed by the governor of Massachusetts. The state-wide mask order continues to be in effect. All persons aged 5 years or older are required to wear a mask in all public settings, even when social distancing is observed, unless they have a medical condition preventing them from doing so. This includes carpooling with members outside of your household. SUMMER 2021 » 29
COMMUNITY
Brian Serpone and Paul Nelson, co-owners of the Music Room.
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BY LISA CAVANAUGH PHOTOGRAPHS BY JULIA CUMES THE MUSIC ROOM OPENS IN YARMOUTH AND AIMS TO ATTRACT LOCAL AND NATIONAL ACTS TO AN INTIMATE SETTING. ver since music producer and real estate developer Brian Serpone hosted the successful HOPE Music Festival at the Cape Cod Melody Tent in 2017, he has been looking for a way to create a local year-round center for live music. “I felt that the Cape community was really clamoring for a club that would attract high-caliber, national and international music talent,” says Serpone, who grew up in Yarmouth and now lives there full-time. After a few years of searching and brainstorming, Serpone and his two partners, Paul Nelson, and Scott Cornella, found the current site in West Yarmouth and earlier this year, they opened The Music Room, a performance venue, art gallery, recording studio, and bar/restaurant all in one. “We call it a celebration of music and the creative process,” says Nelson, who is a Grammy award-winning musician who has played with luminaries such as Johnny Winter and Buddy Guy. “All these aspects are tied together under one roof.” The partners tout not only the edgy, industrial chic vibe of the interior, but also the state-of-the-art sound system they commissioned for the 98-seat theater and in-house recording studio. “We built it with a sound engineer who worked for NBC studios in New York for over 30 years,” says Serpone. “The result is that our building has crystal clear acoustics like no other in this region.”
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COMMUNITY
It will be a VIP experience on levels. Our patrons will be able to come see a show with incredible talent, wine, dine, and see original art, all within our truly high-end venue. — Brian Serpone
The venue includes a gallery and lounge area, where eclectic art adorns the walls, and repurposed wood from historic buildings is incorporated into the design elements. “I was working on a property development project and was able to take original wood from a 1709 structure and reuse it here,” says Serpone, who notes that 1709 is also coincidentally the year when the first piano was invented by an Italian harpsichord maker named Bartolomeo di Francesco Cristofori. There is another legacy on display at the Music Room. “We are honored to have a piano once owned by the lead singer of the band Boston, the late Brad Delp,” he says. “It is an 1873 concert grand Chickering, the first one made that had the full 88 keys.” The partners certainly hope that more history can be made at the Music Room, either through emerging local artists who perform on stage or utilize the center’s state-of-the-art recording studio to create music. “For any artist we can offer writing, arranging, editing, mastering, and mixing,” says Serpone. “We are a fullservice studio with our own built-in record label.”
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THE MUSIC ROOM GALLERY & WINE BAR
541 Main St., West Yarmouth 508-694-6125 musicroomcapecod.com connect@musicroomcapecod.com @TheMusicRoomCapeCod @musicroomcapecod
Already on the calendar are Grammy-nominated blues phenomenon James Montgomery and world-renowned rock guitarist Gary Hoey. They will be joined by many more notable performers throughout the year, each giving the kind of intimate show that music lovers crave. “These really will be up-close-and-personal performances,” says Nelson. “It will be a VIP experience on levels,” adds Serpone. “Our patrons will be able to come see a show with incredible talent, wine, dine, and see original art, all within our truly high-end venue.”
SUMMER 2021 » 33
Life+ Style B E A C H C O M B I N G
PHOTOGRAPHY AND TEXT BY MARCY FORD
Sea Scallop
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Quahog
Common Slipper
Blood Ark
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My beachcombing adventures began when I was a child visiting Cockle Cove Beach in Chatham. During those summer strolls, I can remember scanning the seashore and finding all sorts of treasures to admire. Now, after living on the Cape for over 27 years, beachcombing is still one of my favorite pastimes. As a photographer, I head to the shore with a goal in mind that includes capturing shore birds, sea glass, or interesting sand patterns. However, I almost always end up wandering for hours. The long stretches of sand beckon me to go just a little further as all my senses are fed by the sights, smells, sounds, and feel of the water, salty breezes, and sand between my toes. Low tide exposes the most treasures, but there’s something to discover regardless of the tide, time of day, or season. For me, the joy is in the search. Beachcombing is both a meditative treasure
Oyster
North Atlantic Moon Snail Shell
hunt and natural history lesson. I think John Muir captured it well when he said, “I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” Of course, sunrises and sunsets on the Cape are reason enough to start or end a day beachcombing. Occasionally, I arrange some of my finds in little temporary art installations reminiscent of the sculptor Andy Goldsworthy, and I leave them to be taken by the next tide. There is so much to learn and appreciate in Cape Cod’s extraordinary coastal environment. Some of my most unique finds include Icelandic scallops, a baby skate just coming out of its egg case, antique bottles, and an old clay pipe, not to mention some amazing wildlife, including endangered shore birds, snowy owls, coyotes, foxes, and grey seals. You just never know what you might find along the wrack line, so head out now, and you’ll be glad you did.
Wing Shell
Ponderous Ark
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Life+ Style B E A C H C O M B I N G
Stimpson’s Whelk
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Bay Scallops
Wavy Asante
Waved Whelk
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Favorite places... Great beachcombing spots include Crosby Landing Beach in Brewster or any of Cape Cod’s bayside beaches, especially at low tide. For a longer walk, the beaches in the National Seashore are amazing. Ballston Beach in Truro is full of surprises. You’ll find lots of shells on Nantucket Sound beaches. If you are looking to learn more about the Cape’s natural treasures, the Museum of Natural History in Brewster, Wellfleet Bay Audubon Sanctuary, and Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge in Chatham are great places to start.
Morton’s Egg Cockle
E. White Slipper
Jingle
Common Razor Clam
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Life+ Style B E A C H C O M B I N G
What did I just find?
If you spend enough time, scanning the beaches, you’ll be sure to find rare and unusual items. Here are my finds from years of beachcombing: Winter skate baby fresh out of its egg case. (Fun fact: The egg case is called a Devil’s Purse, which also happens to be the name of a great local brewery!) The spiral egg case of a whelk. A moon snail’s egg collar. The sand tube of the ice cream cone worm. (That’s some amazing masonry!) Sea gooseberry, a species of comb jellyfish. Horseshoe crabs shells. (These arthropods shed their shells several times in their first two years of life, and the shells can be found along the shore after they molt.)
Common Periwinkle
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Ribbed Mussel
American Pelican Foot
Miniature Ceriths
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Before You Go
Bring fresh water, snacks, and sunblock in case you find yourself wandering longer than intended. Take a camera along so you can photograph and chronicle your finds. Carry a bag to pick up any litter you may find to help keep the beaches safe and clean for the wildlife and for human enjoyment.
Blue Mussel
Corded Neptune
Channeled Whelk
Amethyst Gem Clams
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Life+ Style B E A C H D R I V E S
hen sun and waves draw hordes of people to the beach this summer, you won’t find Orleans resident Ann Caplicki and her family in the line of cars waiting to enter the public parking lot at Nauset Beach. No, Caplicki won’t be parking her car and lugging chairs, umbrellas, picnic baskets, and towels across the pavement and down the beach in search of the perfect place to spend the day. Instead, Caplicki and her family will load up their vehicle, drive directly onto Nauset Beach via an off-road entrance, and park right on the sand,
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just a few yards from the surf. Then they’ll set out their beach chairs and start enjoying their day, with everything they need right next to them in their vehicle. Caplicki and her family can do this because they have over-sand vehicle (OSV) permits issued by the Town of Orleans. These permits allow Caplicki and her family to drive their vehicles—a pickup truck and an all-wheeldrive SUV—on more than five miles of Orleans beaches. “I get an OSV permit every year,” says Caplicki. “It’s so much fun to drive out onto the beach.”
capecodandtheislandsmag.com
Various Cape and island beaches offer residents and visitors the option of driving their vehicles onto the sand and away from the crowds for a beach day to remember. BY ALICE LESCH KELLY
SANDY NECK
Everything they need for the day—games, fishing equipment, a cooler of food and drinks, a small gas grill to cook dinner, and even a portable toilet—is right there in their car, just a few feet from their beach chairs. “There’s so much room for people to have fun, and it’s a wonderful place to meet people, too. Everyone is social.” Orleans is just one of several towns on the Cape and the islands that offers residents and visitors the opportunity to drive on the beach. OSV permits are also available in towns such as Barnstable, Chatham, Truro, Dennis, Nantucket,
and Martha’s Vineyard. The Cape Cod National Seashore also sells off-road vehicle permits to drive on certain beaches. Some towns allow permit holders with self-contained vehicles (campers) to spend the night on the beach for up to a few days at a time (up to 96 hours in Orleans). One of the best things about driving on the beach is that it can take you away from some of the ubiquitous throngs that crowd Cape and island beaches in the summer. “People love having their own little section of the beach to spread out,” says Brandon Burke, natural resources officer and
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Life+ Style B E A C H D R I V E S beach director for the Town of Orleans. “It’s also a lot more convenient for elderly and handicapped people who can’t walk long distances on the sand.”
Parking lot
BEACH ROAD
ORLEANS
At Sandy Neck Beach Park in Barnstable, off-roaders can drive on up to 4.5 miles of beach, depending on the time of year. “People often tell me it’s their happy place,” says Nina Z. Coleman, director of natural resources and Sandy Neck park manager. “Some of these people have been gathering at Sandy Neck for years. They were born and raised spending summer nights camping there, and now they’re bringing their children there. It’s a very positive place, and it’s extremely popular.” Last summer, when the pandemic caused people to cancel distant vacation plans and add social distancing to their beach day to-do lists, applications for OSV permits increased significantly. In Orleans, they went up 40 percent, says Burke. There’s plenty to see in addition to unobstructed views of the shoreline. Off-road beachgoers report seeing a wide variety of wildlife: deer, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, turtles, frogs, and toads, as well as shorebirds, sharks, dolphins, whales, and seals.
Nauset Beach NAUSET BEACH
CHATHAM
* Map is for reference, not for navigational purposes.
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Parking lot
Sandy Neck Beach
DENNIS
tent camping
SANDY NECK ROAD
BARNSTABLE
Sandy Neck Lighthouse
YARMOUTH
Getting Ready to Roll Before you drive onto the beach, you must have a permit from the municipality in which the beach is located, or from the National Seashore. Permit applicants must adhere to a long list of regulations, starting with having the right type of vehicle. “There are a lot of rules and regulations to keep the people safe and to keep the natural resources safe,” Coleman says. “You have to become educated about it before you go out there.” Generally, vehicles must be all-wheel-drive or four-wheeldrive and must have a high enough undercarriage (think pickup truck or SUV) to pass over sand. In addition, vehicles must carry certain equipment while they are being driven on sand. For example, in Orleans and Barnstable, vehicles must carry safety equipment that includes a shovel, tow ropes, a jack, jack support, a tire gauge, a spare tire (not a donut), and a copy of the OSV rules and regulations. “You’re responsible for yourself out there,” Burke says. “You have to be able to change your tire if something happens, and you have to be educated on how to handle it if something goes wrong.” Campers may be required to carry other equipment, such as fire extinguishers or carbon monoxide detectors. Some towns have applicants read or watch videos about topics such as wildlife conservation, shark safety, and fishing regulations. In others, applicants must undergo an inperson inspection the first time they apply for an off-road
* Map is for reference, not for navigational purposes.
permit. Rules about things like campfires and dogs on the beach vary by town and season. Full lists of guidelines, regulations, and permitting procedures are available on town websites. Before heading out onto the sand, drivers must let air out of their tires to reduce tire pressure, usually to about 15 pounds per square inch. This helps protect the trails and beach grass from tire damage that can degrade them. “With your tires deflated, you kind of glide along on the sand rather than digging into it,” Burke says. Courtesy air stations are available at some off-road beaches so drivers can reinflate their tires after coming off the sand. Once you’re on sand, speed limits are very low—typically 5-15 miles per hour—to protect trails, wildlife, and pedestrians. It is a common misconception that speed is required on soft sand, says Burke. Access to beaches and driving trails is sometimes curtailed by wildlife nesting (piping plovers and terns), beach conditions, weather, and occupancy limits. And storms may require beach managers to reroute driving paths. But expecting the unexpected is part of the off-road experience and a small price to pay for a unique beach experience. “My family and I say it all the time,” says Caplicki, who counts her OSV permit as one of her favorite things about living on the Cape. “We’re so lucky to have this beach.”
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Life+ Style B E A C H D R I V E S
JULIA CUMES
RACE POINT
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT* For over-sand permits
Race Point Lighthouse
Cape Cod National Seashore
4 WHEEL DRIVE or All Wheel Drive SHOVEL Heavy duty shovel TOWING DEVICE 14 feet long: Tow Strap: 1 1/2” Rope: 3/4” Chain 5/16” Cable 1/4”
PROVINCETOWN
RACE POINT ROAD
JACK Standard Size JACK SUPPORT BOARD Wood 10” x 12” x 1 1/2” or Plywood 10” x 12” x 3/4”
TRURO Wood End Lighthouse
Long Point Light Station
TIRE PRESSURE GAUGE TIDE CHART FULL SIZE SPARE TIRE * Before you go, check the town’s requirements. 44 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
* Maps are for reference, not for navigational purposes.
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Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge
Cape Poge Lighthouse
Beaches You Can Drive On Here are some Cape Cod and Island beaches that allow over-sand vehicle access. Note that access varies by season, weather, trail conditions, seabird nesting, and other factors. Check in with the town for any updates. Sandy Neck Beach, Barnstable Nauset Beach, Orleans and Chatham
CHAPPAQUIDDICK ISLAND
Crowes Pasture, Dennis DIKE ROAD
Cape Cod National Seashore (various beaches) Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, Wasque Reservation, Norton Point Beach, and various other beaches, Martha’s Vineyard
Norton Point Beach
Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge and various other beaches, Nantucket
Wasque Reservation
Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge Great Point Lighthouse
Crowes Pasture NANTUCKET
DENNIS BREWSTER Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge SOUTH STREET
SUMMER 2021 » 45
Life + Style K E T T L E P O N D S
BY ALICE LESCH KELLY
FOR A UNIQUE PADDLING EXPERIENCE, SKIP THE OCEAN AND LAUNCH YOUR KAYAK IN ONE OF THE MANY PONDS ON CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS.
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hen you think about kayaking through Cape Cod and the islands, you might imagine slicing through ocean waves or gliding along bayside shorelines. But the area offers paddlers so much more than saltwater adventures. Point your kayak inland towards the more than one thousand ponds that are carved into the landscape of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, and you’ll enjoy an entirely different outdoor experience. “Ocean paddling is wonderful, but one does need to be mindful of tides, waves, wind, quick weather changes, and large boats, which can all make it a bit more challenging,” says Marty Burke, a board member on Brewster Ponds Coalition, a nonprofit that protects and promotes close to 80 ponds in Brewster. Pond paddling, he says, offers calmer waters and easier conditions. Michael Morrison, owner of RideAway Adventures, a kayak rental and tour company with locations in Sandwich and Mashpee, agrees that ponds can be a good starting point for beginners. “The thing people love about kayaking ponds is that it is less intimidating than ocean kayaking,” he says. “And you usually see quite a bit of wildlife due to the smaller area and the pond perimeters being mostly woodland.” Paddling on a pond gives you a unique opportunity to view nature up close: painted turtles basking on sunny rocks, kingfishers darting from branch to branch, trout leaping from the water, bullfrogs hopping from shoreline to pond. You may even see otter, muskrat, nesting bald eagles, or osprey diving for fish. “It’s a wonderful way to get out into nature, see what’s in and around the pond, and experience a different ecosystem,” says Burke. Many of the region’s ponds are kettle ponds that were carved by receding glaciers thousands of years ago. There are over one thousand across the Cape and islands, and many are a perfect place for younger kayakers.
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Life + Style K E T T L E P O N D S
“Ponds are especially nice for vacation paddlers, who are most often with kids or like a slower pace,” says Chick Stapleton, owner of Island Spirit Kayak in Oak Bluffs, which provides kayak tours and rentals on Martha’s Vineyard. Children can usually handle their own kayaks beginning at around age 10, and until then, younger children can ride in tandem kayaks with older paddlers. Kayaking quickly takes you beyond busy beaches and crowded summer swimming areas. As you paddle away from shore, the water, trees, sky, and clouds take on a different perspective than what you see on land. Be sure to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring along snacks and water, because you’ll be tempted to stay on the pond all day. If you like to fish, tuck some rods and reels into your kayak. “Most of the fish are out in deeper water, and being in a kayak makes a pond more accessible for fishing,” says Ian McPartland, a fishing pro staffer at Goose Hummock Shops, an outdoor outfitter in Orleans that sells and rents kayaks. Some of the best ponds for fishing are stocked with fish or fed by herring runs, McPartland says. (For information on stocking programs and fishing regulations, check out mass.gov/trout.)
The thing people love about kayaking ponds is that it is less intimidating than ocean kayaking. And you usually see quite a bit of wildlife due to the smaller area and the pond perimeters being mostly woodland. — Michael Morrison, owner of RideAway Adventures
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Favorite Paddling Ponds Every pond paddler has a list of preferred ponds. Both McPartland and Burke are big fans of Sheep Pond in Brewster. “It has good boat access on Fisherman’s Landing Road, and it has lots of little bays along the shoreline,” Burke says. Thanks to a 10 horsepower limit on outboard motors on Sheep Pond, kayakers don’t have to worry about dodging speedboats or having birdsong drowned out by noisy motors. And its crystal clear waters beg you to jump in for a post-paddle swim. On Martha’s Vineyard, Stapleton loves that some of the island’s 27 ponds are connected to each other through tiny canals. For example, kayakers can paddle from Chilmark Great Pond to Oyster Pond, or from Menemsha Pond to Stonewall Pond, Nashaquitsa Pond, Quitsa Pond, and Squibnocket Pond. One of Morrison’s favorites is Shawme Pond, which is located right in the center of Sandwich. “It’s absolutely breathtaking to see Historic Sandwich and then this array of landscape and wildlife in every direction,” says Morrison. “Also, it’s a fantastic fishing spot.” Another of his favorites is Mashpee Wakeby Pond in Mashpee, because it has a few little islands to explore. “It really makes it a fun adventure to do some island hopping on a kayak,” he says.
Chris Nashville of the Goose Hummock Shop, fishing at Slough Pond in Brewster.
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Life + Style K E T T L E P O N D S
Where to Launch Your Canoe or Kayak LOVELLS POND, Barnstable MIDDLE POND and MYSTIC LAKE, Barnstable (the two are connected by a shallow channel) UPPER MILL POND, Brewster FLAX POND, Nickerson State Park, Brewster HERRING POND, Eastham ASHUMET POND, Falmouth/Mashpee JOHN’S POND, Mashpee MASHPEE WAKEBY POND, Mashpee PILGRIM LAKE, Orleans PETER’S POND, Sandwich LAWRENCE POND, Sandwich GULL POND, Wellfleet
If you’d like to try kayaking but don’t feel comfortable doing it on your own, outfitters and tour companies can lend a hand. “We have a fully certified staff that loves teaching and giving tips,” Morrison says. “Or just join one of our tours to feel comfortable with a trained instructor before going out on your own.” Whether you stick with pond kayaking or mix it up with sea kayaking, paddling is a wonderful way to enjoy the Cape and the islands. “It’s one of the most relaxing experiences you’ll ever have,” Morrison says. Shawme Pond in Sandwich.
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What to Know Before You Go Access: Most kayaks weigh 50 pounds or more, so look for ponds with convenient boat launches where you can back your car up to the water. Make sure there is a public launch spot that you can get to without trespassing on someone’s land.
Permits: Adhere to all parking regulations, and be aware that some boat launch areas require town parking permits or beach stickers.
Safety: Ponds may be safer than the open ocean, but you still have to take precautions. “Use the buddy system, have a phone with you, use a waterproof case for your phone and car keys, let people know where you’ll be going, keep an eye on the weather, and wear a life jacket,” McPartland says.
Rentals: You have several options for renting kayaks for pond paddling: Renting pondside (for example, at Flax Pond in Nickerson State Park in Brewster), transporting a rented kayak to a pond on your vehicle, or renting from an outfitter that delivers kayaks to the pond of your choice.
Brewster Ponds Coalition; 508-258-9801 brewsterponds.org RideAway Adventures; 508-247 – 0827 rideawaykayak.com Island Spirit Kayak; 508-693-9727 islandspiritkayak.com Goose Hummock Shops; 508-255-0455 goosehummockshops.com
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SPONSORED CONTENT
Life + Style E C O - F R I E N D LY B OAT
An Eco-Friendly Boat LAUNCHES IN CAPE COD WATERS BY PATRICK O’DONNELL -Catamaran is the eco-friendly boat brand making inroads throughout the Northeast and the boating community in 2021. It is one of the few boats available today that promotes a healthy lifestyle for all participants who enjoy the sunshine, moderate exercise, and the relaxation of being on the water using its pedal drive system that can be used in conjunction with an electronic motor. The unique lineup of the CECLO catamaran models can be viewed at e-catamaran.com The founders and developers of E-Catamaran are Arnaud and Hana Prati. Born in the south of France, they moved to Ottawa around 2016 to begin the process of designing something new and innovative in the boating world they both loved. Boating is in Hana and Arnaud’s DNA. For Hana, there was always an affinity in her family from her earliest memories for the water. Boat design and architecture were topics of regular discussion. Arnaud grew up sharing that same love for designing sleek, luxurious boats that were accessible to people who wanted adventures on the water. As a young entrepreneur, Arnaud ventured out at the age of 19 to make a name for himself. As time progressed, Arnaud and Hana found themselves sailing the Baltic coast, the Mediterranean, and other magnificent waterways when they began to launch plans for a unique boat model that promoted security, luxury, and comfort. Hana has been fortunate to travel the world as a trained archaeologist and during several years she worked on various archaeological sites all around the Mediterranean as well as in France, Tunisia, and Turkey. She has visited ancient ruins in Spain, Morocco, and Algeria. She also worked for the Canadian Museum of History for a project exploring the traces of Viking sea voyages and trading in the Canadian Arctic. As a bonus, these locations offered Hana the opportunity to sail amidst some of the most breathtaking waters in the world. Hana and Arnaud share a preference for a non-gas-powered boat, which was grown from a love for the environment. When the couple returned to Canada, Arnaud re-connected with a friend in the boating industry who showed him a unique prototype that matched their vision. It was then that the E-Catamaran was conceived for Arnaud and Hana and they began refining, engineering, and testing their product. 52 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
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5 Scenic Locations to use your E-Catamaran on Cape Cod 1 » BASS RIVER Located conveniently between Yarmouth and Dennis, Bass River is the Cape’s longest river at just a touch over five miles long. The river has numerous coves and inlets to explore and is easy to access.
2 » HERRING RIVER Situated in West Harwich, this river offers a four-mile excursion through the protected marshlands of the Bells Neck Conservation Area where birds and wildlife abound.
3 » WAQUOIT BAY Located between Falmouth and Mashpee, Waquoit Bay is another national research reserve. You can launch from the Great River Boat Landing on Great Oak Road in Mashpee. Waquoit Bay offers beginners the perfect experience in protected, shallow waters.
4 » GREAT ISLAND
Today, not only does the E-Catamaran come in a variety of sizes and configurations, but it also offers a completely unique way to explore the back bays and calm inlets of the Cape and islands. One of the many benefits to the E-Catamaran is it’s versatility: It can be taken on solo trips, or on journeys with loved ones or young kids. It can be parked right at the dock or easily hauled out of the water. When asked for their favorite times to be on the water, Hana said that the sunsets were tough to beat, but also hot days, when she can dive into the water, and with the help of a permanently attached swim ladder, easily get back on board to soak up the sun. Her favorite model is the CECLO Original. Arnaud on the other hand loves to venture out in the early dawn hours to remote locations taking in the peace and quiet aboard his FUN X2 (Foldable Electric Boat). For Arnaud, these early morning hours provide a calm that clears his mind for the day ahead.
Great Island is composed of a six-mile barrier beach and island system. It’s one of Cape Cod’s most remote areas offering stunning views of bluffs and thick forest. Great Island separates Cape Cod Bay and Wellfleet Bay. Be advised to look closely at the tides. Launching and touring should conclude about three hours before low tide. Shortly after that you’ll see the wide expanse of tidal flats—the home of the delicious Wellfleet oyster.
5 » MONK’S PARK On the Buzzard’s Bay side of Cape Cod in the village of Pocasset is Monk’s Park, which is a hidden gem. This spot boasts easy launching, convenient parking, and miles of pristine water to explore from the Pocasset River at its southern tip to Monument Beach to the north.
With the E-Catamaran, gone are the days of high gas prices as well as complex hauling and winterization. Instead, Hana and Arnaud are even set to introduce a new line of products scheduled to roll out this spring: the Ceclo Jetskid and JetKids line of boats. SUMMER 2021 » 53
MATT KISIDAY
Life + Style C A M P I N G
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happy campers WHERE TO PITCH A TENT ON CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS BY LISA CAVANAUGH
AutoCamp Cape Cod
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Life + Style C A M P I N G Bay View Campground
AutoCamp Cape Cod in Falmouth 836 Palmer Ave, Falmouth 888-405-7553 | autocamp.com/cape-cod “AutoCamp has reimagined the way people experience the outdoors,” says Gemma Kane of AutoCamp Cape Cod. The airstream and luxury tent camping company has properties on the East and West Coasts, and offers its guests the opportunity to relax in style and comfort in some of America’s most beautiful locations. The newest is AutoCamp Cape Cod in Falmouth, which opened in April and is just a few minutes from both downtown Falmouth and Woods Hole.
260 MacArthur Blvd, Bourne 508-759-7610 | bayviewcampground.com For more than fifty years, Bay View Campground has been offering families a full spectrum of recreational fun. This pet-friendly resort and campground has a slew of amenities to keep everyone occupied, and it accommodates vacationing campers with both tents and recreational vehicles of all sizes and types. Boasting the most entertainment available at any area campground, Bayview has video game arcades, sports fields, tennis, basketball, pickleball and volleyball courts, three pools, a variety of organized activities for all ages, as well as special events, such as live music performances and screenings of newly released movies. There are opportunities to pick up groceries and souvenirs, do some laundry, and grab an ice cream cone or two. In addition to the campground’s own offerings, Bay View’s wooded location is close to the Cape Cod Canal and Bourne beaches. The season runs from May 1 until October 15.
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With options ranging from spots perfect for romantic getaways, sites with great views, to group and dogfriendly accommodations, AutoCamp Cape Cod is ready to provide everyone with a stunning combination of comfort and adventure. MATT KISIDAY
Bay View Campground in Bourne
“The property is in close proximity to Cape Cod’s acclaimed beaches and incredible natural beauty, featuring 108 airstreams, luxury tents, and suites with both indoor and outdoor fire pits,” says Kane. AutoCamp takes everything that is great about sleeping in the wild and dresses it in an iconic design. Accommodations include a queen-sized Tempur-Pedic bed, spacious spainspired bathroom with Ursa Major bath products, a sofa that converts into a second bed, flat-screen television with cable, heat and A/C, a microwave, a mini-fridge, Barebones Living cookware, barbecue accessories, and a private dining area immediately adjacent to the suite.
AutoCamp Cape Cod
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Nickerson State Park in Brewster It might be hard to envision the coastal sweep of sand and sea when you are deep in the heart of Nickerson State Park, but it’s not far away. Set within nearly 2,000 acres of fragrant pine and oak forest, this treasured locale is also home to eight kettle ponds— deep sandy-bottomed bodies of fresh water formed by retreating glaciers over 10,000 years ago. With over 400 campsites, Nickerson is a popular destination that provides unlimited chances for hiking, swimming, canoeing, fishing, paddle boarding, bird watching, and more. In addition, an eight-mile bike path connects to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 26-mile paved route that meanders through seven Cape Cod towns and the National Seashore. The park’s campsites for tents and RVs do not have electric or water hook-ups, but each has its own picnic table and fire ring. There are comfort stations throughout the campground offering hot showers and flush toilets, and there is a dumping station available for the convenience of RV and trailer campers. Visitors can also choose to stay in yurts, which can accommodate up to six people, and while they are not heated, they do offer bunk beds, chairs, and tables, and access to water and electricity. Covid-19 regulations that were enacted by the Commonwealth last year will remain in place for 2021, says Olivia Dorrance of the Department of Conservation and Recreation. “Group camping will not be offered, however, yurt and cabin camping will be available on a limited basis and reservations must be made online through www.ReserveAmerica.com, as there will be no walk-up camping available,” she says. All Covid protocols, which can be found on the DCR website, (https://www. mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-stateparks-covid-19-update) must be adhered to while visiting and staying in the park. SUMMER 2021 » 57
Life + Style C A M P I N G Coastal Acres Campground
Coastal Acres Campground in Provincetown 76R Bayberry Ave, Provincetown 508-487-1700 | coastalacresprovincetown.com “We are only a ten or fifteen minute walk to Commercial Street, but we are a very peaceful and quiet park,” says Anna Kuzia, manager at Coastal Acres Campground in Provincetown. Started in 1967 by a local fishing captain and his wife, Coastal Acres is a perfect choice for anyone who wants an ideal mix of natural beauty and P’Town excitement. “Campers can easily go to the beach and then go have fun in town,” says Kuzia, who with her husband lives on-site during the open season from April 15 through November 1. When the couple took over operations of Coastal Acres in 2016, they did some renovations and in doing so, uncovered some unique vintage items. “We found some really interesting stuff,” says Kuzia. “There was a cool mixture of fishing gear, old moorings and camping equipment that the previous management used to operate the park.” While the site has been refurbished, adding more modern amenities, including high-speed internet from OpenCape, Kuzia says they kept one particular artifact. “They used to do dune tours, and they had a sweet jeep they used to drive. We still have that old jeep!” Coastal Acres had to make some changes to respond to the Covid-19 crisis for the 2020 season, including limiting camping to only self-contained RVs. “Last year, a core group of employees really pulled together to make the season a success,” says Kuzia. “Guests were able to come here to enjoy the outdoors, work remotely, spend time at the beach and get great takeout food in town to bring back to the campground,” she says. The 2021 season will continue with the same protocols, but guests can expect the welcoming vibe Coastal Acres has provided for decades. “You are welcome to just be yourself at Coastal Acres,” says Kuzia. “We just want a park full of happy campers.” 58 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
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Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground in Vineyard Haven 569 Edgartown Rd, Vineyard Haven 508-693-3772 | campmv.com As the only campground on Martha’s Vineyard, this family owned and operated business has been welcoming campers to their wooded location for close to 50 years. In 1972, Charles and Jeanne Feeney opened up their family campsite, which was originally carved out among the scrub oak trees and wild blueberry bushes of Vineyard Haven. Today, the campground is managed by a third generation of Feeneys, whose mission is to provide a quality camping experience for families visiting their beloved island. With a selection of spacious tent sites and RV sites, as well as rustic one- and two-room cabins, Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground has found a perfect blend of charm and convenience. Available amenities include a camp store, coin laundry, a playground, bike rentals, indoor restrooms with hot showers, and plenty of recreation areas. Activities for all ages will be available this season, aligning with ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, so visitors should check the Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground website for the updated activity calendar. The Feeneys are proud to make all the island has to offer both reachable and affordable to their campers, and their location on Edgartown Road in the town of Vineyard Haven, means the campground has easy access to Martha’s Vineyard famous bike paths, as well as a bus stop for the Vineyard Transit Authority.
Along with the joys and discoveries that outdoor vacationing offers, there are challenges too. Cape Cod and the Islands have some specific hazards that should be understood before setting out with your tent or trailer. A handy list of how to plan a safe visit to the natural sites of Cape Cod can be found at the Cape Cod National Seashore website, but some of the more general tips include: • Make reservations ahead of time for popular campgrounds and let family or friends know where you will be, especially if you plan to camp in more remote areas without cell service. • Get a trail guide before heading out for a hike, and stick to marked paths. • Wear comfortable footwear and sunscreen, and dress in layers. This is New England so the weather can change unpredictably! • Pack in your own water and food. Dispose of your trash in proper receptacles and don’t drink water from natural sources. • Become aware of local hunting seasons, wear bright orange clothing and make your presence known. • Wear long sleeves, long pants, and bug repellant when you are walking in the woods or through marshlands. Deer ticks, which can cause Lyme Disease, remain an ongoing concern on Cape Cod, and mosquitoes, in addition to being annoying, can transmit serious illnesses to humans. Poison Ivy is also widespread on Cape Cod, so keep a keen eye out for its distinctive three leaflets. • Don’t directly interact with wildlife on Cape Cod or the islands except for observing from afar the scores of amazing birds, mammals, and marine life that share our peninsula. For more information about recreation in Massachusetts, please visit www.mass.gov/topics/parks-recreation.
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Life + Style G O L F I N G
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The pandemic has been deadly and devastating, but a silver lining is a resurgence in outdoor recreational activities to help cope with the stifling stress of Covid-19. Walking, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, to name a few, all provide open spaces and fit the necessary socially distanced health protocols.
Coping with Covid? Give golf a swing BY BILL HIGGINS
And, of course, there is also golf, which has seen a dramatic surge in popularity. Golf Datatech, an industry research company, reported golfers played 13.9 percent more rounds in 2020 than in 2019. It’s the largest bump in 20-plus years and Cape Cod and the islands have been in step with the increased interest. Massachusetts was the last state to reopen, allowing players back on the course in May 2020. “And it’s been busy nearly every day since, including through the fall and winter with the mild weather,” says Mike Serijan, administrative assistant at Cranberry Valley in Harwich. There are almost three dozen public courses in the region and all offer the opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of friends and a pleasant green-grass walk. If you’re looking to join the fun, we talked with several area golf instructors for suggestions and tips to get you in the swing.
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Life + Style G O L F I N G
newcomers, is First things first, especially for ready. Jeff Handler having your body physically at Fitness 500 in is a certified personal trainer many professional Hyannis and has worked with sters champion Mike athletes, including former Ma t need to be in Weir. “There are a few keys tha inner golfer,” says play for the recreational or beg plan is the one Handler. “First, the best fitness realistic about the you’ll do consistently. Being e to golf fitness is amount of time you will dedicat k hip and thoracic very important. Secondly, thin ty and glute strength. spine (mid-back area) mobili pay off.” Improvement in these areas will bsite mytpi.com Handler recommends the we king a qualified for exercises and suggests see coach to create a golf strength and conditioning in going the extra mile. program if you are interested
Jeff Handler Fitness 500, Hyannis
Jane Frost, a LPGA Teach ing & Club Professionals Hall of Famer, has been an instructor for 36 years and operates the Jane Frost Golf Performance Cente r at Sandwich Hollows. He r stu dents have included legends Pat Bradley, Jane Blaloc k, Nancy Lopez, and Sandra Hayn ie. Frost preaches “go slo w to learn fast” and believes golfe rs starting out should be honest in their expectations. A par 4 on the scorecard — or par 72 for an 18-hole round — is achievable on ly for a very small perce ntage of players. “It’s not an easy game,” she says, “but it is enjoy ab le if you focus on fundamentals. You’re out there to have fun an d not to go mental.” Frost uses the acronym s SMART & PGA and in he r teachings. Set SMART goals — Speci fic, Measurable, Achievab le, Realistic, and Time-based. And the n practice PGA: Posture, Grip, and Aim (alignment), the building blocks for all players. “An d I add in L — luck never hurts — makin g it LPGA,” she says in de ference to her standing in the Ladies Pro fessional Golf Association . One more Frost tip: “The ball is no t the target. Swing throu gh the ball and finish the swing.”
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Jane Frost janefrostgolf.com Sandwich Hollows, Sandwich
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Darren Falk darrenfalkgolf.com Holly Ridge, Sandwich
dwich. He was ruction at Holly Ridge in San Darren Falk is director of inst rs in America. f Digest’s best young teache recently featured as one of Gol do need some , or just beginning, you really “If you’ve never played before different in s. “My belief might be a little direction starting out,” he say forward and l solidly, getting it up in the air, that I first teach hitting the bal n you can play golf.” findable. If you can do that, the the ground he sees in beginners is they hit Falk added the biggest flaw ches bottoming s the swing as a circle and tea before the ball. He emphasize on are hitting o other principles he focuses out the swing after the ball. Tw contact, and ically will improve with solid the ball far enough, which typ n’t be vature of the shot. “Golf should controlling the direction or cur g the din ’s a lot to learn, but understan intimidating,” says Falk. “There a good time.” general basics, you can have more threets you’re likely to miss leads to Falk’s tip: “Trying to make put close, but not medium-to-long-range putts putts than hole-outs. Try to get putt is easy. rt or long, as long as the next in. It doesn’t matter if you’re sho up your considerably—and that will free Lagging enlarges your target stroke.”
B ob Miller bobmillergolf.c Kings Way Clu b, Yarmouth Port
om
Bob Miller man ages the Kings Way Club in Ya Port and has gi rmouth ven more than 35 ,000 golf lesson beginners and s to top amateurs, al ong with coac LPGA Tour pros hing three . He has also be en a five-time C Pro-Am League ape Cod player of the ye ar. Miller is an ad hands-on coac vocate of hing. “A good teacher can sh a short time ho ow a player in w to do things correctly versus trying to figure th at player out what to do by watching a internet video, Yo uT ube or ” he says. “Tha t one-to-one re very important la tio ns hip is .” Miller is also a big believer in golf psychology mindset influen . “Your ces everything you do. My first a student, whe goal with ther a beginner or someone who playing for 40 has been years, is to get them in a good mind and have fra m e of a positive attitud e.” Miller’s tip: “Be brilliant at the basics. Practic and alignment, e grip, aim stance and po st ur e. U se a yourself. These mirror to see conscious thou ghts have to be subconscious come to allow you to perform.”
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Life + Style G O L F I N G
DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH
GOLF GEMS AROUND CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS BY BILL HIGGINS
The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce promotes all that is good about the region, and so when it comes to playing golf, why not herald itself as The Golf Coast? Indeed, the Cape and islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket have nearly three dozen public courses, with challenges to suit everyone’s game. Beyond the high-profile venues, there are also many other layouts worthy of exploring. We’ve researched a week’s worth to sample, with this thought as we stock our bag with extra balls and tees: Golf spelled backwards is flog. Have fun!
Chequessett Yacht & Country Club in Wellfleet 680 Chequessett Neck Road, Wellfleet, 508-349-3704; Chequessettclub.com This is a throwback course tucked on a bluff overlooking Cape Cod Bay and dates to 1929. It’s nine holes, but if you want to make it an 18-hole round, there are multiple sets of tees for a variety of looks. Chequessett is a comfortable, fun place to play. You need not be long off the tee—there are three par 4s under 315 yards— but small, bunkered greens, buffeted by wind, will test you. No. 4, a 435-yard, par 5, is a wonderful risk/reward hole with the tee box at the highest point on the course overlooking Wellfleet Bay.
Dennis Highlands in Dennis 825 Old Bass River Road, Dennis, 508-385-8347; dennisgolf.com This Highlands is one of two town courses in Dennis and an excellent complement to the more-established Pines. The Highlands plays will tempt you off the tee with room to rip it and strategy around and on the greens will be rewarded. The sixth hole is a meaty par 4, 416 yards from the tips. If you spray your tee shot, it’s likely to roll into valleys left or right. A good drive will leave you with a demanding uphill approach to a sloping green. You don’t want to be above the flag putting downhill.
Bass River in South Yarmouth 62 Highbank Road, South Yarmouth, 508-398-9079; yarmouth.golf Designed by the legendary Donald Ross (think Pinehurst in North Carolina and Seminole in Florida), this is one of two Yarmouth courses, along with Bayberry Hills. It’s also one of the Cape’s oldest layouts (1900) and most enjoyable to play. The greens are small and undulating and there’s a premium on course management. Water is in play often, including on No. 9, a 169-yard par 3 over marshy grasslands. A greenside bunker will catch shots headed for a watery grave.
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Kings Way in Yarmouth Port 81 Kings Circuit, Yarmouth Port, 508-362-8870; kingswaycapecod.net Located off the scenic Old King’s Highway (Route 6A), this well-manicured hybrid is a 4,000-yard, par 60 — not your classic par 54 18-hole par 3 layout, nor your par 72 regulation course. With a nice mix of par 3s, 4s and one par 5, you’ll hit every club in the bag and accurate shot making yields birdie opportunities. The signature 14th hole, framed by a salt marsh and Cape Cod Bay in the distance, is memorable. It’s 145 yards from an elevated tee to a green about 50 feet below and the vagaries of the wind make club selection critical.
Holly Ridge in Sandwich 121 Country Club Rd, Sandwich, 508-419-7289; hollyridgegolf.com This is your classic 3,000-yard par 54 course, with 18 interesting par 3 holes. Holly Ridge delivers on its promise to appeal to players of all levels. No. 7 is the signature hole, playing 127 yards from the front tee to 196 from the back markers. The tee shot requires a carry over the pond to a tiered green. No. 10 is another favorite. It’s one of the shorter holes, only 92 to 124 yards, but not an automatic par. The narrow green is bunkered left and right and protected by mounds, so an errant tee shot will add strokes to your round.
Mink Meadows, Martha’s Vineyard 320 Golf Club Road, Vineyard Haven 508-693-0600; minkmeadowsgc.com This seaside layout is in the West Chop area of Tisbury and nearly 100 years ago. It’s a nine-hole tract with optional tee boxes, so a second loop will present different challenges. No. 4, 424 yards, is a stern test and plays out of a chute from the back tee with fairway bunkers in play. “The Mink” is straightforward with generous fairways and fine greens. Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, both avid golfers, made this course a must-play during their summer vacations on the island.
Siasconset Golf, Nantucket 260 Milestone Rd, Nantucket, 508-257-6596; miacometgolf.com/sconset-golf Old Sconset, or “Skinners” to the locals, on the east end of the “Grey Lady,” dates to the turn of the 20th century and it’s raw and natural, a step back in time. This is another charming nine-holer and perfect for players of all ages. It’s only about 2,500 yards and an enjoyable walk. Expect some quirky bounces, funky lies and most likely ocean breezes, but that’s the game the way it was meant to be played. Sconset’s not modern and doesn’t pretend to be.
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Profile P E T E R G A M M O N S
Home Game PETER GAMMONS AND THE CAPE LEAGUE: A FEEL-GOOD STORY
BY BILL HIGGINS
Peter Gammons is widely recognized as a giant of baseball journalism. He is the game’s poet laureate for his insightful analysis and voluminous knowledge. Now in his sixth decade chronicling the sport, he shares a place with Babe Ruth in Cooperstown, New York, at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. In 2004, Gammons was honored with his profession’s most prestigious prize — the Career Excellence Award for meritorious contributions to baseball writing. However, when he isn’t patrolling press boxes at Fenway Park or other venues around the Major Leagues in the summer, he can often be found enjoying Cape Cod Baseball League games at Lowell Park in Cotuit or Fuller Field in Falmouth. Gammons, who lives in the Bourne village of Cataumet, doesn’t need the big leagues to quench his baseball thirst. Cape League action returns him to his youth in the central Massachusetts town of Groton, and to the roots of the game when young players dream of bright lights and stardom. “I love everything about the Cape League…watching players on that final step before they go to the pros,” sys Gammons. “Cotuit is absolutely one of my favorite places anywhere to 66 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
see a game. It’s just a great atmosphere.” Gammons has been a fan of the Cape League for many years—professionally because it’s a breeding ground for future stars and personally because it’s home. Now 76, he and his wife, Gloria, bought their Cataumet house in 1993 and moved here full time five years ago. When the coronavirus pandemic erupted in March 2020, he was in Arizona covering spring training. Baseball shut down and he returned home, working remotely while enjoying sunsets over Buzzards Bay. He missed spring training earlier this year for the first time since 1971. He also was without his beloved Cape League last summer when the season was canceled. Now he’s anxious to get back to games. “It’s been a pretty strange year for everyone, but at least we live in a beautiful place,” says Gammons. “Looking out at the water, enjoying everything around here has made it a little easier. Not having the Cape League was tough. It’ll be great for all the people and the players to have games again. The league means so much to everyone. I think we’ll all appreciate a little more how much fun it is to be in Chatham or Cotuit, or anywhere around the Cape.”
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ALEX GAGNE PHOTOGRAPHY
Gammons began his career as a Boston Globe intern in 1968 and started covering the Red Sox in 1971. He earned a reputation as a leader in baseball reporting by cultivating a network of trusted sources and has made his imprint on all media, from newspapers to magazines, television, and books. Now he writes for The Athletic, and he is an insider on the MLB Network. The television studio in his home allows him to file reports remotely, which gives him more time to be at Cape League parks. “I probably get to 20 to 25 games a season,” he says. “The fun is seeing players and how they adjust day after day. It isn’t college. The guys are on their own and living with host families. The competition’s tough. I hear from so many (MLB) players when I travel around. They all remember what a special summer they had on the Cape and how much it helped them. They’re great memories that stick with them.” For Gammons, all baseball roads seemingly connect back to the Cape League. A conversation with New York Yankees star Aaron Judge will lead to memories of him in Brewster in 2012. Mention St. Louis pitcher Andrew Miller and Gammons recalls the night in Chatham the hard-throwing lefty struck out 12 consecutive batters to open the game (which was then postponed due to fog). He remembers Hall of Famer Frank Thomas winning the home run contest at the Cape League All-Star Game in Orleans in 1988. And Buster Posey as a shortstop/relief pitcher for Yarmouth-Dennis in 2006, who then went on to become an all-star catcher for the San Francisco Giants. In 2006, Gammons was stricken with a lifethreatening brain aneurysm. For privacy reasons, he was admitted to Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital under the name of John Curtis (a friend and former Boston Red Sox pitcher). “Curtis and Thurman Munson (the great Yankees catcher) were teammates for Chatham in 1967,” says Gammons. During his recuperation, he was allowed a few hours away from rehabilitation in Sandwich and spent the time at a game in Cotuit. “A lot of things in baseball bring me back to the Cape,” he says.
After 20 years as a baseball analyst on ESPN, in 2009, Gammons then joined the MLB Network. He also works for NESN.
The league traces its history to 1885, and the modern-day Cape League began in the early 1960s with the influx of college players. Today, the 10-team loop is recognized as the finest summer collegiate baseball leagues in the country. In 2019, more than 300 big leaguers were Cape League graduates, and that year, the Major League All-Star Game featured 12 former Cape Leaguers. SUMMER 2021 » 67
Profile P E T E R G A M M O N S Baseball Hall of Fame writer Peter Gammons and former Boston Red Sox slugger David
Gammons’ support of the league was recognized in 2018 when he was inducted into its Hall of Fame. That same year the Cape League created the Peter Gammons Award for Excellence and Distinction presented to an organization or person who has made exceptional contributions to the league. “Having known Peter for over 25 years, there is no one who has provided the league with as much mentorship and partnership, and helped us evolve to where we are in the baseball community,” says president Chuck Sturtevant. Gammons’ impact goes beyond baseball. He helped create the Hot Stove Cool Music charity concert series 20 years ago. Proceeds benefit The Foundation To Be Named Later started by former Chicago Cubs (and Boston) baseball boss Theo Epstein and his brother, Paul. The foundation awards college scholarships to disadvantaged students. To date, more than 150 Gammons scholars have received over $600,000 in financial aid. “We’re giving kids a chance to expand their horizons and grow,” says Gammons. “We want their dreams of greatness to be defined by their goodness, and to understand that if we can help them, then they can help others.” Music is Gammons’ other passion. His father was a music teacher and he plays guitar in a band at Hot Stove Cool Music events. He has been on stage with 68 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
luminaries such as Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, the Allman Brothers’ Derek Trucks, and blues guitarist Buddy Guy. His baseball stories are often sprinkled with lyrical references to Warren Zevon, Bob Dylan or other rock legends. “I’ve always tried to write with a musical rhythm,” he says. “Just having fun.” In 2006, Gammons brought together Boston musicians, baseball players, and officials to record an album titled “Never Slow Down, Never Grow Old.” He says a lyric from the Pearl Jam song “Wishlist” captures the meaning of baseball for him: “I wish I was the pedal brake that you depended on…I wish I was the verb ‘to trust’ and never let you down.” “Playing as a team, the camaraderie, working together, not for yourself in a showcase,” says Gammons. “That, to me, is the essence of what baseball players are as teammates. And whether you’re in the Cape League finals, or just another game, have fun and appreciate where you are. You don’t have to win a championship. This is still a beautiful place to be playing.” The game keeps him feeling young, and as for slowing down, he admits he might begin to scale back his busy schedule. The tradeoff, if he does, would be more summer days to enjoy the Cape League. “I was a kid who fell in love with journalism and baseball. I don’t think that will ever change,” says Gammons. “The league has been a big part of my life. It’s pure baseball.”
JERRY COLI; DREAMSTIME.COM.
Ortiz speak at the batting cage.
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A few of our favorite places to see Cape League action Beaches by day, ballparks at night—talk about your perfect summertime double play! Welcome to the Cape Cod Baseball League, a slice of Americana, where the grass is real and the price is right. The 10-team league was shut down in the summer of 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic, but it’s “Play Ball” again. Barring complications from COVID-19, the season will run from mid-June to mid-August, including playoffs to crown a champion. The franchises are spread less than 50 miles apart, from Wareham to Orleans. Admission is free and spectators can socially distance in comfort.
LOWELL PARK, COTUIT
MICHAEL & SUSAN KARCHMER
BY BILL HIGGINS
RED WILSON FIELD, YARMOUTH-DENNIS
Lowell Park is home to the Kettleers, who always attract passionate support from a tight-knit community in the quaint Barnstable Village. The manicured field is cut from a forest and the focus is on the action. The games are at twilight at 5 p.m. (no lights), so arrive early to grab a front-row seat behind home plate. 10 Lowell Avenue, Cotuit
The Red Sox play twilight games at 5 p.m. at Red Wilson Field on the South Yarmouth campus of Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School. Treat yourself to dinner and sample a variety of signature hamburgers: the hurler is stuffed between halves of a jelly doughnut with cheese; a screamer comes on a Boston cream doughnut; and a sinker gives you a choice of plain or powdered doughnut). Yummy! 210 Station Avenue, South Yarmouth
MCKEON PARK, HYANNIS
VETERANS FIELD, CHATHAM
The Harbor Hawks play at McKeon Park, adjacent to St. John Paul II High School, and just a short walk from the downtown shops and restaurants on Main Street. Beyond right field (and a state-of-the-art scoreboard) is Hyannis Harbor, so the crack of the bat might mix with fog horns from fishing boats or island ferries. You could also see a harbor hawk (osprey) soaring to a nest atop a light pole. 120 High School Road, Hyannis
The Anglers play at Veterans Field, under the lights with games at 7 p.m. The amphitheatre setting is close to the boutiques and ice cream shops of downtown Chatham. Be prepared for blazing sunsets—or damp blankets of fog that roll in from the elbow of the Cape. (Fun fact: The 2001 romantic comedy Summer Catch, starring Jessica Biel, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Brian Dennehy, was a fictionalized version of a Chatham season in the league!) 702 Main Street, Chatham
ELDREDGE PARK, ORLEANS
For game schedule and more information visitcapecodbaseball.org @capecodbaseballLeague @officialccbl
The Firebirds play at Eldredge Park under the lights at 7 p.m. This is one of the league’s showcases and the renowned photographer Joel Meyerowitz featured the field with a two-page portrait in the photographic essay book Baseball in America. The banking down the right-field line is a popular spot for fans, who stake out their seats by arriving early in the day to place chairs or blankets to hold their spots. 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans SUMMER 2021 » 69
History M A R C O N I
THE BLUFFS OF WELLFLEET:
WHERE RADIO BEGAN
Vintage postcard of Wellfleet Marconi Wireless Station.
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BY SKIP FINLEY On January 18, 1903, it was a clear night in Wellfleet, which provided the ideal conditions for President Theodore Roosevelt to send a message to King Edward VII in England. To do so, the president used equipment built by a young Italian inventor named Guglielmo Marconi. The communications between Roosevelt and the King were sent via Morse code and accomplished the first wireless two-way trans-Atlantic message and credited Marconi as the inventor of radio. A few years later, in February 1901 when the 27-year-old Marconi arrived in Provincetown, he had already spent months searching the northeast coast for a remote spot close to drinking water, labor, supplies, a rail line, and a hotel. Ed Cook, a local, showed Marconi and his assistants to North Truro. Although Marconi was unable to buy any land, he chose a bluff above the ocean in South Wellfleet, and he built his station and its four 210-foot towers. Two years later, his operation would prove successful for the correspondence between the two world leaders.
Wellfleet Historical Society & Museum
The station stayed put, and its use became more widely appreciated when on January 23, 1909, the radio operator of the ocean liner Republic sent out a distress signal. The boat had collided with another ship and was sinking. Marconi’s station in Wellfleet received the call and relayed the news to all ships within a 300-mile radius that were equipped with wireless technology. The next day, a number of liners and cargo boats arrived to render aid. Marconi became a national hero and won the Nobel Prize for physics later that year. His efforts no doubt helped set the stage for a similar, more famous event in 1912 when wireless radios aided in the rescue of over 700 survivors from the Titanic. SUMMER 2021 » 71
History M A R C O N I
Interior of the Chatham Operating Building circa 1922. After a year of unprofitably providing trans-Atlantic service to Norway as Marconi envisioned, RCA began operating Chatham as ship-to-shore station WCC on April 18, 1921.
Chatham Marconi Maritime Center
The Chatham Operating Building with the 365 ft. tall kingpin mast in the background. Originally one of 6 masts erected to hold a single mile-long antenna 400 ft. above sea level, only this mast was actually used. It supported multiple receiving antennas until being removed in 1956.
Wellfleet Historical Society & Museum
Chatham Marconi Maritime Center
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View of the Wellfleet Marconi Wireless Tower from the oceanside.
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In 1914, Marconi constructed a new transatlantic wireless receiver station in Chatham and another transmitter station in Marion. In 1920, both structures were acquired by Radio Corporation of America (RCA) and, in 1921, the company began operations as a radio station that could communicate with ships and eventually planes using the callsign “WCC.” The station communicated with Amelia Earhart, Howard Hughes, Admiral Byrd, and the Hindenburg. The original South Wellfleet station operated until 1917, but it was shut down by the navy during World War I in an effort to control communications. Afterwards, due to erosion, the front towers were on the verge of collapsing onto the bluffs, so in 1920, the buildings were dismantled and abandoned. Today, the barely recognizable site is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. The term “radio” can refer to either the electronic appliance that we listen to or to the content that plays from it. In any case, it all started with the discovery of radio waves—electromagnetic waves with the capacity to transmit music, speech, pictures, and other data wirelessly through the air. Nikola Tesla and Nathan Stubblefield both reserved patents for wireless radio transmitters. In 1943, the Supreme Court overturned Marconi’s patent in favor of Tesla’s. As a result, Tesla is credited with being the first person to patent radio technology. Unfortunately, Croatian-born Nikola Tesla died penniless in 1943 before the court finding that the patent was his. (Marconi died well before that in 1937.) Nonetheless, the benefits of radio live on, and what started as a two-way communication has over the course of a century reached the lives of millions.
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History M A R C O N I Guglielmo Marconi standing in front of wireless station
Guglielmo Marconi Inventor of the Radio, 1926.
Library of Congress
Wellfleet Historical Society & Museum
Operators at the Marconi Station, Jack Simpson and P.W. Paget in February 1913.
At one time, close to 300 million Americans were listening to the radio weekly. Radio stations became popular for reporting news, weather, and sports, and relaying public service announcements and even more influential when music hit the airwaves.
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Wellfleet Historical Society & Museum
Chatham Marconi Maritime Center
The Chatham wireless receiving station campus as it appeared in 1922, unchanged from what Marconi had built. The Operating Building is on the right, and the Residence Building for staff is on the left. All ten buildings and three steel lattice towers erected for Marconi in 1914 have been preserved by the Town of Chatham.
Currently, there are twenty-three radio stations with signals reaching Cape Cod, all of which broadcast on FM. The AM radio band has lost popularity and many well-known AM stations have gone dark in recent years. The last Cape AM station, WBAS-1240 AM, which broadcast from West Yarmouth, went off the air in July 2020.
The 1957 song, Old Cape Cod, sung by Patti Page, spent 17 weeks on Billboard’s top 100 chart. The tune was so iconic that in 2010 the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce invited Page here to honor her by renaming the street at its Hyannis office after her.
It isn’t Europe. It’s Fairhaven.
An English Gothic Cathedral. A Revolutionary War Fort. Plus shopping, fine dining, historical sites, and more. Visit our website for latest information.
TOWN OF FAIRHAVEN, MA
Office of Tourism & Visitors Center
141 Main Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719 • 508-979-4085 http://FairhavenTours.com • FairhavenTours@fairhaven-ma.gov Mon., Tues., Thur., Fri., Sat. 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Facebook.com/FairhavenTours • Twitter.com/FairhavenTours 76 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
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RED BROOK HARBOR CLUB, 1090 SHORE ROAD, POCASSET he Cape is best known for its 550 miles of coastline, and now you can have a slice of your own inside the Red Brook Harbor Club. Condos at this luxury-living harborside spot are drenched in natural light and include two bedrooms with two and a half baths, an open floor plan, eat-in kitchen, decks, and views that capture sunsets as well as the year-round action and stillness of Buzzards Bay.
“There are 15 units and only two available,” says Joan Witter of Compass Realty. “Both the location and the new construction are extremely desirable, so these homes are going fast.” Additional amenities include central AC, as well as a garage and community space with a heated pool. The property is positioned just above Kingman Yacht Center, the largest full-service marina on Cape Cod and home to oceanfront dining at the Chart Room. Homeowners can also find gift stores, coffee shops, galleries, mini golf courses, and more nearby. JOAN WITTER COMPASS W&W BOSTON / CAPE COD CONNECTION 877 Main Street, Osterville, MA 02655 bostoncapecodconnection.com wwbostoncapecod@compass.com 508-776-1971; redbrookharborclub.com SUMMER 2021 » 77
R E A L E S TAT E
Easy Ways to Add Curb Appeal to Your Home SIX LOCAL BUSINESSES OFFER WAYS TO MAKE THE FRONT OF YOUR HOUSE SHINE. BY MEREDITH FARAHMAND
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ESTABLISH THE RIGHT FOUNDATION PLANTING Curb appeal is nearly impossible to achieve without starting with the appropriate foundation planting. As explained by Matt Ernst, owner of Mike Stacy Landscaping, that means “right plant, right place.” For example, Ernst says that hydrangeas do best in sheltered locations benefiting from sunny mornings, shady afternoons, high organic matter, and plenty of water. He also says that evergreen shrubs, such as dwarf conifers, complemented by colorful plants, like goldflame spirea and fine wine weigela, look best around doorways. To fill in the hardscapes, Ernst recommends adding thoughtfully curated planters. He likes to mix petunia, sweet alyssum, nemesia, and creeping jenny flowers with edible and aromatic herbs like basil, thyme, chives, and rosemary. Mike Stacy Landscaping 44 Upper County Road, Dennis Port mikestacylandscaping.com
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ADD A FRESH COAT OF PAINT
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To make an impressive impact quickly, Andrew Philbrook of Philbrook Construction Services Group recommends painting not just your doors, shutters, and sidewall, but also your trim and gutters. “I hate to say it because it is economical and easy,” he laughs, “but you can really make some strong contrast from a street view.” His favorite color scheme? Gray sidewall, white trim, black windows, and black gutters with a colorful front or garage door. “You can throw in a blue or a green or even a red,” he says. To make even more of an impact, Philbrook suggests investing in new windows with updated grill patterns. “People are certainly changing grill patterns up from just basic colonial to what I would call six-over-one or short fractional,” he says, adding that four-over-one and two-over-two grill patterns can also be used to showcase a “cleaner” window look. Philbrook Construction Services Group, Inc. 125 Wianno Road, Yarmouth, pecsg.com
DEFINE THE ENTRY Architect Leslie Schneeberger of SV Design, Siemasko + Verbridge emphasizes the importance of defining your home’s entry sequence as a welcoming approach with clear wayfinding. To do so, she recommends first considering what the color of the front door conveys. “It might not be a bright, fun color,” she says. “It might be that I want you to think that this is a very sophisticated home.”
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Schneeberger also recommends adding casing around the front door, and, if possible, an overhang above it, which she explains, “is a really nice and important layer that says, ‘I’m not quite indoors, but I’m almost.’” If an actual roof is out of reach due to cost or zoning limitations, she suggests installing a simple pergola as an overhang. SV Design, Siemasko + Verbridge, 693 Main Street, Chatham, www.svdesign.com
RODRIGO ERENO PHOTOGRAPHY SUMMER 2021 » 79
R E A L E S TAT E
CONSIDER ALL POINTS OF VIEW
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With hundreds of miles of coastline, many of the homes on the Cape and islands have multiple entries—some face the street and others are on the water. Realtor Stewart Young of Landvest, an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, advises clients to show off their homes not just from the front, but also the back and sides. “Whether the curb is granite or sand, it’s all about the lifestyle,” he says.
To spruce up your beach or dock, Young recommends positioning a few beach chairs with an umbrella as well as any boats, like kayaks and beach toys. And, if you are in the majority who do not have a beach or a dock, you can still bring the coastal lifestyle to your backyard by stringing lights above a patio or around a fire pit for instant charm. Landvest, an Affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, 97 Water Street, Woods Hole landvest.com
LAYER SOME DOORMATS A welcoming front porch is not just defined by what is above your head, but also by what is under your feet, according to Simone Pereira, co-owner of the home décor store, Elburne. “If you have the space by your front door to play around, add a patterned rug beneath your doormat,” she says. “It can be a great way to infuse color into your entryway and impress your guests.”
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For the bottom layer, Pereira recommends a three by five-foot, weather-resistant area rug. For the top layer, she suggests a traditional-sized doormat. “The best thing about these outdoor rugs is that you can clean them with a hose and swap it seasonally throughout the year,” she says. “You’ll have an elevated entryway that requires no upkeep at all.” Elburne, 744 Main Street (Route 6A), Dennis, elburne.com
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DAN CUTRONA PHOTOGRAPHY
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LIGHT IT UP “Lighting is the last piece of jewelry,” says Kelly Berardi of the Nauset Lantern Shop. “The warmth of a light is that exact piece which every home needs.” To ensure your home is both beautiful and safe from day into night and from summer into winter, she recommends investing in artistic yet durable outdoor lights. Berardi’s shop, which she runs with her husband Chris, offers copper, brass, and pewter lanterns that can hang from a ceiling or attach to a post. “These lights are not one click away,” she says. “They are a labor of love.” The Lantern Shop’s lights are handcrafted and built to not only withstand but embrace the region’s salty breezes.
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The Nauset Lantern Shop, 52 Route 6A, Orleans, nausetlanternshop.com
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Home Design O U T D O O R S
The Benefits of
plunge pools
If you’re debating between a pool and a hot tub, a plunge pool might be what you are looking for. A plunge pool is a small, deep pool that is about 13 feet by 7 feet and typically 5 feet deep. “We believe that is the sweet spot for plenty of room to move, swim, and submerge your entire body in water,” says Karen Larson, who owns Soake® Pools with her husband Brian Larson. Self-confessed “plunge pool purists,” Larson says, she and her husband fell in love with the smaller pools while on vacation. “We were enjoying a plunge pool that was just beautiful and well done, so we decided to look into installing one in our backyard,” says Karen. After searching for a local company to do the work, the couple came away empty handed. “We saw the need for a small pool product that was high-end quality with earthy finishes that wasn’t overly expensive, so we built the product for ourselves.” Seven years after establishing Soake Pools, the Larsons have sold hundreds of pre-cast plunge pools to clients across the United States. Soake Pools are made in New England using state-of-the-art materials. All pools are customizable and delivered pre-built, fully tiled, and ready to install, which is cost effective and saves time on installation.
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MURPHY FOTO IMAGERY
MURPHY FOTO IMAGERY
If you’re revamping the backyard this summer, here are a few benefits of adding a plunge pool to your outdoor oasis.
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A Pool for Year-Round Enjoyment Soake Pools use a saltwater filtration system and can be cool in the summer and heated in the winter, which offers a unique experience for homeowners. “We hear from clients that their pool has changed the way they live, especially in winter,” says Larson. She says many first-time plunge pool owners find themselves spending more time outside in colder months because they have a place to go and disconnect. “They’ve discovered how amazing it is to get outside and look up at the stars while submerged in warm water.”
Many of our clients also want a fire pit or an outdoor kitchen, so a small pool allows the space and budget to have all of these things. — Karen Larson, Soake Pools Owner
With a reduced footprint, plunge pools use less water and don’t require as much maintenance as traditional pools. They are also more cost effective and don’t overcrowd backyards, which leave room to design outdoor living spaces. “Many of our clients also want a fire pit or an outdoor kitchen, so a small pool allows the space and budget to have all of these things,” says Larson.
MURPHY FOTO IMAGERY
Smaller Size Means Greater Benefits
A Time-Honored Amenity Plunge pools aren’t a new concept. “If we go back to the days of the Roman Baths, we find very large plunge pools that were intended for communal use,” says Larson. By the 1700s, the mini pools that we think of today began popping up in northern Europe. “The Europeans have known about the advantages of small personal plunge pools for over two hundred years,” she says. “Today, all across the countryside of France and England, one can find tiny plunge pools behind the charming cottages.”
For more information about Soake Pools, visit— soakepools.com
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E S TAT E P L A N N I N G
Let’s Talk About Estate Planning + 4 REASONS TO GET STARTED TODAY
Even in the closest families, conversations about money and death can be uncomfortable. “In our society certain topics are deemed private, and it is considered rude to discuss or ask about them,” says Michelle Beneski, managing partner at Surprenant & Beneski. “Within families, children are hesitant to raise the issue of estate planning and money because the child fears the parent will think the child is after the parent’s money or trying to take control of the parent’s life.” In an effort to protect each other’s feelings, she says, the topic remains undiscussed, but this is a real detriment to both the parent’s and the child’s future. “The saying that the only thing you can count on is death and taxes is true,” says Beneski. By having a plan in place, families and loved ones can avoid stress, legal hurdles, and financial burdens when faced with unexpected. We spoke with Michelle Beneski, Daniel Surprenant, and Erin Nunes of Surprenant & Beneski, a family-run estate planning law firm serving southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod, about tips on the positive impacts of estate planning when executed correctly. ABOUT SURPRENANT & BENESKI Surprenant & Beneski, a family-run estate planning law firm serving southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod. Managing partners, Michelle Beneski and Daniel Surprenant, are siblings, and they are also two of 25 attorneys in Massachusetts who are Certified Elder Law Attorneys by the National Elder Law Foundation, which is the only accreditation approved by the American Bar Association. www.myfamilyestateplanning.com HYANNIS: 336 South Street, Hyannis; 508.644.8590 NEW BEDFORD: 35 Arnold Street, New Bedford; 508.690.4792 EASTON: 45 Bristol Drive, Easton; 508.690.5970
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PLAN FOR YOUR OWN NEEDS, INCLUDING THE UNEXPECTED
“Life throws us so many curve balls, and it’s important to be as prepared as possible,” says Erin Nunes, an attorney at Surprenant & Beneski. Families and loved ones who haven’t done any advanced planning are sent to the probate court, where a judge will decide who in the family will handle issues, such as medical decisions or care for minor children. “That court process can be both time-consuming and expensive, and the result may not be in line with what you would have chosen for yourself,” says Nunes.
MINIMIZE TRANSFER TAXES
“For clients with an estate above $1 million, we help them save tens of thousands of dollars in estate tax,” says Daniel Surprenant, managing partner at Surprenant & Beneski. Take, for example, a married couple with an estate of $2 million, which includes their home, retirement plans, and life insurance. If the couple works with estate planners, says Surprenant. “They will typically save $100,000 in tax by use of revocable trust planning.”
PROTECT YOUR WEALTH
Planning ahead can ensure a client’s legacy and intent for generations. “A trust can make sure that the inheritance will be properly invested, managed, and distributed over time,” says Surprenant. “Some clients set up a family vacation home in a trust to make sure that it is enjoyed by all family members for generations to come.” Surprenant & Beneski also works with clients who have charitable intent. They can suggest either particular charities or a community foundation to assist in identifying the right fit. “Clients have relayed great satisfaction in knowing that a cause near and dear to them will benefit from their efforts,” says Surprenant.
PEACE OF MIND FOR YOURSELF AND LOVED ONES
“A good estate plan can put future generations in the most favorable position possible,” says Nunes. That could mean providing a nest egg for special needs beneficiaries without impacting important government benefits they may be entitled to, providing rules and guidelines for trustees holding funds for minor beneficiaries, minimizing tax implications, and protecting an inheritance for beneficiaries from some of the unexpected events that can happen such as divorce, creditors, and lawsuits. It also provides a roadmap for your loved ones. “Not everyone is comfortable being entirely open about their finances, estate plan, and the reasons why they have made certain choices,” says Nunes. “Having a clear and thoughtful estate plan can ease the way for your loved ones and chosen decision makers should they need to step into your shoes and care for you or execute your choices after you’ve passed.”
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NEW HOMES ENGINEERED FOR COMFORT, STYLE & EFFICIENCY BY THE SEA
Design your dream Cape Cod home with the team at McPhee Associates by purchasing a wooded lot in Windward Village. The location is close to bay beaches, like Cold Storage and Harborview, as well as two 18-hole town golf courses and the protected, deep-water Sesuit Harbor. Finished properties in the village have been designed in a classic Cape Cod style and finished with state-of-the-art amenities, such as nine-foot ceilings, energy-efficient construction and HVAC, maintenance-free materials, custom decorative trim, and more. All units are connected to natural gas, town water, and underground utilities. This is a turn-key package just waiting for your vision.
Winding Oaks Lane, Windward Village, East Dennis Lots: $229,000-258,000 Directions: To arrive at Windward Village in East Dennis, take exit 78B off Route 6 onto Route 134 north towards Setucket Road. At the second traffic signal, turn right onto Setucket. Windward Village is on your left, about one mile down the road.
McPhee Associates | 508-385-2704 mcpheeassociatesinc.com/windward-village SUMMER 2021 » 85
Home D E S I G N
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FOLLOWING THE HOMEOWNER’S VISION, A TRADITIONAL CAPE GETS A MODERNIST ADDITION, AND THE RESULTS ARE EYE-CATCHING. BY KELLY CHASE PHOTOGRAPHS BY BRIAN VANDEN BRINK
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Home D E S I G N
riving through the Cape and islands, traditional capes wrapped in cedar-shingled jackets abound. While modernist and contemporary homes are harder to spot, make no mistake that they are there. However, a home that’s both traditional and modernist? Now that’s much more unique, unless you happen to be driving through Chatham. Homeowners Janet and Keith’s traditional-meetsmodernist guest house and accompanying social barn are across the street from their Chatham home that they created ten years ago. While the couple’s main house is more classic Cape Cod with contemporary accents, they decided to be a little more experimental when it came to the place where their guests laid their heads at night. “My tastes have changed a little since we did our house,” says Janet. “I like the sleek look, and I had a vision that was light, airy, and open.” Janet and Keith worked with Cape-based integrated architecture and construction firm, Polhemus Savery DaSilva, which also did the couple’s main house. The project included renovating a traditional cape and building a modernist addition, which posed a unique challenge for architect John DaSilva, but one that he was more than willing to take on. “John was really great to work with, and he was very determined to get it right,” says Janet. The original property included a dated but structurally sound 1940s cape with an attached barn. The barn, which had been moved to the property, needed to be completely replaced. Taking cues from the previous structure, PSD designed a barn-inspired addition that includes two guest suites and a large open living room. “The addition is larger than the main house, but because it was designed to look like a barn it works well,” says DaSilva.
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Home D E S I G N
To achieve the bright and open look Janet was looking for, a glass curtain wall wraps the addition creating expansive views of the backyard and social barn. The kitchen was renovated, including new larger windows in the breakfast nook, but the homeowners decided they could do without a dining room. “You learn throughout the years what you need and don’t need in a house, especially a beach house,” says Janet. “One big gathering room is important because that’s why you’re there.” Inside the transition from one structure to the other was linked with a cohesive interior design of minimalist finishes and clean lines. Outside DaSilva faced the real challenge of marrying all of the elements together. “There was a careful choreography of where one design style stops and the other begins, so they feel right together,” says DaSilva. “And I think they do.” At the front of the house, the board and batten siding of the addition contrasts but is compatible with the weathered shingles of the cape. Out back the juxtaposition of styles is even more obvious. “The transformation from a more historic cape to modernist appearance of the back is unique,” says DaSilva. “I’m a fan of eclecticism and it’s nice to have a client who is interested in something like that.” 90 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
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There was a careful choreography of where one design style stops and the other begins, so they feel right together. And I think they do. — Architect, John DaSilva
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Home D E S I G N
Whoever is staying at the guest house, we invite down to the barn. We have pizza night, where the kids can make their own pizzas and then we grill them. It’s a lot of fun and we usually end up on the basketball court and bocci ball court. — Homeowner, Janet”
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Janet has 13 siblings, so when everyone is present, a family get-together includes close to 100 people. While restaurant reservations have been out of the question, Janet and Keith wanted to host family events. They worked with the PSD team to create a social barn at the back of the property. “We had this vision of a barn that we could all gather in,” says Janet. The most important elements of the space were a full bar and lounge area, but by digging a full level below, PSD was also able to incorporate a half basketball court and gym for the active couple. The barn fits most of Janet’s family, but it is also used for smaller gatherings. “Whoever is staying at the guest house, we invite down to the barn,” says Janet. “We have pizza night, where the kids can make their own pizzas and then we grill them. It’s a lot of fun and we usually end up on the basketball court and bocci ball court.” While 2020 was a quieter year for Janet and Keith’s guest list, they are looking forward to hosting more family in the future. “We’ve had one wedding at the barn, and we are currently planning a family reunion,” says Janet. “We are looking forward to having many more.”
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SPONSORED CONTENT
PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT
W H AT ’ S G O O D C A P E C O D
HYANNIS PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT:
216 Seventh Avenue, West Hyannisport Person » Robert Edward Kennedy
t the end of Seventh Avenue in West Hyannisport is a classic Cape Cod home with an attached windmill. “This is such a unique and iconic house located in the avenues of West Hyannisport, and it’s just around the corner from the famous Kennedy Compound,” says Sarah Lapsley Martin, a local real estate agent at Kinlin Grover Real Estate and also the cohost of What’s Good Cape Cod.
Robert Edward Kennedy is a local artist who owns Kennedy Studios on Main Street. Many of his works depict the charm and character of local streets and buildings. He is also credited with coining the term giclee, which describes the advancements in computer-assisted inkjet fine art reproduction. “I’m personally drawn to his vintage-style artwork posters,” says Sarah. “He has depicted each town on the Cape, and they are wonderful!” KENNEDY GALLERY & STUDIOS 574 MAIN ST., HYANNIS, 508-775-9604
The three-bedroom, three-bath house was built in 1946, and originally just included the windmill. The current owners purchased the beloved local property in 1968 as a summer getaway and added the addition in 2003 in order to accommodate more guests and amenities. “To do this they actually had to have a crane come and lift the entire windmill structure to add a foundation underneath,” says Sarah.
Place » JFK Museum The JFK Museum on Main Street is where one can learn about the legacy of President John F. Kennedy and his ties to the area. The former president spent his childhood summers in Hyannis, and the white-clapboard compound that his family owned served as a base for his election and later, a presidential retreat. President Kennedy once said, “The Cape is the one place I can think and be alone.” 397 MAIN ST., HYANNIS, 508-790-3077
Thing » Eugenia Fortes Beach Eugenia Fortes Beach might be small, but it packs a punch. “It’s a little hidden gem, and a great place to stroll the beach,” says Sarah. “We almost didn’t share this one because we wanted to keep it to ourselves!” says Katie Clancy, a local real estate agent and cohost of What’s Good Cape Cod with Sarah. In addition to shell hunting, there is a lot to look at including beautifully built coastal homes. IYANOUGH AVENUE OFF OF MARSTONS AVENUE
Besides structural charm, the house offers miles of water views of Hall’s Creek and Nantucket Sound. The property also includes access to a private neighborhood beach where low tide exposes a sandbar that’s ideal for beach chairs.
More information: Sarah Lapsley Martin 508.331.1404 slapsley@kinlingrover.com 94 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
Katie Clancy and Sarah Lapsley Martin host a weekly show called What’s Good Cape Cod where they show you Cape Cod through the eyes of a couple of locals. Find all episodes at whatsgoodcc.com
Give your family peace of mind for generations to come. ▪ Foundational Documents & Trusts ▪ Long-Term Care Planning ▪ Asset Protection ▪ Estate Tax Minimization ▪ Special Needs Planning
Estate planning may seem overwhelming, but it’s really a matter of getting your affairs in order. Of course, no two estate plans are alike. Some individuals may only require a will-based plan, while others may benefit from establishing trusts. The best way to plan for your future, protect your interests, and provide for your loved ones is to consult a qualified elder law & estate planning attorney. Partners, Dan Surprenant & Michelle Beneski, are Certified Elder Law Attorneys by the National Elder Law Foundation. This makes our team uniquely qualified to help you prepare for life’s unknowns and provide you with peace of mind.
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H YA N N I S O F F I C E
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35 Arnold Street New Bedford, MA 02740 P 508.994.5200 F 508.994.2227
336 South Street Hyannis, MA 02601 P 508.477.1102
45 Bristol Drive Easton, MA 02375 P 508.427.5400
www.MyFamilyEstatePlanning.com SUMMER 2021 » 95
Home Design G A R D E N
The tree-lined secluded dirt road leading to Cape Cod Lavender Farm in Harwich transports visitors to a world of tranquility, natural beauty, and a simpler way of life. STORY BY LISA LEIGH CONNORS
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCY FORD
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Cynthia and Matthew Sutphin, owners of Cape Cod Lavender Farm in Harwich
hen Cynthia Sutphin started Cape Cod Lavender Farm in Harwich more than 25 years ago, she was told the fragrant perennial plants wouldn’t thrive on Cape Cod. “But I tried it anyway, and as it turns out, lavender does quite well here,” says Sutphin, who researched the plant extensively with agriculture experts. “Many of my plants are 25 years old!” Today more than ever, people are seeking items of comfort, products that soothe the soul and outdoor spaces that provide solitude, beauty, and nature—a quiet place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. The 11-acre farm, surrounded by 75 acres of conservation land with walking trails and wildlife, provides a moment of zen. A handmade fairy house on the property with treasures at its tiny doorstep inspires kids to run away with their imaginations. It’s a step back in time set in a charming, enchanted forest. “As the world gets busier and busier, the need for nature becomes greater and greater,” says Sutphin. “The lavender farm offers that opportunity not only for parents, but for children who are growing up in the cities and suburbs and they don’t have the opportunity to explore the woods like we do. Coming here is very peaceful and healthy.” “Unlike other places, it’s in the middle of a quasi-wilderness,” adds her husband, Matthew. “You’re all by yourself out here surrounded by nature and conservation land.” Sitting inside the farm’s rustic and cottage-style gift shop, Sutphin says Matthew has always offered his support. He works behind the scenes and provides valuable aesthetics to the grounds and the shop, including recently adding insulation to one room that will serve as a year-round distribution area for the farm’s bustling mail-order business.
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Lavender has been known for its medicinal qualities—it helps with insomnia, headaches, and helps calm the nerves. In addition to selling 6,000 plants annually and fresh bunches of lavender during harvest season in June and July, the farm sells more than two dozen products for the home, mind, and body such as lavender and sage body butter, neck pillows, soy candles, lavender soap, hand sanitizer, and roll-on essential oils made with lavender, geranium, and sage (roll on your wrists for mental balance). The farm’s apparel line features masks, gaiters, and hats as well as sweatshirts with the words “Keep Calm and Lavender On.” The Sutphins are proud of their longtime local business partnerships, many of whom are referred to as “old friends.” Bethany Seasons continues to make their top-selling Lavender Lather Soap, the first product offered 25 years ago. Cape Cod Cranberry Harvest has stirred up marmalade magic for 20 years with its lavender-lemon marmalade, a top-selling culinary treat. Harwich Portbased Cape Sea Grille uses the fresh lavender to create homemade lavender limoncello every summer, and it’s also the base for their lavender lemon drop cocktail. Sutphin says she doesn’t necessarily seek out business opportunities, but rather, they happen organically. Over the holiday season and for Valentine’s Day, Chatham-based Primabee (a company that sells CBD products) offered customers gift bags that included the farm’s natural lavender soy candle, lavender bath bombs infused with CBD, and a sachet of fresh lavender. Cape Cod Beer brewed a limited-edition Vanilla Lavender Porter last year and Chatham Candy Manor created chocolate-covered pretzels—hand-dipped and drizzled in lavender chocolate! In May, the farm is teaming up with Fly Boy’s Honey, two local beekeepers who will bring their own hives to the farm and also help maintain the lavender farm’s two hives. “The idea is to give the bees some nice lavender to get their nectar from and to have our own experience with the bees,” says Sutphin. They will also sell Fly Boy’s Honey at the shop.
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One product Sutphin makes right on the farm is lavender hydrosol, a popular facial toner that comes from the steam distillation of the flowers. They harvest the lavender, then distill it in copper stills and bottle the hydrosol, which is available for sale in July. “It’s only available until it runs out and I’ve sold out every year,” says Sutphin. As Sutphin reminisces about her four (now grown) children—all of them got married on the property and worked in the shop and in the fields—she keeps an eye toward the future. The proud grandmother of seven (all age 8 and under) says she’s counting on her grandchildren to help during the summer months. A couple of years ago, the grandkids operated a lavender lemonade stand at the farm and donated the proceeds to the local animal rescue league. “They’ve grown up watching the store and the harvest, spending nights and weekends here,” says Sutphin. “It’s in their blood. They are all poised to be helpful and it’s going to be fabulous.”
IF YOU GO … Cape Cod Lavender Farm is accessible via Weston Woods Road off Route 124 in Harwich. The farm is free to visit from March-December. The lavender harvest, where visitors see peak color and bloom, occurs between late June to mid-July. For more information, visit capecodlavenderfarm.com
Growing Tips
FROM CYNTHIA SUTPHIN OF CAPE COD LAVENDER FARM Cape Cod Lavender Farm’s season begins in March, and the farm sells seven varieties of lavender plants, including Munstead, Hidcote, Phenomenal, Grosso, and Jean Davis (Pink). “We like to plant in the early spring because if you plant early enough, you have the benefit of the flowers that year,” says Cynthia Sutphin, owner of Cape Cod Lavender Farm. “If you plant in the fall, you will have to wait through the winter months to see flowers the following spring.”
Spring and fall are the best time to plant lavender. You can still plant in the summer, as long as you water every other day for about a month. Plant in full sun—the more sun the more flowers—with good drainage. Cape Cod soil is typically acidic, so apply a little bit of lime around the plant to keep the soil “sweet.” Harvest in June and July. Prune in September by one-third to keep the plant looking youthful and to prevent it from getting “leggy.” Avoid pine bark mulch because it’s too acidic. If you use other mulch, Sutphin recommends keeping it away from the roots because lavender requires well-drained soil and space to allow for air circulation. “You can also use stones or anything that reflects the heat back up onto the plant,” says Sutphin. “Lavender thrives along walkways. They like it where it’s hot.”
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Home Design G A R D E N
A VOLUNTEER PROJECT IDENTIFIES HUNDREDS OF DIFFERENT SPECIES DEMONSTRATING THE FLORA OF THE REGION IS MORE DIVERSE THAN ONE MIGHT EXPECT. BY JAMES ELLIS “Hardly too much attention can be bestowed on flowers,” said the early naturalist Henry David Thoreau. The Barnstable Land Trust agrees. The nonprofit has started inventorying all of the wildflowers on land under its protection. Initiated late in 2019, the effort undertaken by volunteers focused initially on three parcels: Bell Farm in Cotuit, Fuller Farm in Marstons Mills, and the fields of Proctor’s Crossing in West Barnstable. “The inventory is helpful to our land trust in many ways,” says Janet Milkman, executive director of the Barnstable Land Trust. “The knowledge of which plants are on our properties helps us refine our land management practices for habitat protection. It’s also great for educating visitors and even for grant applications.” By the end of 2020, the volunteers had identified hundreds of different species from pink lady’s slippers to prairie ironweed. While the project may have been easy to do on beautiful summer days, there was a more significant purpose that kept the volunteers scanning the local landscape even when the weather turned: to help study wildflowers’ critical and colorful link in the ecosystem chain. Everything in our local environment is connected, and as a result, when one link is out of sync, it has a ripple effect. Native wildflowers feed and shelter birds, insects, and pollinators, and some species are in decline. Taking inventory of the local landscape can be useful in land management, educational programs, and financial aid efforts.
Bell Farm
Proctor’s Crossing
Bell Farm is the relatively small southwest section of the popular Eagle Pond Sanctuary. Years ago, Kenneth Bell, an Illinois oil man, owned the property. While the inventory here is incomplete, it will yield many varieties since a range of habitats are involved, from wetland through woodland to upland. After less than two months, volunteers have identified 47 different species. The inventories follow the Audubon field guide approach by including vines and shrubs in the counts. Flowers include everything from the expected common hawkweed to the less abundant pink lady’s slipper.
Proctor’s Crossing is south of Route 6A just to the west of the railroad crossing. In the late 1800s, Colonel Joseph Proctor owned the then 600-acre Bay View Farm, which included the present fields under review. After inventorying in only the last month of the 2020 season, there are indications that the site may have more kinds of flowers per acre than any other spot in town. Volunteers identified 55 species, including varieties of aster and goldenrod. An extensive stand of bushy bluestem puts on a show. Wild cranberries are plentiful. American water horehound and porcelain-berry are among the unusual plants.
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Fuller Farm Fuller Farm on Route 149 just south of Race Lane traces to the turn of the nineteenth century. The place remained an active farm up to its 2012 purchase by the land trust. Once the old farmhouse came down last December, it became safe to open the property and its rolling hills and many trails to the public. The Fuller inventory, stretching over two seasons, included 105 different species. Asters, buttercups, chickweeds, clovers, cresses, goldenrods, hawkweeds, roses and sorrels made their way to the list. Just as satisfying as the variety of flora was the spring appearance of a swarm of Baltimore checkerspots making themselves at home on the farm’s plentiful milkweed. (This butterfly species is itself in severe decline.) Two lonesome and uncommon plants garnered much attention: a prairie ironweed and a solitary little lady’s-tresses, which produce three to five leaves that wither at the time of blooming. The Biota of North America Program (BONAP) helped identify the ironweed. Initially, it was thought the flower was a New York ironweed, a plant found along the region’s coast, but it did not quite match. At first blush, a prairie ironweed designation was dismissed because BONAP data showed that the flower existed in only one New England county, Middlesex, Massachusetts. A close examination, nonetheless, suggested the stately plant must be a prairie ironweed. Information and photographs were submitted to BONAP. Shortly, the director agreed, responding “you are correct.” There was quiet elation among those involved with the project, after all seeking wildflowers is a restrained venture! The little lady’s-tresses did not present identification troubles, but locating it was tricky. The plant is so small that one could easily overlook it, but one volunteer spotted it all by itself in a field. To aid in monitoring the flower, a flag was placed alongside. The Commonwealth also tracks the diminutive plant. A member of the orchid family, little lady’stresses is on the Massachusetts Plant Watch List.
How to Start Inventorying Identifying wildflowers is a time-consuming task, yet anyone who is observant and disciplined can undertake it. Blossoms usually are the key to identification. And since a few flowers bloom for only a day and others show for just a few days, daily site visits are essential (twice a day occasionally serves). In addition to frequency, it is necessary to step off the pathways into tall grass, briars, and thickets. Similar plants also present problems. At Fuller, two members of the rose family were growing side by side: sweetbriar and pasture rose. A close examination revealed the stout downward curving thorns of the sweetbriar. In comparison, the pasture rose has sharp slender thorns growing at the base of the leaf branches. Many resources are available for budding enthusiasts. The Go Botany website is an excellent tool (gobotany. nativeplanttrust.org). As for books, Marilyn Dwelley’s Spring Wildflowers of New England and Summer & Fall Wildflowers of New England are easy to use. While it may take patience, identifying wildflowers is not a daunting task, and it can be fun. Chances are you’ll discover something beautiful hidden in a familiar landscape that you may have otherwise overlooked.
Cape Cod contains a unique flora which, due to glacial history, is more related to Long Island than to western Massachusetts. It includes several globally rare species and some regional endemics that lend international significance to the conservation of this flora. Connections of some species to Nova Scotia and New Jersey that are not found, or rarely found, elsewhere in New England, present interesting examples of biogeography that help to explain its diversity. – Robert Wernerehl, Massachusetts State Botanist
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A Day in the Life C H I C K E N K E E P E R
Golden Comet
BY LISA CAVANAUGH
HOW TO START A BACKYARD CHICKEN COOP 102 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
n pleasant weather days, Rebecca Westgate will often let her twenty hens join her in the garden at her Forestdale home, where they quickly create a charming chorus. “They scratch around and make sweet little clucks,” says Westgate. “Sometimes I hear other squawks when something exciting is going on, but usually it’s just soothing sounds as they search for bugs and do their thing.”
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Westgate, who is Cape Cod Cooperative Extension’s Buy Fresh Buy Local Coordinator and Communications Manager, has been raising chickens with her husband for more than five years. “We had always talked about it, as a kind of kind of personal hobby we wanted to get into,” she says. “So when we moved to a new house on a larger piece of land it turned out to be a perfect time for us to start.” The Westgates were eager to let their then three-year-old son Lucas interact with the animals and learn how to responsibly care for what began as a flock of four hens. “He absolutely loves the experience. He collects the eggs and will also pick the chickens up, and put them in his lap,” says Westgate. “He knows how to handle them, what they like and don’t like, not to kiss them and to be sure to wash his hands afterwards. He sees them as his pets.” For many backyard chicken enthusiasts, including Melissa Caughey, having pets that provide you breakfast is just one of the many benefits of raising domestic fowl. “I was definitely interested in the fresh eggs as well as keeping the chickens as pets for the kids,” says Caughey, who is a former member of the Agricultural Commission for the Town of Barnstable. Caughey, a writer and chicken-keeping expert, who shares insights about raising chickens, keeping bees, gardening and crafts on her website tillysnest.com, was also responding to a shift in how her community viewed resources. “Personally, I got involved with keeping chickens because I was enjoying the local food movement that really started taking shape over ten years ago on the Cape.” Westgate and her husband also felt strongly about building a sustainable way of life and putting more nutritious meals on the table. “Even before I worked at County Extension, we started to ask where our food was coming from and how we could begin to make more healthy choices for our family,” says Westgate. She appreciates the ecologically balanced circle that raising chickens provides. “In addition to their organic feed, we also give them food scraps, such as tops of carrots, leftover apple, the bits of lettuce that are starting to go brown,” says Westgate. “We just toss them in the coop and watch them get all excited as they dig in.” The chickens then produce a steady supply of good organic manure. “Dried chicken poop is wonderful fertilizer,” says Westgate. “So we have a nice, tiny little sustainable system going on, where our food waste is getting recycled, the chickens are fed and happy, we have fertilizer for our veggie garden and then we get delicious fresh eggs for breakfast.”
HERE ARE A FEW BREEDS AND QUICK STATS
Plymouth Rock Egg production (annual): 280 Egg size: Large Egg color: Brown, Light Brown Variety: Barred, Colombian, Silver Penciled, White + more
Cochin Egg production (annual): 160 Egg size: Medium Egg color: Light brown Variety: Black, Blue, Buff, Partridge, Cuckoo, White + many more
Wyandotte Egg production (annual): 200 Egg size: Large Egg color: Brown, Tan Variety: Gold Laced, Buff, Partridge, Black, Silver Penciled + more
Brahma Egg production (annual): 150 Egg size: Large Egg color: Brown Variety: Light and Dark
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A Day in the Life C H I C K E N K E E P E R
Gold Laced Wyandotte Keeping chickens is a year-round endeavor that requires a bit of backyard space, a lot of patience and consistency, some basic handyman skills and a keen understanding of your own town’s regulations. Caughey notes that most rules about keeping chickens are town specific. “Every town on the Cape is different,” she says, “and many homeowner’s associations do not allow chickens.” In Sandwich, where Westgate lives, as in several Cape Cod towns, there is a right-to-farm rule, so you can basically have any farm animal you want as long as you give them enough room to live. However, crowing roosters could become a nuisance and violate town noise ordinances, so being conscientious and friendly is tremendously important if you plan on becoming the neighborhood chicken keeper. Some owners keep their roosters inside until after dawn, while others try to make sure they have only hens to avoid potential issues with clamoring chickens. However, some females make quite a vocal hubbub when they lay eggs and it’s often not that easy to tell baby hens from baby roosters. “When you go to a feed store to buy chicks they can try to do their best to ensure females,” says Westgate. “But sometimes stores will say that they have chickens coming in for the spring, but they haven’t been sexed, and you have a fifty-fifty chance of getting a rooster.”
How to build the best backyard home for your chickens.
KNOW THE RULES
Cape Cod municipalities may have regulations in place about the design, construction, and space requirements for chicken coops and enclosures so be sure to check your town’s regulations.
GET YOUR CHICKENS
Now that you’ve decided that you want to raise chickens, you should turn to the experts for help in deciding which breed might be best for you. Barnstable Farm and Pet offers a wealth of knowledge and supplies you need to begin: coops, fencing, food, medicines, treats, and most importantly, baby chicks. The supply store’s website includes a calendar of breed availability as well as links for informative webinars and events: barnstablefarmandpetsupplies.com
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There are many breeds that are popular with Cape Cod chicken farmers, such as New Hampshire Red, Buff Orpington, Brahma, and Ameraucana, which lay pastel blue eggs. Another Sandwich resident, James Redmond, who keeps chickens in his backyard, says his Barred Rocks (also known as Plymouth Rocks) and Rhode Island Red hens are hardy New England breeds who thrive in this climate. “I love keeping chickens, they are so fun and easy,” says Redmond, of his four hens Miss Perdue, Nugget, Dumpling, and Big Bertha. “And they are so entertaining!” Domestic chickens can live for seven or eight years, says Westgate, so they become part of the family and even her annual Christmas card often features Lucas holding one of their hens. “Everyone loves a chicken photo,” says Westgate, “and these are our babies.” Her son also often chooses the names for his bestloved hens. “He recently got into naming them after foods,” says Westgate, adding that one yellowish Buff Orpington is called Honey. A few years ago one of Lucas’s favorites was a big fluffy chicken with white feathers he named “Birdie Sanders.” “ I don’t know how or when he saw a photo of Bernie Sanders, but he decided the white feathers of this chicken looked like him!” laughs Westgate.
COOP UP
For beginners with three or four chickens, a smaller sized, commercially manufactured coop should be sufficient, as the most important thing is to keep your chickens protected from the weather and predators, such as foxes, raccoons, and hawks. You can also find chicken coop kits online, buy plans, or improvise! Many backyard farmers construct their own coops, runs, and enclosures, trading ideas and designs among other chicken aficionados. Some people take a prefabricated shed and turn that into a coop while others get crafty with pallet boxes.
3-day old pullet
Rebecca Westgate’s husband, who is a carpenter by trade, built a 12-by-12 wired enclosure with aluminum roofing that contains the roosting coop for their twenty hens. He also made sure to bury the fencing wire beneath the dirt to ward off burrowing predators and also created an innovative adjustable feeding system from PVC pipes and five gallon buckets. James Redmond was lucky enough to find an old coop for free on Craigslist that he was able to rebuild for next to nothing. “The girls just need to be out of the weather and safe from any creatures,” he says.
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A Day in the Life C H I C K E N K E E P E R
Red Sex Link
Plymouth Barred Rock
Buff Orpington
Chickens also have taught Westgate a lot about social organizing. “There is a reason we use the phrase pecking order,” she says. Westgate is impressed with the way the established hens take charge and teach the younger chicks, and how the newcomers respect the hierarchy. “The older ladies really rule the coop, and the newer additions stand back and take what is left.” She notes that when they retire for the night, her hens all have their place in line and each goes to the same roost every time. “I don’t know how they decide, but the older, more respected ones get to be further away from the doors,” she says. “They have carved out their own little society with who gets to go first and who has to go last.” Caughey agrees that keeping chickens can offer wonderful and useful insights about life. “Some of the best benefits and aspects of raising chickens are the life lessons that they share, plus the companionship and friendship,” she says. “They are wonderful pets and I really couldn’t imagine life without our flock.”
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Blue Ameraucana
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Rebecca Westgate shares a typical day as a backyard chicken farmer.
RISE AND SHINE
“They all have their own personalities and they let us know they are ready to start their day each morning. If we have our windows open we can hear them, letting us know it’s time to get up. So before school or work, the first thing we do is go out and let them out of the coop into the enclosure, check their water, and put out any food scraps and the organic chicken feed we use. We make sure we are consistent with feeding and watering them. We also add supplemental nutrients at times, such as crushed oyster shells, which hens need to create the shells of their eggs, and are easily found at feed stores. Reputable feed stores will direct you to what you need to give them to support egg laying.
SPRING AND SUMMER HARVEST
Then we collect the eggs! In the late spring and summer, the hens are steady producers, and we are swimming in eggs but they slow down naturally in the colder months. Some people use artificial light within the coop in the dark winter months, but we don’t do that. It can kind of stress their bodies if you are consistently making them lay eggs. We believe nature is designed a certain way and we don’t want to mess that up.
We are so spoiled by all the fresh eggs, and I’ve learned to get beyond just scrambled eggs and now I make quiches, frittatas, you name it. Once you get used to the flavor of these eggs, you can really taste the difference from store bought.
SIDEKICKS
If my husband and I are both at work, the chickens will stay in their protected enclosure. If I’m home during the day, and working in the garden, I will let them join me and keep an eye on them. They follow me around, happily scratching and looking for bugs. I feel like they know us and feel comfortable with us. We’ve raised almost all of our hens from chicks, so there is probably some imprinting there.
EARLY TO BED
As soon as the sun starts to go down they kind of march—one in front of the other—right into the coop. I don’t have to chase them around at all. We lift up the feeding contraption to keep the food off the ground overnight and away from rodents, and then close everything up. So by 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. the chickens are all tucked in and ready for the next day.
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ALL ABOUT AWNINGS
A CONVERSATION WITH STEVE DALEY, OWNER OF CAPE COD RETRACTABLE. After 30 years in high-tech industries, Steve Daley was ready for a career change, and in 2006, he launched Cape Cod Retractable, a business specializing in awnings, hurricane shutters, and motorized screens and shades. All of Cape Cod Retractable’s products are custom designed to withstand heat and gusty winds. Also, the company services and supports all types of brands and products in addition to its own products. WHAT CAUSED YOU TO MAKE SUCH A BIG CAREER CHANGE?
I worked in computer sales and had positions at Exxon Technologies, NCR, and Digital Equipment Corp. In 1989, I started my own technology firm, Resource Development Computers, and I ran the company for 20 years. The 2006 shift from “high-tech” to “no-tech” was purposeful—I yearned to get out of the office and enjoy the wonderful outdoors of beautiful Cape Cod where my wife, Sarah, and I now live. When we were raising our family in Milton, we often vacationed in Cape Cod and fell in love with the area over the years. With Cape Cod Retractable, I travel all over the Cape and islands as well as the South Shore.
HOW SHOULD CLIENTS GET STARTED WITH CAPE COD RETRACTABLE?
An in-person consultation is an important component of the company’s model. A team member comes out to a property, takes measurements, and then recommends specific types and sizes of products that will benefit the client over the long haul.
WHY SHOULD CAPE CODDERS CONSIDER RETRACTABLE AWNINGS FOR THEIR OUTDOOR SPACES?
We are the leading supplier for retractable awnings on Cape Cod, the islands, and southeastern Massachusetts. All of the high-quality products we offer include excellent warranties from both us and our manufacturers. We pay attention to all the details from the first call to the installation and beyond.
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR AWNINGS FOR HOMEOWNERS ON THE CAPE AND ISLANDS?
The Cape being a very breezy environment, our awnings are well-built and perform well in wind. The wireless wind sensor, which is used on motorized awnings, has helped many clients because it closes their awning when the wind picks up, so that it doesn’t incur any damage.
WHAT DOES CAPE COD RETRACTABLE OFFER?
We provide initial consultation at the customer’s home or place of business and provide a free measurement of the area they are looking for a product for. We provide detailed pricing and options available on all products as well 108 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
as our own installers that not only install but service all our products before, during, and after the sale.
WHAT TYPE OF FABRIC DO YOU USE?
The typical awning you see is an acrylic-woven fabric. Most people are familiar with Sunbrella’s products, and its fabric is installed on most awnings. The reason why buyers can be confident that they are getting a quality fabric is that it would include a 10-year warranty from Sunbrella against any defects in the fabric or fading of the fabric for the first 10 years. Typically, with some reasonable amount of care and cleaning, awning fabrics last upwards of 20 years before needing to be replaced with new fabric.
WHY SHOULD HOMEOWNERS CONSIDER A MOTORIZED AWNING? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS?
Many of today’s buyers purchase motorized awnings as they are incredibly easy to use and operate. Users want something that is easy to use, and the convenience of a motor makes it more enjoyable experience. Motors allow even the kids to operate it simply without difficulty. The motors on today’s awning products are extremely reliable, and the newest motors include a seven-year warranty from the manufacturer if they fail. But our experience is that most awning motors last between 15 and 20 years before most problems occur.
TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN.
I am an avid golfer. I enjoy time on the links. Recently, my wife and I have taken up a new hobby: traveling to Auckland, New Zealand, to spend time with our first grandchild, Amelia Rose (Amy for short). Our little Kiwi will turn two in May. For the time being, we see her every week on FaceTime and look forward to an in-person visit as soon as we are able! CAPE COD RETRACTABLE 508-539-3307; ScreensNShutters.com 9 Jonathan Bourne Drive, Unit 2, Pocasset
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superior lobster Comes to Sandwich
From left to right: Employees Jay Allison and Karen Phan, Manager Sue Gallagher, Chris Durnford, and co-owner and general manager Darryl Durnford.
nside Superior Lobster’s Sandwich store the catches of local fishermen are on display fresh from the docks of nearby harbors. The business’s location on Gallo Road has been a fish market for years, but in 2020, Superior Lobster, which also runs a store in Humarock, took over the space and revamped it. “We’ve completely transformed the space,” says co-owner and general manager Darryl Durnford. “We have state-of-the-art equipment, everything is displayed beautifully, and it’s all dayboat fish, fresh daily.” Durnford runs Superior Lobster with his business partners, Kurt and Conrad Bletzer. The company provides quality seafood to restaurants, catering companies, fish markets, and locals and it ships seafood across the United States and internationally. They also prepare lobster meat daily and sell lobster rolls to order from both locations. “The lobster roll is definitely one of our most popular items,” says Durnford. While the Sandwich location may be new, Durnford is no stranger to the fishing industry. He began his career as a teenager working on boats out of his hometown of Plymouth. “I developed a love for it, and I thrived in the industry. It became really natural to me,” he says. After his career took him to Alaska for over a decade, Durnford returned to launch his own operation in East Coast waters. Running a successful seafood business means adapting to meet the evolving demands of the industry. Nonetheless, Durnford says some things remain the same, like the importance of relationships. “A lot of what we do is all about one-on-one encounters,” says Durnford. “We go to the docks and we pick up lobsters. We’re doing that at all harbors from Scituate to Provincetown.” SUPERIOR LOBSTER is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit superiorlobster.com, or stop in for a lobster roll or freshly caught fish. 8 Gallo Road, Sandwich; 774-338-5721 9 Marshfield Avenue, Humarock; 781-536-8639 @superiorlobster
Superior Lobster is very family and community focused. Durnford’s son and Bletzer’s son both work in the business, and many of their friends work with them. A happy surprise for Durnford and his team has been seeing that community-driven spirit reciprocated in their first year of operating on the Cape. “We weren’t sure if we were going to stay open after Thanksgiving, but the local community kept coming and supporting us, so we stayed open,” he says. “It was really incredible.” SUMMER 2021 » 109
Recipe S E A T O TA B L E
Simple and Sustainable
THREE SIMPLE AND SUSTAINABLE LOCAL SEAFOOD RECIPES PHOTOGRAPHY AND TEXT BY JENNY SHEA RAWN MS, MPH, RD JennySheaRawn.com @jennyshearawn
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In my house, seasonal shifts always influence our meal plans, and in the warmer months, we crave fresh produce and locally caught seafood. We are fortunate on the Cape and Islands to have access to some of the best seafood in the world. Oftentimes, my family and I purchase fish directly from the permitted fishermen and women right at the dock, which is as fresh as it gets! It also happens to be a great lesson for my kids on understanding where their food comes from. Here are a few of our family’s favorite warm weather meals. If the weather allows, these dishes are best enjoyed alfresco!
SUMMER 2021 » 111
Recipe S E A T O TA B L E
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SPRING HERB AND PANKO-BAKED
sea scallops INGREDIENTS
This elegant yet hearty baked scallop dish is simple to pull together and quick to cook. I like to serve this scallop dish with warm rolls or crusty bread with roasted veggies and a green salad on the side.
½ cup plain panko crumbs 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup loosely packed parsley, finely chopped ¼ cup loosely packed dill leaves, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, minced ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 lb fresh sea scallops, tough side muscle removed, patted dry ¼ cup dry white wine (we used Sauvignon Blanc)
TIME:
SERVES:
20 MINUTES
FOUR AS A MAIN DISH
FOR GARNISH AND SERVING
Sea salt 1 lemon, cut into wedges
SIMPLE TO PULL TOGETHER, QUICK TO COOK NUTRITION HIGHLIGHTS
DIRECTIONS
Scallops are rich in protein and are packed with vitamin B12, which is great for brain function and red blood cell synthesis. They also contain selenium, which supports a healthy immune system, and phosphorous, known to strengthen bones and teeth.
1 » Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a medium-sized, nine by nine-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Alternatively, you could use two nine-inch oval baking dishes.
RECIPE NOTES After you wash the herbs, make sure to dry them well, so they don’t add moisture to the panko topping. This panko-crumb mixture is also delicious on cod and haddock!
2 » In a small bowl, combine panko crumbs, butter, extra virgin olive oil, parsley, dill, garlic, salt and pepper. Combine well with your fingers. 3 » Add scallops to the baking dish. Spoon panko topping atop scallops. Pour wine into the base of the baking dish, but not over the scallops. 4 » Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until scallops are just opaque. Broil for the last minute or two to toast the panko crumbs. (Keep a close watch so the panko crumbs don’t burn.) Bake time will vary depending on the size of your scallops. I test for doneness by pulling the baking dish out around 10 minutes and slicing a smaller-sized scallop in half. 5 » When finished, remove scallops from the oven. Sprinkle with sea salt, if desired. Serve with lemon wedges.
*All seafood featured in this recipe was purchased at our local fish market in Falmouth, The Clam Man.
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Recipe S E A T O TA B L E
mussels WITH FRESH HERB OIL This stunning dish is a celebration of fresh herbs and mussels. Don’t let the herb oil intimidate you. It’s a very simple blend of herbs with extra virgin olive oil, and it’s a fragrant and velvety addition to the mussels. A loaf of crusty bread is a must for dipping.
TIME:
SERVES:
20 MINUTES
4 AS AN APPETIZER, 2 AS A MAIN DISH
INGREDIENTS
For the fresh herb oil: 1 cup packed basil leaves ¼ cup flat parsley leaves 2 tablespoons dill leaves ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil Juice from 1 lemon wedge (from the lemon wedges below) ¼ teaspoon kosher salt FOR THE MUSSELS
2 lbs mussels, picked over, rinsed and debearded 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts divided (Reserve the green parts for serving) 1/4 cup dry white wine (I use a Sauvignon Blanc.) FOR SERVING
Green parts of the scallion bunch (from above) 1 lemon, cut into wedges Toasted and buttered baguette slices
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DIRECTIONS FOR THE FRESH HERB OIL
Add basil, parsley, dill, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and salt into a food processor. Pulse until blended and smooth.
FOR THE MUSSELS
1 » Put the mussels in a colander and rinse them in cold water. Inspect well. Discard any mussels with broken shells. If any mussels are open, gently tap them on the counter. If they close, they are fine to eat. If they remain open, discard. If you see any beard (the green or black strings), gently tug it off.
2 » Add butter and 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil to
a large, wide pot over medium heat. (I use an 11-inch pot.) Add in minced garlic and the white and light green parts of the sliced scallions and cook until they are softened and fragrant, stirring frequently.
3 » Add the mussels into the pot gently. Pour the wine
over the mussels and give them a gentle stir, coating the mussels. Place the lid on and increase the heat to high. Steam will begin pouring out between the pot and lid. After about two minutes, give the mussels a gentle stir – this will ensure they are cooking evenly. Using tongs, remove any mussels that have opened and place in the serving bowl. Put the lid back on and continue cooking for a few more minutes until most or all of the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that haven’t opened. (Like my husband says, when in doubt, throw it out.)
4 » Place mussels into serving bowls. Pour the broth
over the mussels. Drizzle mussels with the herb oil and sprinkle with the green parts of the scallions. Serve with lemon wedges and toasted baguette slices.
RECIPE NOTES Place a large bowl on the table for empty shells. Use a wine that you want to drink for this dish. If you’re going to open a bottle, you might as well use one that you like. If you’d prefer to not make the herb oil, just finely chop the herbs then toss with the mussels after you’ve removed them from the heat.
NUTRITION HIGHLIGHTS
INTERESTING TIDBIT
Mussels are nutrient-rich little beauties. They’re packed with satisfying protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin B12, and vitamin C.
Mussels are filter feeders. They remove excess nutrients and phytoplankton from the water which improves water quality.
*All seafood featured in this recipe was purchased at our local fish market in Falmouth, The Clam Man.
SUMMER 2021 » 115
Recipe S E A T O TA B L E
seacuterie board
INGREDIENTS
FO R T H E T UNA TA RTA R E
FOR THE LOBSTER SALAD
10 wonton wrappers, cut in half diagonally
½ lb fresh lobster meat, chopped into bite-sized pieces
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 avocado, diced
Charcuterie boards have been a hot trend
3 scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced
½ bunch chives, sliced
for a long time, and now seacuterie boards
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
are not far behind. I don’t think I’m alone
1 tablespoon soy sauce
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon honey
Kosher or sea salt, to taste
when I say that I’d choose a beautiful platter of seafood and seaweed over cheese and crackers any day. This appetizer can be served at home on the patio, but another option is to prep the ingredients at home and take it with you to your favorite beach.
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon ginger paste (found in the produce section of your local grocer) or ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger ¼ teaspoon sriracha ½ lb sushi-grade ahi tuna, cubed ½ teaspoon black sesame seeds 1 tablespoon pickled ginger
FOR THE QUICK PICKLED RED ONION (OPTIONAL)
½ red onion, thinly sliced ½ cup rice vinegar 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon kosher salt A S S E M B LY
8 oysters, shucked TIME:
SERVES:
20 MINUTES
4 AS AN APPETIZER, 2 AS A MAIN DISH
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½ cup seaweed salad (we love Atlantic Sea Farms from Maine) Lemon wedges
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DIRECTIONS FO R T H E T UNA TA RTA R E
1 » Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place wonton wrappers on parchment paper and spray on both sides with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt. 2 » Bake for 4 minutes, then rotate baking sheets (front to back/bottom to top rack). Bake another 2-4 minutes until crisp and lightly browned. Remove from the oven. 3 » In a medium shallow bowl, combine scallions, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and sriracha. Add tuna and toss lightly to combine. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve with pickled ginger and crispy wonton chips. FOR THE LOBSTER SALAD
In a medium shallow bowl, combine lobster, avocado, chives, vinegar, and black pepper. Stir gently. Salt to taste. FOR THE QUICK PICKLED RED ONION
In a small bowl, combine red onion, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. When ready to plate, drain vinegar and serve. P L AT T E R A S S E M B LY
On a large ice-lined platter, place oysters on the half shell. Add tuna tartare and lobster salad bowls to the platter. Nestle in a bowl with the seaweed salad. Place red onions and lemon wedges in a few open spots on the platter. Serve.
NUTRITION
RECIPE NOTES
HIGHLIGHTS
As a shortcut and time-saver, swap the baked wonton chips for tortilla chips or rice crackers.
Lobster is rich in protein, essential for muscle health, as well as iodine, which is important for thyroid health. Oysters are loaded with zinc and selenium, both of which are critical for your immune system, and vitamin B12, which is great for brain function and red blood cell synthesis. Ahi tuna is not only rich in satisfying protein, but it’s also rich in B vitamins and selenium.
Make this platter as is, or make it your own with your favorite homemade or locally made seafood salads and dips. Those with compromised immune systems, as well as those who are pregnant, infants, young children and older adults, should not consume raw or undercooked fish and shellfish.
INTERESTING TIDBIT Oysters are filter feeders. They help to clean our coastal waters by reducing excess nitrogen in the water.
*All seafood featured in this recipe was purchased at our local fish market in Falmouth, The Clam Man.
SUMMER 2021 » 117
R E S TA U R A N T S
BY LANNAN O’BRIEN
Eat Local, Be Safe Over the past year, Cape and islands restaurants have risen to the occasion, changing the ways they do business to offer safer dining options and creative take-home meals. We’ve searched high and low for standout spots to help you spice up your not-so-new normal, and hope you find some comfort—and something delicious—from our safe dining guide this summer.
Beloved for its fresh seafood and New England fare, Courtyard’s namesake offers a beautiful atmosphere complete with a fire pit and outdoor bar that could make anyone feel like they are on vacation. 1337 County Rd., Cataumet (508) 563-1818 courtyardcapecod.com
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If you’re looking to escape from the world for a while, look no further than The Rooftop at Pelham House Resort, where exquisite brunch and dinner menus come second to the breathtaking ocean views. 14 Sea St., Dennis Port (508) 398-6076 pelhamhouseresort.com
outdoor seating COURTYARD RESTAURANT & PUB
THE ROOFTOP AT PELHAM HOUSE
BUCATINO RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR
Split a bottle of wine while dining al fresco at this authentic Italian restaurant, and you might just imagine you’re in Tuscany instead of, well, North Falmouth. Outdoor seating weather-permitting; call for details and reservations. 7 Nathan Ellis Highway, North Falmouth (508) 566-8960; bucawinebar.com
SHARKY’S CANTINA
A cozy place you can take your friends and family. Sharky’s serves up fun, beach-bar vibes over crave-worthy margaritas and Mexican food. Outdoor dining available at both locations.
Edgartown: 266 Upper Main St., (508) 627-6565 Oak Bluffs: 31 Circuit Ave., (508) 693-7501 sharkmenu.com
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THE CANTEEN
Enjoy made-from-scratch creations at this fun, casual spot with views of the harbor, then grab a house-made dessert or baked good to go.
OFF THE GRID
225 Commercial St., Provincetown (508) 487-3800; thecanteenptown.com
Stop by for smoked barbecue from this converted school bus, then grab a drink and take in the groovy experience of Off the Grid.
food trucks
91 MA-6A, Sandwich; (508) 241-8684, offthegridcapecod.com
WICKED N’ WOOD BARBECUE & WOOD GRILL
The smell of slow-smoked meats draws many a driver from East Falmouth Highway to this mobile kitchen, where few can resist the urge for a rack of ribs, beef brisket taco or pulled pork sandwich.
THE WEST END
The West End is modern vintage with a touch of Cape Cod casual. Enjoy dinner as well as the Sunday jazz brunch. The garden terrace transforms a simple dinner out into a beach vacation. 20 Scudder Avenue, Hyannis; (508) 775 7677 westendhyannis.com
383 E Falmouth Hwy, East Falmouth, (774) 763-6467; wickednwood.com
LA TACODILLA
A taste of these authentic, cheesy Tijuana- and Southern California-style tacos is enough to convince anyone to return to this food pop-up for seconds. It’s located outside Clean Slate Eatery; check Facebook for updated opening times. 702 Main St., West Dennis, (508) 292-8817; cleanslateeatery.com
JOEYS JOINT & FOOD TRUCKS
Delicious, vegan-friendly tacos, burritos, rice bowls, and quesadillas are the specialties at Joeys Joint, which has developed a local following since opening its first food truck in 2014. 4100 State Highway, Eastham; (774) 561-2968; joeysfoodtruck.com
SEAFOOD SAM’S: FISH ON THE FLY
FISHERMEN’S VIEW
Sunset views of the Cape Cod Canal make the perfect backdrop to dine on fresh-shucked oysters, original cocktails, and a rotating menu of coastal creations at this waterside spot. 20 Freezer Rd., Sandwich; (508) 591-0088, fishermensview.com
Snack on Sam’s classics like fish n’ chips, whole belly clams, and lobster salad rolls, plus food truck originals like irresistible Chowder Fries (french fries smothered in homemade chowder, scallions, and bacon bits). Find the truck at Cape Cod Beer on Thursdays this summer, with more locations to be announced! (508) 888-4629; seafoodsams.com/food-truck
CHEF AMY’S FOOD TRUCK
Chef Amy Johnson can be found behind the window of her food truck year-round, serving made-from-scratch world cuisine like her famous smoked meats, Cuban sandwiches, chicken gyros, and wings. 61 Beach Rd., Vineyard Haven; (508) 857-8783; chefamysfoodtruck.business.site
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R E S TA U R A N T S
0ut-of-the-box takeout HOLE IN ONE RESTAURANT
Order traditional takeout for breakfast or lunch, and make sure you add a fun DIY kit to pick up later, like a pizza-making or cookie and cupcake decorating (great for kids!). Orleans location only; DIY kits must be ordered by noon the day prior. 98 MA-6A, Orleans, (508) 255-3740 theholecapecod.com
SUNBIRD PROVISIONS
SUPERIOR LOBSTER
Find everything you need for your family clambake at this seafood market overlooking Sandwich Marina, from fresh picked lobster meat to fresh fish, hearty lobster roll boxes to-go and seafood specialties like clam chowder, stuffed quahogs, and crab cakes. 8 Gallo Rd., Sandwich (774) 338-5721, superiorlobster.com
Homemade soups, sandwiches, and more made with local ingredients, plus grocery items and cocktail kits with all the fixings (even glassware!)—you can shop for it all on Sunbird’s website for pickup at the restaurant. 85 MA-6A, #5, Orleans, (508) 237-0354, sunbirdprovisions.com
COMPANY OF THE CAULDRON
On Mondays and Thursdays, Michelin-star chef Joseph Keller and his team prepare multi-course dinners for takeout, including the Cauldron’s hot popovers, a fresh salad, entree, and dessert. Order by noon or until they sell out; pick up at 6:45 p.m. 5 India St., Nantucket (508) 228-4016, companyofthecauldron.com
THE PHEASANT
Prepared multi-course, farm-to-table meals help recreate the fine-dining experience at home, and new wine share and oyster clubs add a bit of extra fun (your first order for the latter comes with a Pheasant-branded oyster knife, shucking gloves, and a tasting journal). 905 Main St., Dennis (508) 385-2133, pheasantcapecod.com
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TREVI CAFÉ AND WINE BAR
Visit Mashpee Commons Mashpee Commons is an open-air shopping, dining, and living community located at the rotary connecting routes 28 and 151. The Commons is home to over 100 businesses, including boutique shops, national favorites, unique dining, and entertainment. Here are eight locally-owned and operated restaurants that offer outdoor dining options. Follow each restaurant for specific seasonal updates, including updated menus and special events. Follow us at mashpeecommons.com or @MashpeeCommons on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
ASIA RESTAURANT
Asia Restaurant offers Asian cuisine with dishes inspired by China, Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. Grab takeout from Asia, or dine indoor or outdoor on the patio. 3 Greene St., Mashpee, 508-477-8883 asiamashpeema.com
BLEU RESTAURANT
Bleu Restaurant is a bistro offering traditional French cuisine. Francophiles agree that dining at Bleu is like being in France! Enjoy a lunch, brunch, or dinner at Bleu with dine-in and takeout options. Dine outdoors under a covered patio with a warm bistro light ambiance. 10 Market St, Mashpee, 508-539-7907 bleurestaurant.com, @bleu_capecod
BOBBY BYRNE’S PUB
Bobby Byrne’s Pub offers traditional pub fare, such as appetizer shareables, greens, sandwiches, and burgers. With the option to dine indoors or outdoors, they are located right in Central Square at Mashpee Commons. 6 Central Square, Mashpee, 508-477-0600 bobbybyrnes.com, @bobbybyrnespub
CAPE COD COFFEE CAFÉ
Cape Cod Coffee Café is a grab-and-go café that also has a full-service breakfast and lunch menu and a full bar. Dine indoors, outdoors on their patio or take advantage of the curbside takeout option. Keep an eye out for fun menu additions this summer including specialty margarita and mimosa flights. 53 Market St., Mashpee, 774-361-6506 capecodcoffee.com, @capecodcoffeecafe
SIENA
BLEU RESTAURANT
ESTIA TAVERNA & BAR
Discover modern Greek cuisine at Estia Taverna & Bar. Enjoy favorites like coal-fired pizza and traditional Greek dishes. New and expanded outdoor dining is expected this summer as well as increased space for indoor dining. Takeout is also available. 26 Steeple St., Mashpee, 508-539-4700 estiacapecod.com, @estiacapecod
SIENA
Siena is an Italian restaurant featuring fan favorites that taste like summer in Italy. Menu items include tomato bruschetta, caprese salad, steak tips tagliata and local Cotuit clams and spaghetti. Relax on the newly renovated outdoor patio and lounge. Siena is a place where everyone can vivere bene, mangiare bene, socializare (live well, eat well and be social). 17 Steeple St., Mashpee, 508-477-5929 siena.us, @sienarestaurant
THE LANES BOWL & BISTRO
The Lanes Bowl & Bistro offers casual dining, bowling, entertainment, and events. Enjoy dinner, drinks, and lawn games on the covered outdoor patio complete with a fire pit and lounge chairs. 9 Greene Street Commons, Mashpee, 774-228-2291 lanesbowlandbistro.com, @lanesbowlandbistro
TREVI CAFÉ & WINE BAR
Trevi Café & Wine Bar offers Mediterranean-style cuisine and more than 40 wines by the glass from all over the world. Dine indoor or outdoor under the covered patio by the fountain at Mashpee Commons. 25 Market St., Mashpee, 508-477-0055 trevicafe.com, @trevi_cafe_winebar
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Food+ Drink S I G N AT U R E S I P
Falmouth’s Aquatic Brewing launches Galaxy Citra Aronnax NEIPA BY LANNAN M. O’BRIEN
For many beer drinkers, it’s tough to say goodbye to those heavy porters and winter warmers, best enjoyed under a cozy blanket by the fire. But it’s always easier to greet a new season when you have a stellar craft brew to complement the weather. Enter the Galaxy Citra Aronnax, a fruity New England IPA with notes of pear, fresh from the tanks of Aquatic Brewing in Falmouth. Take a sip, and you might just wash away your winter blues. A smooth and easy-drinking brew, the Galaxy Citra should draw a diverse crowd in its limited release. That’s generally the goal of the marine scientists turned brewers, Drs. Alex Bergan and Greg Horning who own Aquatic Brewing. “There’s something for everyone. We like to offer a variety,” Bergan says. As a two-person operation, they work in small batches with the freshest ingredients possible to provide a rotating menu of beers that run the gamut—IPAs, stouts, saisons, you name it. Due to the state’s current Covid-19 regulations prohibiting on-site consumption of alcohol without food, the brewery has been strictly offering to-go sales of growlers and “crowlers”—32-ounce cans fillable by tap—since opening in November.
Although the menu changes frequently, Galaxy Citra Aronnax NEIPA (7% ABV) will be available intermittently this spring and summer (this brew isn’t going away for good!). A few other beers you’ll find on tap this season include the Defendable Draft Pale Ale, Highly Common Amber Lager, and Shrewd Saison. You can find the updated menu and order beers to go on their website.
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When it’s possible, they hope to plan the taproom and even have food trucks visit regularly. Right now, though, Bergan says they’re “making it work” within the restrictions, and customers have been happy to adapt to their takeout-only system. “It’s been really great to have the community come out [and support us].” It doesn’t hurt that their beer is poured fresh every day, allowing them to provide a product their customers can’t find anywhere else. Prior to starting a business, Bergan and Horning had already built up a following for their homebrewed beer. The two were roommates in the same joint graduate program between MIT and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), studying Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science and Engineering. But once they began applying their science backgrounds to brewing, they not only realized they “were really into it,” Bergan recalls, but they also drew the attention of their peers. They brought their beer to parties— first in Somerville, and then in Woods Hole, when they began the WHOI-based portion of their studies—and became known as the guys who made good beer. “It’s not just good beer either, but beer that got better over iterations,” adds Bergan. Although Bergan is originally from California, and Horning, from Oregon, they found a home for themselves in Falmouth and a market for local craft beer on the Cape. Noting the open and supportive nature of the brewing industry, Bergan says they would ultimately like to collaborate with other local brewers. Someday, he says, “It would be wonderful if we had enough breweries [in town] that we could walk to one another.”
Aquatic Brewing Co. 661 Main St., Falmouth aquaticbrewing.com @aquaticbrewing SUMMER 2021 » 123
BOOKS
4 GREAT READS FOR THE SUNNY SEASON BY COURTNEY LINCOLN At a time when many of us are missing travel and dining at favorite restaurants, Nantucket’s CRU Oyster Bar cookbook offers the taste of a weekend getaway made right at home. CRU is a favorite Nantucket eatery serving local, seasonal dishes created with French and Mediterranean influences, and founders and partners, Erin Zircher, Jane Stoddard, and Carlos Hidalgo, worked with Martha Murphy, award-winning food writer, to create the CRU Oyster Bar Nantucket Cookbook: Savoring Four Seasons of the Good Life. Cooking seasonally is one of the best ways to support local farms and growers, and with the help of CRU’s recipes, you can learn to make your own spring favorites at home, like Nantucket clam chowder, potato salad with capers and soft-cooked eggs, and crispy fried oysters with bibb lettuce and radish rémoulade. For those who can’t make it to the island this spring or summer, may these recipes transport you to a waterfront table complete with champagne, Nantucket oysters, and loved ones.
BRAIDING SWEETGRASS
THE FOUR WINDS
GREENWOOD
B Y R O B I N WA L L K I M M E R E R
BY KRISTIN HANNAH
BY MICHAEL CHRISTIE
In a newly released edition of Braiding
In her latest novel, Kristin Hannah,
For readers seeking an absorbing, multi-
Sweetgrass, professor and plant
author of The Nightingale and The Great
generational novel, Greenwood offers a
ecologist, Robin Wall Kimmerer weaves
Alone, tells a deeply emotional, riveting
completely original story structure with
together a series of reflections based on
story about a courageous woman in
well-drawn characters who all share
indigenous wisdom and science that
search of new beginnings after her
ties to the land. Christie masterfully
remind us of the many gifts and lessons
family’s life is uprooted by the Dust Bowl
illustrates the consequences of both
to be garnered from our relationship
of the 1930s.
reliance and destruction of nature in this
with the natural world. 124 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
evocative tale.
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DESTINATIONS AND EVENTS FOR BIBLIOPHILES
PUBLISHER’S PICKS
LOCAL NOOK Located just behind Edgartown Books on Main Street is Behind the Bookstore, a seasonal coffee shop and restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Visitors recommend the basil lemonade and the yogurt and granola bowl, which can all be enjoyed, along with your new book, in the outdoor courtyard. Behind the Bookstore, 46 Main St, Edgartown, 774-549-9123, btbmv.com
BOOKSELLER
LOST AND FOUND: TIME, TIDE AND TREASURES BY A M Y HEL L ER A ND GA I L BRO W NE
Provincetown harbor was also the town dump, and six contemporary artists with a keen eye for color, shape, and texture have amassed collections based on their individual intuition and aesthetic. “The book is a study of culture, in a way,” says co-author Amy Heller. “It’s a love letter to old Provincetown.”
Edgartown Books is an independent bookstore located in a restored whaling captain’s home on Main Street in Martha’s Vineyard with a wide selection of adult and children’s titles, as well as works by local islanders. Edgartown Books, 44 Main St., Edgartown, 508-627-8463, edgartownbooks.com
COMMUNITY DISCUSSIONS Truro’s Castle Hill Center for the Arts has a series of upcoming virtual author talks for readers near and far to join. Upcoming events include Robert Jones Jr., author of the new novel The Prophets, and Sarah Anne Johnson, author of The Last Sailor. Karen Dukess, author of The Last Book Party, will spend time interviewing the author and leave time at the end for reader questions. All events are free, but donations are appreciated. Castle Hill Center, 10 Meetinghouse Road, Truro, info@castlehill.org, 508-349-7511, castlehill.org
SHIPWRECKS OF CAPE COD: STORIES OF TRAGEDY AND TRIUMPH BY DON WI L DI NG
Historian Don Wilding takes a look back at sea adventures and misadventures. He begins with the earliest days of the U.S. Lifesaving Service (1872) and runs through the early years of the U.S. Coast Guard during the first half of the 20th century.
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WRITER’S SHACK
Archibald MacLeish, in his wonderful poem Ars Poetica, wrote “A poem should not mean / But be.” Ironic, since he was telling us what his poem meant. But the line came at the end of a world of images he’d created so deftly that we joined him there, understanding through our senses what he meant to convey. Brett Warren accomplishes the same thing. With a combination of striking images that “show” and just a touch of cautious “tell,” she draws us in, letting us experience the poem and, yes, make meaning on our own. In the process, we understand both Brett and ourselves – and our world – a little better. — LAUREN WOLK
Extra Terrestrial by Brett Warren
The toad emerges dry and yellow-green after days of heat and dust, wedges out from under clumps of mulch in the beds. I oblige and water him. He pushes up on bulldog arms and slits his eyes against my rain. The more I water, the darker he gets, the earthy olive-grey a toad ought to be. I move on to the hydrangeas, but I keep him in my sight. From across the yard, I admire his muscleman shoulders and bandy legs, the neckless continuum of his body, the razor stripe of white that splits the warty landscape of his back. I roll the hose and go back to him. I kneel and slip the pad of my finger under his palm. What am I to this convex eye that mirrors like a garden orb? I imagine the bones inside his bony fingers, try to detect the pulse of his blood, take note of the poison gland behind each postorbital ridge. He tolerates me, expressionless.
126 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
capecodandtheislandsmag.com
I smelled her before I saw her and my brain said deer around the same time her brain probably said human and run and it was not until two seconds later
Synapse by Brett Warren
when she burst out of the woods already bouncing up the trail waving the crisp white handkerchief of her tail that my eyes relayed the rest of it to my conscious mind. I was two legs and a startle response. She was four legs and a shot of fear yet she sailed through the undergrowth and leaf litter without a sound. I saw her again as I came over the rise. She had paused on the path to look my way. I’d like to think she was as interested in me as I was in her, but I know she was calculating safety versus danger: the coordinates of where she stood plus the amount of time she would need to stay away from the fawn folded into a bed of brittle leaves and pine needles minus the rate I was moving in the right direction (away). I miss the world the way it almost used to be.
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FINAL THOUGHT
Distant music he would call the picture if he were a painter. — Irish novelist, James Joyce
PHOTOGRAPHS AND TEXT BY BEN WHELAN In-water ocean photography became an interest of mine through a progression of doing general landscape photography. Kayaking in the ocean is one of my favorite activities and I am always in awe of how the water looks when the light hits its surface, especially when I’m out in the middle of the ocean. Not surprisingly, the ever-changing water magnifies light, refracts it, and displays incredible colors all of the time. Photographers are always chasing light and there is no better place to look than in the water. Initially, I tried taking photos from my kayak. Then I bought waders, and a friend gave me a wetsuit and some winter swim gear to really go all in. I added camera equipment, such as a smaller and lighter mirrorless camera, and a waterproof camera housing that is able to go underwater for up to 40 meters. From initially capturing sunset reflections and ripples, I progressed to wave crests and barrels. My two favorite places to capture waves on the Cape are Nauset Beach in Orleans and West Dennis Beach. On the cover of this issue is a photograph of a wave taken at Nauset in February 2021. For more information on Ben Whelan, visit Instagram @distantmusicphoto. His fine art prints are available at whelanphotography.smugmug.com. 128 » capecodandtheislandsmag.com
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