AndreiaBrazil

Hello everybody, nice to be here now and then and get so much help!
My Husband and I will have 5 days , arriving Boston (for 2 nights - too much??) renting a car and driving to Cap Cod. After some researches - Courtyard Hyannis as a base. Planning 2 days at cap cod (pse indicate where to go - nice places and restaurants) - and then drive to woodbury shopping (it worths??). After all reach New york. I know, it is not so much time, but is what we have!! should I give up one day in Boston to drive to cap cod to have 1 more day??? thanks so much

jubilada

When is this trip? It makes a difference as to what is available to do.

rmw555

In addition to your travel dates, what are your top priorities and interests? History? Art? Outdoors activities like biking or being on the water? The beach? (never been to Brazil but I'd imagine the Cape -- and it is "Cape" not the European spelling "Cap" -- beaches are very different than what you are used to which could make for an interesting visit for you). Sounds like shopping is in there since you mentioned the outlet mall. I don't have personal experience with that, but in Boston Newbury and Boylston streets in the Back Bay are great for walking and shopping with lots of small boutiques and cafes.

Point is, if you can share a bit about what you're most interested in, people can make much better suggestions about where to stay, what to see and how much time to spend in the city vs.down the Cape. 2 nights in Boston might not be enough, as opposed to too much, depending on what you like to do.

AndreiaBrazil

well, the dates _ We will be arriving 30th sepetember in Boston - I am not sure if we stay there for 2 days - (to know the town, we have never been there) or to leave straight away to Cape? our interestings are - biking, walking, living with nature. walking on the beaches...If we stay 2 days in boston , we will have only 2 days in Cape Cod - enough??

yellowbyrd

First let me say that Hyannis is not the ideal base on Cape Cod for the natural surroundings you desire. In fact, the Courtyard Marriot is smack dab in the middle of a very commercial area of the town. Have you looked into the National Seashore towns of Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown? If biking, walking, living with nature and walking on the beaches are the activities you desire then you should locate further along the Cape to the National Seashore area.

Eastham has a lovely Salt Pond Visitor's Center where you can access lots of free advice about places to visit. www.nps.gov/caco will give you some idea of the kinds of things you can do. If you have already planned to stay in Hyannis you will be driving 30min-60 min to get to the most desirable natural areas of the Cape.

bachslunch

The OP decided via an earlier thread here that staying in Hyannis would be a plus given their Brazilian citizenship and the fact that they're most likely to find Portuguese speakers there.

How long to spend here vs. Boston with 5 days total? That will depend on what you want to do. Cape Cod is a good place to see beaches, go antique hunting, and such. There are only a few "musts" as far as museums and such on the Cape, most notably the Sandwich Glass Museum and the Heritage Museum and Gardens. Hopefully both will still be open up to and including Columbus Day (one never knows with attractions here -- it's smart to check any Cape attractions online to see).

Most Cape Cod restaurants will likely still be open when you go there, but some may have already closed for the season. Check out these threads for ideas on food and other things:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-cod-visit.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...cod-august.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...d-cape-cod.cfm

and check websites to see when the places you want to eat close for the season. Have a couple options in mind just in case.

I would also look at what you want to see in Boston in order to decide how to balance your time out. One could fruitfully spend five days in Boston/Cambridge alone, depending on interests.

jubilada

early October os a wonderful time to do the outdoorsy things you mention. even if you stay in Hyannis, you should spend the bulk of your time in the outer cape: Eastham, Wellfleet Truro. Provincetown, a good hour from Hyannis. Most restaurants will still be open and the bike paths are wonderful. The beaches are lovely and very wild, especially in Wellfleet and Truro.

Bowsprit

AndreiaBrazil: I really like Hyannis. There are great beaches there too. But do take a daytrip up to the National Seashore and continue on to Provincetown for a view of the wilder (or at least more natural) side of Cape Cod. Try to travel via route 6A once you're on the Cape from Boston. Comparing Boston and Cape Cod is comparing apples to oranges but both fruits are delicious, right? Are you a city mouse or a country mouse?

Cape Cod is primarily a summer destination but there will still be plenty of stores and restaurants open during your visit. Provincetown and Hyannis offer a wide range of restaurant choices (Hyannis is buzzing year round and is a great place to base yourself off-season) and some of the best restaurants on the Cape are located in or near these towns. Provincetown also has a very strong, historical Portugese cultural influence.

AndreiaBrazil

You are so lovely!!! thanks so much for all the informations.

Bowsprit

If you have a chance, make a little detour on your way to Provincetown from Hyannis and visit Chatham, right on the 'elbow' of the Cape. It's a pretty little town loaded with big charm. You can visit the lighthouse there with stunning views and have a drink on the porch at Chatham Bars Inn. A little further down Shore Road is where the Fish Pier is located; you can watch the catch of the day coming in along with the seals! Have a great visit.

irishface

Sandwich is a great place to visit. The Glass Museum is indeed open into December. Hours are nine thirty am until 5 pm. Glass blowing demonstrations are on the hour. A short film of history is shown every half hour. Excellent displays and lovely gift shop. $5 entrance fee.

The Heritage Museum is open when you will be there. Lovely walking around the grounds. In the barn is a collection of antique cars. $15 entrance fee.

Sandwich itself is a lovely town to walk and explore. Some galleries and craft shops. Lots of lunch stops.

If you like nature, drive down to the Boardwalk and walk out to the dunes and beach. For a closer look at the beach, drive down by Hemisphere restaurant and the parking lot is right next to the beach.

Drive down by the coast guard station. There is a visitor center with interesting information about the canal. Park by the canal and watch the boats and ships while enjoying a picnic lunch (buy sandwiches or salad in town.) Drive around the marina (many boats will be in for the winter, but there will be some moored there as well as the commercial fishing boats).

The beginning of the service road which is a pedestrian/bike path along the canal begins there. The walk is level and can be done in regular shoes. You will see the last of summer wildflowers and perhaps some weasels running around the riprap. Maybe some herons, definitely cormorants and several kinds of gulls.

The Greenbrier nature Center is just out of town and has great walking trails and a chance to view wildlife.

Falmouth and WoodsHole are also great places to explore. Nobska lighthouse is near Woods Hole. Woodshole has the Oceanographic Institute and an Aquarium with sea life.

Enjoy!

AndreiaBrazil

My dear friends I can't believe how many tips!!!!! I will certainly enjoy after all these informations. You are LOVELY!!!!!!!!