roris

Decided to start a new post since my last one had to do with trying to figure out location. Still trying, but now more specific. We recently moved to DC, and are looking for a week long trip to Cape Cod, Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard. We have never been to any of these locations. We are looking for beautiful scenery, historical points of interest, a little shopping, and good food. We are looking for some real R & R, so we want to stay somewhere we can feel comfortable spending an afternoon reading a good book instead of going non stop sightseeing. My husband wants to take the train to NYC for one night, then train to Boston, rent a car and head to Cape Cod area. I'm more inclined to drive directly to Cape Cod and save NYC for another time. That needs to be worked out and we would like advice on that front, too.

Where we stay, b n b, resort or renting a cabin/house is important since we are looking for a comfortable, relaxed environment. So, which location would be best to plant ourselves for a week?

Thank you.

roris

Forgot to say we like walking/hiking and we are scheduled to go the second or third week of September, but we are flexible.

Ackislander

One if the islands. I live on Nantucket and of course think it is best.

The weather in September is often the best of the year, though when summer ends on the 21st, you usually know it. Water is warm, town is pleasant, though busy on weekends because of destination weddings.

Sail, fish, walk, run, bike, go to the movies, eat, drink. Go to the Athenaeum (public library) and read if it rains. Go to the healing museum. Snuggle when the foghorns blow.

weekend_celebrations

Truro-wellfleet area on cape or martha are great options for a relaxing late sept week. Martha (havent been to nantucket) is more relaxing than the cape but also more expensive. Have a wonderful week!

vincenzo32951

The 2nd or 3rd week in Sep would be a good time for a relaxing stay on the Cape. Hard to say which town would be best for you. Everyone has a favorite for different reasons. Provincetown is the most remote, as any map will show. It had a large gay clientele, if that matters to you.

gail

Most cottage rentals are Sat-Sat, although after Labor Day there might be some flexibility.

I agree Wellfleet area - or towards the end of the Cape would be perfect. Also look at Dennis area, a bit closer in. You could take day trips to MV and/or Nantucket and there is enough to do if you get rejuvenated and want to spend a day doing something other than read, sleep, beach. Cape Cod Rail Trail bike path, a MassAudobon Society nature area. Wandering shops in Provincetown. And some of the better restaurants are on that end of the Cape.

emd3

I think North Truro would be lovely for you. You can easily (10 min drive) shop and dine in Provincetown, even do a whale watching boat trip for a few hrs if so inclined. Ptwon is lovely, and N Truro is quiet.

Be aware that a lot of rental cottages and even houses on the Cape and the islands do not have AC. So check that out if it is important to you. I am not sure if you'd still need or want it in mid-Sept. but air flow is a very good thing.

china_cat

you really don't need ac in early/mid September on the cape and islands. The seabreeze in the evenings is lovely, the air is drier than midsummer. I would not make that a showstopper if you find a rental or b&b you like.

Budget is a big consideration for deciding where to go. Also the practicality of getting a car. Renting a car in Boston, then paying to ferry it to Martha's Vineyard may not be practical. You may find some other way to get to MV and then rent a car on-island. Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket will both be more expensive than Cape Cod. If money is no object, I would probably go to the Wauwinet on Nantucket. I've never been, but I've always wanted to stay there.

We go to Wellfleet the second week of September. I love the outer cape, there's lots to do, but lots of relaxing time as well. Its a perfect time, as the water is still swimmable, the worst of the crowds are gone, but everything is still open and the weather can be quite wonderful. The cool evenings are a big plus. Where ever you choose to go, make sure to bring a light fleece or sweater for chilly nights.

volcanogirl

We loved Nantucket - very pretty with lots of historical charm. We went sailing and enjoyed a lot of great food. We were there in September, and the weather was beautiful.

roris

Thank you all so very much. I think Nantucket may be it! Now to finalize.

EmilyPost

Joining here late. The second week of September traditionally brings great weather to the Cape and Islands. As noted, when the curtain comes down on summer on the 21st, you'll feel it.

For a bit of Nantucket on the more easily accessed Cape Cod, consider staying in Chatham, right on the elbow of the Cape. There's plenty to do, or nothing at all to do at the Chatham Bars Inn, Wayside Inn, Bradford Inn.

Chatham is known as a nice little drinking town with a bit of a fishing problem. (Not a typo but also not really accurate except it expresses the general confidence of this little Cape town). Of course, visiting Nantucket is Never a mistake. Happy Anniversary!