TexasJill: I've stayed in Hyannis for a one week vacation the past two summers. Hyannisport, actually....right on the beach. My SIL rents an absolutely huge, beautiful house and invites us along with some friends. That's why I go there. The harbor is very picturesque, and the views of the water and the ferry's going by are very nice.

But the water is dark and just plain "icky." Huge seaweed, clams, crabs, etc. Yes, fun to look at, but it can get smelly. I won't swim in it, and sometimes the kids won't because of the smell. That's my biggest disappointment. I'm a beach person.

Have visited Chatham for the day and every time I do I regret it because I wish I was staying there instead. The beaches are just beautiful.

But Hyannis is close to everything from restaurants to shops to miniature golf. You can always take day trips.

I hope this helps. Have fun!

I checked out cyberrental.com and found some places in Chatham that sound nice. A friend of mine has a couple of houses on Martha's Vineyard but I'm afraid that would be out of our price range (about $2,000 for the week). Thank you for your help. Any information is appreciated.

Sorry for not replying to your question, TexasJill, but just returned from the Thanksgiving Holiday.
My only reason for "getting out of the city" comment, was most vacationers want a "Cape Cod " experience, and to me Hyannis no longer is able to provide that. It has become a year round city, and because of the large mall on one of its main highway, the downtown area has suffered. In the summer it is very crowded, but if you wish to be close to the mid-cape I would suggest Centerville or Cotuit.
As some other posters have said, Chatham, Orleans, Wellfleet, would give you a better feel of the Cape. All have Chamber of Commerce's, and I would call or google and sign up for their brochure, which is published just after the New Year. It will give you the flavor of each of the towns, which are quite different. All have beautiful beaches, and both Chatham and Orleans have large shopping areas, with Chatham having the better "downtown". Wellfleet 's village is funky and fun, but smaller than the other two.
Do get the brochures from each town. Beside Cyber rentals, there is also a site called "Weneedavacation.com, which also has many homes to rent in the areas. Let us know if we can help!

Hi Texas,
Chatham is a really nice location with a cute little walk around town, great beach, and a good selection of nice resturants, although it is a little costlier than other towns heading toward P-town. It seems like it may be a good central location for you to get to whaling boats 45min. away or the ferries to the islands which would be the same. Let me know where you decide on and if you need any further help.
As for golf, it's pretty prevelant on the Cape but the only place I'm familiar with is Highland links (think that's the name) in Truro - it's a pretty course overlooking the water, and a lighthouse that you can tour. My husband goes there after practicing at a driving range in Wellfleet.
Cheers;
Sherry

Texas, Chatham is a lovely town and has all the things you are looking for. Well, not Four Seas...my favorite ice cream. That is in Centerville. I agree that the ocean beaches are very cold. The bay beaches are much warmer, esp. Eastham and Brewster.

There are golf courses everywhere. Try Hyannis Chamber of Commerce for a complete list. I think times need to be reserved in advance. They fill up quickly. If there are baseball fans, a Cape League game in Orleans is fun. Many pros have played in this league.

Chatham has a band concert on the Town Green every Friday evening in the summer summer. Orleans has free music at the gazebo at Nauset Beach on Monday at 7:00. Both are fun..all ages. The beach setting at Nauset is nice.

Cape Cod...so much to do, so little time.

Ok, where is the four seas icecream place? I may have to check this place out.
Sherry

Like the advert when I post a reply!! Four Seas is in Centerville, at the Four Corners.It's good, but there is also one in Harwichport, (whose name escapes me) equally as good.

Hmmm. four corners - not too familiar with that area - where is that?
Thanks;
Sherry

If you can't make it to Four Seas, Sundae Schools in Dennisport, Harwich, and Orleans are nice too.

Four Seas is on Main Street in Centerville, on the right, just before the traffic light. (If you are coming from Hyannis). If you turn left at the light you go to Craigville Beach. It's an original place from the 50's.

I've seen several stars from Melody Tent shows in there. My favorite is ginger ice cream. I love Four Seas ice cream but Sundae School has whipped cream to die for!