Cape Cod in the rain
 

My husband and I will be in Cape Cod for three nights (Thur - Sat nights) over this coming weekend, and we see the weather prediction is for rain and showers for much of the time. This is our first trip to the Cape, and although we are a little disappointed that the weather will be less than stellar, we are pretty sure there must be a lot to do and see in spite of the rain.

Coming from California, where it doesn't rain at all this time of year, we are scrambling to find umbrellas and other wet-weather gear to pack. We will have a rental car - we're booked into a waterfront hotel in East Falmouth, but plan to try to see as much of the Cape as possible in three days, before we head to Boston for another couple days ... looking like rain there too, but in the city I am sure we will find plenty to do indoors if need be.

Anyone have suggestions for some interesting activities under the weather conditions that are predicted? We are in our late 50s and early 60s, active, like to walk and bike, enjoy local history and museums, and looking forward to trying some of the local foods. Wait - who am I kidding? We are looking forward to trying A LOT of the local foods, so we will definitely be looking for some activities to burn calories ...

Thanks!

You will be very near Woods Hole with it's ocenagraphic institute and aquarium.

Drive out to Provincetown, stop at the National Seashore VC in Eastham on the way, in Ptown, do the shops, the Pilgrim tower/museum?, the Widdaw? museum, check out shops and galeries, eat delicious food.

Go over to Sandwich visit the museum.

Put Cape Cod into the search box here and find lots of threads with ideas.

A waterproof jacket with a hood and you're good to go!

The Edward Gorey House in Yarmouthport is a lot of fun. I wanted to see it for years, and finally went on a rainy day. I liked it even more than I thought I would.

I don't think it is going to pour all weekend, by any means. You could go antiquing on Route 6A, stop at the Gorey House and go on to the Outer Cape as places attract you.

On your way to or from Provincetown, stop in Wellfleet where there are some interesting galleries/shops. I always like to spend time in the Left Bank Gallery.

The forecast is for showers but I agree with Ackislander, it shouldn't be a wash-out weekend. If you like walking, you can get information on long or short walks at the above-mentioned Cape Cod National Seashore visitor center.

And if it's just cloudy, the Wellfleet Audubon Society property is worth a visit.

In Sandwich visit the very interesting workshop of Glass-blower Michael Magyar. On 6A just east of town.

also Chatham

Hoxie House in Sandwich is an amusing rainy-day diversion and is a good add on to the glass factory, followed by lunch at Dunbar Tea Room. Along the way to or from you could stop at the Fish Hatchery and toss kibble to the trout--it's outdoors but the fish don't care that it's raining.

Cape Cod Potato Chip factory in Hyannis is another rainy day option; I think Cape Cod Brewery also gives tours.

If the rain isn't too miserable, beachcombing is fun, especially at low tide in the Brewster area.

It looks like mostly scattered showers and overcast, not torrential rain storms. Plenty to see and do including your driving tour. Head to the Knob at Quisset Harbour for a nice walk with or without rain gear.

Yes, Quisset Harbor. A gem known mostly to locals. I was reluctant to mention it on the internet, but Lookin_Glass is nicer than I am, so the secret is out.

LOL, I will be more cautious in the future. I lived around the corner from there a couple of summers while waitressing in Woods Hole. I would hate for it to be mentioned in tourism rags.

Heritage Museums and Gardens Sandwich MA

Funny, Ack and LG, we have been going to Falmouth for 30+ years and only found out about and went to the Knob for the 1st time this past April w/some friends of ours who moved there recently and introduced us to this lovely spot. I found the vista there to seem somehow different than what I expect a Cape seascape to be. There is only parking for a dozen or so cars and our friends said it is impossible to go other than off season.

stop saying the word ObKnay and IssetQuay ArbourHay!!!!

Ackislander was right. I should know better. The horror if some foolish editor picks up on this place and puts it in a book. Just imagining it on a tourist's checklist makes me ill. I loved bicycling the inner road to Woods Hole to work. So pretty.

Ack back in the day, there was a beautiful Chinese Junk in the harbour. It was such an interesting counterpoint to New England. Did you ever see it? It wasn't present last time I visited and have often thought of it.

I spent a lot of time in West Falmouth and I remember that Chinese Junk! Thanks for the memory.

Hi sc, I hope that your staying here last night included being here during the day for some of the glorious weather we had yesterday here in MA. That is the real bugaboo about traveling to a place with such capricious weather! I hope it improves over your time here.

The Edward Gorey house is a good suggestion. It's small, but the tour and visit are fun when you do the quiz. Years ago when DH and I hit an April rainy spell, we visited a tea room. It was fun to try some new flavors and the place was very cozy on a cold, wet day.

I will be there leaving october 7-11th. I hope we also have nice weather. Give me some tips when you get back if you can. do/or don'ts. Thanks I hope you enjoy your time there.