My Mom (she is 64) and I will be taking a trip to RI and may want to visit Cape Cod for one day. We have never been there and need some advice.

We aren't able to walk a whole lot, but some shorter scenic walks would be nice. Also, we like shops, what towns would best suite us? Any good lunch ideas? We wouldn't want anything facncy. Should we go to the Nat'l Seashore? I read about a scenic drive that sounds good.

We will be spending one day (arriving around 10:30am and leaving late afternoon) there.

Any other ideas would be helpful.

Thanks!

The beaches at the Cape Cod National Seashore are world-class. Unless the weather forbids, I'd choose an option here. If the weather is bad, the Sandwich Glass Museum is an excellent indoor choice.

For town centers to stroll, consider Provincetown (eccentric feel), Wellfleet (small quiet cozy feel), Chatham (upscale feel), Hyannis (more urban feel), or Falmouth (somewhat suburban feel).

Do a search on this forum for food options. I've eaten at several spots around the Cape, and you'll find many helpful posts by me and other folks here.

If you like to shop, Route 6A (The King's Highway)runs from Sandwich to Brewster on the North Side of the Cape. It is lined with historic houses, antique and craft shops, and nice places to eat.

Route 6, down the middle of the Cape) is a 4 line superhighway. Don't mistake one for the other!

For a quick, one day trip I'd choose Sandwich instead of visiting the National Seashore this time.

It'll take you about 45 minutes +- to get to the National Seashore from the bridges and traffic is an issue in the summer months; it make take you longer.

Sandwich and its environs, on the other hand, will give you a taste of the Cape and maybe encourage you to come back one day for a longer visit. You don't want to spend most of your time in the car, do you? You might enjoy Dunbar Tea Room for a cream tea or lunch while in Sandwich.

bowsprit is right that Sandwich would be your best option for a day trip to the Cape. Dunbars is an excellent lunch choice and it is right in the heart of historic Sandwich--Glass Museum, Town Hall (oldest one still in use as town hall in Mass), grist mill, Hoxie house, Thornton Burgess Museum. On Jarvis St. (10 min most walk from this area--also has parking) has three consignment shops, several craft shops, art galleries, an antiques gallery,and a pizza place or sandwich shop for lunch.

Down by the canal, three minute drive from town center, there is Aqua Grille for a pricey lunch or Seafood Sam's for wonderful seafood choices (also a few non seafood items). Seafood Sam's has a deck or indoor dining and takeout if you want to park right on the canal and watch the boat traffic.

On the other side of the marina from Seafood Sams and Aqua Grille is a parking area and access to the service road along the canal. No motorized vehicles, fairly flat walk (as far as you want and then turn back). the walk goes right along the canal so that you can watch the boat traffic and see birds and wildflowers.

Have a great day!

bowsprit is right that Sandwich would be your best option for a day trip to the Cape. Dunbars is an excellent lunch choice and it is right in the heart of historic Sandwich--Glass Museum, Town Hall (oldest one still in use as town hall in Mass), grist mill, Hoxie house, Thornton Burgess Museum. On Jarvis St. (10 min most walk from this area--also has parking) has three consignment shops, several craft shops, art galleries, an antiques gallery,and a pizza place or sandwich shop for lunch.

Down by the canal, three minute drive from town center, there is Aqua Grille for a pricey lunch or Seafood Sam's for wonderful seafood choices (also a few non seafood items). Seafood Sam's has a deck or indoor dining and takeout if you want to park right on the canal and watch the boat traffic.

On the other side of the marina from Seafood Sams and Aqua Grille is a parking area and access to the service road along the canal. No motorized vehicles, fairly flat walk (as far as you want and then turn back). the walk goes right along the canal so that you can watch the boat traffic and see birds and wildflowers.

Have a great day!