We are having a small (4 teenagers, 5 adults) family reunion in Cape Cod over July 4th week. I have not been to Cape
Cod in 18 years so know very little other than what I have researched on Fodors. We are staying at the Ocean Edge in Brewster in a townhouse.

What are your recommendations on what to do, good but inexpensive places to eat things to avoid? Any information at all will be appreciated.

Also, we will be driving up from Philadelphia to take up accommo on Saturday (!). Are we better off driving on Friday and finding a motel somewhere (and where,) or leaving at 4am on Saturday, or on Sunday. I don't feel like sitting in traffic for the whole day on Saturday. What do you recommend?

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A few replies to a lot of important questions: I would leave as early as possible on Friday, get to the Cape then go for breakfast or to a beach with restroom facilities, then onto the Ocean Edge at check-in time.

The Ocean Edge is an excellent choice, with many amenities and centrally located in Brewster close to many attractions. Trips to Provincetown, Chatham, and Hyannis are all worthwhile.

There are plenty of good and inexpensive places to eat: here are a few suggestions nearby to where you are staying: Lobster Claw and Cooke's Seafood in Orleans; Coby's in Brewster and Kate's Seafood in Dennis on 6A.

Most cottage rentals on the Cape are from Saturday afternoon to Saturday morning - one week. Therefore, traffic to the Cape by late morning Saturday is a nightmare - so try to avoid that time.
Since 7/4 is a Thursday, I assume you mean the week starting in June - I don't know when you are going home, but Sunday anytime after noon the traffic going off-Cape is the reverse of the other nightmare.

Thanks for your replies. Our acommodation is from Sat to Sat starting on the 29th June. I guess we will try to leave like at 4 am on Sat morning.

Thanks for the recommendations. If anyone has more to add, I would love to ear from you .

The route over the Bourne Bridge tends to be less congested than the route over the Sagamore Bridge (Rt 3S from Boston). You probably will be going over the Bourne Bridge so there is less to worry about. The difference is 2 miles of backup vs. 5-6 miles.

Thanks to all who replied. I only wish I knew that we are still going. I rented through a website, sent off my check and nver heard from the owners again. I have called and e-mailed many times. I have to see if my check has been deposited.