bogger

Sealygal, I would agree with the Cape Codder Hotel but I think the advantage of being on the harbor and watching the activities might be best for your daughter. I would suggest you check out the Calendar section of the Cape Cod Times on Fri. prior to your arrival. Here is a link for: www.capecodonline.com It will have all the activities for the week listed and make sure you check out the Museum of Natural History in Brewster for the outdoor natural interests your daughter might have. Also off Rte. 6A in Sandwich is the Green Briar Nature Center and they usually have a good collection of ocean creatures on exhibit. Chatham is incredibly beautiful and walkable for shops, B&B's, restaurants, small charming motels, and the OCEAN. I don't think you will be able to stay at the Chatham Bars Inn for $150, as we spent our anniversary there last year and it cost us over $300 a night. Also we just had another anniversary and had dinner at the Wequassett Inn and that was expensive as well. Tomorrow I will have my birthday lunch at the Wequassett Inn and I think if you can do it, a lunch or drink at either establshement would be something you will never forget.

As you travel to our homeland we will be vacationing at the Sorrell River Resort in Moab Ut. Our trip will cover the exact dates you'll be on the Cape. For us it's fun to vacation in a completly different enviornment and nothing is more different from the Cape than Arch's, Canyonlands and red rock. I wish you and your family a happy, healthy and fun vacation.

Sealygal

Hi Bogger,
Happy Birthday and thank you for the information - we do plan on at least driving through Chatham and perhaps do a little shopping. We are looking forward to this wonderful trip. I wish you well on yours!
Sealygal

Jon_Eric

This is ironic, just today the temp service sent us a new receptionist who just happens to be from Massachusetts, Weston I believe is the town. Anyway I asked her about CapeCod and she thought for a moment and said... Chatham! So, for what its worth another vote for Chatham which she said was quite lovely.

I've been to the islands but only barely touched Cape Cod many years ago so I'm not that familiar with it

djkbooks

Chatham is hands down the very nicest town on the Cape. For shopping, dining, scenery, not to mention lack of "touristy" characteristics. There's an incredibly magnificent property RIGHT on Long Island Sound with very modern condo-like units at amazingly reasonable prices (especially after Labor Day), a very short drive from the "center" (you could even walk) yet a world away. Great for picking up seashells, too.

Chatham is a short drive from Hyannis as well. Or, actually, the entire Cape over a several day visit.

bogger

Thank you for the birtday wishes....lunch at Wequassett Inn was delicious. Just a small addition I noted that djkbooks is just a tad off with the Cape's geography...here's the scoop..Chatham, Massachusetts is located at the southeast tip of Cape Cod. If the Cape is viewed as a bent arm, Chatham is at the elbow. To the east is the Atlantic Ocean, to the South is NANTUCKET SOUND to the north is Pleasant Bay.

bogger

I forgot to ask..djkbooks..can you find out the name of the facility on Nantucket Sound in Chatham that is reasonably priced? I would love to know for my own personal use for a getaway especially if it's walking distance to Main St. and shops. Thak you

depeach

If you're still looking for a stop on the way from Philadelphia, I recommend Mystic Connecticut - just about half way, and fun for all ages!

eznmomma

I've just read all the replies to your questions and have many thoughts. If your daughter likes history Boston is the place to be. If you really want to do the cape there are town saliking tours in Woods Hole, where there is also the oceanographic center, and Falmouth. Chatham, my favorite, has a walk through of their oldest house and you can view the fishing boats bringing in their load just outside of town, fun for kids. The National Seashore has activities for kids. Also, the drive along route 6a, which someone else suggested, is the best part of the Cape and has a lot to stop and see. BUT October is quiet and it is possible to get nasty weather so be prepared. I wouldn't bother with Nantucket. It is very quiet and not much to do for the long ride. If you really want to travel, I would suggest Martha's Vineyard. It is closer and each village on the island is a little different. But again, without beach weather you are limited to activites (the old wood carousel in Oak Bluffs may even be down for the winter). Plymouth is a delight for kids. Given the time of year, I would suggest north (Salem) instead of south (the Cape). Given you are approaching Halloween, the Salem experience would be more fun. They have the witch houses, the Gables, and a beautiful new museum. On the way, is the foliage, which usually starts to peak while you are here. In Boston, take in the Boston Tea Party ship, on the way to the children's museum. Do Bunker Hill Monument and the ship, Constitution, in Charlestown. A Duck tour is fun but you can't get off. (still worth doing though) The Town Trolley Tour lets you get off, although if you do that you might need more than a day to see it all. Also check out the Mapparium at the Christian Science Center. It is a globe of the world that you can walk through. Some of the things that were suggested, like the Swan Boats are great, but may be shut down by the time you come, so check everything out first. Boston is very seasonal. Even the Plymouth events may have shorter hours in the fall, so check first. I would suggest with a 7 year old to do the Isabella Stewart Garner Museum. It is different than most. The MFA is fine but typical. If you want to go though, I would suggest you check out the web site (MFA.org)there for special tours or children's events. It will make the experience more memorable. Since you are here over Columbus Day weekend (we celebrate here on that Monday) it will be very busy here, aside from the foliage time, and it may be parent's weekend at the various schools so don't wait too long to make any plans where you need reservations. For dining, I would suggest Durgin Park in Fanueil Hall. It is a typical old Boston restaurant where everyone sits together on benches and Yankee Pot Roast is the famous fare. There are plenty of other good eateries, but that one is historic. There is much more, but if you do the Freedom Trail and check out the Boston web sites, I think it will cover it all. Enjoy

Sealygal

Eznmomma, thank you for all the information. So there isn't much to do on Nantucket, eh? I hate to admit this, but Nantucket was "my" day. I have always dreamed about going there to get a Nantucket basket. Gee, now with the internet, I can order it from my living room chair. Ahh....but not the same. Many decisions....

I am getting so excited about this vacation. We in 6 days! (We won't hit MA till Oct 6).

Thanks again,
Sealygal

CEF

I agree that you should take a Duck Tour of the city. Your daughter will enjoy it. Check out their site: bostonducktours.com
Christine

bennnie

Please don't skip Nantucket. There is plenty to do there. Lots of shops, bike riding, historic homes, whaling museum. There's a church steeple you can climb to the top of that gives you a view of the entire island Yes its a longer ferry ride than MV but its worth it. Your entire family would enjoy it. Read up on Maria Mitchell the female astronomer from Nantucket - your daughter might enjoy her story.

Dreamer2

I agree with Bennie; Nantucket's a great day trip! Just an hour away on the high-speed, and full of fun shopping, great restaurants, wonderful whaling museum, and just a lovely "island" feel.