wonder

When I typed in a search for information on Cape Cod, I was very surprised to see that the first message that came up was entitled "most disappointing" destination! I loved it many years ago, but for some reason I was not able to post a reply. In any event, can anyone recommend any special events/activities over Fourth of July weekend? Thanks.

csk

I must admit, I went to the Cape, and Nantucket this past fall and was disapointed in both. I live in Michigan, on a lake, and visit other lakes within a 4-5 drive and enjoy them as much as I enjoyed the island and the cape. (and it cost much less)

I do believe that you should visit - everyone should go everywhere at least once - but i will save my $$ next time and visit some place else.

Owen O'Neill

I've only been to the Cape twice - first time was to a small town on the water in the spring when few tourists were around. It was scenic and quaint and I really enjoyed it. Second time was a one day stop to see a friend who was living in Hyannis. I found Hyannis to be a big disappointment but it's important to recognize that a few big towns like that are not repreentiative of the whole area. There are so many people who visit the Cape every year and love it - obviously there are some great places there to enjoy the real natural beauty and surroundings but you need to do research and seek them out.

capekid

The most important thing to remember when visiting Cape Cod is that it really is a chain of small towns that gets 5 times the off season population in three months time. The place is not going to be hopping. That said, you will find different towns doing fireworks at some point during the weekend. You may want to spend a day in Provincetown, or go on a whale watch. Or perhaps take a day trip to either the Vineyard or Nantucket. Take a ride down the Cape (down means from Bourne to Provincetown) on route 6-A, avoid 28 if you want to avoid commercial. There are a lot of antique shops along 6-A and nice little places to eat. Check out Chatham, take a walk on a trail in the National Seashore. My favorite activity, a beach chair, a good book and the day spent at the beach. The key to the Cape is relaxing and not being worried about being entertained 24/7. People who need entertainment, boardwalks and constant activity aren't going to like the Cape.....and that suits those of us who love the Cape just fine, less people waiting to get into our favorite restaurants.

xxx

There is some nut on this board who bashes Cape Cod endlessly under a variety of names. Take anything negative that you read about Cape Cod on this board with a grain of salt.

Donna

A better time to visit Cape Cod is late May, June, or after Labor Day and into October. During July and August, the Cape is mobbed with "summer folk", day-trippers, weekenders, tourists, wedding parties, etc. The bridges to and from, along with the roads between towns, are a traffic nightmare. The first two weeks of July are typically THE most popular time to visit. Rates for accomodations are also at their very highest.

Maureen

Unfortunately, Cape Cod now has what the San Francisco boards have had for a while: one poster posting under many different names. They give themselves away by their 2nd grade sentence structure and overuse of exclamation points (Ron/Michael/Marilyn/Matthew/Tina amongst others.)

Do not be fooled.

CapeCodder

To Maureen: You neglected to mention why anyone should visit Cape Cod - July 4th!

Astonished

Hmmm, too bad you didn't scroll down a bit to "Top Ten" or "Where I'd Rather Be", and on and on.

Darlene

Thanksgiving 2002 is still a week away and you are asking about July 4th 2003?
Ever been called "anal" before?

Tina

Yo, Darlene, anyone planning to visit "the Cape" is definitely not "anal" planning now. Why they'd bother is another question entirely.

bennie

The best event for the 4th of july is the bandstand concert in Chatham. bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic and sing along. Its great fun.

wonder

Thanks to everyone for their input. The Chatham concert on the 4th sounds fun, as do many of the other activities.

Hardly

Wonder,

The replies about the Cape being disappointing are mostly from one person. Ignore them.

As far as special activites, I think the best way to spend the 4th is by watching one of the many parades that will be held at various towns during the day (Where will you be on the Cape?), then planning a beach pricnic on the beach where you can watch fireworks. We've stayed with friends who have a house right on the beach in Eastham and for several nights around the 4th many people set off their own fireworks displays up and down the beach. It's wonderful to just sit out on the beach or deck and look at all the displays.

Capekid is right, appreciateing the Cape means relaxing, finding the fantastic hikes through the woods that eventually lead to high dunes overlooking the National seashore, enjoying a beach picnic, body surfing, strolling the charming Main streets of Chatham, Dennis, Brewster and getting off the traffic snarled route 6. It's easy to find the real Cape if you know where to look.

I can't imagine the types of places people who can't find the beauty of Cape Cod enjoy. Vegas maybe?

ttt

top it offf

noncapecodder

I have been to the Cape and I hated it. I would never go again. To Maureen..Many people do NOT like Cape Cod. Not EVERYONE loves Cape Cod. Get it through your fat skull.

GotoVegasand

Yes noncapecodder, we know YOU don't like the Cape, and for that, those of us that do, are grateful.

Believe me, we're thrilled that you won't be visiting.

Namewitheld

I was to the Cape this past August. It was a crashing bore. People are so mean and downright rude.

Californian

I went to Cape Cod (Dennisport/Dennis). It wasn't really what I expected. I thought the natives were restless and uptight. Seems they weren't happy people. I went to Chatham and it was "o.k." Went in a few shops. I saw a pair of gawdy shoes for about 400.00. California is much nicer. I have to admit, it is quite a farmer type of town

jen

I find that the Cape is exactly what I am looking for in the spring and fall - laid back, quiet, scenic and relaxing. As a previous poster said, if you are looking for Atlantic CIty, forget it - don't bother showing up. If you do your homework, you can find some beautiful spots, historic or just plain scenic. You can pick and choose what you like to do. The little local papers usually outline the events that will be going on during the week you are there. It all depends what you like.

I find it extremely interesting that the negative posts here speak to the same level of intelligence - they are not civil and show a distinct lack of taste...hmm, explains alot, doesn't it?