Saturday, June 30, 2012

Hydrangea Watch



Here come the colors!

The Cape Cod Playhouse

A couple of weeks ago, we ventured to the Cape Cod Playhouse (820 Route 6A, Dennis Village) to see a production of The Hound of the Baskervilles.
This three-man play was entertaining!  We entered the playhouse with the expectation of a serious and solemn production and were amused by the unexpected comedic angle.

The playhouse itself is the country's oldest professional summer theater.  The exterior boasts an oversized awning and traditional Cape Cod siding.
The interior is utterly rustic with rows and rows of dark wood and a matching beamed ceiling.  Surprisingly, this was my first time at the playhouse and we are already planning a return trip.
Because we sat in the balcony, our tickets cost only $30 per person. However, main-floor seats are pricier, as are tickets to musicals.
Every two weeks, the theater presents a new play.  As Bees in Honey Drown is next, followed by Ain't Misbehavin', Legally Blonde, Kiss Me Kate, and Nunsense.  Check the program because there are also performances for children ranging from The Wizard of Oz to magic shows.  Here are links to the general program and the children's page:

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Cape Cod Sunset: A Special Spectacle

Hydrangea Watch

Growing up with a love of Cape Cod, my accompanying obsession with hydrangeas is logical...and predictable.  This summer, I plan to photograph a hydrangea bush every day to track the progress of the buds.  Enjoy!

Some buds are blooming and the color is a whitish blue...not yet the quintessential hydrangea hue.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Cape Cuisine Chronicle

We returned to the Cape this afternoon and debated tonight's dining options.  Our plan was to attempt to eat at Gina's by the Sea, a tucked away Italian restaurant in Dennis.  I use the word "attempt" because this tiny, seemingly hidden jewel of a restaurant is always hopping!  As anticipated, the parking lot was full and, when we learned of the hour long wait, we opted to drive down the street to Chapin's (85 Taunton Ave, Dennis), a casual and tasty favorite.

Those who have vacationed on Cape Cod for a number of years might know that Chapin's used to be a popular dive called Joe Mac's.  Founded in the sixties, this hangout was well-loved by locals and tourists.  Its proximity to rental cottages made it a convenient option for nearby vacationers--like my family!

A few years ago, Joe Mac's became Chapin's as the dive transformed into an airy, polished restaurant boasting cathedral ceilings, lovely white beadboarding, and a varied lunch and dinner menu.  Though still casual, Chapin's has a classy and "Capey" interior and fair prices.

From fried seafood to sandwiches, Chapin's offers diners a typical dinner menu.  Tonight, I ordered the Spicy Taco Salad, which ended up being a delicious choice!  The salad, arranged in a crispy taco shell, overflowed into the plate.  The excess of guacamole, shredded cheese, bean salad, and blackened chicken that topped the salad nearly prevented me from reaching the lettuce beneath!



Others in my party ordered a salad with grilled shrimp, a bruschetta Caesar salad, and the chicken, broccoli and penne dish.  Everyone agreed the night was an appetizing one.

My overall assessment of Chapin's is that it is a worthwhile stop for vacationers.  With reasonable prices and a sleek but beachy interior, it will probably be a pleasing meal for most.  The only extra attribute that could make the experience better is an ocean view!

More restaurant posts will follow.  Comment or ask a question if you would like!

Monday, June 4, 2012

A calm day on the bay from last summer.

Cape Cod Bound

If every summer you anticipate a a car ride to Massachusetts and cannot repress a carefree grin as your wheels hit the tired asphalt of the Borne or Sagamore bridge, then add me to your favorites!  This summer, I plan to chronicle my weekends on Cape Cod and to share my accumulation of knowledge of this salty sanctuary's dining, entertainments, shopping, and sights.

For the twenty one summers of my young life, my family has traveled to Cape Cod.  Because this tradition preceded my birth by at least thirty years, the combined knowledge of my parents and relatives allows us to navigate the peninsula (or island, depending upon how you look at it) with generally uninterrupted ease and know-how.

I hope you enjoy my pictures and recommendations throughout the summer!  Oh, and ask me anything!