Cape Cod Blog

While the Mayflower II, located in Plymouth, transports visitors to the famous 17th-century sailing ship, the reproduction itself is celebrating a milestone and establishing its own place in history. Built in 1957 as a gift to the U.S. by Great Britain, the Mayflower II will be celebrating its 50th anniversary when it opens for the season on March 25. Plimoth Plantation, which operates the Mayflower II, will be commemorating the anniversary with a series of special events and activities.

The ship faithfully recreates the original vessel and allows guests to climb aboard and explore it. Costumed Pilgrims stay in character to recount the fateful voyage, while exhibits depict the ship's history. In celebration of the anniversary of the Mayflower II, Plimoth Plantation will be showing The History Channel’s film: Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of the Mayflower. The museum helped develop the film, which was shot on location in Plymouth. For a schedule of other Mayflower II anniversary events, including book signings and online journal entries from the ship's log, visit Plimoth Plantation's Web site.

Mayflower II
Open March 25 through November 26, 7 days a week.
On the Plymouth waterfront.
Adults $8, Children (6 to 12) $6, Seniors $7
(508) 746-1622

Photo: Plimoth Plantation

It may only be March 5, but if you're thinking of planning a summer vacation on Cape Cod, you're lagging behind other Type-A folks who already have their seagulls--er, ducks--in order. According to the travel Web site, WeNeedaVacation.com, over 30% of the Cape's vacationers have made their summer 2007 reservations. The site, which tracks travel and tourism trends, issued a report that gives some insight about the coming season.

For example, the site's research indicates that average rental prices for vacation homes will increase only slightly over 2006--good news for vacationers. Of course, with prices averaging $2300 for a Cape Cod vacation home rental, "good news" is in the pocketbook of the beholder. If you're considering a Nantucket vacation, the average price for a home rental is a whale-sized $4458. When do you typically take your Cape vacation? WeNeedaVacation.com says that the high season has typically been August. With schools and colleges starting earlier however, families have been shifting their vacations to July, and the site indicates that the trend is even more pronounced this season. If you haven't made any plans, and you're a chronic procrastinator, don't fret; more folks are waiting until the last minute to book their vacations and eventually make their way to the summer hot spot.

Photo: Cape Cod National Seashore

St. Patty's day is looming, and the state is fairly bursting with Irish-themed events and celebrations. That's no surprise since, according to the Boston Irish Tourism Association, Massachusetts is "America's Most Irish State," the "Capital of Irish America," and "Ireland's Home Away from Home." (Shh, don't tell anybody, but California, New York, and, improbably, Florida all have more Irish-Americans living in their states. Let's keep this Capital of Irish America thing on the QT, OK?) Of course, there will be a slew of St Patrick's Day parades, but there are plenty of other Irish events planned over the next few weeks as well.

A sampling of St Patrick's Day Parades:

• South Boston
  Sunday, March 18
  1 p.m. Starts at the Broadway MBTA stop.
• Lawrence
  Sunday, March 11
  1 p.m. Starts at City Hall.
• Yarmouth
  Saturday, March 10
  11:00 a.m. Starts at Bass River Sports World, 934 Route 28.

Other Irish activities:

• Irish Food & Culture Celebration
  March 11 to 18
  Events include an Irish Heritage Dinner at the Omni Parker House in Boston on Tuesday, March 13; "Rattle and Hum," an evening of oysters, Guinness, and U2 music at Boston's Eastern Standard Restaurant on Thursday, March 15; and a St. Patrick’s Day Evening Feast at the Seaport Hotel in South Boston on Saturday, March 17.
• Irish Tea Party
  March 4 in Chicopee
  2:00-4:00 p.m. in the Rotunda, Berchmans Hall, Elms College
• A Journey Home - John F. Kennedy and Ireland
  A special exhibit that opened last St. Patrick's Day has been extended through September 21, 2007 at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.

Photo: Boston Irish Tourism Association

 

February 21, 2007

A matter of (three) courses: It's Restaurant Week Boston time

With the ice, snow, slush, and frigid temperatures, February has been downright miserable. March may be Massachusetts' cruelest month, however. Daylight savings time returns and the calendar says spring, but the miserable weather generally lingers and lingers...and lingers. What to do? Short of skipping out of town for a warm-weather vacation, you could fall back on the time-honored remedy to deal with nearly all of life's hardships: Indulge yourself with a delicious meal. And to help lighten the load on your cracked and chapped hands when it's time to pay the bill, the winter edition of Restaurant Week Boston will have some great deals.

Read the rest of 'A matter of (three) courses: It's Restaurant Week Boston time'...

Posted by mablogger2 at 02:59 PM

February 19, 2007

JFK Museum recalls President's Cape Cod connection

In honor of Presidents' Day, let's consider the impact that the Bay State has had--and will likely continue to have--on the Oval Office. Mitt Romney officially tossed his hat into the 2008 presidential ring. John Kerry and Michael Dukakis gave it their best shot. But the last Massachusetts politician to make it all the way to the White House was JFK. (The brief times that George W. and his father spent at Phillips Andover don't really qualify them as Bay State guys.) If you want to learn more about the popular president, you could visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston or the John F. Kennedy Birthplace in Brookline. To discover where JFK played touch football and spent many of his summers, however, head to the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum.

Read the rest of 'JFK Museum recalls President's Cape Cod connection'...

Posted by mablogger2 at 02:11 PM

February 15, 2007

Feb. school vacation things to do on the Cape

Kids love it. Parents dread it. It's February school vacation next week, and while students have a temporary reprieve from pencils and books, moms and dads may exhibit some dirty looks if their kids do nothing but plop themselves down in front of the TV. There are plenty of things to do on Cape Cod in lieu of mindless cartoons, MTV, or video games, but it'll take some planning on your part--which sort of sounds like homework, doesn't it? The kids get a break, but you're not off the hook. Here are some activities to consider:

Read the rest of 'Feb. school vacation things to do on the Cape'...

Posted by mablogger2 at 12:36 PM

February 12, 2007

Sweethearts for your sweetheart in Revere

Hey LOVER BOY. Do you want to BE GOOD and show your TRUE LOVE she's your ALL STAR this Valentine's Day? Then consider heading over to the New England Confectionary Company headquarters to pick up an assortment of Sweethearts, the classic heart-shaped candies with the silly imprinted sayings. NECCO has been manufacturing them since 1902 and now cranks out over 8 billion of the pastel candies annually at its humungous Revere plant. In addition to the traditional Sweethearts, the company offers versions that are sugar-free, tart, printed in Spanish, and chocolate-flavored.

Read the rest of 'Sweethearts for your sweetheart in Revere'...

Posted by mablogger2 at 04:38 PM

February 7, 2007

There's been something tricky going on in Beverly for 30 years

Solid rings connect and come apart. Birds appear out of nowhere. People disappear into thin air. There's been some magic in Beverly's air for 30 years. Marco the Magi's Production of Le Grand David and His Own Spectacular Magic Company (what a long-winded and brazenly self-important name!) will present its 30th anniversary show this month. Without any Vegas glitz or modern-day irony, this throwback to the days of vaudeville and classic European stage magic nonetheless continues to dazzle modern-day audiences.

Read the rest of 'There's been something tricky going on in Beverly for 30 years'...

Posted by mablogger2 at 04:12 PM

February 5, 2007

Chocolate undergarments spice up Osterville fest

Tis the season. Earlier, I wrote about The Boston Chocolate Tour and the Historic Deerfield Chocolate Festival. With Valentine's Day closing in, there are other odes to all things chocolate scheduled around the state, including the Osterville Chocolate Fest. The Cape Cod town will be luring casual and hardcore choc-aholics for a high-calorie, sugar-high stroll along its Main Street, which will be dubbed "Chocolate Avenue" for the event. There, visitors will find shops of all kinds joining in the chocolate fun--including Bedroom I's, which will feature a provocative chocolate undergarment display. By "display," I'd imagine that the store won't have any live models.

Read the rest of 'Chocolate undergarments spice up Osterville fest'...

Posted by mablogger2 at 04:10 PM

January 31, 2007

Mush and slush at Lowell Winterfest

I guess there are two ways to confront winter in Massachusetts: You could hibernate indoors and hang on until warm weather returns in the spring; or you could embrace the season and revel outdoors in the cold. If you're not into skiing, snowboarding, or other cold-weather sports, however, how could you celebrate the season? Lowell has the answer. Head to the Mill City on February 9 or 10 for its annual Lowell Winterfest. It looks to be an event-packed festival with non-stop entertainment, food, and wacky events, including a human dogsled competition.

Read the rest of 'Mush and slush at Lowell Winterfest'...

Posted by mablogger2 at 05:34 PM

January 29, 2007

Warm Words for cold days

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. It's finally c-c-c-cold here in Massachusetts. Teeth-chattering cold. To help warm the body and the spirit, the Concord Museum will be staging its annual Warm Words Storytelling Festival in February. With video games, television, cell phones, MP3 players, and other gizmos competing for our attention and creating a white-noise blur, it's heartening and reassuring to connect with a live, engaging storyteller. It's especially delightful when children can tune into the rhythms and become mesmerized by the imagery of a well-spun tale.

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Posted by mablogger2 at 06:34 PM

January 28, 2007

Gorillas in our midst

Although we may not readily think about visiting a zoo in the middle of the winter here in Massachusetts, most of them, including the Franklin park Zoo in Boston, are open year-round. The crowds are generally smaller, and visitors can spend more time gazing at the animals. It's fascinating to watch animals at a zoo, but it's especially intriguing to observe gorillas. The magnificent animals are so close to humans that their mannerisms and facial expressions can be both eerie and mesmerizing to behold. It's great to hear, therefore, that the gorilla exhibit at the Franklin Park Zoo will be reopening shortly following a renovation.

Read the rest of 'Gorillas in our midst'...

Posted by mablogger2 at 06:28 PM

January 23, 2007

Treat your sweetie to something sweet

Valentine's Day is coming, and chocolate will once again be among the chief ways couples will demonstrate their love for one another. You could purchase some gourmet chocolates for your honey. Or you could make a last-minute dash to the drug store and pick up a box of one of the generic national brands of assorted chocolates. But where's the fun in that? How about surprising your sweetheart with a trip out to Deerfield for the town's annual Chocolate Festival?

Read the rest of 'Treat your sweetie to something sweet'...

Posted by mablogger2 at 08:41 PM

TUESDAY

Even though the weather has been mild, January's post-holidays winter doldrums can be disheartening. Communing with flowers can help buoy the sun-and-light-starved soul. Whether you have a green thumb or have trouble growing dandelions, you may want to head to Falmouth in late January for the annual Cape and Islands Orchids Society show. The theme for this year's event is the lyrical "Orchid Island"--as if the unique, colorful flowers could transport attendees to a faraway place.

The orchid show will offer a dozen vendors from New England and New York as well as speakers who will offer presentations with provocative titles such as "Confessions of an Orchid Addict" and "A Jungle Adventure." There will also be judges to rate and vote on the flowers. Everything kicks off on Friday, January 26 with a preview and dinner party. There's no word whether Susan Orlean, Boston-area author of "The Orchid Thief" (which inspired the movie, Adaptation), will attend the show--but you never know.

Orchid Island
Cape and Islands Orchids Society Show
Saturday and Sunday, January 27 and 28, 2007, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Seacrest Resort, Falmouth, MA
508-536-5016

Photo: CAIOS

A few weeks back, I wrote about the water park coming to the Sheraton Ferncroft in Danvers. When it opens this May, the CoCo Key Water Resort, as the newly named property will be known, will be New England's first major indoor water park. It's a phenomenon that's mostly based in the Midwest but has been spreading throughout the country and around the world. It's a great way for guests to enjoy water park fun (and for hotels to boost their occupancy rates) year round. There are a few smaller indoor water parks around New England, or more accurately perhaps, indoor pools with a few water park slides and attractions added. Two of them are located on Cape Cod.

The Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis has a small wave pool, two small water slides, and a whirlpool. Among other amenities, the hotel also offers a spa, a fitness center, and restaurants. The John Carver Inn, just off of the Cape in Plymouth, features the Pilgrim Cove Indoor Theme Pool with a small water slide, waterfalls and a whirlpool hot tub (all together: aaaaahhhhh!). It also offers a spa, fitness room, and an onsite Hearth & Kettle restaurant. Younger kids would probably enjoy the water park activities at these hotels--especially for a mid-winter getaway. Then again, the way this mild winter is going, perhaps we could just jump into the ocean to catch a wave.

The Cape Codder Resort
Route 132 & Bearse's Way, Hyannis
(888) 297-2200

John Carver Inn
25 Summer Street, Plymouth
(800) 274-1620

Photo: The Cape Codder Resort

Um, can somebody tell me what happened to winter? I've got the snowbrush ready. I lugged my boots up from the basement. And I've got my gloves, hats, and scarves at the ready. But, they're all just hanging around, waiting for some action. Not that I love cold weather and snowstorms, but the thermometer may hit 60 degrees today fer cryin' out loud--and that's just wrong for January. I know some of us got a little spooked when we saw Al Gore's grim greenhouse gases movie a few months ago, but I didn't think global warming was coming this quickly, did you?

Well, winter's bound to arrive sooner or later and with it, folks will want to find ways to stay warm. That's part of the rationale for the annual WMVY Big Chili Contest on Martha's Vineyard.

The contest, which will be held on Saturday, January 27, is one of the biggest events of its kind in the east. It regularly draws over 1000 hungry samplers and a slew of chili chefs. It costs $20, and all proceeds benefit a charity that supports needy Vineyard families. There will also be a mariachi band and other entertainment. The chili contest could make a great excuse around which to plan a winter getaway to Martha's Vineyard. And speaking of greenhouse gases, you might want to bring along a stash of Beano to help you digest the chili if you plan to attend the contest.

21st Annual WMVY Big Chili Contest
Saturday, January 27, 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Portuguese American Club, Vineyard Avenue, Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard
508-693-9875

Photo: WMVY Radio

I've never quite understood why organizers call the New Year's Eve celebrations, "First Night." Isn't it the last night of the year? Granted, the focus is on the coming year, and technically, some of the events extend beyond midnight into the following day. But, that's the wee small hours of the morning, right Ole Blue Eyes?

Semantics aside, First Night, with its family-friendly, non-alcoholic, potpourri of cultural and artistic performances and events is a wonderful concept. While it began in Boston over 30 years ago, and continues to thrive there, over 200 communities around the world also stage First Night events. The number in Massachusetts has dwindled over the past few years, but there are still quite a few cities and towns staging First Night or similar New Year's Eve events. Here are some of the places you can ring in 2007 around the state:

• First Night Boston- The granddaddy of New Year's Eve revelry.
• First Night Chatham- Cape Cod joins the festivities.
• First Night Worcester- It's the 25th anniversary.
• First Night New Bedford- Includes midnight fireworks.
• Beverly's New Year- Beverly does a better job with the name of its event, but since all activities appear to be over by 8:30 p.m., it won't really be the New Year, will it?
• First Night Northampton- Instead of dropping a ball, a la Times Square, they raise a ball to mark the new year in Northampton.

Photo: First Night Worcester

With only 19 shopping days left until Christmas, you'd better start panicking. So get out there and spend, spend, spend! Since they extend through the end of the year, you have a little more time to enjoy holiday light displays. Earlier, I wrote about some spots around the state to view loads o' lights, including Bright Nights at Forest Park in Springfield, Edaville U.S.A. in Carver, and the Boston Common. Here's another place to ooh and aah oodles of twinkling lights: the Spectacle of Lights at Heritage Museum in Sandwich.

On Friday and Sunday evenings through December 31, guests will be able to ride through the displays in minibuses. On Saturday evenings, however, they'll have to hoof it through the museum's gardens and the light displays. (Don't ask my why; I just write about the events.) The Spectacle includes animated dioramas.

Indoors, the museum is featuring "A Victorian Secret." Sorry, there are no babes in scantily clad Christmas gear. It's an exhibit of Christmas Victoriana. The museum is also presenting a holiday café, live entertainment, and boutique shopping (so you can spend, spend, spend!).

Spectacle of Lights
Heritage Museums & Gardens
Sandwich, MA
508-888-3300

Photo: Heritage Museums & Gardens

Santa Claus is coming to town--a lot of towns around Massachusetts. In earlier blogs, I wrote about holiday events in Martha's Vineyard, Springfield, Carver, Boston, and Nantucket. Here are some more holiday hoedowns planned:

Falmouth Holidays-by-the-Sea Weekend
December 1 to 3
Christmas parade, caroling, light house tours, and, of course, a special appearance by the triple-ho dude.

17th annual Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas
December 1 to 3
The, ahem, picture-perfect town recreates the famous Norman Rockwell painting with holiday wreaths and lights, and antique cars.

Festival of Lights at La Salette Shrine in Attleboro
Through January 1
Over 250,000 lights illuminate the national shrine.

Photo: Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce

Santa Claus is coming to town--the town of Nantucket that is. The arrival of St. Nick and Mrs. Claus will be part of a month-long Nantucket Noel festival that kicks off this weekend. The highlight of the celebration will be the island's Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend, scheduled for December 1 to 3. There will be Victorian carolers, bell ringers, walking tours of the historic and architecturally rich town, special restaurant meals, a crafts show, the Nantucket Winter Run, and a host of other activities.

Among other highlights of Nantucket Noel will be:

• November 24: Lighting of the Trees ceremony and community caroling
  
• November 24 and 25 and December 1 and 2: Free performances of A Child’s Christmas in Wales
  
• December 2 -18: Nantucket Historical Association annual Festival of Trees
  
• December 3: Holiday ice skating recital and skate party with Santa

For more information about these and other holiday events, go to the Nantucket Noel site.

Photo: Nantucket Chamber of Commerce

Once the Thanksgiving leftovers have been stored in the refrigerator, it's time to get into the spirit of the next holiday. Grab the ladders, the hammers, and the extension cords: It's holiday lights season! Is it just me, or are lots of folks really going bonkers with their Christmas light displays? There's nothing wrong with some candles in the windows, a wreath on the door, and perhaps a few strings of white bulbs. But more and more homeowners seem to be vying for the tackiest holiday display award with enough lights to make both global warming prognosticator Al Gore and Las Vegas casino owner Steve Wynn cringe. Then they add sleighloads of animated reindeer, inflatable Santas, gargantuan candy canes, and other wacky doodads. Oy vey.

If it's over-the-top Christmas lights you're after, forget the homegrown variety and check out some of the state's best holiday displays. Perhaps the biggest and brightest is Springfield's Bright Nights at Forest Park...

Starting this Wednesday, November 22, the 11th annual drive-through light display will enchant visitors with a series of tableaus, including Seuss Land (the children's author is a Springfield native), Jurassic World, Victorian Village, and Letters to Santa. For more info, go to Bright Nights at Forest Park.

Near Cape Cod, Edaville U.S.A. will be presenting its long-running Christmas Festival of Lights. The park's steam train will take guests on a grand two-mile tour past more than seven million holiday lights. There's also an antique carousel and visits with a certain red-suited, jolly gentleman.

The big city of Boston has its bright lights as well. On Wednesday, November 29, Mayor Menino will flip the switch to light the Copley Square holiday tree. The following day, on Thursday, November 30, lights will adorn the city's official Christmas tree, a 42-foot white spruce from Nova Scotia, and eighty other trees throughout Boston Common. There will also be entertainment and fireworks.

Admit it, Sparky. No matter how many extension cords you rig together, you can't compete with 80 sparkling trees or 7 million lights. So put away the ladder, and take the family to one of these displays.

Photo: Bright Nights at Forest Park

Martha's Vineyard might not be the first place that'd pop into your head for a December mini-vacation, but you may want to give it a second thought. From December 8 through 10, the island will be putting on its holiday finery for the annual Christmas in Edgartown celebration. The charming town has put together an ambitious schedule of events to kick off the season including concerts, a holiday parade, a tour of Edgartown's inns, a holiday crafts show, a chowder contest (yum), and a host of other activities.

Among the Christmas in Edgartown highlights will be a Bah Humbug Ghosts, Gossip & Downright Scandal walking tour around the town, a holiday family concert at the Old Whaling Church, a Christmas Ball at the Harbor View Hotel, Christmas breakfast with Santa at The Wharf Restaurant, a treasure hunt for kids, and a carol of bells featuring the combined peals of Edgartown's churches. It sounds like a delightful festival. If you go, you may want to take in a performance of The Snow Queen at the The Vineyard Playhouse in Vineyard Haven. The family holiday show will be playing from December 8 through 23.

Christmas in Edgartown
December 8 through 10

Photo: allcapecod.com

Plymouth may get all the glory and Thanksgiving buzz, but the Mayflower Pilgrims actually landed in Provincetown on November 21, 1620. A few weeks later, they decided to seek more stable land and ended up in Plymouth. But the ex-pats drafted and signed the Mayflower Compact, a historic document that established their government, in Provincetown Harbor and nearly decided to make Cape Cod their home. That's why the Pilgrim Monument is in Provincetown. And that's why every November, the monument stages a commemorative lighting ceremony.

This year's Pilgrim Landing Lights ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 22 (the evening before Thanksgiving) at 6 p.m. 3500 white bulbs will illuminate the outside of the monument and remain lit through January 6, 2007. Admission to the monument and the adjacent Provincetown Museum will be free on November 22. There will also be live music and complimentary refreshments. In addition to the lighting event, the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout November. It will close December through April and reopen April 15, 2007 for daily operation though next October.

Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum
High Pole Hill Road
Provincetown
508-487-1310

Photo: ©Arthur Levine, 2006

The summer crowds are gone. The island's signature daffodils have lost their flowers and lie dormant until next spring. Many of the shops hawking T-shirts, burgers, and other tourist essentials have closed for the season. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider heading over to the Grey Lady for an off-season visit. Sure, it would probably be far too chilly to take a dip at Surfside Beach. But there are tradeoffs you'd get for zagging now instead of zigging with the throngs in the summer. For example, you'd feel as if Nantucket was really your personal property. The rhythm of the island in the fall slows to a pleasing mid-tempo. The mournful wail of the foghorns takes on a special cadence during autumn's gentle, but insistent chill. And many of the inns and restaurants that tough it out year-round roll out the red carpet with fall deals and specials.

What kind of deals? How about an in-room massage for $55, a discounted dinner gift certificate, and 40% off room rates at the Cliff Lodge or Martin House Inns? Arno's restaurant is offering three-course Fall Wine Dinners at tempting prices. For more information about these and other seasonal deals, go to the Nantucket Chamber's Fall Specials page. Need more of an incentive to visit Nantucket? Consider attending one of the cooking demonstrations and tastings by renowned chefs at the White Elephant's Fall Chef Series.

Photo: Nantucket Today

Once the target of Cape Cod hunters (and the inspiration for the evocative expression, a "Nantucket Sleigh Ride"), whales are now protected. With many of the magnificent creatures feeding and living in Stellwagen Bank, the rich, fertile area that runs along the Massachusetts coastline, area whale watches have become quite popular. Just a few miles from prime viewing areas, Provincetown is an ideal jumping-off point to launch a whale watch. I spent an afternoon aboard the Captain Red, one of two vessels operated by Portuguese Princess Excursions, and saw the whales in all their glory.

Run in conjunction with the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, the Captain Red had a couple of onboard educators to provide background info and running commentary as it encountered whales. It didn't take long to see the massive animals. I was surprised how close we were able to get to the whales and was amazed by their sheer size and beauty. Obviously comfortable with the presence of the vessel, one whale swam underneath it and gave everyone onboard a rare glimpse at its enormous bulk. We saw whales feeding, flukes beating the water, whales diving, and, the most inspiring sight of the day, one whale breaching "Free Willy" style as it rose completely out of the water and landed with a crashing cascade of water. The four-hour excursion was simultaneously a relaxing day at sea and a rousing exploration of whales.

Instead of harpoons, whale watchers shoot the animals with cameras. I had mine at the ready and posted some pretty nifty shots (including one of the breaching whale) in Explore New England's Your Photos gallery. Check 'em out.

Portuguese Princess Excursions whale watches, which leave out of Provincetown's MacMillian and Fisherman's Wharves, continue, weather permitting, through the end of October. They will resume a regular schedule next May. For more info, call 1 800-442-3188.

The writer was provided with complimentary passes for the purpose of reviewing the whale watch. While it has not influenced this review, ExploreNewEngland.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.

Photo: ©Arthur Levine, 2006.

The weather may be getting cooler, and our thoughts may be turning to hot cider and pumpkin pie, but folks in Massachusetts have a year-round passion for ice cream. Case in point: There's been plenty of reader response to my Cape Cool ice cream rating series. A few weeks back, my posse of intrepid taste testers scoured Cape Cod in search of the area's best ice cream. We had our say. Some of you got your licks in via email. Here's a sampling of responses, starting with Cape Cod Foodie. (And with an email handle like that, we'd better pay attention.)

I think that Polar Cave is the best ice cream on the Cape. I agree that the vanilla and chocolate are exceptional. I like the Almond Joy, but find that the frozen pudding is the best anywhere. Go back and taste for yourself.

Well, Mr. or Ms. Foodie, thanks for writing and sharing your thoughts. To be honest...

...the coconut flavor in the Polar Cave's Almond Joy may not have been everyone's cup of, er, ice cream. I gave each shop the option to choose its own "signature" flavor for our taste test (we also sampled vanilla and chocolate at each place to maintain some consistency), and the owner of Polar Cave singled out the Almond Joy. Then again, a lot of people wouldn't be too fond of the raisins and distinct flavors in frozen pudding, regardless of its pedigree. I was baffled that some members of my Cape Cool taste team found the Highland Creamery's chocolate heart attack "too chocolatey." But you know what they say: There's no accounting for taste--except the taste testers had survey sheets and accounted for their taste with a five-point rating system.

George writes:

Has your team of highly trained taste testers ever tried the Schoolhouse Ice Cream located on Route 28 in Harwich? Their Harwich Mud Pie is simply delicious.

Thanks for writing George. No, we didn't hit that place on our cross-Cape tour. The name sounds suspiciously like the Sundae School, which we did visit. I'll probably reconvene the Cape Cool team for another go-around to different shops next season. Maybe we'll see if Schoolhouse makes the grade.

Deb says size DOES matter, with ice cream portions anyways:

I am sorry to hear that the Cape Cod Creamery was voted number one in your search for Cape Cod's best ice cream. We visited the Cape Cod Creamery when it first opened. I ordered a small ice cream, and when I saw the size, I asked the server where the rest of it was. She said that their ice cream was so rich, you needed very little, and that I would be satisfied when I tasted it. Well after two spoonfuls, the ice cream was gone, and I can't say that I was satisfied at all! We have never returned to the Cape Cod Creamery and never will. When you pay for a small scoop of ice cream you deserve a scoop of ice cream. I did enjoy the rest of your article and agree with all your other comments. Cape Cod Creamery just hits a sore spot with me and my family.

Thanks for writing Deb. Yes, as I pointed out in the Cape Cool survey, the servings were quite small (and ironically, among the most expensive). It must be tough for ice cream shop owners to find the right balance of quality, price, and value to be successful, given the short season and fierce competition. Cape Cod Creamery has developed a high-quality/high-price formula. It's up to consumers to determine the value. Obviously you made your determination.

Photo: Virtualcities.com

We observed, sniffed, licked, gently chewed, slurped, pondered over, gently chewed some more, and otherwise snarfed down eighteen scoops of ice cream at six of Cape Cod's most highly regarded shops in an attempt to determine which joint had the best cool, creamy stuff. Our conclusion: BURP! No actually, the crack ice cream survey team I assembled was able to pare down the list and come up with some winners.

If you arrived here first and want to learn more about our highly sophisticated, if wholly disreputable, survey process as well as discover more about our adventures at Cape Cod Creamery, Polar Cave, and Four Seas Ice Cream, click over to Part one of my Cape Cool blog series. To learn more about our ice cream samplings at Highland Creamery, the Sundae School, and the Ice Cream Cafe, zip over to Part two of the series. If you're waiting with your tongues hanging out and your stomach growling to find out who the winners are, read on. Ed McMahon, please call for the timpani.

We sampled vanilla, chocolate, and one flavor that each shop identified as its signature. We used a five-point rating system and judged the ice cream on attributes such as texture and flavor intensity. I crunched all the numbers. Of the six shops we visited, the winner, with an overall score of 4.61, was Cape Cod Creamery (Route 28 in S. Yarmouth, 508-398-8400). Rating a 4.69, its chocolate also topped our survey. And its signature flavor, Craigville Caramel Crunch, scored a near-perfect 4.82 and blew away the competition in that category. A relative newcomer to Cape Cod's dessert scene, the Cape Cod Creamery offered smooth, obviously fresh, and creamy ice cream with distinct and tasty, but not overwhelming, flavors.

Coming in second place was Polar Cave (22 Falmouth Rd., aka Rt. 28, in Mashpee, 508-477-5553) with an overall score of 4.21. Its vanilla rated a 4.43 to top our list, although its Almond Joy didn't quite fill our survey team with joy. Just behind Polar Cave with an overall score of 4.17 was the Sundae School (381 Lower County Rd. in Dennisport, 508-394-9122-- also locations in Harwichport and East Orleans). Its ice cream scored well for all three flavors, but the shop is best known for its unique sundaes and its cute schoolhouse charm.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of our ice cream gorge-a-thon was the disappointing results at the legendary Four Seas Ice Cream (360 S. Main St. in Centerville, 508-775-1394). Perennially praised for having some of Cape Cod's best ice cream, we rated the 72-year-old shop last with an overall rating of 3.76. With strong hints of cinnamon, its chocolate was just plain weird. And the texture of the ice cream was a bit gummier than the other shops.

My personal favorite shop was Highland Creamery (Route 6 in Truro, 508-487-3435). Its Chocolate Heart Attack (deep chocolate ice cream with fudge chunks, Godiva-soaked brownie pieces, and shaved white chocolate--can somebody scream, "Amen!") is to die for. And with its bubble machine, disco ball, and other wacky frou-frou, its decor was beyond funky.

Do you have your own favorite Cape Cod ice cream shops? Do you think my Cape Cool survey team was wildly off base? Write to me using the "Ask Arthur Here" box in the right column.

Photo: Business Brokers.com Web site

My expert team of highly trained taste testers--OK, actually it's about a dozen members of my extended family--are crisscrossing the Cape to try and scope out the area's best ice cream. If you arrived here first, you may want to click over to the first part of my three-part blog series in which I explained our highly sophisticated rating protocols--OK, actually our methodology and results are highly suspect, but we're having a ball--and weighed in on the first three shops, the Cape Cod Creamery, Polar Cave, and Four Seas Ice Cream. In this blog, we move on to our next three premium homemade ice cream stands. Which Cape Cod shops take a lickin' and are worth your pickin'? Read on.

5-pont rating system: 1=UGH! 5=COOL!

Highland Creamery
Route 6, Truro
508-487-3435

A relative newcomer to the Cape Cod ice cream scene, Highland Creamery is as noteworthy for its wild decor as its wild flavors. Perhaps taking its cue from uber-funky Provincetown, the shop includes a disco ball, a bubble machine, hot pink and blue frilly umbrellas on its outdoor tables, and retro 70s tunes playing on the sound system. Amid all the whimsy, however, there is some serious ice cream. The flavors, particularly the chocolate, are intense. Not that I or most of the survey team could even comprehend the notion, but a couple of our tasters found the flavors "too chocolate-y." That's like having too much fun. Among the wacky and highly creative (and highly delicious) flavors are White Trash (which includes white peaches and liquor-soaked white chocolate) and the signature flavor we sampled, Chocolate Heart Attack: deep chocolate ice cream with fudge chunks, Godiva-soaked brownie pieces, and shaved white chocolate. Oh. My. Goodness. For me, Highland Creamery was ice cream ecstasy. A small cone, which was quite small, costs $3.05, the most expensive among the six shops we visited.

• Vanilla: 3.56
• Chocolate: 4.47
• Signature flavor-- Chocolate Heart Attack: 4.26

Sundae School Ice Cream
381 Lower County Rd., Dennisport (also locations in Harwichport and East Orleans)
508-394-9122

With its vintage knickknacks, marble tables, and player piano, the Sundae School makes a great presentation. A trip here for a sweet treat is an event, and the shop is quite popular. (During peak times, employees direct traffic in the parking lot.) But it is also the largest of the Cape Cod ice cream shops we visited, and the Sundae School's eager team of scoopers, which gets my pick for the best service, keeps the line moving. While its flavors scored well in our ratings, the Sundae School is really best known for its--you guessed it--sundaes. Unique sundae toppings include fresh blueberry, maple walnut, fresh strawberry, and burgundy cherry. The hot fudge sundae, with its dripping marshmallow and gooey hot fudge, brings back memories of Bailey's, the long-lamented Boston-area ice cream chain. For the signature flavor, we sampled Shark's Tooth: black raspberry with white chocolate chips. A small cone, which was fairly small, costs $2.85.

• Vanilla: 3.97
• Chocolate: 4.27
• Signature flavor-- Shark's Tooth: 4.28

Ice Cream Cafe
5 S. Orleans Rd. (Rt. 28), Orleans
508-240-0003

A tiny shop tucked behind a law office, the Ice Cream Cafe has a surprisingly large menu of flavors. In addition to ice cream and fountain drinks, the shop also serves fresh fruit slush (yum!) and flavored coffees. If the shop gets too claustrophobic, there is a deck behind the shop. A small cone, which was fairly small, costs $2.65.

• Vanilla: 3.97
• Chocolate: 4.15
• Signature flavor-- Pumpkin Pie: 4.30

In the final part of the Cape Cool ice cream survey series, I'll summarize and evaluate the ratings numbers.

Photo: A few members of Explore New England's Cape Cod Ice Cream Survey Team.
©Arthur Levine, 2006. Licensed to boston.com.

Nearly everybody loves ice cream, but with per-capita consumption levels off the charts, New Englanders, and Bay Staters in particular, have an incredible jones for the cool, creamy stuff. Since summer vacations and ice cream go hand in sticky hand, it's no wonder that Cape Cod has an explosion of ice cream shops--and just may be the ice cream capital of the world. So, where is the Cape's very best ice cream? Beats me. But I assembled a crack team (my extended family) to go on a rigorous tour of duty and sample some of the region's most celebrated creameries. Herewith, the first of a three-part blog series in which we attempt to identify who has Cape Cod's best ice cream.

First, some ground rules and caveats: There may be over 100 shops on the Cape peddling ice cream. Of those, there are probably at least a couple dozen that make their own. Nothing against Friendly's or places that bring in Hershey's brand or ice cream from other sources, but I wanted to focus on the homegrown variety. The six shops I chose to visit were more or less random; there may very well be other places on the Cape that serve "better" ice cream. Perhaps I'll make this an annual series and visit different shops in future years.

At each stand, we sampled vanilla, chocolate, and one flavor that the shop identified as its signature. We used a highly sophisticated five-point rating system and judged the ice cream on attributes such as texture and flavor intensity. The process was as scientifically sound as a glob of melted chocolate chip ice cream, and the results have a margin of error of plus or minus 100%. Keep in mind that all of the shops serve super-premium ice cream (and charge super-premium prices), and that even the lowest-scoring flavors (which weren't all that low) were still wonderful and infinitely better than most of the air-filled gunk passing for ice cream in supermarket freezers. OK, enough with the blather; let's get down to business.

5-pont rating system: 1=UGH! 5=COOL!

Cape Cod Creamery
Route 28, S. Yarmouth
508-398-8400

One of the newer shops on the Cape Cod scene, the Creamery's locally named flavors (Patti Page Peppermint anyone?) look irresistible and sinfully delicious. In this case, looks are not deceiving. In addition to ice cream and sherbet, the shop offers a few gelato choices. A small cone (which is quite small) costs $2.95.

• Vanilla: 4.32
• Chocolate: 4.69
• Signature flavor-- Craigville Caramel Crunch: (A near-perfect) 4.82

Polar Cave
22 Falmouth Rd. (Rt. 28), Mashpee
508-477-5553

Tucked into a small strip mall on Rt. 28, the cute shop sports a North Pole theme. Of all the shops we visited, the Polar Cave's portions were the largest (although I've seen much bigger servings at off-Cape shops) and, ironically, its prices ($2.59 for a small cone) were the lowest. While its vanilla and chocolate rated highly, Polar Cave's signature flavor didn't quite pass muster with the survey team.

• Vanilla: 4.43
• Chocolate: 4.48
• Signature flavor-- Almond Joy: 3.73

Four Seas Ice Cream
360 S. Main St., Centerville
508-775-1394

In business since 1934, the Four Seas has a longstanding reputation as one of the Cape's premier ice cream shops. The small, bustling stand, with its old-fashioned counter and blue-padded stools, is quite charming and quintessentially "Cape Cod." In addition to ice cream, the Four Seas offers sandwiches and other light fare. In what may be the biggest surprise of our ice cream quest, the perennial favorite yielded some relatively low ratings numbers. The Four Seas chocolate, in particular, was divisive. Imbued with a powerful cinnamon taste, our surveyors either loved it or hated it. Those that hated it dragged the average rating down. A small serving, which is not quite as tiny as Cape Cod Creamery's but still petite, costs $2.75.

• Vanilla: 3.44
• Chocolate: 3.70
• Signature flavor-- Penuche Pecan: 4.14

In the next part of the Cape Cool ice cream survey series, the team will visit Highland Creamery, The Sundae School, and the Ice Cream Cafe. In the final blog, I'll summarize and evaluate the ratings numbers.

Photo: Four Seas Web site

With its picture-perfect charm and renowned hospitality (Bill Clinton didn't make his annual presidential pilgrimage to Massachusetts for nothin'), Martha's Vineyard is often on vacationers' must-see lists. Unfortunately, they typically plan a daytrip side-visit as part of a swing through Boston. It's difficult--if not downright impossible--to get a true sense of the Vineyard's allure during a quick stop-and-tour, but sometimes, that may be all the time a visitor can budget. John and his fellow travelers will be crossing the pond and emailed me seeking tour info for the island:

We're landing at Martha's Vineyard for a 1-day stop (in late September) on a 7-day cruise and would like to see the best of the island. Are there local, specialist tours of say, about 8 hours that would give us the true flavour of the place? We're from England and have never visited this region of the U.S.

Thanks for writing John. I'm pleased you'll be visiting our fair state. If you hadn't mentioned your country of origin, I could have guessed from the proper-English spelling of "flavour." We leave out the "u." Even stranger, we pronounce it "flavah." Bostonians have a thing about dropping the "r" from words and inserting the "r" where it doesn’t belong. We call our beloved island, "Mahther's Vineyard."

It's a shame you won't be able to spend more time on the Vineyard. A few hours really won't allow you to explore its enchanting qualities or get into the laid-back island rhythm. But there are some tour companies that will accommodate your wham-bam-thank-you-m'am sightseeing request, including...

• Martha's Vineyard Sightseeing 508-627-8687
  Probably the biggest of the island's tour companies, it offers two-and-a-half hour narrated excursions that visit all six Vineyard towns. The buses briefly stop at the Aquinnah cliffs for visitors to take in their splendor (or is that splendour?)--and so the gift shops can take in visitors' dough. No reservations are required, and the buses leave frequently during peak tourist season.
• Vineyard Guides 508-693-6248
  If you want a more personalized experience (and you're willing to pay a $50-per-hour fee), consider hiring a "step-on" guide. These local docents will board your vehicle and take you for a custom, whirlwind tour across the island. If you aren't planning to have a car, they can probably work something out.
• Vineyard Flyer 508-693-4907
  To get an entirely different view of the island, take to the skies. The Vineyard Flyer's Cessna planes can carry up to three passengers, and offer a variety of tours at different price levels and durations. They will also arrange custom tours.

Have a ball on your trip, John. And please don't hold that whole Tea Party thing against us. (Or, is that Tea Pahty?)

-Arthur
Arthur Levine
Having a wicked good time in Massachusetts!
Explore New England Massachusetts Blogger

Photo: Martha's Vineyard Sightseeing Web site

Trips to the beach, rounds of mini-golf, seafood dinners, and other favorite Cape Cod pastimes are great, but sometimes folks on vacation--particularly families with children--are looking for some unique pizzazz to round out their itinerary. Folks like Patty from Washington, DC who emailed me with this request:

We 're taking a family vacation in North Truro Aug. 18 to 25: We'll be traveling with 2 adults and 3 kids, ages 3, 6, and 9. Will there be any special events in P-Town or nearby, such as fireworks, carnivals, or festivals? Thanks!

Thanks for writing Patty. To the best of my knowledge, there won't be any fireworks or carnivals on the Cape at that time. But there are a few events that you may want to check out, including...

The 35th Festival of the Arts, August 18, 19, 20 at Chase Park in beautiful Chatham. There will be a national juried exhibition presented by the town's Creative Arts Center along with children's activities and food. Admission is free. 508-945-3583.

The 34th Annual Orleans Arts & Crafts Show, August 19 & 20 at Nauset Middle School on Rt. 28 in Orleans. There will be more than 100 professional artists and craftsmen. Free admission.

Family Day at the Cape Cod Museum of Art, August 19 at the museum on Route 6A in Dennis. Kite-making, arts & crafts booths, easel drawing, museum tours, music, and other activities. Free admission. 508-385-4477

Family Fun, Historical & Heritage Event on August 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Josiah Dennis Manse Museum in Dennis. There will be a 1700s reenactment with costumed interpreters and a Colonial Militia encampment performing drills. Donations appreciated. 508-385-2232

Croquet Party and Picnic on August 20 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the grounds of the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown. To kick off the town's 2007 Centennial Celebration, there will be croquet lessons, demonstrations, and a tournament. There will also be a children's area with activities. Free admission to event & grounds. Refreshments will be available for purchase. 508-487-1310

Have a (croquet) ball on your vacation.

-Arthur
Arthur Levine
Explore New England
Massachusetts Blogger
Having a wicked good time in Massachusetts!

Photo: Bold Bluff Web site

It's summer. You're heading to Cape Cod. You make a mental checklist of the things you'll have to do: Go to the beach, play mini-golf, buy some tacky tchochkes (while carefully sidestepping the chozzerai), catch a sunset over the ocean, and, of course, indulge in some lobster. Nearly every restaurant on the Cape serves lobster. Where should you go to savor the sweet summertime treat? Ginny must be making her Cape Cod checklist. She sent me this email missive:

I am looking for a casual place for lobster on the Cape! Can you recommend somewhere with a view, and maybe even on the beach?

Sure Ginny. Thanks for writing. The Cape is a big place, and you didn't mention where you'll be heading. So, I'll offer a few spots around Cape Cod for your consideration.

At the gateway to the Cape, the Lobster Trap in Bourne (290 Shore Rd, 508-759-3992) offers no-nonsense lobstah, fried seafood, and some more adventurous fare in a no-nonsense setting (think plastic patio furniture) that overlooks Buzzards Bay. Since they also run a retail fish market and sell wholesale seafood, these folks know their lobsters.

In the Mid-Cape area, check out the Lobster Boat in West Yarmouth (508-775-0486). Located on congested Route 28, the view from the front of the restaurant isn't much. But the restaurant's windows all face the back and overlook a marina on the Parker River. The restaurant itself, which looks like a large sailing vessel, offers quite a view for motorists on Route 28. (My wife's grandfather used to refer to the place as The Love Boat; sadly, we never once bumped into Captain Stubing or Gopher.) The menu includes fried, baked, and broiled seafood, and all kinds of lobster, including a surf and turf combo with prime rib, a lazy man's lobster, and an oh-my-goodness, humongous three-pound serving.

If you'll be staying on the Lower Cape (that's the outermost area), consider The Lobster Pot in Provincetown (321 Commercial Street, 508-487-0842). You can't miss the funky neon lobster-adorned sign out front (which is authentic, not retro; the place has been a P-Town landmark for ages). The dining room has spectacular harbor views. If you wish, you can pick your own lobster from the tanks at the front of the restaurant. For a delicious prelude to your lobster feast, get the kale soup.

-Arthur
Arthur Levine
Explore New England
Massachusetts Blogger
Having a wicked good time in Massachusetts!

Photo: Globefish Web site

There's something about the quaint charm of Cape Cod's islands that beckons lovers. Both Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are popular destinations for honeymooners, couples seeking a romantic getaway, and quixotic paramours such as Tim, who is looking for the ideal setting to pop the big question and emailed me for suggestions. Ah, young love. Tim writes:

Can you give me a few of the most romantic places in Martha's Vineyard? I'm looking for something very special as a possible engagement point. Thanks so much.
-Tim

Thanks for writing Tim. Martha's Vineyard offers a storybook setting that will provide a memorable backdrop when you ask for your beloved's hand in marriage. "The most romantic places" are in the eye (the heart?) of the beholder, so I'll offer a few varied suggestions.

Martha's Vineyard has a number of intimate, captivating inns that could help set the tone for your mission. Two of the island's best inns also boast highly regarded restaurants. Perhaps you could make arrangements with the host to prepare a special meal and follow it with champagne for the big moment. The Beach Plum Inn overlooks the ocean in Menemsha, a tiny town tucked into a quiet corner of the Vineyard. Among its amenities are a private beach for guests, horseback riding trails, sailing, and to-die-for sunsets (plan your meal and big question time accordingly). Lambert's Cove Inn, located in Tisbury, is an equally charming and romantic spot. Dating back to 1790, the historic estate also offers a private beach as well as a heated whirlpool.

Maybe you want to find a quiet spot right on the beach to engage in your engagement query. There are no shortage of beautiful beaches on Martha's Vineyard, of course. One of the best is Moshup Beach. Located at the base of Gay Head's multi-colored cliffs, the small beach is gorgeous. As a bonus, Moshup Beach has a section that is (unofficially) clothing-optional. That might make for a memorable spot to launch into your spiel. (Then again, where would you hide the ring?)

If you're looking for someplace more whimsical, how about the Flying Horses Carousel at Oak Bluffs? Built in 1876 (it was moved to the Vineyard in 1884), it is the nation's oldest operating platform carousel, and is among a few that still entice riders to catch the brass ring. The twenty hand-carved horses include real horsehair. Here are my thoughts: Contact the attraction's operator and pre-arrange an after-hours visit. Instead of the band organ music, make plans to have them play your favorite song. See if you can somehow substitute your engagement ring in the carousel's ring dispenser, and have your betrothed sit on an outside horse to grab the ring.

Tim, I wish the best of luck to you. Kindly email me back and let us know about your island adventure. And remember that although your lives together will have its ups and downs, you'll always be able to look back at your idyllic Martha's Vineyard getaway for inspiration to grab the brass ring.

-Arthur
Arthur Levine
Explore New England
Massachusetts Blogger
Having a wicked good time in Massachusetts!

Photo: The Beach Plum Inn Web site

Cape Cod's much-touted islands can present a dilemma to visitors with limited time available for their itineraries. If circumstances demand that vacationers choose Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket--but not both--which one should they visit? That's what prompted Jennifer to send me an email:

We are traveling to the east coast this October and will be spending one & a half days on the Cape. We would like to visit Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket but only have time for one (would like to stay the night). Which island would you recommend? Thanks!

Thanks for writing Jennifer. October is a wonderful time to visit the Cape and Islands. The summer crowds are gone, the pace is more relaxed, the crisp fall weather is delightful, and the off-season prices are great. If only all of life's decisions could be so sweet. Talk about a no-lose situation! I'm sure you'd find either island charming and memorable. Given your particular circumstances, however, I'm going to recommend that you consider choosing Nantucket. Here's why.

Since you'll only have two days and one night for your mini island getaway, I believe you'd appreciate Nantucket's more compact size. Whereas Martha's Vineyard is larger and comprised of a number of distinct towns and villages, most of Nantucket's sights are on the island's main town of Nantucket. You can take a reasonably priced shuttle service (or rent bicycles if you wish) to explore the outlying areas of Medaket, Surfside Beach, or 'Sconset, but you'll be able to comfortably access the town of Nantucket by foot. The island's two main ferry services, the Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises, both dock in town, and, if you'll be traveling lightly, you'll probably be able to walk from the wharf to your hotel or inn. (Just be careful on the lovely, but bumpy cobblestone streets.) While Nantucket is farther away from the mainland than Martha's Vineyard and used to take considerably longer to reach, both companies now offer high-speed ferries that complete the trip in about an hour. The Explore New England site has more info and resources to help you plan your trip to Nantucket. Have a great vacation.
-Arthur

Arthur Levine
Explore New England
Massachusetts Blogger
Having a wicked good time in Massachusetts!

Photo: Nantucket Chamber of Commerce

Summer's here, and the time is right for dancing in the... aisles of the state's many musical amphitheaters. That's if the security goons don't shoo the boogalooers back to their seats. Why do venues often treat fans that have shelled out big bucks to see their favorite bands more like criminal suspects than valued, welcomed customers? Case in point: My wife and I went to the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis last Friday to see alt-rockers Toad the Wet Sprocket (named after a silly Monty Python routine and known for tasty 90s' hits such as "Walk on the Ocean," "Fall Down," and "All I Want"). On the way into the theater, a guard rifled through my wife's purse and confiscated a half-finished bottle of water. Granted, the summer music season is short, and venues are entitled to make a buck. But it seems they capitalize on post-9/11 jitters (as if crazed, angst-ridden Toad terrorists might actually attempt to seize the Melody Tent) and use the guise of "security" to impound smuggled goodies so they can hawk their overpriced bottled water and other fare. My wife reluctantly tossed her half-finished bottle of water into a giant barrel filled with other audience members' contraband.

Although the sound mix could have been better, we enjoyed show. The band's catchy tunes and soaring harmonies were as glorious as ever. Nothing against Big Head Todd and the Monsters, the second act on the double bill, but we were there to see Toad the Wet Sprocket. After Toad's 90-minute set, my parched wife picked up an overpriced bottle of water at the concession stand, and we headed for the exit...where we were met by the same burly security worker who impounded our water earlier in the evening. He informed us that patrons were not allowed to remove any food or beverages from the grounds and told my wife to toss her barely consumed bottle into the now-overflowing barrel. Generally a laid-back, agreeable soul, my wife exploded and told the guard she was keeping this bottle and defiantly dared him to arrest her. (In defense of the Melody Tent, a manager later apologized and informed me that the guard was in error; guests are allowed to leave the premises with purchases other than alcohol.)

With that, we stormed off to our car...and found it boxed in on all sides. When we parked the car, there were two rows and plenty of wiggle room. Even though the show wasn't sold out, and the lot ended up half empty, the Melody Tent parking crew had sent latecomers into row after row of tight spaces with no access except for the cars on the ends. We had no desire to see the rest of the show (and I wouldn't be surprised if the Melody Tent had a no-readmit policy--there's no telling how my wife would have reacted to that). Like the hearty Massachusetts folks that we are, when life hands us lemons, we make...clam chowdah. We walked across the street to the Sheraton Hotel's comfortable pub and had some delicious chowder while we waited for the show to end.

The Melody Tent has some wonderful performances coming up, including the Indigo Girls, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, The Pretenders, and Lyle Lovett. Catching a show there can be a great adjunct to a Cape Cod getaway. But if you go, do yourself a favor and leave your beverages in the car--and consider parking it offsite.

Photo: Cape Cod Melody Tent Web site

Most folks heading off for a Cape Cod vacation want to get past the Cape Cod Canal, the man-made waterway that separates the mainland from the Cape, and on to their destination. But the canal itself is a point of interest, and there are a number of tour boats that ply its waters. That prompted Michael to zip off this email to my mailbag:

Where can I find a ferry boat to take me through the Cape Cod Canal?

Thanks for writing Michael. I'm not sure whether you are asking about boat tours of the canal or ferries that cross the canal.

If it's the latter, there aren't any ferries (that I know of anyway) because there are two bridges, the Sagamore and the Bourne, that provide access for vehicles and pedestrians. They tend to get jammed up during peak vacation periods, but the Commonwealth is building a "flyover" slated to open later this year that will eliminate the rotary at the Sagamore Bridge and should help reduce congestion. The Bay State Cruise Company, located at Seaport Boulevard near Boston's World Trade Center, offers ferry service between Provincetown and Boston. Its high-speed ferry takes just 90 minutes to complete the trip. Contact Bay State Cruise Company at 617-748-1428.

As for Cape Cod Canal tour boats, Hy-Line Cruises leaves from Onset Town Pier, near the Bourne Bridge, and offers two- and three-hour sightseeing cruises, as well as sunset cocktail cruises and music cruises. Contact Hy-Line at 800-492-8082.

Photo: Cape Cod Community College

Do you think Boston's Esplanade is the only place in Massachusetts to celebrate Independence Day? Dream on. Sure, Keith Lockhart and his white-jacketed entourage are going to blow the roof off the joint (well, as much as a guy with red, white, and blue suspenders wielding a baton can blow a roof off a joint) when Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry work the crowd into a patriotic tizzy for the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on July 4. But in order to get a decent seat amid the gazillion or so folks who will be converging alongside the Charles River, you'd have to arrive at around 3 a.m. On July 3. (Just kidding; there's actually no overnight camping allowed.) Instead, why not head down to Cape Cod and get your pyrotechnics fix along with some beach action? Granted, there'll probably be a gazillion people on Cape Cod during the holiday week, but there are a bunch of fireworks displays planned, so the crowds will be spread around. Here's a rundown:

• Saturday, July 1- Hyannis, Lewis Bay, 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 1- Orleans, Rock Harbor, 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 1- Wareham, Shell Point, Onset Village, 8:30 p.m.
• Monday, July 3- Falmouth, Falmouth Heights, Grand Ave, 8:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 4- Nantucket, Jetties Beach, 8:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 4- Martha's Vineyard, Edgartown Harbor, 8:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 4- Provincetown, MacMillan Pier, 8:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 6- Mashpee, Mashpee High School, Old Barnstable Road, 8:30 p.m.
• Friday, July 7- East Sandwich, Sandwich High School, 365 Quaker Meeting House Road, 8:30 p.m.

Photo: Falmouth Chamber of Commerce

It's been 31 years since Steven Spielberg's classic film Jaws scared the carp out of everybody--and it still might not be safe to go back in the water. An upcoming event will attempt to lure folks back to the beach for one more go-around with Bruce the mechanical shark, however. Amid last year's 30th anniversary hoopla, there were all kinds of events presented on Martha's Vineyard, which served as the site where the film was shot and the inspiration for the fictional island of Amity. This year, there's going to be an outdoor screening of the high-grossing (and some would say, gross-out) film on the island. That prompted this inquiry in my chum bucket, er, mailbag from Liz:

Do you have any info regarding that Netflix screening of Jaws on MV this summer?

Thanks for writing Liz. Here's the scoop:

The Jaws event will be held at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 5 at Ocean Park, located on Seaview Avenue in Oak Bluffs. Admission will be free, and folks are advised to bring their own beach blankets and folding chairs to get comfy for the movie. The presentation is part of Netflix Rolling Roadshow, a month-long festival of outdoor screenings to be held in the locations celebrated in the films (including The Warriors at Coney Island and Field of Dreams at a remote baseball field in Iowa). There aren't any rain dates mentioned for the Jaws screening in the info I've seen, so dress accordingly. And if you notice anything suspicious swimming underwater, especially if it's preceded by some piercing "da-dums" from stringed instruments, you'll probably want to get the heck out of there.

Photo: SpeilbergFilms.com

Head over to the Boston Common for the eighth annual Dads Make a Difference: A Celebration of Fathering and Families scheduled this Sunday, June 18, rain or shine from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The free, hands-on event will include games, magic, music, and mural painting. Kids can nominate their pop for a Super Dad Award. Sponsored by an organization ca