We took our first beach outing this summer to Cape Cod. Since it was the July 4th long weekend we combined it with a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard.
Cape Cod
There are several towns in Cape Cod; Brewster, Chatham, Dennis, Provincetown, Wellfleet to name a few that have beautiful beaches, lighthouses, shopping, flea market, bars, seafood restaurants (seafood, lobsters are specialty of Cape Cod) etc. For bike lovers there are bike trails and bike rental shops in every town incase you don’t bring your own.
Chatham
We found this to be the most beautiful town of Cape Cod. Boutique hotels, B&B’s and picturesque beaches on a warm sunny day is a treat to the eyes.
Vivid blues of Chatham
We went to the lighthouse beach and then spent some more time at the Harding beach. Water at both these beaches was very calm so while Mandar enjoyed his swimming time I caught up on my reading – “The girl on the train” a great beach read.
After a couple of hours lolling at the beach, it was time for food. We drove up to this awesome beach side bar Beachcomber in Wellfleet. What an experience devouring swordfish kebabs and sipping on margaritas!
Food we ate in Cape Cod
Martha’s Vineyard
Next day, 4th July we took the 9 a.m. ferry to Martha’s Vineyard from New Bedford, an hour long comfortable ride. We got off at Oak Bluffs – this place has an English feel to it! After a quick breakfast at Linda Jean’s restaurant, we rented a moped to explore the island. There are several bike, moped rentals or you can use the bus service.
Our first stop was Aquinnah – enroute we discovered “Chilmark chocolates” a little cottage in Chilmark where they make and sell these lip-smacking chocolates. It was about 15 mins of wait to get inside which was totally worth it. You can’t miss this place if you are into chocolates (dark chocolate truffle was our favorite).
Aquinnah
On our way to Aquinnah we stopped at several places to enjoy the vistas of this beautiful island.
Beautiful scenery at Martha’s Vineyard
Aquinnah formerly known as Gay Head is know for its colorful clay cliffs, lighthouse and the beach.
Aquinnah Cliff
Aquinnah Lighthouse
Moshup Beach
From the cliff we took the Sensitive Trail – winding trail which takes you to Moshup beach
Moshup Beach, Martha’s Vineyard
Edgartown
The road from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown is a scenic one with lake on one side and beach on the other. As we approached the town, we were in for a pleasant surprise! The main street lined with hordes of people, young and old, locals and tourists, for the 4th of July parade. We merged right into the crowd and cheered the almost hour long parade. Next, we headed to the pier to get a good spot for the grand finale – FIREWORKS!! Grand indeed it was!
After a day well spent, we boarded the last ferry back to New Bedford.
TIP: Make sure to carry a sweater on this island coz it can get chilly after the sunset. Don’t get mislead by the July sun!
Glimpse of the independence day parade