Snowshoeing in Yarmouth

You don’t have to drive to the hills of New Hampshire for wintertime adventure. Snowshoeing along Yarmouth’s conservation trails is a terrific way to enjoy the outdoors, without traveling off Cape or spending a mountain of money. Of course you do need snow.

snowshoes

Cape Cod’s winters are milder than most of New England because the peninsula is nearly surrounded by water. But late in the season, when ocean temperatures dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in February and early March, coastal storms can bring the kind of heavy precipitation that summons snowplows and covers the landscape in a deep, white blanket.

Getting into the woods with snowshoes to enjoy the winter landscape can make you feel like a child again, opening the senses to unfamiliar sights and sounds – fresh fox and rabbit tracks along the path, the plop of snow clumps falling from branches, the winter call of black-capped chickadees (hey, sweetie), and the open vistas of ponds that were previously hidden by dense, summer foliage.

Snowshoeing is also a great aerobic exercise. It’s a low-impact activity that’s almost as natural as walking. But snowshoes are big and flat, so they require a wider stance, which puts extra work for the thighs and glutes. And it burns a blizzard of calories. Depending on the intensity and pace, a 160-pound person expends some 600 calories an hour while snowshoeing.

snowshoeing with dog

On Cape Cod, where much of the terrain is flat, you can get by with an entry-level pair of trail snowshoes for $130 to $200. Trail snowshoes are made for cruising along wide paths and rolling or flat terrain, as opposed to off-trail snowshoes, which improve performance on steep hills or when maneuvering around trees, logs and other obstacles, says Cliff Irving, a guide at Eastern Mountain Sports in Hyannis.

Trail snowshoes will adjust to fit multiple styles of winter hiking boots, so you don’t need to spend additional money for footwear, as long as the boots you own are sturdy, warm and waterproof. They should also be high enough to provide ankle support and keep out the snow.

If you don’t already have trekking poles for hiking, Irving advises buying a pair with basket attachments for snow. In addition to helping with balance, trekking poles allow you to cruise along with a rhythmic cross-country ski motion that gets the heart pumping. And when you want to test a patch of ice that may be concealing a deep puddle, you can poke it with a pole before stepping down. Finally, a pair of trekking poles poked into the snow makes a great place to hang your gloves when grabbing a drink or an energy bar.

Some other gear tips from Irving:

  • Gaiters are a good option for keeping snow out of your boots, especially if your boots are cut low (just above the ankles).
  • Bring an extra pair of socks with you when taking a long trip. If you stop for lunch and a drink, you can change out your socks to keep your feet dry and warm for the trek home.
  • Don’t buy snowshoes that are too big. Most guides recommend adding the weight of a 20- or 30-pound pack to your own weight, and buying a shoe that will support that load. But if you’re not likely to be carrying a heavy pack, you might get by with a smaller snowshoe that will be easier to maneuver.

Once you have the gear, getting outdoors is simply a matter of dressing for the weather (think layers) and heading to your favorite trail. In Yarmouth, that could mean the Cape Cod Rail Trail or one of the town’s many conservation areas, where paths meander through woodlands, around ponds, and across frozen salt marshes.

snowshoeing in the woods

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is an easy place for beginners, with flat terrain and room to move. The surface isn’t plowed, so bike traffic is minimal, save for a few hardy riders on fat-tire bikes. The only drawback is that you’ll eventually encounter roads, which will require removal of skis or snowshoes and stepping over the snowplow ridges to cross. The website has a link to a downloadable trail map, where you can look for long, uninterrupted stretches.

The Callery Darling Conservation Area, located north of Route 6A is fairly flat and easy to navigate, making it a good place for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, said Bill Bonnetti, field supervisor for the Yarmouth Division of Natural Resources. It also has a 130-foot boardwalk over the marshes and some scenic vistas along the trails.

Horse Pond Conservation Area features trails that wander through some 400 acres of town-owned land, just east of Higgins Crowell Road. The terrain is a little more challenging, but it’s a popular spot, along with the adjoining well fields, which are owned by the town’s Water District, Bonnetti said.

The Raymond J. Syrjala Conservation Area, off Winslow Gray Road, just north of Route 28, is also flat and easy to navigate, Bonnetti said. One side backs up to Water Department property, and the other side connects to town-owned cranberry bogs that are leased to growers. Bonnetti said roadways surrounding the bogs are open to the public, as long as visitors stay off the bogs and away from growing operations.

Dennis Pond, Sandy Pond and the Bud Carter Conservation Areas have steeper terrain with some rocks, which might be more difficult to navigate under a blanket of snow, Bonnetti said.

snowshoe footprints

Those who use the conservation trails after a storm should call the Yarmouth Division of Natural Resources at 508-760-4800 if they see any issues – downed trees or blocked access, Bonnetti said.

The same rules apply for conservation land during winter as in summer he added. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset, dogs are allowed on leashes, no motorized vehicles are permitted and there are no campfires. Find more about rules for Yarmouth’s conservation land online.

Learn about fall and winter bird-watching along Yarmouth’s Conservation Areas (featured in a November blog at the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce website).

Andy Tomolonis is a nonfiction author, travel writer and multimedia journalist.

Kick Start Your New Year’s Resolutions

fitness class

New Year’s health resolutions don’t have to disappear like the snow in a mid-winter thaw. There are ways to make them stick for the whole year – and maybe for a lifetime.

yoga pose

Start by making realistic resolutions – minor lifestyle changes that can have major influences on how you feel, advises Deb Mareb, owner and instructor at Yoga of Yarmouth Port. Instead of jumping into the latest fad diet or some new, high-intensity exercise regimen, she recommends trying something simple that brings you happiness. That can mean getting outdoors each day to enjoy nature, walking your dog every morning, or just putting down the cell phone and creating the space and time to relax.

Mareb, who has been a social worker and fitness instructor and also works as a wellness coach for cancer survivors, says she was drawn to yoga because it provides a balance of physical exercise and emotional health.

“I’ve seen a lot of people who are really physically fit, and not doing well mentally. And I’ve seen people who are mentally healthy but not physically fit,” she said in a telephone interview. “So, for me, I feel like it’s important to find a way to achieve a balance.”

yoga class

Mareb says she opened her studio to do just that – and to help others find a way to get through the flow of life …. “where today it’s really amazing and tomorrow your phone might ring in, and it’s not so amazing.”

“I want my studio to be successful, and I want people to come here,” she said. “But really, when you leave here, I want it to have an impact on your life.”

If you can’t visit Mareb’s studio, there are still ways to make yourself feel better, she said, citing one simple exercise that can be done almost anywhere and at any time of the day. It only takes a few minutes – enough time for 10 deep breaths – and you can practice it several times a day to ease stress.

meditating at the beach

Start by sitting down and closing your eyes, she said. Then take a deep breath, inhaling through your nose. Hold it for a few seconds before exhaling through your nose, while thinking consciously about the breath. Repeat the pattern for 10 breaths in all, counting on your fingers as you go. As you think about your breathing, the clutter of worrisome thoughts will disappear because your mind can only hold one thought at a time, she explained.

“Even if your mind is going from one thing to another really quickly, it still can only take in one thing at a time. So if you’re saying ‘inhale,’ right there, you’ve already quieted down. You’ve already gotten rid of the other 4,000 things on your mind.” Find more information on classes, instructors and facilities at the Yoga of Yarmouth Port website.

If you prefer the structure, equipment and social interaction of a fitness center, you should still find a way to make your exercise sessions enjoyable.

fitness class

Rebecca Terkelsen, fitness director, group trainer and Pilates instructor at the Mid-Cape Athletic Club on White’s Path in Yarmouth, suggests starting out with something that allows you to move at your own pace – like yoga or a Zumba group dance class, which will get you moving and having fun. She also recommends finding a friend or partner to share in your fitness goals so you can go to the gym together.

It’s less intimidating than working out alone, and it strengthens the commitment – both to your partner and to your exercise routine, she said.

couple playing tennis

A good working example of that friendship and commitment can be found at Mid-Cape Athletic Club’s tennis program, which draws friends together and gets them playing tennis, making their exercise regimen seem less like exercise and more like fun, she explained.

The club features classes in everything from yoga to high-intensity kick boxing, Terkelsen says, along with resistance training and cardiac machines. The best way to choose which exercise is best for you is to meet with a fitness counselor before starting your program, a service that she says is available with memberships.

More information on programs, facilities and pricing is available at Mid-Cape Athletic Club’s website.

Even small amounts of physical exercise can bring noticeable health benefits, according to the latest Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For substantial health benefits, adults should perform 30 minutes to an hour of exercise at least five days per week, the guidelines say. Find more about the report at the Physical Activities Guidelines for Americans website.

Andy Tomolonis is a nonfiction author, travel writer and multimedia journalist.

Beat Winter’s Chill with Hot Deals at Yarmouth’s Inns and Hotels

interior of hotel room

Need a break from the shopping, the housework or just the daily grind? Yarmouth’s inns and hotels are ready to accommodate you.

hands holding up champagne glasses and toasting

When the beach crowds fade each fall, innkeepers and hotel managers look for new ways to fill their rooms – often cutting prices and partnering with other businesses for creative promotions. That means smart shoppers can find some terrific deals – including discount packages with brunches, dinner coupons, brewery tours, spa treatments, and other amenities.

The off-season rates can also spark heart-warming get-togethers. Think about the friends or relatives you’ve been meaning to connect with. Now think about how many times you promised you’d “get together soon.” Booking an off-season package at one of Yarmouth’s inns or hotels can make that visit possible – without forcing you to renovate the spare bedroom.

front of Inn

It’s all about thinking like a winter traveler to figure out what they want, said innkeeper Chris Kennedy, who owns and runs the Inn on Main on Route 6A in Yarmouth Port with his life and business partner, Sarah Bradburn.

One popular package is a local brewery tour with Tap Tastings. Destinations vary depending on the number of participants, but the tours include safe transportation with stops at three or more of the Cape’s breweries. Guests get to sample beers and learn about the techniques used by brew masters at each stop. There’s also appetizers and swag from the Tap Tastings crew, and guests can buy beer and keep it cold until they get back to the inn. Brewery tours are typically scheduled for Friday evenings and include a 20 percent room discount for three-night stays or 10 percent for a two-night stay, Kennedy said.

The Inn on Main will also tailor packages to guests, depending on what they want. Options include massages by Body Sense Day Spa (either at the spa or in your room); gift coupons for dinner at local restaurants (Oliver’s, Old Yarmouth Inn and Grill 43); and arts and theater trips. The inn is currently arranging privately curated art tours and theater packages, Kennedy said, noting that details will be announced in mid-January. If you’ve got a furry friend, the Inn on Main is also pet friendly. Find more at the Inn on Main’s website.

front of Inn at yarmouth port

For a decadent treat, try the Inn at Yarmouth Port, which also partners with local businesses to create memorable visits. Owner and Innkeeper Kathleen Larson Day recommends the Relax and Eat Cake package. A two-day stay in one of the historic Inn’s seven luxury rooms comes with a $50 gift certificate toward dinner at The Old Yarmouth Inn or Grill 43. And when you return from the romantic meal, Larson Day will serve you a freshly baked cake for dessert (she’s also a baker and chef). Guests can choose chocolate or vanilla, and there’s even a gluten-free option. The inn also features a gourmet farm-to-table breakfast, along with snacks and beverages that are available 24/7.

She and her husband Chuck Day purchased the 176-year-old sea captain’s house in January of 2018 and spent the next year completing a massive renovation, carefully blending the property’s historic assets with contemporary features.

Prices vary by room, with information and reservations available on the Inn at Yarmouth Port website.

At the Bayside Resort Hotel on Route 28, General Manager Rod Sroczenski says convenience, pricing and the variety of off-season packages all contribute to satisfied customers.

Most of the guests that visit between November and April come from within the Boston, Worcester and Providence area, Sroczenski said. People just want to get away for a weekend, he said, and they find they can do it for a lot less money by booking an off-season stay on Cape Cod. Once they arrive, they also find great deals on so many of the terrific restaurants that make the Cape such a special destination.

The Bayside Resort caters to couples and families, who take advantage of the package deals, but also use the facility’s indoor pool, fitness center, game room and other amenities. Two favorite specials are the Beer Lover’s Brewery Package, which includes tours of local breweries and brews in your room’s refrigerator, and the New Year’s Family Fun Getaway Package, with a New Year’s Eve family pizza party, DJ and dance contests, followed by a countdown and midnight toast (with non-alcoholic beverages, of course). Other popular packages include the Girlfriend Getaway (when one girls’ night out isn’t enough) and trips to explore Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Find more at the Bayside Resort Hotel’s website.

Still looking for more? Check out the YCC’s Member Directory page and scroll through places to stay and places to play, along with dining and shopping options. Descriptions of member businesses include links to the individual websites where you can search for deals.

Andy Tomolonis is a nonfiction author, travel writer and multimedia journalist.

Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll

Where can you get a four-hour infusion of holiday spirit just 10 days before Christmas – and nibble on free food, sip hot cocoa or cider, and listen to live music? The answer, of course, is the Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll, a 1.5 mile jaunt along Route 6A, with more than two-dozen local businesses offering hospitality, entertainment and treats – all culminating with a tree-lighting ceremony at the Village Green.

people dressed up in Christmas attire

The annual stroll has grown in popularity since it began some five years ago, said Jennifer Werner, Director of Marketing, Communications and Events for the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce. The event now attracts more than 500 spirited revelers, who brave December’s chill for the spiritual warmth of camaraderie, caroling and cocoa.

This year’s stroll is Sunday, Dec. 15, from 1-4 p.m., followed by the annual tree-lighting ceremony on the Village Green. And don’t worry if the weather outside is frightful. A free trolley will be stopping at key destinations along the route, Werner said.

One of those key stops is the New Church Preservation at 266 Main Street, where you’ll find attractions for parents, children, and even the family pet. The church will host live music from the Cranberry Shores Chorus and the Uke-Clectics, along with face-painting and a balloon artist for the kids. Meanwhile, JoMama’s New York Bagels will bring cookies and hot chocolate for all and PETiculars is handing out homemade pet treats.

Another mandatory stop for parents with children is the Captain Bangs Hallet House, where the kids can get free photos with Santa (courtesy of Walgreens). The historic sea captain’s home and museum will be hosting a special holiday-themed exhibit during the stroll, “A Children’s Christmas in Yarmouth Port.”

cookies

What else is happening? There are 26 stops along the route, so it’s difficult to describe all the attractions in detail, but here are a few:

Holiday magic? The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod will host magic shows at 1:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m., and 3 p.m.

Soup’s on: The Optimist Café is serving Tuscan vegetable soup; the Old Yarmouth Inn will have butternut bisque; and the First Unitarian Church is offering corn chowder.

Cheese and music: Happy Fish Bakery will serve hot beverages and a choice of pastry or a cheese sampler, while the Northside String Band performs.

Frankly speaking … Jack’s Outback II is once again serving hot dogs and hot chocolate – an intriguing but popular combination (stroll participants are allowed one hot dog each, and organizers count the number of franks consumed to estimate the number of participants each year… so try not to imitate Miki Sudo or Joey Chestnut).

Sweet tooth? Design Works will hand out candy canes; Kinlin Grover is serving cotton candy; and Yoga of Yarmouth Port will offer candy cane tea and sweets.

In with the inn crowd? The Compass Rose Inn will have free coffee, cocoa and cookies; the cozy cocktail bar will be open for business; and singer/songwriter Kim Moberg will perform live music. Meanwhile the Liberty Hill Inn is serving hot mulled cider, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, with live Christmas carol music. The Village Inn Cape Cod will have cookies and mulled cider, and the Inn at Yarmouth Port will serve cookies and cider, while hosting an old-fashioned sing-along in the parlor.

Christmas tree

After the stroll, the holiday festivities conclude at the Village Green, where everyone gathers for the tree-lighting ceremony. There’s a blessing from the pastor at First Congregational Church, Werner said. Then a child from the audience is invited up to light the tree, and the group sings Christmas carols before parting ways.

Find more information about the stroll on the Event page. The YCC site also has detailed map of the Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll route, with a guide to attractions at every stop on the route and practical information about parking along the route.

This event is sponsored in part by the Town of Yarmouth’s Tourism Fund.

Andy Tomolonis is a nonfiction author, travel writer and multimedia journalist.

Shop local for holiday gifts

Had it up to Saint Nick’s bearded chin with crowded shopping malls, jam-packed parking lots and impossibly long check-out lines? Then go local. Buying your holiday gifts from small, hometown shopkeepers invites a more personal experience, without the commercial chaos.

christmas shopping

Yarmouth has scores of stores offering terrific gifts for the holidays. And when you buy from a local merchant, you’re also giving back to the community, says Jon Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. The trade group is urging holiday shoppers across the state to visit local businesses this season.

 “We need to remember that where we invest our dollars makes a difference in the local economy,” Hurst said. “Let’s be sure to commit to investing a good portion of our spending budgets right here in our communities, and to always remember that we should shop like jobs depend on it, because they do.”

Yarmouth shopkeepers are offering plenty of incentives for those who want to buy local. There are Black Friday promotions and Small Business Saturday deals stretching through November and into December.

Cape Cod Toy Chest

At Cape Cod Toy Chest in West Yarmouth, owner Matt Barbo says he’s running discounts on dozens of toys throughout November, including Star Wars action figures (25 percent), select Pokemon Card Packs (25 percent), Power Ranger figures (20 percent), and more. The store’s November and Black Friday deals will continue into Small Business Saturday (Nov. 30). In addition, there will be giveaway items for customers who spend $75 or more.

The store is hosting a winter party on Small Business Saturday, where kids can help decorate the shop with arts and craft snowflakes. Meanwhile, parents can save 25 percent on Melissa & Doug toys, including those ultra-realistic pretend food items and captivating magnetic tile building kits. Barbo has another round of promotions through mid-December, and more discounts will be announced beyond that. Check the store’s website at capecodtoychest.com/events/ for more information.

Just Picked Gifts

At Just Picked Gifts in Yarmouth Port, manager Kim Kelley has you covered – or at least she has your feet covered. On Small Business Saturday, the store is giving away a $3.99 pair of socks with every purchase of more than $25. And the store’s Willow Street location is participating in the Dec. 15 Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll. On that day, Just Picked Gifts will be serving cider and snacks, while offering a free gift with every purchase (while supplies last).

just picked logo

Stumped for ideas? Kelley suggests a Cape and Islands throw blanket, for the chilly winter nights ahead. Other gift suggestions include Cloverdilly soy candles and Nautical Charts jewelry. The store is always expanding its selection of locally made products (an important consideration if you’re buying local). And the Christmas Barn is filled with festive items for every age, Kelley says. Find more at justpickedgifts.com/.

Design Works

Design Works in Yarmouth Port is celebrating Small Business Saturday by offering a 15 percent discount on everything in the store, including sale merchandise. It’s also hosting a Holiday Open House on Dec. 5, from 4-6 p.m., with cookies, cider and 20 percent off any single item over $20. In addition, Design Works will offer sweet treats and festive music during the Dec. 15 Yarmouth Port Stroll. Finally, for last-minute gift buyers, there’s a second Holiday Open House on Friday, Dec. 20. Customers who visit from 4-6 p.m., can savor wine and cheese, while saving 20 percent on any single item.

Owner Margaret Hill says she has the perfect gift idea for raw-bar lovers. The Ultimate Oyster Experience includes an oyster shucking class at the Pheasant Restaurant in Dennis, along with assorted products. Some other ideas? Cashmere hats, gloves, sweaters and wraps are always a great choice for the chilly weather ahead, Hill says. And handcrafted clam, oyster and mussel ornaments are a uniquely Cape Cod gift.

Each week between now and Christmas, Design Work’s website will release a new gift guide. Find more at https://www.designworkscapecod.com/.

Robin’s Toffee by the Sea

If you’re looking for something on the sweet side, toffee may do the trick. Robin Costa, owner of Robin’s Toffee by the Sea in South Yarmouth, calls her toffee “deliciously addictive,” adding that it makes a great employee and hostess gift for the holidays.

The store’s sampler box can be customized with four of your favorite flavors, including peppermint, which is back for the holiday season. Costa also recommends a sleeve of toffee in a fun, stemless wine glass, coffee mug or beer mug, all wrapped up for an ideal yet affordable gift. Robin’s Toffee by the Sea also has a full gift shop with something for everyone on your list. Find more at robinstoffeebythesea.com/.

Other shopping ideas

There are hundreds of other gift choices available at Yarmouth businesses – from jewelry to clothing to food items to arts and crafts. In other words, don’t limit yourself to these suggestions alone. Most Yarmouth stores post up-to-date information on their websites, where you can browse the merchandise, search for ideas, and contact the store to ensure that the items are in stock. Visit the YCC’s online directory of retail stores for more ideas:  https://business.yarmouthcapecod.com/list/ql/shop-46.

Andy Tomolonis is a nonfiction author, travel writer and multimedia journalist.

Winter Birding on Yarmouth’s Conservation Trails

Sea Duck

Fall and winter hikes through Yarmouth’s conservation areas provide an underappreciated view of the town’s natural beauty. The trails are quieter, marsh grasses turn to shades of gold, and fallen leaves rustle underfoot. The quiet season is also a sublime time to view winter migratory birds, which leave the frozen, snow-covered terrain in Canada to seek food and shelter in Cape Cod’s comparatively balmy climate.

Sea duck

Yarmouth has roughly 1,800 acres of conservation land scattered around the town, with trails that ramble through woodlands, along kettle ponds and across salt marshes. The varied topography provides multiple types of wildlife habitat, which make great places for observing nature. Bird lovers walking these trails in the late fall and winter months might spy sea ducks, loons, and other cold-weather visitors, along with the many species that linger year round on Cape Cod.

Most people think that birding is only done during June, July and August, and the annual bird migration is just an exodus of summer dwellers, says Phil Kyle, naturalist, birding guide and former columnist for the Cape Cod Times. But as the summer birds retreat, new species arrive from the north, he explains. These winter migrants include some 15 to 20 species of sea ducks, which aren’t found on Cape Cod during warmer months.

Callery Darling Conservation Area

One of the best areas for spotting both waterfowl and upland birds during the chilly months is the Callery Darling Conservation Area. Located north of Route 6A, it stretches from Homers Dock Road to the salt marshes west of Center Street. Callery Darling is one of the town’s most ecologically diverse conservation areas, with overgrown cranberry bogs, abandoned farmlands, maple swamps, and salt marshes.

Screech Owl

The varied habitat boasts an extensive list of unusual birds that could be seen if you’re quiet, patient, and lucky. The list includes Virginia Rails, Screech Owls, Fox Sparrows, Eastern Towhee, Green-winged Teal, Hermit Thrush, Gray Catbird, Rusty Blackbird, Northern Harrier, Sanderling, Dunlin, and Tree Sparrows, Kyle said.

A highlight for all who hike the trails at Callery Darling is the 800-foot Bass Hole Boardwalk, which crosses tidal creeks and offers inspiring views of the salt marshes, especially at sunset.

Meadowbrook Conservation Area

An easily accessible hiking area – and a superb place for viewing birds – is Meadowbrook Conservation Area, overlooking Swan Pond. In addition to Mute Swans, you might see Kingfishers, Gadwalls, Hooded Mergansers, American Wigeon, and various species of Scaup, Kyle says.

The terrain at Meadowbrook consists of brackish marsh, salt marsh, and relic Atlantic white cedar swamp fronting on Swan Pond. A 310-foot boardwalk leads from the parking area to the north shore of Swan Pond.

 The best spots for spying winter birds is east of the boardwalk, Kyle advises.

Dennis Pond Conservation Area

Dennis Pond, if it’s not frozen, is another good spot to view water birds, including loons. You might also glimpse lingering cormorants, Bufflehead Ducks and Scaup, along with resident inland birds along the easy-walking trails adjacent to the railroad tracks, Kyle says.

The main trail at Dennis Pond Conservation Area is less than a mile long (about 3,285 feet) winding through varied woodlands. There’s also a side trail that follows closely along the shoreline and rejoins the main trail.

South Shore Drive

You can also spot sea ducks and other marine birds along Yarmouth’s beaches, says Kyle. So if long walks along the churning shoreline bring comfort to the winter in your soul, pack a pair of binoculars and head to South Shore drive. Yes, there are hotels, homes and cottages to the north, but there’s also the beauty of Nantucket Sound to the south, with salty southwest winds blowing off the water.

Mute Swan

The invigorating shoreline trek will take you about 1.3 miles from Bass River Beach (aka Smuggler’s Beach) along South Shore Drive to Thacher Park Beach. There’s a sidewalk and easy parking. Now that summer has gone, you’ll find plenty of empty spaces at the beachfront lots.

Plenty More Trails to Explore

Yarmouth has many other conservation areas, with trails and natural beauty for autumn and winter hikes. If you’re feeling ambitious, try the Bud Carter Memorial Trail, which winds through 300 acres of conservation land and is home to Yarmouth’s highest elevation – 118 feet above sea level. On a clear day you can see all the way to Manomet Point in Plymouth. Walking is also a little more trying on these trails, with some loose rocks, narrow paths, and unmarked side trails. (Note: The main trail is marked in red, and loop trails to the north and south are designated with orange markers.)

Horse Pond Conservation Area has 400 acres, with a main trail that follows the northern perimeters of Horse Pond. You’ll also find numerous spurs, loops and connectors to other trail systems.

Sandy Pond Conservation Area surrounds Sandy Pond, a 12-acre kettle pond with steep slopes and a depth of roughly 35 feet. A nature trail leads around the pond and connects to other trails to the north, west, and east. The adjoining trails can lead for miles, so don’t wander too far.

Sparrow

Thatcher Shore Conservation Area consists of mostly salt marsh with a short trail through wooded thicket. The marsh end of the trail offers a chance to see numerous wading birds, along with ospreys and other raptors flying overhead. This is also a good spot to test your vision on a clear day. Look northward and see if you can find the needle pointing upward from the horizon. It’s Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown.

Raymond J. Syrjala Conservation Area has 15 acres, with a 3,500-foot looping trail that winds through wetlands. A man-made reservoir to the east was once used to store water for cranberry bogs that are now abandoned and overgrown.

Find more walks – along with trail rules and additional details about the places we’ve listed here – by downloading maps of Yarmouth’s conservation areas and trails. Print out the maps or send them to your mobile phone before you set out on your adventure.

What to Bring on your Walk

Binoculars

Weather conditions can change rapidly during the fall and winter months, and the best way to dress for change is to wear layers. A water-repellent windbreaker over a fleece vest is a good option, because you can unzip if it’s warm or bundle up when a cold wind whips in. Also bring along some water, a snack, and a map of the trail areas. Keep in mind that deer ticks are active on warm days in autumn, and you can still catch poison ivy from contacting the purplish-gray stems and telltale white berries.

If you’re planning to watch for birds, don’t forget the binoculars. Kyle suggests wearing earth tones and keeping relatively quiet as you make your way through the woods. Loud noises and colorful clothing will alert birds to your presence, and they may fly away before you get a chance to see them.

Be Careful of Hunters

One final but important safety note: Yarmouth allows hunting on some of its conservation land, so hikers should pay attention to signs during hunting season and be aware that you may be sharing the woods with hunters. Some tips:

  • Avoid hiking at dusk and dawn, which are the most popular times for hunting. Wooded areas are darker at those times, so you might not be seen as easily.
  • If you’re hiking in an area that is open to hunting, forget the earth tones. Instead, go with hunter orange or another bright color. The American Hiking Association suggests wearing a bright orange knit cap. Also remember to put a brightly colored vest or coat on your dog. Talking while walking is also a good way to remain noticeable.
  • Don’t wander off the main trails. Hunters tend to follow smaller game trails and are less likely to be encountered on main walkways.

FInd more information about hunting in Yarmouth here: https://www.yarmouth.ma.us/174/Hunting.

Andy Tomolonis is a nonfiction author, travel writer and multimedia journalist.

Lunch dates await, now that the kids are back in school

Let’s hear it for autumn. The summer swelter has headed south, traffic is easing up, and the kids are back at school. This can only mean one thing – it’s time to relax.

Suddenly you have an open schedule to take care of your own pursuits – visiting places you meant to see during the summer or catching up with friends you haven’t talked to in weeks (maybe months).

We’ve compiled a list of five fall day trips – excursions that are short enough to squeeze into that window of opportunity, after the bus picks up the kids and before it returns to drop them off. Best of all, the destinations are all right here in Yarmouth, so you don’t have far to drive.

Call a friend and head out for a bike ride, a power walk, or a museum visit. Work up a healthy appetite, then follow the fun with a relaxing lunch. You’ll turn an ordinary weekday into an extraordinary memory – and you’ll finish with plenty of time to beat the school bus home.

Bike Path and Brew Pub

Get some fresh air and exercise with a ride along the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Then grab lunch at the Sea Dog Brew Pub, and cap the afternoon with dessert at Bashful Tarte Bakery.

bicycle in the forest

The rail trail now starts in Station Avenue in South Yarmouth, so you can begin your adventure there and pedal for as far as abilities and ambitions will carry you. Just remember that you have to pedal back, so Wellfleet might be too far. The rail trail is also a great place for rollerblading, jogging, or walking the dog (although short leashes are a must if you don’t want to cause an accident with fast-moving cyclists).

After the biking, sip on a craft brew or cider at Sea Dog Brew Pub. The menu has a terrific list of choices from burgers and seafood to salads and fish tacos. If you’re into fall flavors, try the Pumpkinhead pale wheat ale. Check out the menu at the Sea Dog Brew Pub website for more choices.

Sea Dog Brew Pub does serve dessert, but if you want to keep moving, try the Bashful Tarte Bakery in the same complex at 23 White’s Path. There are too many choices of pies, cakes, bars and cookies to list, so we suggest checking out the menu at the Bashful Tarte Bakery’s website.

Pirate Treasure and Pub Food

exterior of the whydah gally at the whydah pirate museum

If you haven’t yet explored the Whydah Pirate Museum, make it a point to visit this fall. The museum holds priceless artifacts recovered from the sinking of Cape Cod’s legendary shipwreck, the Whydah Galley. Among the artifacts still being excavated from the wreckage today include weapons, coins, and other historical treasures from the ship that was commanded by pirate Captain Sam Bellamy. Undersea explorer Barry Clifford discovered the Whydah in 1984, some 267 years after it sank in a storm off Wellfleet in 1717, killing all but two of its 146 crew members. The Whydah contained loot from more than 50 plundered ships when it sank, providing a cross-cultural sampling of treasures, along with a unique look into the lives of real pirates, according to the Whydah’s Pirate Museum website, where you’ll find info on tickets and hours.

After the Whydah exploration, walk across the parking lot for lunch at Captain Parker’s Pub. It’s located right in front of the museum at 668 Route 28.

The lunch menu includes salads, sandwiches seafood and more. There’s even a Cape Cod Ruben (fried fish fillet instead of corned beef on grilled marble rye bread). Check out the other lunchtime menu offerings at Captain Parker’s Pub website.

Edward Gorey and More-y

Explore the Edward Gorey House in historic Yarmouth Port, then head for lunch at the Optimist Café. Really, what could be more intriguing and uplifting?

Author, animator, playwright, gothic artist, and Tony Award-winning costume designer, Gorey was also an eccentric collector of books and other items he found at Cape Cod shops. And the antique captain’s house at 8 Strawberry Lane, where Gorey made his home for the last14 years of his life, offers a glimpse into his unique world. After Gorey’s death in 2000, the house was turned into a museum, complete with its cluttered kitchen. The current exhibit is Hippity Wippity: Edward Gorey and the Language of Nonsense. Check out the museum’s website to learn more about Gorey before you visit.Cyclists are required to obey all local and state traffic laws and regulations

Continue the “old house” theme with breakfast or lunch at the Optimist Café, a quaint restaurant set in an 1849 landmark house at 134 Main Street (Route 6-A) in Yarmouth Port. All-day breakfast is an option with such specialty items as Lobster Avocado Eggs Benedict (breakfast) or Lobster Grilled Cheese (lunch). See the Optimist Café website for more.

Bowling, Arcade and Deli Delights

Amuse yourself with candlepin or ten-pin bowling at Ryan Amusements, before grabbing a leisurely lunch at Piccadilly Café.

Ryan’s Amusements operates bowling alleys and arcades around Cape Cod and Eastern Massachusetts, and the South Yarmouth location at 1067 Route 28, offers both candlepin and ten-pin bowling, along with video games. So if you can’t stay out of the gutters, maybe you can at least defeat the alien warships. The special for October is three bowling games for $24.95. Check out the Ryan Amusements website for more.

Afterward, visit the Piccadilly Café at 1105 Route 28 for breakfast or lunch. Offerings include a variety of deli sandwiches, hamburgers, seafood, salads, soups and desserts. See the Piccadilly Café website for breakfast and lunch menus.

Vintage Motorcycles and Italian Delights

Get a taste of the past at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod, where the main attraction this fall is Art on Two Wheels – an exhibit of vintage motorcycles from the collection of David McGraw, who has spent much of his life acquiring and restoring iconic Harley-Davidsons, especially racing bikes. The exhibit, which also features motorcycle-related artwork, runs through Nov. 24. Find more information about the exhibit, along with ticket information at the Art on Two Wheels website.

The Cultural Center of Cape Cod, 307 Old Main Street in South Yarmouth, also has classes, workshops, a gift shop, a recording studio and more. Visit the Cultural Center of Cape Cod’s website for more information.

After the exhibit, stop for lunch at Carluccio’s Italian Specialties, located just a block away from the Cultural Center, across Route 28 at 16 North Main Street, South Yarmouth. Fresh-baked pizzas are a favorite here, but the menu includes sandwiches, salads, entrees and pastries. Check out the lunchtime options at Carluccio’s website.

Finally, we’d like to hear your ideas for daytime adventures in Yarmouth. Let us know some of your favorite spots for an activity or two, along with a bite to eat.

Andy Tomolonis is a nonfiction author, travel writer and multimedia journalist.

Jump into fall with Yarmouth family festivals

By Andy Tomolonis

Call it a last blast, fall fling, or one more chance to hang out with friends before the weather turns chilly and everyone starts disappearing indoors. Or just call it the Yarmouth Seaside Festival.

Seaside Festival

Whatever your title, the town’s annual Columbus Day weekend bash boasts a flurry of outdoor activities during mid-October, taking advantage of the cool days and crisp autumn evenings. It’s the perfect time for hearty foods and family fun – like a beach side bonfire, a canoe and kayak race, evening fireworks and a parade. Throw in a massive craft fair, a pie-eating contest, sand sculpting competition, non-stop music and dozens of free activities, and you get a pretty good picture of what the Yarmouth Seaside Festival (YSF) is all about.

Jan Butler, who started the party back in 1979, says her goal was to build community spirit and unite all the far-flung villages in Yarmouth. The festival continues to hit those goals as it grows in popularity every year.

We’ve compiled this “sand-bucket list” of five fun things to do in and near Yarmouth – from beach walks to bike rides to meals on railroad wheels. End your summer vacation with a few of these ideas, and the sizzling memories will keep you warm until the summer of 2020.

Events are free with a few exceptions – things like food, gifts and handmade goodies at the craft fair, and registration for the canoe race. The festival is also 100 percent family oriented, Butler said. So, get ready for a weekend that’s wallet friendly and family friendly all at once. Here are some highlights:

Arts and Crafts Fair: Get a two-month jump on your holiday shopping with artisan gifts from more than 125 juried crafters who will be displaying their jewelry, soaps, candles, watercolor paintings, and other handmade goods. The crafters will be open for business from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday at the festival fairgrounds (Joshua Sears Memorial Field, 1175 Route 28, in South Yarmouth). Check out the festival website for a list of vendors, many with links to individual websites for even more info: yarmouthseasidefestival.com/craft-fair/.

Bonfire on the Beach

Bonfire at Bass River Beach: Dance to music from DJ Patrick or just chill and fill your belly with chowder, burgers, hotdogs, chili, onion rings, and other hearty foods – all beside the amber light of a roaring beachside bonfire. Don’t forget your blanket and beach chairs. The bonfire runs from 5-8 p.m. at Bass River Beach (Smuggler’s Beach if you’re a local).

YSF Parade: This year’s theme is American Patriotic Pride, so expect some red, white, and blue to complement the rusty hues of autumn. The march begins at noon on Sunday, Oct. 13, from the old Yarmouth Drive-in property (across from Captain Parker’s Pub). It proceeds eastward down Route 28 and winds up at the State Police barracks.

Fireworks

YSF Fireworks: This might be your last chance to catch a little “Sssssss … boom … ahhhhh!” before New Year’s Eve, so don’t miss the opportunity. Plus, it’s one more excuse to go to the beach. The pyrotechnics are set to begin at 8 p.m., Sunday, from Seagull Beach in West Yarmouth. Butler says the American Thunder fireworks company of North Reading has been running the show since the festival began 41 years ago, and they do a fantastic job. The display typically lasts about 20 minutes, she says, and it’s a high-energy show from start to finish. Note: The parking lot fills quickly at Seagull Beach, but the view is also great from Smuggler’s Beach, Parkers River Beach, and pretty much anywhere along the south-facing coastline, Butler says.

Sand Sculpture Contest: Like the parade, this year’s theme is American Patriotic Pride, so go with the flow. Contestants arrive at Bass River Beach (Smuggler’s Beach) and choose a spot or are assigned a site where they will create their sculptures. Winning sculptures receive awards, and everyone gets a chance to play in the sand. Remember to bring your own shovels, trowels, rakes and pails. The event gets underway at 9 a.m. Monday and ends at noon.

Canoe and Kayak Race: The paddle from Bass River Beach to Wilbur’s Point begins at 10 a.m., Monday, with registration from 9-10 a.m. Contestants must have Coast Guard-approved floatation devices to participate, and anyone under 18 needs a signed slip from parents or a guardian. Paddlers follow the incoming tide, so it’s an easy ride with a post-race party for participants and friends. Registration is $20. Find more at the festival website:

Parade

Other attractions: There are loads of other activities at the fairgrounds, including a raptor show, Jaws of Life presentation, wildlife, pumpkin decorating, science experiments, K-9 demos, kids’ crafts, all-day music, and a pie-eating contest. Check the festival website and Facebook page for more information: yarmouthseasidefestival.com/ and facebook.com/yarmouthseasidefestival/.

This Yarmouth Seaside Festival is sponsored in part by the Town of Yarmouth’s Tourism Revenue Preservation Fund, which is derived from local hotel and meals taxes. Find a list of other sponsors at the festival website.

Fall festival at Taylor-Bray Farm

Maybe you like the turf better than surf? If so, check out the agricultural activities at historic Taylor-Bray Farm. The nonprofit farm is hosting its Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while the weekend long Yarmouth Seaside Festival proceeds (rain date is Oct. 13).

Scarecrow on haystack with pumpkins

Activities at the farm will include hay wagon rides, old-time games, a raffle for a giant pumpkin (kids only) and a candy corn counting contest (guess how many corns are in the jar and you win the whole jar). There will also be refreshments, including hot dogs, cider and donut holes.

The 379-year-old farm is also home to miniature donkeys Nester and Sam, Dusty the Nubian goat, Chloe the highland cow, and assorted sheep and chickens. Visit with the animals, soak up some agrarian history, and support the historic farm by purchasing your Halloween pumpkins on site. Admission is free, but there’s a suggested $5 donation for parking. All proceeds and donations go toward feeding the animals, maintaining the grounds and educational programs.

Donkeys

Taylor-Bray Farm is located at 108 Bray Farm Road North in Yarmouth Port. Find more information about the farm and festival at the Taylor-Bray Farm website: taylorbrayfarm.org/.

This event is sponsored in part by the Town of Yarmouth’s Tourism Revenue Preservation Fund.

Andy Tomolonis is a nonfiction author, travel writer and freelance journalist.

Trolley Tour Taste of Yarmouth

Would you believe the hottest ticket in town is a Saturday afternoon trolley ride?

More specifically, it’s the Sixth Annual Trolley Tour Taste of Yarmouth – a gastronomical adventure carrying 200 riders on a four-hour mobile feast that covers more than a dozen Yarmouth restaurants. Like tapas on wheels, diners stop at destinations along the circuit to sample such mouthwatering treats as Cajun macaroni and cheese, pulled pork cups, clam chowder, fried Brussels sprouts, pizza, chili, and chocolate-covered strawberries.

Last year’s Trolley Tour sold out in about two weeks, leaving more than 100 disappointed diners on the waiting list, said Jenn Werner, Marketing, Communications and Events Director for the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce. This year’s tour is set for Nov. 9, but to avoid getting stuck on the waiting list, order your tickets right away! They go on sale at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1.

What to expect

Once you’ve scored your tickets, here’s what you can look forward to on this year’s Trolley Tour Taste of Yarmouth.

Trolley Taste of Yarmouth

Starting at noon, Trolley Tour noshers will gather at Riverway Lobster House in South Yarmouth to check in and pick up color-coded lanyards. The colors correspond to one of six trolleys that will leave the Riverway, beginning at 1 p.m. for destinations along Route 28. At each stop, the participating restaurants will serve up their best appetizer-sized dishes. The drive from one restaurant to the next varies depending on proximity, but all of the stops are in Yarmouth, so trolley-time is typically just a few minutes or less. Each trolley offloads its riders, then fills up with a new group of passengers before continuing to the next destination. And on and on it goes … For the next four hours!

Once riders get off of the trolley for their first dining destination, they are free to board any of the six trolleys and stop at any of the participating restaurants. That allows for leisurely lingering, without the worry of missing a key stop. There’s no food or drinks on the trolleys, and there’s no requirement to make a meal at every stop. But with four hours to accomplish the task, that goal is certainly within reach.

At the time of writing this blog, there were 20 restaurants and food providers signed up for the event, but Werner says the list is likely to grow in the coming weeks. For the latest information, check the Trolley Tour Taste of Yarmouth page at the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce website.

Meanwhile, here are the businesses that have already committed to this year’s event: Aiden’s Table (Aiden by Best Western at Cape Point), Ann and Frans Kitchen, Bagels and Beyond, Bashful Tarte Bakery, Beef Jerky Outlet, Candy Co., Edible Arrangements, Engelwood Baking Co., Exit 6.5 Cafe, Great Island Bakery, JoMama’s NY Bagels and Coffeehouse, Red Face Jack’s, Rope’s End, Route 28 Diner, Scapiccios Italian Bakery, Sea Dog Brew Pub, The Loft at the Cove Resort, The Riverway Lobster House, Toly’s Pizza, and Y’alls Wicked Kitchen.

Winding down after filling up

Question: What do you do after four hours of riding and dining and socializing? Answer: More of the same. When the restaurant tour ends at 5 p.m., the trolleys take riders back to the Riverway Lobster House for dessert. Yes, dessert – along with coffee, live entertainment, more socializing, and raffle prizes from 5-7 p.m.

The Trolley Tour Taste of Yarmouth has grown in popularity since it began six years ago, Werner said, when the Yarmouth Chamber reached out to the Town of Harwich, which ran a similar event. Today, the annual tour has its own reputation and brand, and it is so successful that Werner said other communities have reached out to YCC for advice in starting their own “Taste of the Town” events.

The Trolley Tour Taste of Yarmouth is run by the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce and sponsored in part by the Town of Yarmouth’s Tourism Revenue Preservation Fund. Thank you to our sponsors: The Steamship Authority and CCB Media.

Key facts about the 2019 Trolley Tour

When: The Trolley Tour Taste of Yarmouth is Saturday, Nov. 9, from 1-5 p.m., with registration beginning at noon, and a dessert reception from 5-7 p.m.

Where: The Trolley Tour Taste of Yarmouth begins at The Riverway Lobster House on Route 28 in South Yarmouth, with registration at noon. The tour ends back at the Riverway Lobster House with a dessert reception, entertainment and raffle prizes.

Parking: Parking for the event is at the Riverway Lobster House, 1338 Route 28, South Yarmouth, and nearby Ambassador Inn and Suites, 1314 Main Street (Route 28), South Yarmouth.

Price: Tickets are $60 per person and available beginning at 9 a.m. on Oct. 1. Register online at https://business.yarmouthcapecod.com/events/details/trolley-tour-taste-of-yarmouth-11-09-2019-9400 or call the Yarmouth Chamber at 508-778-1008 to reserve tickets.

Andy Tomolonis is a nonfiction author, travel writer, and multimedia freelance journalist.

Cultural Center Gears Up for Vintage Motorcycle Show

You may not find that mythical tomato-can carburetor, but if legendary Harley-Davidson craftsmanship gets your engines revved, then take a ride to South Yarmouth this fall.

The Exhibit

The Cultural Center of Cape Cod is hosting “Art on Two Wheels,” a major exhibit of vintage motorcycles and artwork from the collection of David McGraw, who has spent much of his life acquiring and restoring old Harley-Davidson racing bikes.

Motorcycle

The exhibit features dozens of rare and unusual machines dating back more than 100 years. How rare and unusual? Try a 1915 K Board Tracker, a 1927 Pea Shooter, and a 1936 EL Knucklehead. If that’s not enough, there’s a 1949 Flat Track, a 2005 Destroyer drag bike, and 38 others – each meticulously restored by McGraw, who scoured swap meets, journeyed to junkyards, and surfed eBay to track down elusive parts.

In total, the “Art on Two Wheels” collection features 43 motorcycles, along with an eclectic mix of motorcycle posters, signs, and artwork.

“We’ve hosted hundreds of amazing exhibits since we opened in 2007, including rare Hollywood memorabilia and costumes, and every kind of art you can imagine,” said Cultural Center Executive Director Robert Nash. “But this one will take the cake.”

The Cultural Center will celebrate the exhibit with “Leather and Lace,” an evening reception on Sept. 20, before the exhibit’s public opening on Sept. 21. The show runs through late November.

Patience, Passion and Style

Pea Shooter Motorcycle

McGraw says it can take years for him to restore a single motorcycle, although he typically works on four or five bikes simultaneously. His method is painstaking and pursued with the passion of a cross-country ride.

“When I find enough parts, I amass everything I need to assemble the bike,” he said in an interview with the Cultural Center. “But before I restore it, I fit everything, do the body work, then take it all apart, clean it up, paint and polish, plating, and then put it all together again.”

It was a friend who got him started.

McGraw says he restored antique cars for a business, but he always loved motorcycles so he decided to build his own from scratch. The bike came out beautifully, McGraw says, but his friend told him nobody else would appreciate the effort that went into the project, suggesting that he restore old motorcycles instead. So McGraw bought a 1928 Harley “two-cam,” went to work, and got hooked. “That one bit me,” he said.

Although McGraw’s collection is full of unique machines, there is a common thread:

“When I finally decided that I was going to concentrate on bikes for a collection, my father told me, ‘You’ve got to pick one thing and try to be a little distinctive,’ ” McGraw said. “So I picked racing machines, because they have a history and they’re hard to find. Usually they’re thrown away,” he explained. “But I wanted my collection to be the full era – from start until now – of Harley race bikes.”

McGraw prefers a modern Harley for long-distance rides — sometimes from coast to coast and often to Sturgis and other iconic destinations — but he usually travels the Cape on the bikes he’s restored. His heart belongs to the storied machines in his collection, he says.

What’s his favorite bike? “That’s a tough one. I’d say one of my favorites is the Harley two cam,” he told the Cultural Center. “I had a black one that I rode for 15 years. I just loved the look of it … and it was Harley’s racing engine, de-tuned and put into a street bike … so right from the dealer in 1928 it could go 85 miles an hour. And in 10 minutes of tuning you could hit 100. But no road could handle that back then. So it was only on a track situation. But it was very expensive. It was $390 in 1928. You could buy a very nice car for that back then.”

If you Go….

Before you push off, there’s a few key things you should know about the biking laws in Massachusetts. Follow these rules and regulations to keep yourself and others safe from harm:Cyclists are required to obey all local and state traffic laws and regulations

Tickets to “Art on Two Wheels” are $10 for a full day and $50 for the “Leather and Lace” pre-opening reception. They can be purchased at the Cultural Center, 307 Old Main St., South Yarmouth, 508-394-7100. Find more information on the Cultural Center of Cape Cod website: cultural-center.org, and a separate “Art on Two Wheels” website, artontwowheels.org,

“The excitement is building,” Executive Director Nash says, “and we expect to see visitors from around the world who have planned their travel to coincide with this great opportunity to experience something unique and memorable.”

Andy Tomolonis is an author, travel writer, blogger and freelance writer.