Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Helen's Diner, Our Favorite Diner on Cape Cod

Due to customer demand, we have decided to keep the Diner open on Saturday and Sunday mornings during the months of November to April. In the past we closed the diner entirely during the off season, but for many of our regulars, Helen's Diner is the best part of staying at the Tidewater while on Cape Cod.

For those of you who are not familiar with the diner, a few details. Our coffee shop was renovated about 5 years ago and renamed Helen's Diner after my sister Helen. Helen is both a wonderful cook and a gardner who can often be seen in one of the many flower beds around the Tidewater. The turquoise and hot pink colors with a 50's memorabilia make the diner a very cheerful and inviting place to eat breakfast. It was simply described by a guest as a "jem". The best part, however, is the food. It is both reasonably priced and delicious. Violet, the chef, cooks behind the bar where customers can see her as if she is cooking for her family in her kitchen. She has cooked at the diner for over six years and always has a smile for her many customers and fans. Along with Helens's special which consists of eggs, bacon, homefries and coffee for $5.99 she makes a variety of omelets and the best blueberry pancakes in town. I forgot the Belgium waffles...so light and fluffy. Our diner has become a favorite of locals on Cape Cod who appreciate the good food with reasonable prices.

We offer Bed & Breakfast packages at the Tidewater. By adding $10 to the room rate, the guest receives a coupon worth $14 for breakfast. So come to the Tidewater this weekend and enjoy breakfast before setting out for the day.

Voula

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Henry's Back!

We had a scare last week when we didn't see Henry for a couple of days. Up to that time, Henry was always around, either visiting guests or trying to sneak into the office door. We checked a box that we attached high on the side of one of our buildings as temporary shelter, but Henry was no where in sight. When it becomes dark he sits either in or ontop of his house. The next day we didn't see him and guests were asking for him. I check the entire property ( all four acres) for any evidence of Henry, but no luck. Best case scenerio, Henry would have flown south, but that appeared unlikely since he has had no contact with other pigeons. So we thought that either a cat got him or he left with a guest for he has snuck in a car before.

Two days later when I arrived at work, I continued my morning ritual and set out his food and water. I screamed with joy when I saw him wobble up to the food. He looked a little ragged, especially arount the neck, but otherwise fine. He was timid for a couple of days, but now he's back to normal. Only Henry can tell us what adventure befell him during this time, but as human as he has become, he still can't talk.

With winter coming we are looking to make a more permanent home for him. Any ideas on what pigeons like? If you come the Tidewater don't be frightened if Henry flies close to you and walks you to your room.

The weather on the Cape continues to be unseasonably warm and walks on the beach are beautiful this time of year. We are offering a midweek special of $49.99 and weekend special of $69.99 per night. Henry and the staff look forward to your visit.

Voula

Friday, October 26, 2007

Holidays on Cape Cod

Many people only associate the Cape with summer and beaches, but the Cape has become a year round destination with its many activities, shopping, restaurants, and discount pricing during the fall and winter. The Cape is a bargain off season and it is the perfect time to enjoy the true Cape Cod experience. It's an ideal place to spend Thanksgiving with its many wonderful restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinner. Since arriving on the Cape two years ago, I've dined at some of the best restaurants I've ever been to with creative cuisine using fresh local ingredients.

The weekend after Thanksgiving is an especially wonderful time to visit the Cape. Many local towns are offering a Christmas Stroll. What a great way to get into the spirit and experience old fashioned Christmas without the commercialism! The one in Nantucket is especially popular. Some of the strolls are listed below, but there are many more activities. Call us for more detail or contact the Chamber of Commerce.

Nantucket Annual Christmas Stroll: 11/30-12/2
Christmas in Sandwich: 11/30-12/9
Christmas in the Harwiches: 11/30-12/1
Yarmouth Christmas Stroll: 12/2
Hyannis Village Christmas Stroll/Parade of Boats 12/7,12/8

And, of course, it's hard to get away from shopping during the holidays. Shopping on Cape is plentiful and much less stressful than fighting crowds in larger cities. Many options include the Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis, downtown Hyannis and Chatham with its shops and galleries, Mashpee Commons, outlets, and unique boutiques. We'd love to have you stay at the Tidewater when you visit the Cape. Relax in our heated indoor pool and hot tub, and enjoy a hearthy breakfast in our 50's style diner (open Saturdays and Sundays only off season) before setting out for the day. We look forward to your visit.

Voula
General Manager

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Henry at the Tidewater

Welcome to the Tidewater blog! I've been thinking about creating a blog for quite some time to share information about the area, but being technologically challenged, I've put it off. Finally I've decided to forge ahead and come what may. To be honest, the initial reason I wanted this forum was to share stories and pictures of Henry who has adopted the Tidewater, its staff, and customers as his surrogate family.

Now the rest of the story...Henry is a pigeon who arrived at the hotel as a fledgling about a month ago. I thought that he wasn't going to make it for he could hardly fly and was shaking constantly. I called the wildlife rescue and they couldn't help since he wasn't injured. We gave him water and bird seed and slowly he started to get strong. One of the guests on a bus tour named our pigeon Henry and the name has stuck. Our hotel is located on four acres overlooking the bay and Henry has the run of the property. He is fed by the guests and some even call or email to ask about him. What makes Henry unique is the fact that he thinks he is a human. Instead of flying around, he walks along with people. If I call him he'll fly to me and eat out of my hand. Whenever the door opens to the office, he tries to sneak in. Lately, he's been coming to the door and windows and pecking with his beak to get in. Most of the guests enjoy Henry and his friendliness. However, there are a few like my front office manager, Lisa, who are afraid of him. Because he's not afraid of people, he does fly very close which can be scary for those who don't know Henry is friendly. Today he appeared at my office window and pecked at the glass until I looked up and paid attention to him.

Come visit us and Henry at the Tidewater. Fall is the most beautiful time to visit the Cape. The prices have fallen, the traffic is lighter, and the crowds have gone. Walks on the beach are peaceful and no long lines at good restaurants. Since I've arrived at the Cape two years ago, I've discovered some of the best restaurants on the Cape. In addition, there are great shopping areas with outlets, a mall, and unique gift shops for the holidays.

Voula and her staff at the Tidewater
Link: www.tidewatercapecod.com