Back on the Cape

My two week vacation to Greece is now just a pleasant memory. I arrived on the Cape last night and it feels like I never left. I am, however, much more rested. After spending three hectic days in Athens, my husband and I flew to his hometown of Alexandroupolis which is in the northern coast of Greece. Although it has some lovely beaches, it is not frequented by many tourists and is therefore more quiet and authentic than some tourist spots. We chose to spend our time just relaxing: morning coffee at an outdoor cafe, a few hours on the beach, lunch, nap, and then an evening walk downtown on the road hugging the coast with a variety of cafes and restaurants. Everything in Greece is outside in the summer and everywhere you go people make a habit of walking downtown and meeting with friends. It's a life that's easy to get used to.

Driving into the hotel it was amazing how much the flowers and flower boxes had grown in two weeks. My staff has been busy preparing for the beginning of our summer season which begins as soon as school is out. Other than a few weeds, the gardens and grounds looked beautiful. Both our indoor heated pool and outdoor pools are open and our new whirlpool spa is in full operation.

We are booking heavily for the summer, so if you haven't made reservations yet, give us a call and we'd love to help you with your vacation plans.

Voula

Visit the Cape on April School Vacation

April school vacation is when the Cape is again teaming with activity. This year Massachusetts vacation is running a bit later than usual, but we have been busy this week with families from Connecticut and Rhode Island who are enjoying their vacation a week earlier. Merchants are busy sprucing up and preparing for the influx of families. The popular miniature golf courses are putting the finishing touches on the landscaping and will be opening for the season. Also whale watching begins in mid April.

Many of my favorite restaurants which close in the fall have also opened (Skipper, Tugboats, Paddock). Last month the more family oriented "fast food" restaurants specializing fried seafood opened. "Fast food" only in service, certainly not in quality. Three of the most popular are Cooke's, Seafood Sam's, and Kreme and Kone.

And of course, there are many activities at the different venues geared towards families and children. With the mild weather we've had, walks on the beach and hikes on the National Seashore Trails are perfect ways to spend the day. We at the Tidewater are offering a school vacation special of $69.99 for Sunday through Thursday and $79.99 for Friday and Saturday. Our heated indoor pool is a comfortable 84 degrees and our breakfast diner will be open all week. In addition we have the playground for the younger children. We'd love to have you stay at the Tidewater while you and your family enjoy the Cape, so call us at 800-338-6322.

Voula

Dining Out on the Cape

The Cape has much to offer besides beautiful beaches. One of my favorite activities during the off season is dining out. After the tourists leave many restaurants offer specials for their year round customers. One of my favorites which I recently discovered is the Ocean House on Depot street in Dennisport. The restaurants offers a spectacular view overlooking Nantucket Sound and creative cuisine using fresh local seafood and ingredients. This time of year from Wednesday to Sunday (not valid Saturdays or holidays) they have a special three course prixe fixe meal for $25 per person. Make sure to reserve (508-394--0700) for I went with my husband and sister midweek and had trouble getting a table.

Abbicci on route 6A in Yarmouthport also offers a $25 special for a three course meal. It has a wonderful Mediterranean tapas menu in addition to their regular menu. The restaurant was renovated last year and has several small cozy room. Most importantly, the food is supurb! Other restaurant in the area that I have enjoyed are the Yarmouth House, Paddock, Dolphin, Alberto's, 501 Main, and the Roadhouse. The Cape has some of the best restaurants I've been too and with prices much lower than the metropolitan areas. Why not plan a dining weekend? And, of course, we would love to have you stay at our hotel, the Tidewater, where our staff will is ready to give exceptial service.

A perfect way to sample many restaurants in one visit is to attend the Restaurant & Food Holiday Festival called the "Taste of Cape Cod". This festival is on Sunday, November 18th, from 1PM to 8PM. For details visit the website, www.TASTEOFCAPECOD.com. Enjoy a swing band, jazz, strolling singers, meet the Chefs and sample taste their signature foods for only $25 per person. Bon appetite!

Voula