Bird Haven

As I was reading the Boston Globe in the evening, I saw a picture of a beautiful hummingbird, the broad-billed hummingbird. Unlike the ruby-throated hummingbirds found on the Cape, this bird has an iridescent blue throat, a green belly and a reddish orange bill with a black tip. I was especially interested in this article because the Tidewater has a landscaped picnic area with perennial gardens next to the diner. Every evening, my husband and I bring our dinner to one of the tables next to the gardens and enjoy the beautiful flowers and the view of Mill Pond.

We especially enjoy watching the wildlife and the many beautiful birds that frequent the area. A couple of days ago, as I was relaxing I saw a hummingbird visiting my garden and flowers. He enjoyed extracting nectar from the phlox. He didn't appear to be the typical reddish color, but unfortunately, I didn't look closely enough for fear of scaring him away. Now that I know that we have a visitor in our area, I'll look more closely to see if the broad-billed is visiting the Tidewater. Nonetheless, I do enjoy the peaceful evenings and watching our fine feathered friends. For the dedicated birders, this little oasis on route 28 is a retreat for many birds.

If you come to the Tidewater, enjoy a picnic outdoors and lookout for the many birds that visit us.

Voula

Last minute special!

The summer is winding down and school and routines will again begin. Since the last week in August is traditionally quiet, we're running a last minutes special which is valid until Thursday.

Our front buildings overlooking the outdoor pool are priced for only $89.99 and our back building overlooking our picnic area and housing our indoor pool and diner is priced $99.99. The weather is sunny, mild and dry...still perfect for the beach. Also with all the great shopping areas, you can also fit in some school shopping after the beach.

Vouls

Pops By the Sea

Enjoy the Boston Pops on Cape Cod! On Sunday, August 3rd from 5 to 7PM the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra will play at the 23rd "Pops by the Sea". The outdoor concert will be held on the Hyannis Village Green. Keith Lockhart will conduct with celebrity guest conductor, Henry Winkler. General Admission lawn seats are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. Assigned Festival seats are $50. Gates open at 1:00 with pre-show entertainment beginning at 1:30PM.

Tickets can be purchased at local TDBanknorth branches, Christmas Tree Shops, Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce and the Cape Cod Mall information desk.

Come and enjoy the beaches and the Pops for the weekend. Call us at 508-775-6322 and ask for the manager's special.

Voula

Summer Help!!!!

I have definitely been ignoring my blog this summer. This is one the most challenging summers we've had in our quest for good employees. Every summer we have been able to bring seasonal workers from Jamaica for six months on an HB2 visa, but this year our government would not pass legislation to allow returning employees after the cap was reached in January. Being an election year, no one wanted to make a decision. This has had a very negative impact on the Cape and the business who were used to having the same experience help return every year. Our employees lived on property, worked hard, had a positive attitude, and were like family.

This year we are using the summer help on a J1 visa mainly from Eastern Europe. One young lady is in medical student, another young man swam in the Olympics in Greece. They are wonderful students but only here for two months. Training has been a challenge and the turnover high. As much as I love summer, I haven't had much of chance to enjoy it.

On a positive note, our customers won't be able to see the difference for a few dedicated employees are working harder than ever to help us so that our property shines and all our customers needs are met. I have an ad in the help-wanted again this week so wish me good luck. We are now looking for a qualified executive housekeeper so that I can give up that title!

Voula

Voula

Barnstable County Fair

The Barnstable County Fair begins this weekend from July 18th through 26th in Falmouth. This is a true fair and not just an amusement park. There are cooking contests, farm animals, and a petting zoo. Of course there's also a huge assortment of amusement rides, food, and live entertainment.

Falmouth is only 25 minutes from the Tidewater, so it's possible to enjoy beautiful beaches during the day and the fair in the evening. There's a few rooms left so we'd love to see you this weekend.

Voula

Ice Cream

Summer is synonymous with ice cream and I haven't found better ice cream than on the Cape. About 3 miles from the Tidewater on Route 28 in South Yarmouth is my favorite ice cream shop, Cape Cod Creamery. You can't miss it with its bright yellow and blue Adirondack chairs and umbrellas, lining the front of the colorful shop. On a hot summer day there are usually long lines weaving around the building, but it's well worth the wait.

All the flavors are named after Cape Cod localities and have such picturesque names as Sandyneck Snickers, Bass River Blackberry, Cappaquiddick Chocolate Chip...and are all homemade on the premises. I have a sweet tooth and especially love ice cream,so my husband and I are one of their most frequent visitors. My favorite is Provincetown Pistachio.

Voula

The Season Has Begun!

It's been a while since my last blog for we've been so busy attending to all the details and making sure that our property is ready for the onslaught of tourists. July 4th marks the beginning of the peak season on the Cape and we have already sold out for the Fourth. We do have a few rooms the day before and the day after, so you can still partake of the festivities on the Cape.

Hyannis , Provincetown, Chatham, Falmouth, Wellfleet, and Orleans all have small town parades for the fourth. On the 4th, Falmouth, Provincetown, and Nantucket will have fireworks. Barnstable and Onset will have their fireworks on the 5th.

It looks like the weather will cooperate so come and enjoy the Fourth on the Cape.

Voula