Nantucket Daffodil Festival

The island of Nantucket spends a whole weekend celebrating the beautiful symbol of spring, the daffodil! "The 40th Annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival Weekend is April 27 - April 29 this year. "Celebrating the 40th". What started out as a simple celebration 40 years ago is now a weekend long celebration. The Daffodil Festival on Nantucket now includes art shows, tours, parades (including the antique car parade and tailgate picnic), exhibitions, contests, lectures, and, of course, the annual Nantucket Daffodil Flower Show. There are activities for all ages, and faithful festival-goers dress up for the occasion and participate enthusiastically! There is a Daffy Hat Contest, a Children's Parade featuring decorated bikes, strollers, wagons, and other self-propelled vehicles. The Pine Woods Morris Dancers often perform throughout the day at various locations.

 For more information, please call the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce at 508-228-1700 or visit their website at

http://www.daffodilfestival.com/

So come to the Cape and take the ferry to Nantucket Saturday to enjoy this special day devoted to the daffodil. The Tidewater has a few rooms left for the weekend with rates starting at $69.99 per night, so give us a call at 508-775-6322 for reservations or with any questions

Golf on Cape Cod

I booked four golf groups for spring this week. Golfers must dreaming of Golf this time of year! Cape Cod has been named one of the top ten golf destinations in the Northeast with more than 50 courses between Plymouth and Provincetown. With the mild Cape winters, the golf courses are usually open year-round. Throughout the winter and early spring, the courses remain playable and free of crowds and are more budget friendly. Many courses offer breathtaking views of Cape Cod Bay, the Atlantic, cranberry bogs, sand dunes and beaches.

The Tidewater has been hosting golf groups, both large and small, for over 20 years and is close to some of the best golf courses and walking distance to local restaurants. We can customize your golf vacation or use our local favorites.

So stop dreaming about golf and call us to plan your golf getaway! With our picnic and BBQ grills, heated pool, hot tub, and our 50's style diner, golfers enjoy getting together at the Tidewater, before and after golf. We have many groups who have already booked for April and May. Some of the golf groups have been coming for more than 20 years!

Call us at 508-775-6322 and ask for Voula. We'll take care of all the details.

February School Vacation

For families, February school vacation is an opportunity to get away from the routines and spend quality time together. Cape Cod is a quick and affordable getaway. Bring the family to the Tidewater and enjoy our oversized indoor pool and hot tub. The weather has been so mild that families are also enjoying our picnic area and playground with its beautiful view of Mill Pond.  With our Manager's Special, The Tidewater is offering a very affordable getaway:

Sunday - Thursday $59.99 plus tax
Friday & Saturday $79.99 plus tax ($69.99 if staying 2 nights or more)

We are also offering our Family Fun Package which is a great way to spend the day with the kids:
bowling and fun at Ryan Family Amusement. It includes 8 games of bowling, 4 bowling shoe rentals, and 40 tokens for video games. Come back to the hotel and order a large pizza with 2 toppings. This is all for the low price of $225 inclusive of taxes!

Of course, you can relax around the pool or soak in the hot tub as you watch the kids swim in the pool. But there's also lots of activities for children and families during the week of February School Vacation. I will be listing some options that are family friendly. Of course, with this unseasonably warm weather, there's nothing better than a hike or walk on the beach with the kids. I'll be sure to keep you posted as I discover new activities.

Call us at the Tidewater Inn information or reservations: 508-775-6322

The right whales are returning to the Cape earlier than usual this year. According the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies several were seen on the Cape.  "They’ve probably been here for a fairly long time already,” noted Dr. Stormy Mayo, director of Right Whale Habitat Studies at the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies.  Sunday afternoon, when the Center made the aerial track across the Bay, they spotted 12 endangered North Atlantic right whales, 2.4-percent of the entire world’s population, cavorting about. "That’s a big deal,” Mayo said. “I think we’re in a time of change. What’s happened particularly over the last four years, is Cape Cod Bay is more and more important to right whales. So much that half of the entire population has come into the Bay over the last four years. Considering we’re not out there all the time it’s probably more than that.” The estimated world population is about 510 whales, confined to the North Atlantic, primarily on this side.

Read more from this article: http://www.wickedlocal.com/brewster/news/x1515010601/-Missing-right-whales-spotted-in-Cape-Cod-Bay#ixzz2qOGMvr5T
When visiting Cape Cod make sure you make plans to go whale watching. Whale watching tours begin in April, just in time for April School Vacation. It's a perfect activity for families: it's fun, educational and affordable.  There are such frequent whale sightings in the Atlantic waters surrounding Cape Cod, that the World Wildlife Fund named Massachusetts one of the top 10 whale-watching spots in the world. The “wow factor” here is huge, as right whales, minke, finback, and humpback whales regularly glide through the waters, and glimpses of them spouting and breaching are practically guaranteed. Indeed, many local whale-watching companies declare a 99-percent whale-spotting success rate during the peak viewing months of April to October. Some of the best whale-watching adventures leave from Provincetown on Cape Cod, like Dolphin Fleet www.whales.com or http://www.whales.net/index.html

Aren't we lucky to be able to view such beautiful animals so close to home. Come to the Cape and watch this natural wonder. You can book a whale watch package with the Tidewater (508-775-6322) or make arrangements for whale watching on your own. Both the Dolphin Fleet in Provincetown (800-442-3188) and Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises of Barnstable Harbor (888-942-5392) offer excursions.

Bring the family to the Cape for New Year's eve! Leave the chaos of Boston behind and enjoy a family oriented New Year's Eve in Chatham. First Night Chatham is a family friendly, alcohol free New Year's Eve celebration focused on the arts. Centered on Main Street, First Night Chatham offers something for everyone – a circus, musicians, local artists, theater, opera, a giant bonfire, a clamorous noise parade, the Countdown Cod Drop, and a fantastic fireworks finale! This year marks the 22nd anniversary of this increasingly popular event and it promises to be fun. Visit the Chatham First Night site, http://www.firstnightchatham.com/ for details. Here's some information:

A new venue, the fabulous Orpheum Theater on Main Street, with afternoon and evening performances

13 new performers

57 entertainers

14 special events

New mobile-style web pages to make it easier to view the performers and schedules from your smartphone (see preview)

Cape Cod Opera’s final bow as the beloved performing group salutes the movies on December 30, the night before the night

The Tidewater is offering a special for families for the New Year's Weekend for only $69.99 per night for one night or $59.99 per night if staying 2 or more nights! The Tidewater is only 20 minutes from Chatham. We also have an oversized heated pool and hot tub to enjoy during free time. Call us at 508-775-6322 for more information.

I found another wonderful Christmas activity for those who still need help getting into the spirit or those who love to take advantage of every opportunity to celebrate Christmas: the Historic Bass River Holiday Cookie Stroll. Anything with the word "cookie" in it is appealing to me. This benefits the South Yarmouth Library and is held Saturday, December 14th, from 10:00 to 3:00pm.  The "ticket" is actually a cookbook with the recipes of all cookies served on this two-mile walking tour to eleven sites. The tour also includes an Open House at the South Yarmouth Library.. Free trolley transport will be available between groups of houses. All of the proceeds go to support the South Yarmouth Library. Cider and cranberry bread will be served at the library.   Tickets are limited.

 The cookbook comes with a festive drawstring bag for collecting cookies along the way. My bag, of course, would be empty since I would be eating them along the way. Tickets are $15. Children under 12 are free, but only ticket holders receive cookies.  Tickets necessary and limited. 508-394-1739, http://www.cultural-center.org/

Stay at the Tidewater Inn with rates starting at $59.99 per night. Call us at 508-775-6322 for more information.

Most think of the Cape during the summer beach months but there's a lot going on during the winter. The Cape is a perfect place to get into the real Christmas spirit by visiting the many unique small towns and their festive walks, strolls, and festivals. Almost every town on the Cape has its own traditions and activities. Most of the strolls or walks are the first weekend in December so start making your plans to get away from the routine and the commercialism that is so prevalent and have some "old fashioned" fun on the Cape.  The Tidewater Inn is offering a special starting at $59.99 for our standard rooms.  Call us at 508-775-6322 for information or reservations.

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than a concert by Cape Symphony.

Barnstable Performing Arts Center, from 12/06/13 4:00pm

For More Info: 508-362-1111 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting http://www.capesymphony.org/

Conductor: Jung-Ho Pak
Annie Moses Band & The Chatham Chorale
There will be a 4pm performance and an 8pm performance
Big orchestra. Big choir. Big surprises. Great fun! Our super-sized celebration also features the Annie Moses Band (straight from Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry!), bringing amazing classical, jazz, pop, and bluegrass sounds to their original music and the holiday classics you love.

One of my favorite activities is the Hyannis Main Street Stroll...Santa arrives by boat with a boat parade with festively decorated boats! How Cape Cod!Hyannis Main Street Stroll and Harbor Lighting/Boat Parade Hyannis Village, from 12/07/13 For More Info: www.hyannis.com 9-10 am, Breakfast with Santa at The British Beer Company; 11 am -3 p.m.Main Street village stroll with music and holiday activities.
At 4 p.m., everyone will gather at the Ocean Street Docks to enjoy the beautifully decorated boat parade. At 5:40, Santa makes an appearance to meet with the children and is surrounded by a selection of lively activities!

Gardens Aglow Annual Celebration of Lights Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich, from 11/29/13 to 12/22/13
For More Info: www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org
Stroll the gardens and grounds glowing with holiday lights, watch musical performances, ride the holiday carousel, visit Santa in the Model T, enjoy drop-in crafts, and shop the Museum Store! Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m.

Holly Folly Weekend in Provincetown, 12/6-12/8/13

For More Info: 508-487-2313 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting http://ptown.org/HollyFolly.asp

Caroling, cabaret, lighting contest, Inn Stroll, and the Holly Folly Shop Hop! The 1st annual Santa Speedo Run will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, December 7th from Fanizzi's to the Crown & Anchor (proceeds go to the Cape Cod EMS & Firefighters Cancer Relief Fund). And at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, the Boston Gay Men's Chorus performs a special holiday concert at Town Hall - a great Holly Folly tradition and the perfect kick-off to the holiday season.  

8th Annual Mashpee Christmas Parade Mashpee Commons, Mashpee, from 12/07/13,6:00pm
For More Info: www.mashpeechamber.com
This lively parade, which includes several floats, marching bands and carolers, begins at the Mashpee Library and travels through Mashpee Commons and ends at South Cape Village.
 
A Seaside Christmas in Orleans Orleans, Cape Cod, from 11/30/13 to 12/31/13
For More Info: http://orleanscapecod.org/a-seaside-christmas-in-orleans/
Visit shops and galleries meet visitors from the North Pole while enjoying live music, holiday refreshments, demonstrations, amazing sales, personal service and gifts from around the world. Highlights also include Annual Christmas Stroll and Tree Lighting on the Village Green and Pancake Breakfast with Mrs. Claus

Falmouth Holiday by the Sea Weekend
Falmouth, from 12/06/13 to 12/08/13
 For More Info: www.falmouthchamber.com
The crisp snap of seasonal glitter starts with the Holidays by the Sea Weekend in Falmouth. Begin the festive weekend by singing carols at Nobska Lighthouse as the winter’s sun sets over Vineyard Sound. Greet Santa as he arrives by boat at beautiful Falmouth Harbor. Join in the caroling at the lighting of the Village Green, enjoy the hospitality of merchants as you stroll down decorated Main Street before and after the lighting. Get ready for the biggest small-town Christmas parade in all of Southeast New England on Sunday!

Brewster for the Holidays, Brewster, from 12/06/13 to 12/08/13
For More Info: www.brewsterfortheholidays.com
A traditional Cape Cod holiday celebration recreated from years past and sponsored by Brewster businesses for all of Brewster to enjoy! Look for "Brewster For the Holidays" flags at participating businesses. Shops, restaurants, inns, museums and galleries will be glowing to welcome shoppers to experience their unique holiday spirit

Yarmouthport Christmas Stroll
Route 6A, Yarmouthport, from 12/08/13

For More Info: 508-362-3021 
http://www.hsoy.org/events.htm

Visit the museums, bed and breakfasts, inns and businesses along the Old Kings Highway as they welcome you with holiday decorations, tasty treats, and music of the season. Carolyn Ray’s Miniature Room Boxes will again be on display at the Bangs Hallet House. Children can have a FREE photo taken with Santa Claus on the porch of the Bangs Hallet house (courtesy of Walgreens). Festivities end with the tree-lighting on the Village Common at 4:15 p.m.

 

39th Annual Nantucket Christmas Stroll Weekend

Nantucket Island, from 12/06/13 to 12/08/13

For More Info:
www.nantucketchamber.org

A holiday tradition on Nantucket Island, now in its 39th year! Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on Saturday via Coast Guard vessel and are escorted up Straight Wharf for a festive parade, while carolers in period costume, bell ringers and student choirs perform on Main Street. Holiday craft shows, exhibitions and performances throughout the weekend — including the popular annual Christmas House tour on Friday evening — add to the joyful festivities.

A Canal Christmas:
Sandwich, from 12/02/13 to 12/11/13
For More Info: www.capecodcanalchamber.org
Craft fairs, Open Houses, Sing-Alongs, Tree Lightings, Concerts, Exhibits, Holiday Shopping, Golf Scrambles, Santa Visits and much more!
 

Country Christmas Open House Weekends

Thornton W. Burgess Society Green Briar Nature Center, 6 Discovery Hill Road, East Sandwich
Open house during the first three weekends in December where one can enjoy decorations inspired by a country home of a bygone era. Taste a sampling of delicious Jam Kitchen products and a cup of mulled cider. Browse among a variety of great holiday gift ideas in the Green Briar shop, offering jams, jellies, relishes, books and an abundance of nature-related items. 508-888-6870 or www.thorntonburgess.org

Sandwich Glass Museum’s 4th Annual Glassblowers’ Christmas

Sandwich Glass Museum, 129 Main Street,Sandwich, MA 02563, from 11/19/13 to 12/30/13 9:30am - 5:00pm

www.sandwichglassmuseum.org

Hundreds of glass ornaments made by region's finest local and national glass artists adorn Christmas trees-a magical display of dazzling color and childhood memories. Special Exhibit: Christmas Creches promotes study and understanding of art, culture and religion and Christmas story itself. In partnership with the Cape Cod Creche Society. CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY.

Chatham Christmas Stroll, Main Street, Chatham,
Chatham, from 12/13/13 to 12/15/13
 For More Info: www.chathaminfo.com
 Highlights on Friday include a parade and caroling down Main Street, followed by the tree lighting ceremony, bell ringers and more. Warm up with complimentary hot chocolate, hop on the hayride and marvel at the lights & decorations as you stop to visit Chatham's unique shops. Kick off Saturday at a special breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, then hop on the Chatham Bars Inn trolley to see the gingerbread house display and decorations. Afterwards, enjoy festive shopping around town, visit the Lighthouse, and take the Historic Inn Tour on Sunday!

Wellfleet Holiday Stroll

Wellfleet, from 12/14/13 to 12/15/13

For More Info: www.DiscoverWellfleet.com

Several local restaurants and stores will be participating throughout the weekend! Preservation Hall is hosting a Holiday Bazaar on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day - 30 vendors will be offering locally made items, from leather works, pottery, jewelry, knit ware, baby gear, artwork and prepared foods. The Wellfleet Historical Society will host a Holiday House Tour on Saturday. Also on Saturday at 4 p.m., there will be a tree-lighting ceremony and carol singing by local musician Denya Levine n the Wellfleet Town Lawn!

This is one of my favorites:
Historic Bass River Holiday Cookie Strollwww.tidewatercapecod.com

Bass River, South Yarmouth, from 12/14/13 10:00am - 3:00pm

For More Info: (508) 394-2983 

The "ticket" is actually a cookbook with the recipes of all cookies served on this two-mile walking tour to eleven sites. The tour also includes an Open House at the South Yarmouth Library.. Free trolley transport will be available between groups of houses. All of the proceeds go to support the South Yarmouth Library.Cider and cranberry bread will be served at the library, where visitors will see a display about the Attles.Tickets are $15.00. Children under 12 are free, but only ticket holders receive cookies. Tickets are limited.

Train to Christmas Town

Buzzards Bay/ Hyannis, from 11/15/13 to 12/30/13

www.capetrain.com

Get the first, and best, view of Santa and his special helper friends as your train rolls into the North Pole. Travel in our premium Upper Dome seating and enjoy the view from large glass-dome windows. Elevated to 16 feet above track level, guests in our Upper Dome seats not only get the first views while experiencing the ultimate in train travel comfort. Trains will depart from the Buzzards Bay station.

 

This list was made with the help of the Cape Cod Chamber website. Visit their new Christmas website for Cape-wide events and activities celebrating the holiday season! www.ChristmasonCapeCod.com.

This is just the beginning...there much more going on, so come to the Cape, visit our small towns and get into the real Christmas spirit. We'd love to have you stay at the Tidewater Inn. Call us at 508-775-322 or visit our manager's special age.http://www.tidewatercapecod.com/html/manager.asp