Cape Cod Rock Hopper

Vacation Tips & a Bearded Clam Cocktail

      Since this is the real go line for the summer tourist season I thought I might throw out some of the places that we have grown to love over the years. Some old time places, some newer places and some places that have been redone. Im not slighting anyone and whomever reads, please add your favorites to the list. We all could use new places to go to and definitely support any of the out the way places that are hidden from the normal heavy traffic areas.
    First on the list for us is the Cape Cod Potato Chip factory in Hyannis. Its not big, its not long but its free and its fun. If you are a fan of kettle cooked chips then this is place for you. The kids will have fun peering into the windows and watching potato chip made right before their eyes. It a wonderful place that does not take long and is fun.
    Next is the Chatham Light and Chatham Light House beach. Besides the historic end of the light house itself the view looking over the Chatham harbor and being able to look up and down the coast is just a spectacular view. If you go on a Wednesday the lighthouse is open for tours from 1 -3:30 throughout the summer and again its Free. After you get done here go stroll the Main Street of Chatham for wonderful galleries and shops. And don't forget to visit the Chatham Manor Candy Shop for some of the best chocolate not only on the Cape but anywhere in my book.
    Another fun place to visit is Mrs Mugs in Sandwich along 6A. We came upon this place a couple years ago and have just fallen in love with it. Its a fun little shop with a wonderful collection of ,,, what else,, MUGS,, but also Cape Cod jewelry, and for those hard to find Crocs. This is a fun place to side track to when you have done Sandwich and and glass factory and tour, (this will cost a little but is worth it). Don't forget Dexter's Grist Mill and again more shops.
    Speaking of Grist Mills, don't forget Baxter's in Yarmouth and Stony Brook Grist Mill in Brewster, both have wonderful trails and Herring runs and beautiful ponds. Stoney Brook is open limited hours during the summer but when it is you can watch them grind corn into meal. This is something I've enjoyed over the years.
    Some of the most quaint shops that we have found have been along 6A. I truly believe you could take a couple weeks going from Sandwich to Orleans and you would still miss shops and galleries. Everything from Antiques to art galleries to general stores and more. Along the way another free must experience is Grey's boardwalk in Yarmouth that stretches out into the Marsh and ends looking out onto the Cape Cod Bay. The sunset here are some of the most spectacular on the Cape. And while you are traveling along 6A don't forget Scargo Tower in Dennis, another free-be that on a clear day you can see from Provincetown in one direction to the Cape Cod Canal in the other. Wow what a view.
       The problem with something like this is, is one could go on and on and on. In tough economic times it is good to plan your trips wisely. Don't feel you need to spend, spend, spend to have fun or to see some of the best that Cape Cod has to offer. Be frugal and don't go overboard. If you leave feeling you got a bargain vacation this year, how much more will it be worth coming back next year as well. If to make the best of your time in a particular area. Research where you are going on any given day, ask at your hotel, at the restaurant your eating at or even other guests you meet were you are staying and friends. The Cape can be a wonderful place filled with adventure and fun without killing the budget. So if you haven't made your plans, make a few phone calls, there are hotel bargains to be had, and there are places see and people to meet. And there is no better place to do it then on wonderful Cape Cod.
        Someone please keep the light lit in the Light House till I can find my way back, and we meet again...

    Recipe of the week, is just a fun one that could be found if you just dug below the surface of the sand at low tide. But this one you do not need a sizer ring before you consume it. So pour down and drink up,,, responsibly please. This weeks recipe >>>
        Bearded Clam Cocktail

•         1    oz            Canadian Whisky
•         1    oz            Ameretto Almond Liqueur
•         1    splash    Cranberry Juice

    Fill cocktail glass with crushed ice and pour all ingredients over ice. Stir. Add mint as garish if you wish.