Celebrate Spring On Cape Cod

by Vera Thornton

BREWSTER IN BLOOM
When: May 2nd, 3rd & 4th, 2008
Where: Brewster, MA

The picturesque sea captain's town of Brewster is celebrating its 22nd annual Brewster In Bloom festival this year. Over 100,000 daffodils bloom at this time each year providing a colorful backdrop to a weekend of fun. The event includes something for everyone . . . food, golf, history, a 5K run, an evening of swing dancing, and a parade, too! The weekend celebration is a heart-warming example of the strong sense of community to be found on Cape Cod, as many events benefit the elderly. Many thanks to Michael Divito, the event organizer, for all the information he so graciously forwarded to me.

Friday, May 2
Throughout the day there will be open houses and receptions throughout the town as homeowners and businesses alike open their doors to the public. Check out the following retail shops for special goings-on:

Blue Jacket Gallery and Studios
The Handcraft House
Struna Galleries



8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Captain’s Golf Course, 1000 Freeman’s Way, will hold Closest to the Pin Contests on each day. Every player on the green will receive a golf ball prize or a restaurant gift certificate! For more information call Stoughton Ellsworth at (508) 896-6058

2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Ice Cream Social at the Council on Aging, 1673 Main Street

4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Chowder Fest at EPOCH Assisted Living at Brewster Place, 855 Harwich Road. Free Chowder Dinner (chowder, beverage, and dessert) and music.


7:00 p.m.
The Brewster Band will perform at Brewster Baptist Church, 1848 Main Street.



Saturday, May 3

8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
An Antique and Collectibles show happens at Drummer Boy Park, 773 Main Street.

8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Closest to the Pin Contest, Captain’s Golf Course.

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The KidFest at the Laurel School features Arts & Crafts, Bloom-O-Lympics, and bake, plant, and book sales. Access is only via the shuttle buses from The Ocean Edge Resort parking lot at 2907 Main Street.

10:00 a.m.
A road race starts the day for fitness buffs: the 5K Bloom Run begins at the Brewster Inn and Chowder House, and loops through town, with the finish line at the Woodshed, 1993 Main Street.

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A juried Craft Fair with 85 exhibitors is held at the Cape Cod Sea Camps, 3057 Main Street.



1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A Chowder Tasting takes place in the afternoon at JT’s restaurant at 2689 Main Street . What better way to get a little “taste” of the Cape?

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Ocean Edge Resort, Bay Pines Pavilion, 2907 Main Street
‘Swing into Spring’ Big Band Dance, featuring the Moonlighters, a 16-piece swing band. Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar. It is always a sell-out, so purchase tickets in advance. Tickets: $20.00
Available in advance at the Visitor Center, 2198 Main Street (508) 896-3500 and at the door the night of the event.

Sunday, May 4

3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The popular Historic Inn Tour takes place on Sunday, where you will have the opportunity to visit these five charming lodging spots, several of which were formally sea captain's homes. A $10 admission fee provides entrance to all inns.

The Candleberry Inn - 1882 Main Street
The Captain Freeman Inn - 15 Breakwater Road
The Old Manse Inn - 1861 Main Street
The Isaiah Clark House - 1187 Main Street
Brewster By The Sea - 716 Main Street



1:00 p.m.
The Brewster In Bloom Parade, described by the festival organizers as “the brightest flower of the week-end” starts at Underpass Road and travels west along Main Street. This year’s theme is “Brewster History Comes Alive”, says Julie Deloye, one of the parade coordinators, and will have up to 75 units, including music and beautiful floats. “It’s all about community,” says Julie, “and lots of people have been putting on their thinking caps for this one”. Bigger, better, and more surprises - and the lovely Daffodil Queen will be waving to the crowds!

8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Closest to the Pin Contest, Captain’s Golf Course.


Brewster In Bloom is organized by the Brewster Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trade, and The Brewster in Bloom Committee.

For more information, please call (508) 896-3500.

Photo credit: Mary Sidlevicz

Whale Watching on Cape Cod

by Vera Thornton


Imagine being within feet of some of the most graceful, rare mammals in the world, in their natural habitat. A whale excursion gives you the chance to experience sights that are exciting, impressive, and educational. Designed to enhance awareness of whales, other marine life and the marine habitat that surrounds us, these excursions will show you sights that you will truly never forget. The trips, between 3 and 4 hours long, offer passage to the eastern edge of Cape Cod Bay, one of the primary feeding grounds for Humpback Whales, Dolphins, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, and Harbor Porpoises.

Make sure to bring a sweater or windbreaker, even on a warm day. Those ocean breezes can be chilly! Comfortable, rubber soled shoes are best on a boat, and you’ll want to be sure to have your camera.

Whale sightings are guaranteed on all of the following cruises. In the unlikely event that you do not see whales, a raincheck will be issued.


Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises
When: May 12 through October 31, 2008
Where: Ticket office and Boat Dock are at 269 Millway Street, Barnstable, MA
Rates: $40/adults, $35/seniors (62+); $23/children from 4 – 12, and children 3 and under are free

One daily trip, now through June, between 11 and 1:30, depending on tides. Number of scheduled trips is increased in high season. Reservations are suggested but not required. First come, first serve basis in season.

For more information call: 1 (888) WHALE WATCH

The Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown
When: April 12 through May 3, daily trips at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Where: Tickets and information at The Dolphin Fleet Information Center, 132 Bradford Street, Provincetown, MA; boat leaves from MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA
Rates: $35/adult, $27/children under 12, and children under 5 are free.

Number of scheduled trips is increased beginning May 4. 8 daily trips in high season, running through October 26
Well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome.

For more information call: (800) 826-9300 or (508) 240-3636.

Portugese Princess Excursions
When: Daily 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Where:Ticket booth at Main Office on Shank Painter Road; boat leaves from MacMillan Wharf, Provincetown, MA and also from Fisherman’s Wharf, Provincetown, MA, in high season.
Rates: $35/adults, children from 5 – 12/$27, children under 5/free
Reservations strongly encouraged.

For more information call: (800) 442-3188

Photo credit: Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises

Cape Cod Food & Wine Festivals

by Vera Thornton


There is certainly no lack of culinary events happening on Cape Cod. If good food, fun, and drink appeal to you, check out all of the Cape Cod food and wine festivals that are taking place from spring through fall, while you experience the unique Cape Cod lifestyle. These Cape Cod food and wine festivals showcase the areas finest chefs, brewers, local as well as international winemakers, and the local bounty of farm and sea. Here are some wonderful opportunities to socialize, meet people, and enjoy the rich variety of Cape Cod wining and dining.

Micro Brew Tasting & Pairing
When: April 17, 2008 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Trowbridge Tavern, Bourne (near Bourne Rotary)

This fun event will pair over 15 microbrews with the perfect complimentary appetizer. It’s held at the Trowbridge Tavern in Bourne and features raffles, a beer trivia contest, and give-aways. It benefits high school scholarships and community programs, and the cost is $25 per person. Does everyone know what a microbrew is? A beer produced by a brewery which makes less than 15,000 barrels a year – now there’s a bit of trivia for you!

For tickets and information call (508) 477-0792.

Taste of Cape Cod Spring-Summer Restaurant & Food Festival
When: May 26, 2008 - 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: The Grand Ballroom of the Resort & Conference Center at 35 Scudder Avenue, Hyannis

I talked to radio and TV food show host John Rega, who does a food talk show on WXTK on Sunday mornings and is the producer and driving force behind this event. This year’s festival will focus on ethnic foods on the Cape and showcases chef-owned restaurants, specialty foods and beverage producers, and gourmet food shop owners. Stroll and listen to a Jazz Guitarist, enjoy Cooking Demonstrations, Tastings, Chefs’ Book Signings, dance to a Swing Band, win a “foodie” door prize, and take home menus and recipes. Meet the chefs and sample their spring/summer menus of ethnic recipes, from appetizers to desserts. A food lovers dream come true! There will also be two Fashion Shows (one is swimsuit), for the divas among us. All in a beautifully conceived and decorated garden atmosphere with flowers, arrangements, plants, and water fountains.
And remember: Those cooking demonstrations are a sure way to learn some new kitchen techniques. Seeing it done live makes it easier to follow at home later!

Tickets: $25.
Available in advance at Puritan Clothing Stores in Chatham, Hyannis, Mashpee and Falmouth at a $5 discount.
Benefits, in part, the Family Food Pantry of Cape Cod.
For tickets and information: 1 – 866 – 88TASTE
http://www.capecoddine.com/TASTEOFCAPECOD2.htm


Cape Cod Life Food & Wine Festival
When: June 1 – 4, 2008 – 9:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Grand Opening Tasting
When: June 1 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Where: Rectrix Aerodrome, Hyannis

This event is the first annual and promises to be a hit! The Opening Tasting will celebrate the fine food on the Cape, international wines, and the arts, visual and performing. It has all the markings of a gala night and a place to see and be seen! Cape Cod Life’s Amy Duquette shared with me that six guest chefs will be participating in competitions to show off their culinary talents. And witness a champagne sabering – in which the neck of the bottle is cleanly sliced off with a saber. Don’t try this at home!

Cultural Happy Hours
When: June 2 – 4 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Where: Wellfleet, Falmouth, Brewster, and Cotuit

Following the Opening Tasting will be a series of daily Cultural Happy Hours. These will be held in a different location each night: on Monday, June 2, at Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre in Wellfleet; on Tuesday, June 3, at the Historic Highfield Hall in Falmouth. On Wednesday, June 4, you’ll have a choice of two different locations: the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster or the Cotuit Center for the Arts in Cotuit. These Happy Hours will capture the richness of Cape art, history, and environment in each of the noteworthy settings.

For Tickets and information:
Grand Opening Tasting - $50.
Cultural Happy Hour - $15.
Available at the box office of Cape Cod Community College
(508) 375-4044
Tickets may also be purchased on line at http://www.festival.capecodlife.com/

Wine Dinners
When: June 2 – 4 from 6:30 p.m.
Where: At over 40 Cape Cod restaurants

Each night the Happy Hour will be followed by a Wine Dinner, in one of over 40 participating Cape restaurants from Falmouth to Providence. Prices vary according to restaurant. Make reservations early at the individual restaurants directly – events of this kind are always popular! A complete list of participating restaurants will be available in the May issue of Cape Cod Life, out at your newsstands on April 22nd. In the meantime, you can check out the list now at the festival’s website: http://www.festival.capecodlife.com/

Wellfleet Oysterfest

Where: Main Street in Wellfleet
When: October 18 & 19, 2008 – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

We all know that Wellfleet has some of the best oysters in the world, in high demand and offered at the finest restaurants. This two-day festival celebrates the town’s famous oysters and its long shellfishing tradition. Can you imagine that over 100,000 oysters were served at the festival in 2006? And 10,000 littleneck clams? Chowders, lobster rolls, stuffed clams, local beer and ales, music, art, games, and FUN! The popular shucking contest attracts the biggest crowd, and some of the local amateur shuckers have been fast enough to go on to national competition.

Free entry; food and retail items priced individually.

Proceeds support SPAT’s (Shellfish Promotion and Tasting) educational programs and a Nauset Regional High School scholarship for graduating seniors interested in pursuing college studies related to the shellfish industry.

http://www.wellfleetoysterfest.org/


Photo Credits:
Photo #1 and #2: Courtesy of Cape Cod Life www.capecodlife.com
Photo #3: Colleen Oteri www.civettacom.com

April On Cape Cod

by Vera Thornton


Spring is here and it's the perfect time of year to get out and enjoy some of the fine performing arts on Cape Cod. The Cape Cod Symphony is performing its April Classics series.


Cape Cod Symphony
Saturday, April 12th – 8:00 p.m. & Sunday, April 13th – 3:00 p.m.
Barnstable Performing Arts Center
744 W. Main Street, Hyannis

The Cape Cod Symphony has entertained and inspired both year-round residents and vacationers for nearly 50 years. The orchestra, the second-largest symphony orchestra in Massachusetts, will proudly present Shostakovich’s “Symphony of Victory,” Symphony No. 7, at two performances this spring. Also known as the Leningrad symphony, the Russian composer dedicated it to his birthplace for its valiant resistance to the German invasion of WWII. Shostakovich wrote this inspiring piece of music in Leningrad while the city was under siege, a moving tribute to the Russian inextinguishable spirit.

The concert will also include a presentation of Dvořák’s beautiful Violin Concerto with enchanting soloist Catherine Manoukian, in her CCSO debut. Royston Nash, Conductor.

Tickets $20.00 -$55.00
A Classics Concert - Sponsored by TD Banknorth

For More Information:
Visit Website: http://www.capesymphony.org
Contact: (508) 362-1111 – ext. 100