Cape Cod isn’t just a June through August destination, it is even perhaps more magical in September and October. The crowds are gone, the ocean is at its warmest and the traffic is a lot more bearable. Here’s how to spend the perfect weekend on Cape Cod this month at Chatham Bars Inn.
Getting to Cape Cod
Chatham Bars Inn is located in Chatham, MA, which is at the bend in the elbow of Cape Cod, making it under 2 hours without traffic and easily 3+ hours in peak rush hour. So, plan ahead, leave as early as you can, but luckily after Labor Day the traffic is a lot more manageable so it shouldn’t be too bad towards the end of September into October.
What To Do
The town of Chatham is one of those picture-perfect New England towns, complete with shingled homes and cute boutiques lining the Main Street. So be sure to venture off the Chatham Bars compound at least a little bit to explore. However, there is plenty to keep you busy so this may be difficult!
First of all, if the sun is shining you have to hit the beach. Ask about the boat shuttle to the outer beach as it is the place for that private beach feeling. The houseboat, “Bartender” shuttles guests out to the outer banks every half hour or so. Bring with you everything you’ll need for some fun in the sun because there aren’t any concessions once you get out there. Relax in the soft sand and wade into the cool shallow waters. And when you’ve had enough and want to head back in for lunch, just look out for the “Bartender” as you are sure to see the captain bobbing his way back in your direction before you know it.
After lots of time at the beach head in for lunch at the Beach House Grill. This is the spot to enjoy those remaining beach days on the Cape. The fresh fare, the fun atmosphere and the oceanfront views make for the best afternoon alfresco. Be sure to grab a lobster roll if you somehow went all season without one!
Finally, after enjoying lots of lunch, head back to the beach or the pool to luxuriate in one of their cabanas. Relax, read a book in the warm ocean breeze and just soak up the last few weeks of pleasant New England weather.
When it’s finally time to head back inside to get ready for dinner, head back to your room or suite and get ready for what could even possibly top the day’s activities—people watching on the Adirondack chairs near the Veranda.
Put on your New England best, i.e. Nantucket Reds, a sharp button down and some Sperries for men and a classy but sassy dress or pair of wide leg pants and tunic for women and get ready to enjoy a few more glasses of rosé while watching the sunset and listening to some live music. This is my favorite part of the Chatham Bars Inn experience, the music, the excited buzz of the crowd and that ocean breeze makes the whole trip.
Then after some pre-dinner drinks head into STARS for dinner. The main restaurant on the property focuses on true farm-to-table dining. They literally bought a farm a few years ago and now all the vegetables in their dishes come from only 8 miles down the road and that paired with seafood caught that day off their shores, makes for a pretty special menu. Enjoy the last few warm days, summer isn’t over yet, but the snow will also be here before we know it so take advantage of the sunshine while you can, and what better place to do it than Cape Cod?
Some other fabulous Massachusetts getaway destinations are: Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Plum Island. Read all our blog posts for lots of tips and tricks for planning weekends away in New England!