We all know that Cape Cod is the place to be in the summertime. However, the insider’s secret is that it is just as fabulous in the winter. No crowds, lots of cozy hangouts and some amazing food. Keep reading to find out why you should book a trip to Cape Cod this winter and we also share a delicious cocktail recipe that is worth trying at home even if you can’t make it to the Cape!
What to do on Cape Cod
There is so much to do on the Cape year-round, but this winter the Chatham Bars Inn has really stepped things up with lots of new and exciting programming. We even got to make a delicious cocktail!
Ranging from cooking classes, mixology classes and wine tastings to a traditional afternoon tea and creative enrichment activities (such as floral design and jewelry classes, painting, calligraphy and astronomy, a wildlife nature series, iPhone photography classes and their Winter Art Series), there is truly something for everyone.
Amaro Sour Cocktail Recipe
My favorite cocktail that we made at the class was called the Amaro Sour!
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Amaro
.75 oz Bourbon
1 oz lemon juice
.25 oz simple syrup
1 egg white
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker and dry shake without ice for 10 seconds to fully incorporate the egg white. Add ice and continue shaking until chilled and strain into a double old fashion glass filled with ice. Garnish with lemon zest and cherry.
But be sure to make time to head into downtown Chatham. It is truly one of those postcard-worthy towns. Stroll through the downtown to check out the trendy boutiques, art galleries and cute souvenir shops, and grab a meal at the local’s favorites, Bluefins Sushi and Chatham Squire. The Corner Store, just off the beaten path in Chatham, is a great quick stop for breakfast and coffee. And at the nearby Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster, you can embrace the winter season from your very own private igloo (with Bluetooth speakers) at their heated Frost Bar (which reopens with the resort on Friday, Feb 10th). Frost Bar also has outdoor fire pits and fun wintry cocktails like a Hot Cocoa Martini.
Where to stay
The Chatham Bars Inn is the most luxurious place to stay on Cape Cod. And did you know it is open year-round?
Chatham Bars Inn is located in Chatham, MA, in the elbow of Cape Cod, making it under 2 hours from Boston in the wintertime (in the summer it may be closer to 3 hours in peak rush hour.) Take advantage of the crowd free roads and head down to this beautiful property this season.
The sprawling property is made up of the main hotel and lots of other cottages and buildings right on the Chatham oceanfront. Splurge on a beautiful Beach House Suite for plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the ocean views, stunning winter sunrises and fresh breeze.
Visiting Chatham
But the best part about being in Chatham any time of year is the ocean. Salt water does so much to cure whatever ails you and while you may not be swimming in it this time of year, taking a long walk on the beach and not having to worry about traffic and where to park is a nice treat. All the beach parking lots are open and free to the public, so head to all the popular beaches that may be too crowded in the summer. We love driving out to Marconi Beach and enjoying the views!
On our recent trip we stopped off at Hog Island Beer in Orleans on our way back to Chatham and tried some of their craft beer and had a tasty lunch after a morning walking on the beach! If you are interested in craft beer, check out TapTastings Craft Brew Excursions. They will put together a custom brewery or winery tour for you and all your friends! If you are looking for something fun to do this winter, while staying indoors, this could be a great option, as Cape Cod has a pretty happening craft beverage scene.
If you want to stick to Chatham, snap a picture of Chatham Light and enjoy a nice stroll before heading back to the Chatham Bars Inn for a cozy meal at the Sacred Cod, which is their in-house gastro pub! Do not skip the seafood tasting, it is just the right size for two people and gives you a little hint of summer on Cape Cod, even in the winter!
And if you are planning your spring and summer trips right now as well, read all about what it is like visiting the Chatham Bars Inn in the peak season and for more ideas on visiting Cape Cod any time of year, visit the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.