We all know travel looks a little different this year, but everyone still needs a little R &R this summer, especially with everything we've all been through! This year, I've been experiencing travel close to home, which has been great, because it's brought me to places I wouldn't normally head to! With all the restrictions, there weren't many places we could go, so we decided to hit up Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard! Being a Boston girl, I've been to both spots before, but its been many years, so it was fun experiencing them again as an adult and with my hubby! Lets dive right in!
Where We Stayed:
After our Euro trip and vacation to Aruba were cancelled this spring and summer, I was obviously very bummed out and was craving a kind of resort vibe, which is what I was hoping was going to take place in Aruba (womp womp). I searched for what seemed like days! But everything I wanted (private beach, pool, restaurants on site etc- not too much to ask for! ) was ridiculously over priced! I'm sorry, but I could not justify paying more money for a hotel in cape cod, than I did on the Amalfi Coast! amirite?! Then I found Ocean Edge in Brewster, which on the surface appears extremely boujee, however there are two sections: the mansion, which I'm sure is V expensive and the villages, which were less than 200 a night! They weren't on the main property, which was kinda a pain, but we had access to everything the Boujee people had access to, including the private beach (we were told originally we would not have access to this, but we had no issues any time we went)! BoujE on a Budget seal of approval! Now as far has the accessibility aspect of it, we were told they had "accessible" rooms, however, they were "accessible" in the fact that stath could fit into the bathroom, but otherwise, not great! The bed was extremely high and I literally had to throw Stath into the bed every night and the shower was a step in with no seat, not ideal. Otherwise the hotel was very nice with gorgeous views, beautiful landscaping, a beach bar, pools, activities and great restaurants! They did a great job following all CDC guidelines regarding COVID and we felt very comfortable there. Check out the website to book your stay at Ocean Edge: www.oceanedge.com
Where We Ate:
You know this is always my fav part of travel! Eating! First up, I loved the restaurant at Ocean Edge,Ocean Terrace. It was beautiful with the view of the ocean and the sunset and the food was great too!
Other than eating at the resort, I was obviously craving some water front dining (I really crave that all summer long, wherever I am, its nothing new lol) so we hit up Dockside in Hyannis. It was great, we got in no problem and ate delish baked stuffed shrimp! One of my favs! We also went to Sundae School for ice cream, a Cape Cod staple, and Jim's Clam Shack in Falmouth for some fried clams! I'm hungry just thinking about it!
What We Did:
My Favorite thing to do when down the cape, is actually leave the cape and catch the ferry to Martha's Vineyard! I absolutely love the Vineyard! I've loved it ever since I went as a kid and I couldn't wait to take Stath to all my fav spots, as he had never been! I could write a whole bog post just on Martha's Vineyard, but I'll give ya my top best things to do!
First off, there are a few ferry options out of a couple different locations down the cape. Do your research to figure out what the best port is for you to go out of based on where you're staying. We went out of Hyannis and used Hyline cruises. It was about 130 bucks total for both us including parking. Kind of expensive, but I think its worth it explore such a cool island. You can also bring your car on the ferry to have on the island, this is more money and a different ferry so look into that before you go. For just a day trip, we opted to go without our car and got ubers no problem once on the island. If you're on Cape Cod, you can also take the Ferry to Nantucket,which is a little further and a little more expensive. I've never done that before, but would love to some time! As far as safety, masks were of course required on the ferry and they did a relatively good job with social distancing. Going there was smooth sailing, however sailing back in the hurricane was quite the trip, but that's another story!
The ferry drops you off in Oak Bluffs, one of the 6 towns on the Vineyard. If you only have one day on the Island, I highly suggest exploring Oak Bluffs, which has a more laid back beachy vibe, and Edgartown, which has a more regal, old money New England Vibe. I love spending time in both places!
In Oak Bluffs, hit up the Gingerbread Village, a famous story book like village lined with adorable, colorful Gingerbread homes, each with its own unique story! Totally cute and instagrammable lol
Next, explore the area around the port. There's lots of good shopping and waterfront restaurants. We had lunch at the Sandbar and it was awesome, with sand on the ground, and a laid back beachy vibe, it was great! Get the chowda, duh!
After lunch take a walk to Ocean Park and take in the ocean views and salty air. The park is huge, with a gazebo and old mansions lining the perimeter.
In Edgartown, definitely take a trip to the Harbor View Hotel! One of my favorite Hotels I've been too. Its V expensive to stay, but just go and have a drink on the huge wrap around porch and check out the views of the Edgartwon Lighthouse. Someday, when I hit the lotto, I'll stay here haha! After that, stroll the streets and scope out all of the gorgeous historic coastal houses with seaside views and vibrant hydrangeas in the yards! It's such a New England Summer dream!
Once back on the mainland, my other favorite activity we did was hit up Cape Cod Winery! You know I'm always scoping out wineries everywhere I go and this did no disappoint! I was obsessed! It was so cute, the wine was delicious and they did a great job following all restrictions! Their Sav Blanc was to die, and so was the lobster dip! I was in Heaven!
Even though this trip was not exactly what I had planned for this summer, it was just what we needed after these last few months! Relaxing, safe and close to home but feeling a million miles away! I highly suggest a Cape Cod/Martha's Vineyard trip anytime, but especially in this time of strange COVID travel
Thanks for reading and get packing!
xoxo
Elisa
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