Under the Gaydar | Summer Series: Cape Cod

Jun 14, 2022

In the hit song, ‘Wildfire’, John Mayer sings “a little bit of summer is what the whole year is all about”. Though this sentiment rings true, one thing the melodious bachelor forgot to account for was the insurmountable stress that comes from planning a summer vacay. Do you battle it out for a spot on the beach? Or shuffle amongst the heard of tourists through the overcrowded grounds of a historic monument or local water park? Turns out there is a better way to do summer vacation. In fact, there are 10. Join us for this series as we uncover the top 10 best-kept secrets to travel to this season.

Fishing for a good time? Pack up the cooler, grab the sunscreen, and head down the Cape for the perfect getaway to escape the dog days of summer.

Part 3: Cape Cod

In ancient Greek, the word thalassophile means lover of the sea, but simply referring to these people as Cape Aficionados tends to have the same effect. A haven for those drawn to the deep blue, Massachusetts hook-shaped peninsula bursts at the seams with nautical charm. Spend your days relaxing at the beach, stopping by stunning vineyards, whale watching, or whatever else floats your boat.

At first glance, the Cape bears resemblance to much of New England with its charming coastal cottages and statuesque white steeples, but take a closer look and you'll see the area as the unique jigsaw puzzle that it truly is. The 70-mile-long hideaway encompasses 15 towns defined by 4 distinct regions: The Upper Cape, Mid Cape, Lower Cape, and Outer Cape. Setting aside the common bond that comes from a shared affinity for the beach, each town offers a unique, one-of-a-kind experience. Are you looking for a serene, secluded seaside stay or a vacation filled with family-friendly fun? The Cape has a little something for everyone. Read on to familiarize yourself with the lay of the land and discover which spots are on our can't-miss-list!

Vintage Postcard Courtesy of Caitlin Houston Blog

Sandwich | Upper Cape

One of the first towns to greet visitors as they drive in, Sandwich is the oldest town on the Cape founded all the way back in 1637. Designated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council as the 'Glass Town Cultural District' this quaint beach town is celebrated for its bountiful offering of cultural and historical assets. Learn about the town's rich history by stopping by the Sandwich Glass Museum which memorializes the pivotal role the community played in American glass production and offers glass-blowing classes alongside stunning displays of glass-blown collector's items. Sandwich is also home to Heritage Museums & Gardens, whose 76 beautifully landscaped gardens feature wooded trails, exquisite greenery, state-of-the-art sculptures, a vintage automobile showroom, and plenty of kid-friendly areas.

Constructed in 1875, the Sandwich Boardwalk, known by locals as the "Plank Walk" stretches over 1,300 feet and is composed of hundreds of timber planks inscribed with the names of community members who helped restore the landmark after a hurricane destroyed it in 1991. At high tide, beachgoers are often seen jumping from the boardwalk and when the tide is low, locals wade into the marsh to dig up clams and mussels. Beaming with natural beauty, lovers of the great outdoors will delight in the miles of hiking trails that wind along marshes, ponds, and cranberry bogs as you trek through woodlands home to some of the state's most diverse wildlife.

Photo Credit: John Burk

Hyannis | Mid Cape

The largest of 7 villages within the town of Barnstable, Hyannis serves as the gateway to Cape Cod and thanks to its historic Main Street, bustling harbor, and beautiful beaches, has earned the reputation as the “heart” of the Cape. A favorite vacation spot of the iconic Kennedy clan, visitors can hop on a boat for a sightseeing tour of the family's iconic coastal residences in Hyannis Port - but you don’t need political ties to appreciate the iconic Americana vibe of the region. As a whole, Hyannis is beloved by travelers for its laid-back atmosphere and if it's good enough for the Kennedys, you know it has to be a classy spot too.

A popular setting for windsurfers seeking a steady breeze coming in from the Nantucket Sound, Kalmus Beach is divided into two sections to keep a safe distance between swimmers and water sports participants. For a more family-friendly spot, Keyes Beach dons picnic tables and a snack bar that makes grabbing lunch and returning to the beach for more wave-surfing fun a breeze. Home of the historical shrines honoring JFK and the Korean War Memorial, Veterans Park Beach is another great option, and just a short walk away, the JFK Hyannis Museum which allows visitors to journey through President Kennedy’s life and learn about his deep connection to Cape Cod, a place where he enjoyed many summers. Travel back in time to Hyannis Port in the 1960s through an interactive exhibit that features more than 80 rarely-seen photographs and special artifacts from the years Kennedy spent on the Cape.

As one of the busiest areas on the Cape, it should come as no surprise that Main Street, found in the heart of downtown Hyannis, is home to a multitude of fine-dining and nightlife establishments. The British Beer Company offers pub-style cuisine along with a diverse beer list and live music. The venue also hosts open mic nights, karaoke, bingo, trivia, and other nightly entertainment throughout the summer. Across the street, you will find Embargo, an elegant restaurant that turns into a nightclub with an action-packed dance floor at night. Torino is another popular dinner spot with live entertainment that keeps nightly parties going well into the night. The outdoor bar here is incredibly popular during the summer months, as guests can enjoy alfresco drinks while remaining a part of Main Streets' electric atmosphere.

Photo Credit: JFK Library

Chatham | Lower Cape

For a more refined experience, the charming town of Chatham has beautiful sandy beaches, a bustling town center, and high-end boutiques. The perfect place to stay for those that are after the classic, old-money aesthetic, Chatham is a chic, walkable town that has become an upscale seaside destination without losing any of its true-blue New England charm.

For a story, you’ll be sharing for years to come, book an oyster tour with Chatham Shellfish Company where you will get the chance to participate in the harvest and enjoy some of your catch after the tour is complete. For the architecture buffs, discover the town’s centuries-old history of lighthouse-keeping at the Chatham Light, an active U.S Coast Guard Station with scenery straight out of a postcard. Though it is typically closed to the public, the historic spot will wave its admission fees and open up to tourists during the summer months. Sitting right below the watchful gaze of the lighthouse is the largest beach in town, aptly named Lighthouse Beach. Only a half-mile from downtown, peaceful surf, breathtaking views, and an endless stretch of sand make this family-friendly beach one of the Cape’s most treasured seaside escapes.

Photo Credit: Chatham Gables Inn

Provincetown | Outer Cape

The little seaside town of Provincetown, or Ptown, as it's lovingly referred to by the locals, is located at the northernmost end of Cape Cod and only 90-minutes away from Boston by ferry. This colorful tip of the Cape has a long history of being an inclusive hotspot for the LGBTQ+ community and first began attracting members of the community in the 60s when it was a haven for eccentric artists and those who challenged the status quo.

Despite having a population of only 3,000 people, this tiny village is home to gay bars, gay beaches, and over a dozen annual LGBTQ+ events. A playground for creative culture, the town also boasts a myriad of art galleries, more than 200 independent shops, and a flourishing nightlife scene. In fact, Provincetown has more queer-owned business ventures per capita than anywhere else in the country and holds the title of the American city with the highest concentration of same-sex households.

The gay scene is centered around Commercial Street, considered by many as the gayest main street in the country and home to Crown and Anchor, a historic gay establishment with six different gay bars on the premises. The most popular summertime LGBTQ event is the everyday Tea Dance at the Boatslip Resort. A right of passage for every P-Town visitor, the famous afternoon dance is held every day from 4 pm to 7 pm during the high season and is a great way to meet other queer travelers. Provincetown’s only-year-round gay bar and dance club, A-House, is a lively nightlife hub that extends across three separate club spaces giving guests plenty of room to mingle. Other much-loved LGBTQ+ events, including drag shows, are held at a number of different venues such as The Art House, an arts complex that holds live shows ranging from stand-up comedy to theatrical performances, plus regular gigs by some of the biggest names in queer entertainment.

Photo Credit: Ted Eytan

Summer Events:

As the resident "Gay Mecca" of the Cape, the best summer events are held in Provincetown, here are the ones you don't want to miss.

Girl Splash | Jul 20, 2022 - Jul 23, 2022

The paramount summer event for women in Provincetown, Girl Splash occurs over the span of a week and is comprised of a collection of performances ranging from talented comedians to dynamic musical acts. If that wasn’t enough to sell you, there will also be lesbian beach outings, whale watching tours, dune buggy excursions, sailing, and bingo. Geared towards the ladies looking to enjoy all Provincetown has to offer, every night will feature themed parties ranging from a Pride party to a speakeasy-themed bash!

GLAD Summer Party | Jul 23, 2022

Why be mad when you could be glad! The renowned LGBTQ+ non-profit, GLAD, will be gracing Provincetown this July for the 41st Annual Summer Party at The Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum! Join in on some summer fun and the opportunity to support GLAD’s transformative mission. Not only will this be the social event of the season, but you will have the chance to celebrate recent victories in the community, discuss the work ahead, and win big in their incredible auction!

Provincetown Carnival | Aug 13, 2022 - Aug 20, 2022

Named Best Festival on Cape Cod in 2013, Provincetown Carnival draws in around 90,000 partygoers from all walks of life in celebration of what the U.S Census Bureau calls the GAYEST city in America! Each year, the carnival incorporates a theme that’s present throughout its multiple house parties, music and dancing on a boozy boat cruise, a costume ball, pool parties, and much more. This year, the 44th annual carnival will follow the theme “Monsters, Myths, & Legends” so get ready to channel your inner Zeus because this is the event you don’t want to miss.

Photo Credit: Cape Cod Times

Hotel Recommendations in Cape Cod:

When planning a getaway that calls for maximum pleasure but minimum preparation, Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club is the place for you. Located right on the bay, this serene hideaway was recognized as one of the “Best Resorts in the Northeast” by Condé Nast Traveler and as the "Best Resort, Cape Cod" by Boston Magazine.

The 429-acre compound has something for every member of your party, whether they are sports-loving souls or the type of person whose ideal trip involves nothing but kicking their feet up and taking it easy. With a “Director of Fun” on staff, there's no shortage of things to do, and the extensive range of amenities for the active traveler includes kayaking, tennis, biking, golfing, and swimming. If guests are looking for a more relaxing vibe, they can check out the Beach House Spa which features an extensive roster of facials (including HydraFacials!), massages, and other ocean inspired beauty treatments, as well as seasonal services like meditation or acupuncture. If all else fails, guests can spend the day lounging around on the big private beach where the bay waters are calm enough to appease even the most anxious of swimmers.

Accommodations are in abundance with over 300 total rooms and fully equipped 1, 2, and 3-bedroom villas divided between The Mansion, a Victorian-style building that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Hotels, and The Villages, a collection of villas that are perfect for group getaways! All villas (which can sleep up to 8 guests) offer living and dining rooms, fully equipped kitchenettes, and private outdoor space.