A Cape Cod vacation in December was not something I planned nor was excited about. However, with vacation time to use or lose and a very generous friend who offered me her timeshare, I was soon on the way to my happy place to spread holiday cheer on a Cape Cod Christmastime Winter Beach Vacation.

We arrived at The Soundings Seaside Resort in Dennis Port early Friday evening.  The staff was very friendly and accommodating and our unit had a beautiful view of The Nantucket Sound.

Saturday we headed north to The National Seashore passing Santa along the way. The warm sunshine, spectacular views, and the crashing waves at Nauset Light Beach quickly filled me with a sense of serenity and calmness. It was the perfect way to start my vacation!

We continued on Rte 6 stopping for lunch at The Wicked Oyster one of our favorite restaurants on The Cape (you’ll hear that phrase a lot throughout this post.)

I always start with a cocktail and a cup of the clam chowder while looking over the menu. It’s one of my top 3 favorite clam chowders! Bonnie, our lovely server, recommended “The Grapefruit” martini and it did not disappoint!

For lunch, Mike ordered the blackened fish wrap (OMG so good) and the blue cheese aioli sold me on the bacon burger. We were definitely members of the “clean plate club” when we left.

We continued north on Rte 6 to Truro Vineyard, a must stop whenever we visit The Cape. The grounds of the Vineyard is so beautiful! In the middle of the property stood a Christmas tree made from empty wine bottles. How creative!

I love to browse through the gift shop and almost always find a “must have” gift…for me! This visit, it was a blue and white stripped wine bag perfect for taking along to outdoor concerts in the summer!  The 2 lighthouse bottles was a request from my daughter who fills them with sea glass (after enjoying the wine, of course!) 

On the way back that evening we swung by the vineyard to the wine bottle Christmas tree lit up. Very cool!

After the vineyard, we went to the Holly Folly Provincetown Celebration. Truly one of the most fun, friendly, festive holiday strolls we’ve been to. We strolled through the decorated streets and shops then relaxed with a coffee and warm blanket on a bench at the holiday market.  We met up with some friends after for drinks and lots of laughs!

On the way home, we stopped for dinner at another one of our favorite restaurants on The Cape. The Beacon Room where we enjoyed a fabulous dinner and each other’s company. It was a great first day on our Cape Cod Christmastime Winter Beach Vacation!

Sunday was a cold, rainy day perfect for sleeping late and relaxing all morning.  What does one do on a rainy day in Cape Cod? Stroll through the Cape Cod Mall!   A romantic dinner at The Ocean House (yes another favorite) was the perfect ending to a peaceful, relaxing day! Top notch food, service, and atmosphere!

Oh, how I love to share my love for the Cape with others. Our friend Judy came on Monday and had never seen the National Seashore or had been to Provincetown so back up north we went!

The sun was shining bright on this chilly December day and the surfers were out riding the waves at The Coast Guard Beach. There’s something about being at the beach that takes away one’s worries and eases their mind.

It’s funny how you can go somewhere time and time again, then someone points out something you’ve never seen. Judy found an artists alley with murals on the walls and the most creative stonework throughout. How did I miss this the last few years?

Something else was a first for me that day in Provincetown. As we drove down the pier something fell from the sky onto our windshield. Apparently, seagulls drop scallop shells onto hard surfaces to crack open the shells.

Since the trolley doesn’t operate during the winter months Mike and I gave Judy a tour of Provincetown and shared what history we knew. I could easily be a tour guide there when I retire!

The nice thing about going to The Cape off-season is having the time to leisurely browse through quaint shops like the ones in Brewster at The Lemon Tree Village. Lunch at Cafe Alfresco was simple yet delicious! I had the Tuna Alfresco with artichoke hearts and black olive pesto on toasted ciabatta. So good!

Sunsets are always spectacular on the bay side of Cape Cod. It was blustery cold yet the low tide and sunset was breathtaking.

My guests were gone and I was now alone to enjoy some much-needed quiet time.  On the hunt to see a snowy owl I spent a few hours at the beach one brisk, sunny morning.  Although I did not have the privilege of spotting a snowy owl the beach was serene and calming!

It’s always fun to connect with old friends when I’m visiting The Cape so a friend and I planned a lunch date at Mashpee Commons then did a little holiday shopping!  The plaza was decorated for the season, the storefront displays were unique and festive and there were signs of Christmas throughout!  It was so nice to leisurely shop and take in the beauty of the season!

The Cape Cod Lavender Farm in Harwich was next on my list of places to go this week. I pop in at least once a year to shop for handmade gifts and to replenish my stock of lavender products.  The lavender lemon marmalade is a favorite of mine!   The owners were not available the day I went and they were operating on an honor system. How refreshing to know there are still trusting people in the world.

On the way to the beach, I stopped at The Corner Store in Orleans for lunch. I learned that steaming the burrito before filling it is the secret to rolling a perfect burrito sandwich!   I devoured a scrumptious jerk chicken burrito with Asian slaw, pico de gallo and Monterey jack cheese! OMG!  It was so good!

We all know the ocean is powerful and Nauset Beach in Orleans has experienced dramatic coastline changes over the last decade due to powerful storm surge.  The famous Liam’s Clam Shack had to be taken down last year before it was swallowed up by the ocean. I had to see for myself the changes that took place.  As soon as I drove into the parking lot I could see it was not the same beach I’ve been going to for the past 30 years.  A path leading to the shore surrounded by newly planted seagrass replaced the clam shack.  The beach was flat and you could see for miles.  I felt sad and at the same time was in awe of the beauty and changes that nature created.

Did you know that in 1984 Massachusetts banned Happy Hour?  Yes, that’s right!  Drinks cannot be discounted in Massachusetts for fear of over drinking as a result of a woman’s death.  I learned this when I met a friend at a local restaurant in Orleans and asked the bartender if they offered Happy Hour specials.  I laughed then questioned how could Massachusetts legalize marijuana and ban happy hour? Oh well…we enjoyed our full priced Bloody Mary’s anyway!

It was Friday morning, my last day on The Cape. I packed my things, loaded the car then headed to Chatham to find hanger B eatery, a highly recommended locals favorite hidden gem!  I was intrigued by the menu options.  Cornflake crusted haddock for breakfast? The waitress brought me a complimentary potato donut served with lemon curd and raspberry jam while I looked over the menu.  WOW!  What a fabulous combination! I ordered the haddock for something different (I never thought I’d order haddock for breakfast.) I couldn’t resist the sriracha aioli!   The fish was so tender and flaky! It was no wonder hanger B was a local favorite! I purchased a jar of the lemon curd and raspberry jam to bring home!

Now off to Eden Hand Arts to shop for hand-made custom jewelry! Eden Hand Arts, located in Dennis, MA, is home of the original Screwball bracelet and is only open 2 or 3 days a week beginning late June through August then again during the holidays.  Free tickets must be ordered weeks in advance and often one needs to wait in line to get in as only 3 or 4 people can be in the tiny shop at one time. Their supply is very limited as each piece is hand-made. My collection now consists of 3 bracelets and 2 rings.  Perhaps I’ll purchase earrings next year. 

I had two more stops before heading home. My grandson requested I bring him home Sweet Mesquite Barbecue Cape Cod Potato Chips from the Cape Cod Chip Factory (not the grocery store.) I had a lovely tour, purchased some chips and a chip clip then headed to the Cape Cod Brewery to pick up a growler to bring home.  Another great day!

Taking time away from everyday stress during one of the busiest times of the year sure has its benefits! I left feeling refreshed, relaxed and at peace.  It was my first time on The Cape during the holiday season and won’t be my last! If you ever have the opportunity to visit Cape Cod in December feel free to contact me for suggestions and recommendations.  I love to be out and about and encourage you to be, too!