Ring in the New Year 2014! Cape and Islands

It's not too late to make plans to say good-bye to 2013 and ring in the New Year 2014. Several local restaurants offer celebrations complete with dinner, live music and dancing. Beware, reservations are strongly suggested for those dining out New Years Eve. Looking for something livelier? Cape Cod's biggest family celebration is First Night Chatham, an annual tradition of celebrating the arts in Chatham on New Years Eve.

Cape & Islands - Count-Down to Christmas 2013

Are you ... Counting the days till Christmas? Starting late or still searching for a special one of a kind gift? Looking for an alternative to the crowded malls? Shop local, buy local! Stroll along Main Street - Chatham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Orleans, Osterville or Sandwich! Shop for art at Little Beach Gallery, Hyannis; select something romantic at Bedroom I's in Osterville, or for your favorite over 21 guy, a growler at Cape Cod Beer. Browse church fairs for hand-made treasures.

Cape & Islands - Happy Thanksgiving 2013

The first "Thanksgiving" in 1621 was a traditional three day English harvest celebration to which the Pilgrims invited Massasoit, Chief of the the Wamapanoag. It wasn't until the nineteenth century that this event became identified with the American Thanksgiving holiday. Visit Plimoth Plantation to learn about the "First Thanksgiving".

Cape & Islands - Changing Seasons...

Labor Day (which is early this year) marks the official end of the Summer season. The college students have all left their summer jobs and have headed back to classes. The bus schedules are posted; the buses will soon be rolling to get the K - 12 students back to school. As the sun sets earlier and the days get shorter, the air turns cooler and drier (good bye humidity!), and the traffic eases up on the major roads, thoughts turn to back to school and colder weather. But, don't close up the summer cottage or bunker down inside just yet...

Cape & Islands - Local Music Scene!

Cape Cod has a most enviable talent pool of musicians, including (but by no means limited to) high school bands, town bands, rock bands,choral groups, big band swing, a professional symphony orchestra and even an American Idol finalist! Rock, jazz, blues, bluegrass, classical, country, folk are just some of the genres that can be heard year round... Join us as we listen to and support our local Cape Cod musicians.

Cape Cod & Islands Celebrate Independence Day!

4th of July fireworks bursting over Cape Cod Bay, Buzzards Bay, Nantucket Sound, even the Atlantic Ocean; Parades on Main Street, Band concerts on the green, Community picnics - Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket offer it all. For a fast listing of Cape Cod Fireworks and Parades see our list at AllCapeCod.

Cape & Islands - Memorial Day the Official Start of Summer!

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. It is also a day that we remember our own deceased relatives and friends. Memorial Day weekend has come to be the official start of the summer season on Cape Cod.

Cape & Islands - Signs of Spring...?

The calendar says Spring, but on the 3rd day all the signs were blanketed under several inches of snow! The crocuses were up, only to sadly buried in snow - hope they survive as this spring snow is sure to melt fast.

Crocuses and daffodils are a sure sign of Spring! But, snow is not...

March is Women's History Month!

March is Women's History Month! Famous Cape Cod women include Barnstable-born, Mercy Otis Warren, a highly influential writer and Patriot activist for the American Revolution. She is honored with a statue on the lawn of the Barnstable County Superior Courthouse; her portrait is currently on display in the Art of Americas Collection at the MFA.

Cape & Islands - February School Vacation!

For most Cape Cod schools, traditionally starting with Presidents day, February 18^th through the 22^nd is February School Vacation week! Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket public school students will enjoy winter recess the following week. Cape Cod offers lots to do in the winter, both in and outdoors, for Cape Cod kids, as well as visiting families and grandchildren.

Cape & Islands - Blizzard Watch 2013

BLIZZARD WATCH! Thursday, February. 7, 2013- The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Watch which includes Barnstable County (and just about everywhere else) from 7:00 AM EST, Friday, February 8, 2013 until 4:00 PM EST, Saturday, February 9, 2013. The big question on everyone's mind is what will happen on Cape Cod & the Islands? Lots of snow, or lots of rain? Will this storm be a record setter like the famous Blizzard of 1978 that hit the Northeastern states 35 years ago today? Will there be No School! next week?