BUDGET:
Getting there: During frequent sale periods, one-way trips to Boston average $129 midweek; from $173 weekends; AirTran or Delta, nonstop. A drive from Boston to the Mid-Cape area is about 70 miles, or less than a 90-minute drive.
Stay: There are no streets to cross to get to Nantucket Sound beach (with lifeguards) or to the pool, and there are several pine tree-shaded spots on the motel grounds for picnics at the Old Landing Motel. Nearby is the Salt Pond Visitors Center, a lovely part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Summer rates range from $80-$140; $50-$90 after Labor Day; 15 Sea St., Dennisport, 508-398-5921, www.oldlandingmotel.com.
Eat: The Keltic Kitchen Irish restaurant offers authentic, all-day breakfasts, sandwiches and burgers. Each menu item is under $10, such as French toast, corned-beef hash and strawberry-topped scones; 415 Route 28, West Yarmouth, 508-771-4835, www.thekeltickitchen.com.
Experience: Climb the 252-foot Pilgrim Monument tower to the top (60 inclined ramps and 116 steps) for one of the most spectacular views of Cape Cod. On clear days, Plymouth and the Boston skyline can be seen. The monument, built from 1907-1910, commemorates the landing of the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620. The Provincetown Museum, at the foot of the Monument grounds exhibits a life-size captain's quarters and a model of the Mayflower. Open through November; $10 adults, $4 children 4-14 (age 3 and under free). An optional 90-minute walking tour of historic sites in Provincetown is offered every Wednesday and Friday through August at 9:30 a.m. The $15 fee includes admission to the monument and museum; High Pole Hill Rd., Provincetown, 508-487-1310, www.pilgrim-monument.org.
MODERATE:
Getting there: Travel to Boston at one-way rates of $286 with a three-day advance notice; AirTran nonstop.
Stay: Studios, cottages and villa townhouses at Green Harbor on the Ocean are ideal for family gatherings. This beachfront resort on calm Nantucket Sound features a private beach, mini-golf course, bike riding, in-season Kid's Camp activities, outdoor grills and a heated pool with ocean views. Summer rates from $259. A cottage to sleep six (3-bedroom/2-bath) is $212.50 per night on or after Sept. 4; 182 Baxter Ave., West Yarmouth, 1-800-547-4733, www.greenharborresort.com.
Eat: After shopping, or for a night out, head to Not Your Average Joe's, a place for creative casual cuisine. Small plates during Half Price Happy Hour are $3.50-$5.50 (Monday-Friday, 3--6 p.m.) and dinner entrees from $14-$20; 793 Iyannough Rd., Hyannis, 508-778-1424, www.nyaj.com.
Experience: Throughout a four-hour whale watching adventure, expert naturalists aboard Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises share an intriguing commentary on the world of whales, local ecology and history of Cape Cod. Sailings are daily through October. Adult tickets $47; $28 children ages 4-12 (age 3 and under free); 269 Millway Rd., Barnstable Harbor, 508-362-6088, www.whales.net.
SPLURGE:
Getting there: One-way Business Class rates are $511; AirTran or Delta nonstop.
Stay: CapeWind Waterfront Resort is a secluded country inn situated on five acres overlooking the bay. Sandy ocean beaches are steps away and charming Falmouth is minutes away for shopping, dining, or to catch a ferry boat to Martha's Vineyard. Play badminton, croquet or bocce, pitch horseshoes on the broad lawns or explore the waters with complimentary paddle boats, kayaks or row boats. Studio accommodations from $199 weekday; $249 weekends. Accommodations with a kitchenette are $225 mid-week; $289 weekends; 34 Maravista Ave., East Falmouth, 1-800-267-3401, www.capewind.com.
Eat: The clubby Roadhouse Cafe offers native seafood, choice beef, pasta dinners and Italian specialties. The cafe's BackDoor Bistro offers a regular dinner menu along with salads, sandwiches and authentic Italian thin crust pizza. The bistro also features one of the most famous piano bars in the area with entertainment five nights a week during summer and a jazz ensemble Monday evenings. Dinner entrees from $16-$37; 488 South St., Hyannis, 508-775-2386, www.roadhousecafe.com.
Experience: The Cape Cod Melody Tent is only one of two continuously-operated tent theaters in the round in the United States. The intimate theater experience puts patrons within 50 feet of the stage. The summer schedule is packed with famous headliners performing rock, blues, comedy and oldies to Chinese aerobatics. Tickets range from $15-$60; 21 West Main St., Hyannis, 508-775-5630, www.melodytent.org.
About the Author
