Monthly Archives: April 2009

Area: Vacation Rentals in Cape Cod, MA

Expert: Debra Johnson, Rental Manager and all of the Rental Agents at MMVR

Years living in Cape Cod: I’ve lived on the Cape for more than 20 years. Collectively, Mary Jane, Robin, and Andrew have lived here for over 50 years.

Company: Martha Murray Vacation Rentals

Debra, what makes Cape Cod a great destination to visit and stay in a vacation rental?

Cape Cod is a fantastic vacation destination for so many reasons. With fifteen distinctive towns, miles and miles of beaches – many considered among the best in the world – and a plethora of land and seafaring activities, there is something for everyone. Our mid-Cape location in Dennisport is the ideal spot for first timers and seasoned summer visitors alike to enjoy all the Cape has to offer.

What are the top things to do (attractions, activities, events, etc.) in the area?  Are there any hidden gems that people may not be aware of?

Boating, fishing, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and parasailing entice those with an adventurous spirit. Whale watching, sightseeing or sunset dinner cruises are a must. There are hundreds of miles of bike trails around the Cape; in fact, the Cape Cod Rail Trail originates in Dennis and passes thru Harwich, Brewster, Orleans and Eastham and ends in South Wellfleet.

Cape Cod, MA is the premier golf destination in all of New England offering dozens of first-rate championship courses. Two of the finest courses are here in Dennis – The Highlands and The Pines. These beautiful courses are open to the public year round (weather permitting) and are sure to challenge the most avid players.

The Cape Cod Baseball league – recognized as the nation’s premier summer collegiate league – invites everyone to enjoy America’s favorite pastime while on the Cape. There are over 212 alumni currently in the Majors!

Known as somewhat of an artist colony, the Cape has embraced both artisans and performing artists alike who have become an integral part of Cape Cod life.  Galleries, workshops and studios dot our landscape. Venues such as the Cape Playhouse and the Cape Cod Melody Tent welcome world class entertainers.

Art fairs, festivals, music concerts in the park….there’s something for everyone.

What are the top 5 ‘must-try’ restaurants in the area?

We tried to keep it to 5 “must try’s” but here they are –

Breakfast – The Red Cottage, The Breakfast Room, and Good Friends Café.

Lunch/Family Dinner – Original Seafood, Kreme & Kone, Clancey’s, Paradise Pizza, The Dog House, Morrells

Dinner – The Oyster Company(best raw bar), The Ocean House, The Seaview, The Red Pheasant, Scargo Café,DiPalma’s, Villa Roma and Bucca’s.

Anytime – Lighthouse Inn, Chapins, The Sailing Cow, Captain Parkers and The Lobster Boat.

What popular entertainment/nightlife options in the area would you recommend?

We had a hard time with this since we are made up of baby boomers, Gen X’s and Y’s. I recommend telling your agent what you’re looking for and they’ll point you in the right direction. A few local options would be the Improper Bostonian, the Sandollar,  Sundancers, The Sandbar, and the Comedy Club. 

You rent homes to hundreds of guests each year….so you must have a funny story or two about people that visit Cape Cod.

Usually, we answer a lot of funny questions before arrival. Do the beaches have sandy sand? What color is the bathroom? I want to bring matching toilet paper. Our cottage is a half mile to the beach – is that walking or driving? 

Once everyone arrives – its great. Moms and Dads relax. Grandparents take the kids to the beach. Couples stroll the beaches at sunset. Families get together for cook-outs. This is what Cape Cod vacations are all about.

Area: Winter Park, CO

Expert: Sarah Bradford

Years living in Winter Park, CO: Three

Company: Winter Park Lodging by Owner

Sarah, what makes Winter Park, CO a great destination to visit and stay in a vacation rental?

Winter Park is a family-oriented place surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains.  In the winter, we have one of the best ski areas in the state often with the most snowfall of all of them.  The terrain ranges from easy groomers to steep bumps. Mary Jane, part of Winter Park Resort, is famous for it’s non-groomed hills and runs like Outhouse and Tressle that challenge even the best skiers and boarders.

In the summer, we’re known as the Mountain biking capital of the world/country/state – however you want to name it.  Incredible trails again for the experts all the way to the kiddos.  Great hiking, whitewater rafting, and fishing.  President Eisenhower frequented this area (Grand County) often through his life to fish the great waters here.  Plus, there are three lakes for boating, sailing, and even the occasional water ski outing (if you can put up with chilly waters!). 

The lodging is inexpensive compared to other mountain towns like Aspen and Vail and to be honest, the people here are more down to earth (no furs!) and fun to hang out with – we don’t get pretentious in Grand County – we all just love the outdoors and getting out there! 

Specifically on lodging – the base of the resort has some great new ski in/out options like the Base Camp on Jane Creek townhomes that make you feel like you’re in Aspen when you’re in your fancy digs.  Or, the Fraser Crossing/Founder’s Pointe new ski in/out condos are luxurious and have great views (not as fancy as Base Camp). 

What are the top things to do (attractions, activities, events, etc.) in the area?  Are there any hidden gems that people may not be aware of?

Oops – just covered that above, but basically it’s: 

• Skiing/snowboarding
• Cross-country skiing
• Hiking
• Mountain biking
• Whitewater rafting
• Boating, sailing
• Fishing

As for hidden gems, yes, we actually blog about that at www.wplbo.com/news (click “hints” or “tips”) but a few highlights are: 

• Hot Sulphur Springs (soak in over 30 hot springs on a mountainside)
• Dog Sled Rides: http:/www.wplbo.com/news/category/dog-sled-rides/
• Ski Train from Denver: http:/www.wplbo.com/news/2009/03/take-the-scenic-route-to-winter-park-on-the-ski-train/

What are the top 5 ‘must-try’ restaurants in the area?

Ah, good question…we blog about that too at: http://www.wplbo.com/news/category/winter-park-restaurants/

But here’s my list:

1) Tabernash Tavern

2) Brickhouse 40 (a bit of a drive)

3) Devil’s Thumb Ranch

4) The Cheeky Monk

5) Hernando’s Pizza and Pub

What popular entertainment/nightlife options in the area would you recommend?

I would suggest the Winter Park Pub (good ole bar with lots of draft beers), The Sushi Bar (also a good bar).  For entertainment, I would recommend Mo’s BBQ where they have a lot of live music and good grub.  A unique/unknown nighttime activity is to take the lift to the top of the mountain and dine at Sunspot. Pretty cool! 

You rent homes to hundreds of guests each year….so you must have a funny story or two about people that visit Winter Park, CO:

Oh yeah…In fact, we chronicle them in our newsletter to owners. I guess the funniest one lately was a lady who was staying at one of our properties called after midnight one evening arriving late from the Denver airport.  She was sweet as pie but said “I can’t get the garage code to work where I am staying in order to get in!”.  We said “The place you are staying doesn’t have a garage, so you better get out of there quick!”.  She laughed and we led her to the correct property.  Once there, she said “I am putting in the code to the lockbox on the wall (note the word “wall” not “door”) and the door is not opening!!!”  We had to explain to her that there is a key inside that lockbox and she has to then take it over to the door and put it in the keyhole.