Daily Archives: April 14, 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.