10 Ways to Summer in Cape Cod

If you're spending about a week in Cape Cod during the summer and you want to make sure you hit the highlights before you leave, here are some suggestions for insuring your time is well-spent. The nostalgic culture of this area is patriotic and very friendly. The weather is beautiful, even when it's rather warm and the pace of life is very relaxing. We stayed with some friends here during the 4th of July holiday who were able to give us some great insights worth passing along.

• Transportation: if you didn't drive, you will most likely need to rent a car. Bicycles will get you most anywhere, except the major shopping destinations. And if you're going to do some damage there, you'll need more than a bike to get your bags home safely. Cabs are nearly impossible to come by but walking to the beaches, local watering holes, and restaurants is highly encouraged.

• Beaching It: Most of the beaches, especially in Cape Cod are relatively small and have sharp stones in the shallow water. Umbrellas, hats, and if you must, water shoes are suggested. Bring a beach chair and a good book. Dig your feet into the hot sand and leave your wrist watch at home. There are no waves here, so floating noodles are commonly found, and if the water is calm, you can put your snorkel mask to good use. There are no vendors here, but the occasional ice cream truck will come by in the afternoon, so have some cash handy for a sweet treat. The small jelly fish creatures you'll find in the ankle deep water are called "moonies" and will not sting you. Parking is scant, and you must have a permit, so arrive really early or catch the late afternoon shift.

• Sailing: If you have your sailing license, you can rent a sail boat by the hour or the day. The bay areas are great for sailing. Even if you just catch a chartered cruise around the harbor, a daytime or sunset sail is great couple or group activity.

• Reading: History buffs and literary enthusiastic alike will find significance in Cape Cod. Henry David Thoreau's book "Cape Cod" makes for a revealing read while relaxing on the beach. He makes note of how none of the trees here are very large. In fact, most of the buildings and natural surroundings are quaint, some of which date back to the 1800's.

• Dinner/Drinks: Looking for a place to eat on the water might seem like an easy task on an island, but it's not the case here. Most of the waterfront property is utilized by private residences. Try Woods Hole or a sunset cocktail cruise out of Onset Town Pier. Try the clam chowder, lobster and oysters when they're in season. For something with an air of sophistication and a postcard view, try the Chatham Bars Inn where a tall, cool mojito is the order of the day. While most attire on the Cape is what I call "conservative casual," most of the country clubs do require men to wear a jacket.

• Fireworks, Golfing, Whale Watching: These three activities might sound like they have nothing in common, but in Cape Cod they are the first things you need to plan for in advance. Sometimes the Fourth of July fireworks go off a day early. If watching this American tradition is high on your priority list, be sure to check the local town's agenda days in advance. You might have to drive at least 30 minutes away if you want to watch the rainbow of explosions burst over the waters. Tee times and whale watching are two of the most popular activities here besides sailing. Planning ahead is advised.

• Hanging out with your dog: If you can't bear to leave your pooch at home, you'll find the Cape to be one of the most dog-friendly places in America. We saw them at ice cream shops, riding in cars, and running on the beach.

• Island Hopping: Take at least one day to sail to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket. Tickets can be purchased on site and high speed ferries are available if you want to shave about an hour off your trip. During calm seas, no motion sickness medication is necessary.

• Hammocking*: If your lodging area does not come with one, find one. Laying in a hammock while the cool ocean breezes gently glide across your skin is a great way to be thankful that our forefathers took this land from the British.

• Getting iced coffee: Starbucks addicts will want to be prepared. Cape Cod is Dunkin' Donuts territory. I believe the ratio is 1 Starbucks for every 25 Dunkin' Donuts.

*This is a new word I just created. You're free to use it this summer.