Cape Cod Bucket List: Your Cape Cod Travel Guide

Cape Cod has become a prime travel destination for the summer season. With the mild weather and scenic islands, there is no better travel destination on the New England coast. The Indian summer is making the tourist season even longer, easing the burden of seasonal crowds enough that there is no better time to visit the cape. Here are some attractions you definitely want to partake in on your Cape Cod vacation.

Palmer House Inn Bed and Breakfast
Since you are traveling to New England, you are going to want the relaxed experience of a quaint Bed and Breakfast. The Palmer House Inn in Falmouth lies in the historic district, and is close to several attractions. It was built at the turn of the century and delivers the quiet elegance you expect from a vacation to the cape. If you have never stayed a a New England bed and breakfast, the Palmer House Inn will definitely deliver the kind of experience you are looking for. Each room includes private baths, cable TV, and wireless Internet so you are not too far removed from everyday life. The nicer rooms have whirlpool tubs, but to call a room at the Palmer House Inn anything but nice is misinformation. Rooms are $169.00 to $299.00 per night for double occupancy. The package includes a full gourmet breakfast as well as afternoon refreshments. I have not stayed at this particular bed and breakfast, but my father who has stayed at hundreds of others said this was one of the most elegantly delivered experiences he has had.

24th annual Arts and Crafts Street Festival - July 13th 2011
Considered the most popular single day festival in Cape Cod, over 200 artists set up in historic downtown Falmouth. The art work exhibited here has a unique New England feel, and most of the pieces are hand made unlike some arts festivals. I have found that art festivals such as this are the best places to meet both locals and other tourists. There is always a place for friends in a vacation setting.

Woods Hole Film Festival- July 30th thru August 6th
You don't need to travel to Tribeca or Cannes to catch a first rate film festival. The Woods Hole film festival features dozens of films from around the world, and you will get a chance to rub elbows with the directors. While there will be films from around the world showing, this festival was brought about to feature film makers from New England, especially first time artists. Catching independent films that prominently feature the area you are vacationing is a very good way to take in the culture and set the tone for the rest of your stay. This year's film maker in residence is Academy Award nominee Heidi Ewing.

Cape Cod Scenic Railroad Central Fun Train
This 2 hour train ride is narrated and takes you past the full range of scenery that Cape Cod has to offer. From cranberry bogs and marshes, to woodland areas and the beach you will see the whole cape without having to spend a fortune. The ride last for 2 hours, and you can have a gourmet lunch or dinner on the family supper train. The Elegant Dinner ride is $39.00 for 1 adult, and the fare for a ride on the narrated scenic train is 22$. Departures from West Barnstable can be had for as little as 18$, and the June 20^th 11:30 am community appreciation day fare is 10$. Since I am a train enthusiast, I have taken a ride on this attraction every time I've visited the Cape.

Naukabout Music Festival - August 6^th
The Naukabout music festival features up and coming acts from the New England area. Last Year the show was headlined by Bela Fleck of the Flecktones, to give you an idea about the sound. This year you can expect to see the Ryan Montbleau Band and Barefoot Truth. The show starts at 12:30pm and lasts all day. Tickets are 27$ and can be purchased here. The festival is in East Falmouth at the Barnstable County Fairgrounds.


The Palmer House Inn Bed and Breakfast

Falmouth Village Association Website

Woods Hole Film Festival Official Site

The Cape Cod Scenic Railroad Central Fun Train

Naukabout Music Festival Facebook Page