Off the Beaten Trail in Cape Cod, MA

On Cape Cod, especially during the tourist season, one can easily find where all the activities are, just follow the traffic. The truth is there are several major arteries on the Cape along which you can find miniature golf, gift shops, restaurants, night spots, go kart courses and other diverse attractions. Most vacationers don't want to waste time trying to locate less crowded areas, they just want to get the burger or Dairy Queen ice cream as quickly as possible. But there are many attractions on Cape Cod that are off the beaten trail, but very much worthy of your effort to locate them. Here are a few interesting sites off the beaten trail on Cape Cod, MA

Cape Cod Art Association Cape Cod has a wonderful art and artisan community. For decades there was a famous art colony at the furthest reaches of the Cape at Provincetown. For years writers and artists in several mediums came to Provincetown to work in the wonderful Cape Cod surroundings. Today that community has been somewhat reduced in size, but the love of and support for Cape Cod artists is seen elsewhere on the Cape, generally off the beaten trail on Cape Cod,MA

One organization supportive of the arts is the Cape Cod Art Association in Barnstable. In fact the association states that its goal is really to provide "appreciation, education, exhibition ,sale and distribution" of visual arts. Throughout the year the Cape Cod Art Association sponsors and encourages classes and workshops in the arts for Cape Cod art enthusiasts.

For locals and visitors to the Cape, the Cape Cod Art Association in the Cape community of Barnstable provides a gallery that is open year round to display art work by local and visiting artists. The gallery is open 6 days each week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m and from 12 noon - 4 p.m. on Sundays. The gallery offers variety by changing its exhibits once each month. The Cape Cod Art Association was established in the post war year of 1948 and has operated off the beaten trail on Cape Cod, MA since then giving joy to artists and those who enjoy art alike.

Lowell Holly Reservation You won't find the Lowell Holly Reservation on Route 28 or Rt 6 on Cape Cod. You'll need to go off the beaten trail to find this treasure . The actual reservation spreads out and is shared by two communities, Mashpee and Sandwich and can be found on South Sandwich Rd.

The Reservation is named for Abbot Laurence Lowell who donated large portions of the reservation land and for the holly that thrives on this special tract. The Reservation was begun in 1942 and its present form shows the continued efforts to develop the original preserve and add substantially to it so that nature lovers can enjoy the environment it provides

The reservation now is home to more than 50 different varieties of holly that provide beauty throughout the year. What is also interesting about this off the beaten trail attraction on Cape Cod is that the other trees that make up the reservation like beech, birch and maples seem to tell the story of a tract of land that has really been undisturbed for more than 200 years. Walking among this old stand of trees and beautiful holly is a wonderful off the beaten trail activity. But there is more.

All told there are approximately 4 miles of trails to wander. They are relatively easy to walk as some are old cart and carriage paths. Following thee paths can take you to either of two peninsulas . One goes out into Mashpee Pond and one takes you out onto Wakeby Pond. Both walks offer spectacular views seldom seen by vacationers hurrying to get to the beach or mini golf. There is no admission charged for the Lowell Holly Reservation but this off the beaten trail walk does require a $6 parking fee. For an afternoon of natural beauty well away from the crowd, it's a small price to pay.

The Cape Playhouse It's not on Route 28. It's not even on Route 6 or Route 134. In fact unless you know it's there you could spend lots of summers missing out on great live theater entertainment to be found off the beaten trail on Cape Cod, MA. The "it" in this case is the Cape Playhouse which is actually located at 820 Route 6A in Dennis, MA.

The live performances at the Playhouse this year run from June 18-Sept.8 and include shows like "Regrets Only" and "Lend Me a Tenor" . Shows are given at 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Some matinees are also given. The price is certainly more than a movie ticket at $40 for balcony seats and $45 for orchestra seats, but then you get a good deal more for your money tool

Besides the actual live performance, when you attend the Cape Playhouse you are entering America's oldest professional summer theater. Here many well known actors like Humphrey Bogart, Ginger Rogers, Gregory Peck and Lana Turner performed. Bette Davis worked here as an usher when an acting job fell through. You see a live performance but you also are sitting in an historic structure, a place where Broadway intersected with the Cape. For people who enjoy live theater it is a thrill before the curtain even goes up.

The Cape Playhouse also provides Children's Theater and includes musical pieces, familiar stories like Pinocchio, magic shows and juggling performers. The Children's Theater shows are given at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a..m. and are reasonably priced at $7 and $8.

If you have never been to the Cape Playhouse, you may decide it's a new "must do" part of your Cape Cod summer vacation and a great off the beaten trail activity on Cape Cod, MA . You can find more information about shows, tickets and theater history at www.capeplayhouse.com .

There's lots to do on Cape Cod . Enjoy it all but don't forget to check beyond the busy highways to the equally delightful byways and discover what is waiting for you off the beaten trails on Cape Cod, MA