July 12-17 2001.
We had a wonderfully relaxing five days on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Friends had told us how beautiful this area is but they hadn't told us, perhaps thinking that it was not necessary, how polite and laid back the people are. They had also neglected to tell us that there is a dress code, which I suppose only operates in the summer, and beige shorts and a white polo shirt are de rigeur.
Nevermind, we looked like tourists but that is what we were. Seeking accommodation, The Village Green Inn was recommended to us, and it was perfect. Friendly hosts, comfortable rooms and fabulous breakfast made this the most relaxing vacation we have taken. I think if you holiday in this area you have to stay in a B&B. Ours, as the name suggests, was located right on the village green in Falmouth, between two churches, in an old colonial house. Each morning before breakfast we sat on the porch to drink our coffee and afterwards an easy stroll across the green took us in to town. About a mile away the harbor is a great place to eat seafood and to catch the ferry to Martha's Vineyard.
These charming Victorian cottages with their fancy woodwork adornments are the "Gingerbread Cottages" in the town of Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard. They replaced the original tents that Christian revivalists pitched and surround the outdoor Tabernacle. The Tabernacle, a huge tented structure, was a great place to sit and cool off before wandering back to the harbour for some fried clams with bellies.
From Oak Bluffs it is an easy bus ride to Edgartown, with its 19th Century Federal style buildings. Great espresso and ice cream on Main Street and an hour sitting on the widow's walk overlooking Chappaquiddick Island is a perfect way to spend a hot summer afternoon.