Day Trip to Nantucket

Exploring Nantucket

If you have an extra day while you are on Cape Cod, a day trip to Nantucket is an excellent idea!

Nantucket is a small island about 30 miles (50km) off the southern coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Nantucket is a beloved island and a favorite tourist attraction. Nantucket’s nickname, “The Little Grey Lady of the Sea,” refers to the island as it appears from the ocean when it is fog-bound. It is said that in 1659 the owner of Nantucket sold interests in the island to 9 others “for the sum of thirty pounds … and also two beaver hats.”  That is a far cry from today’s average home value of over 2.5 million dollars!

How to Get to Nantucket

From Cape Cod, there are two ways to get to Nantucket. The first (and most popular way) is to travel by ferry. There are two ferry services from Hyannis, Steamship Authority and Hyline. The ferry trip from Hyannis to Nantucket is one hour and you will be dropped off at the wharf in downtown Nantucket. The second option is to travel by plane. On Cape Air, from Barnstable airport in Hyannis to the Nantucket airport, the flight will take 23 minutes. You can then take a bus or taxi to the town.

Downtown Nantucket

The Nantucket town center streets are cobble-stoned (so be sure to wear comfy footwear) and they are lined with high-end boutiques and restaurants. There are additional restaurants and shops on the wharfs. We love walking through all of the side streets and admiring the architecture of the homes and the beautifully manicured gardens where you’ll see lot of hydrangeas in bloom all summer long!

Through the Nantucket Historical Association, there are walking tours of downtown where you can learn about the events in Nantucket’s history that have made the island what it is today.

There are also many unique, historic sites that you can visit. The Whaling Museum features over one thousand works of art, artifacts and treasures (including a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton) as well as a rooftop deck offering stunning views of the Nantucket harbor.

Getting Around on Nantucket

Although you can bring your car on some ferries, it is very cost prohibitive. If you want to see more of the island than just the downtown area, there are several options.

There are several tour groups, such as Gail’s Tours of Nantucket and Ara’s Tours, that will pick you up and transport you around Nantucket while providing you with history of the island.

Another option is to bike around the island. You can bring your own bike on the ferry (for a small fee), or you can rent a bike in town. A great option is to go on a bike tour with Bike Nantucket where they offer several options of tours.

You can also rent a car or a scooter and explore the island on your own!

Fun Things to do on Nantucket

Cisco Brewers:

For a fun day, head out to Cisco Brewery where they have been brewing high-quality, craft brews since 1995. They are also home to Triple Eight Distillery and Nantucket Vineyard. You’ll usually find live music and food trucks so check out their calendar of fun events!

Lighthouses:

There are three lighthouses on Nantucket. Brant Point Lighthouse can be seen as you arrive on island via ferry. It was erected in 1746 making it the second oldest lighthouse in America. The Sankaty Head Lighthouse sits 70 feet tall on the bluff at the end of Baxter Road in Siasconset. And the Great Point Lighthouse is located at the northernmost point of the island and can be accessed by foot (if you’re up for the 7 mile walk in the sand) or by a four-wheel drive vehicle with a special beach permit sticker.

Beaches:

There are seven beaches on Nantucket – each with its own vibe. So you can bring your bathing suit and head to the beach to enjoy a day in the sun. Don’t forget your sunblock!

 

So give us a call and we’ll help you plan your adventure on Nantucket!

Everyone should Experience the Long Dell Inn

Looking for a home base for your awesome Cape Cod adventure?  Then the Long Dell Inn is the perfect place to stay. The Long Dell Inn is a historic sea captain’s house with a total of seven guestrooms all with private en-suite bathrooms.  Located in the quiet seaside village of Centerville – frequently called one of the prettiest village on Cape Cod – we are just minutes from a great beach, delicious dining, fabulous shopping, ferries to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and easy access to all your Cape Cod adventures.  Check out our accommodations and book your getaway today!  If you have questions, or prefer to book your getaway over the phone, give us a call at (508) 775-2750.

Cape Cod Breweries

Cape Cod Breweries

There is no denying that the craft beer market has exploded across the world. In fact, as of 2022, there are more than 9,000 breweries in the United States.  We are so lucky that Cape Cod is home to many great craft breweries and micro-breweries. Here is a list of some of our favorite breweries that you can visit while staying at the Long Dell Inn:

Tree House Brewing Company

98 Town Neck Road, Sandwich, MA

Tree House Brewing Company is the newest brewery on Cape Cod.  This award-winning brewery began in a small red barn in Brimfield and has grown to 5 facilities.  Tree House Cape Cod is located on the beach overlooking the Cape Cod Bay and carries a wide variety of fresh beer, cold brew coffee, spirits and seltzers.

Tree House also supports the community by donating the revenue from the beer Hello Cape Cod (a beer that features over 100 unique images showcasing the grandeur and beauty of the Cape) to local charities!  Welcome to the Cape!!

Tree House Brewery is 14 miles from the Long Dell Inn.

Naukabout Brewery and Taproom

13 Lake Avenue, Mashpee, MA

Nestles alongside Lake Mashpee and the Mashpee River, Naukabout Brewery and Taproom offer craft beer lovers a unique location to sample one of their small batch, hop forward beers brewed on premises.Naukabout Beer Company logo

Fun Fact: The term Naukabout came about some 30 years ago, when the co-founder’s father would come home from work, change out of his work-a-bouts and tell his sons to “change into their nauk-a-bouts” in order to :get outside and have some fun!” Since then, Naukabout has meant doing the things you love to do after doing the things you have to do.

Besides having a wide variety of Coastal Craft – Cape Brewed beers, with unique Cape inspired names (Dunes of the Cape – Pina Colada Milkshake IPA!), you will find live music, trivia events, food trucks and lots of fun activities.

Naukabout is located 8 miles from the Long Dell Inn.

Barnstable Brewing

485 W. Main Street, Hyannis, MA

Barnstable Brewing logo

This craft brewery opened in 2017 but their history of brewing beer goes way back in time and is a family affair. Peter, a co-owner, started home brewing 30 years ago and in 2012 he won the Samuel Adams “Come Brew With Us” contest. Peter’s son became a Certified Brew Master and along with Ann, Peter’s wife, they opened Barnstable Brewing. This family-owned brewery provides high quality specialty craft beers. Come visit this taproom and expect to be treated as family!

Barnstable Brewery is located 2 miles from the Long Dell Inn.

Cape Cod Beer

1336 Phinney’s Lane, Hyannis, MA

“It’s all about the beer!” is the motto at Cape Cod’s largest brewery. Starting in 2004, Todd & Beth began “brewing the best beer possible, on Cape Cod, for the people who love Cape Cod.” And of course, they named their brewery Cape Cod Beer! There are a wide variety of beers on tap to chose from and tours of the brewery and beer tastings are available.Cape Cod Beer logo

There is something going on at Cape Cod Beer almost every day and night. Their schedule is jammed packed with events ranging from live music to craft activities to line dancing to hula hoop fitness classes. There is also a Farmer’s Market at the brewery every Friday from Spring through the fall.

Cape Cod Beer has become a pillar of the community and they support lots of philanthropic endeavors. So stop by, grab one of their delicious brews and partake in one of their fun events – you’ll have a blast!

Cape Cod Beer is located 3 miles from the Long Dell Inn.

Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery

876 East Falmouth Hwy (Route 28),  Falmouth, MA

As Bad Martha says “a trip to Cape Cod is a chance to escape.  To let go. To be, dare we say, a little bad.  That indulgent spirit lives and breathes in every drop of Bad Martha’s beer.  So grab a bottle and get today.”  To accompany your brew, Bad Martha’s offers cheese plates, charcuterie and artisan pizzas which you can enjoy at a table on their cute patio with fire pits.  To add to the chill brewery vibe, they have outdoor games and live music.

Bad Martha’s is located 15 miles from the Long Dell Inn.

Devil’s Purse Brewing CoDevils Purse Logo

120 Great Western Road, South Dennis, MA

Devil’s Purse is a small craft brewery founded in 2013 and they are dedicates to the pursuit of making exceptional handcrafted beers. They specialize in brewing European inspired beers so stop by and sample some unique brews.

Devil’s Purse is located 15 miles from the Long Dell Inn.

Hog Island Beer CoHog Island Beer Logo

28 West Road, Orleans, MA

Legend has it that Captain Kidd buried his treasure on the uninhabited island of Hog Island which overlooks Nauset Beach in Orleans. Although they haven’t found any hidden gold, the guys at Hog Island Beer Co. (Outermost Brewery) have discovered some great beer recipes. You should stop by and try one of their treasures on tap!

Hog Island is located 25 miles from the Long Dell Inn.

And there’s more . . .

If you love craft beer, you can also stop by the Cape Cod Package Store, down the street from the Inn, and ask them about their secret stash of unique craft beers!

And if you are the adventurous type of craft beer drinker, you should visit Cape Cod during one of our fun festivals. The Cape Cod Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival is August 6, 2022 and features some of the most popular food trucks dishing out fan favorites and enjoy sipping a wide variety of craft beers. On September 24, 2022, come join the celebration of American Craft Brewers and sample from over 60 breweries and over 200 styles of beer at the Annual Cape Cod Brew Fest.

So give us a call and we’ll help you plan your Cape Cod Craft Beer Adventure!

Everyone should Experience the Long Dell Inn

Looking for a home base for your awesome Cape Cod adventure? Then the Long Dell Inn is the perfect place to stay.  Long Dell Inn is a historic sea captain’s house with a total of seven guestrooms all with private en-suite bathrooms.  Located in the quiet seaside village of Centerville – frequently called one of the prettiest village on Cape Cod – we are just minutes from a great beach, delicious dining, fabulous shopping, ferries to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and easy access to all your Cape Cod adventures.  Check out our accommodations and book your getaway today!  If you have questions, or prefer to book your getaway over the phone, give us a call at (508) 775-2750.

Wineries on Cape Cod

Cape Cod Wineries

One of our favorite things to do on vacation is to visit local wineries. We feel that you can get a real taste of the area and even meet some locals while sipping a glass of wine. We are lucky that we live in an a place where we can visit wineries and we can pretend to be on vacation!

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a vineyard and a winery? A vineyard is a plantation that produces grapes and for the wine, whereas the winery is the building which is part of the wine production process. A vineyard may or may not have a winery associated with it, whereas a winery may purchase grapes from an outside vineyard. So a vineyard produces grapes and a winery produces wine!

When you think of Cape Cod you probably think of fabulous beaches and delicious seafood. There are so many things to see and do on the Cape (like whale watching, playing golf, kayaking, biking … the list goes on and on) but one of our favorite things to do is to visit wineries!

Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod

Our first stop on our wine tasting tour is Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod. Truro is a tiny town located at 11 Shore Road (Route 6A) between Provincetown and Wellfleet. Truro boasts beautiful beaches, a historic lighthouse, a stunning golf course overlooking the ocean, and a number of delicious restaurants. And in this tiny town with zero stoplights is Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod.

This vineyard is in a beautiful setting with outdoor tables and fire pits as well as a restored 1830’sTruro Vineyard picture farmhouse which houses a tasting room and a gift shop. Truro Vineyards offers a tasting flight of 5 wines for $15 and the wines which are included in the flight change weekly. They also offer private tastings on their rooftop deck where you can enjoy a guided tasting of five hand selected wines to pair with an artisanal cheese plate. This private tasting tour can accommodate up to 6 people and requires a reservation.

Truro Vineyard produces several varietals of wines – red, white, rose – but be sure to check out their Lighthouse series of wines in lighthouse shaped bottles.

Truro Vineyards does serve some food (mostly snacks and soups) but there is usually a food truck on the premises so you won’t go hungry. They also have lots of events so you will have to check out their website to see what’s happening during your visit to the Cape!

First Crush Winery

First Crush Winery tasting roomThe second stop of our winery tour is First Crush Winery. This winery is located at the Olde Depot Industrial Park, 527 North Main Street in Harwich. They offer a varietal of wines made from grapes from California. First Crush Winery offers several types of wine tastings so you can check out their website to see which would work best.

Cape Cod Winery Wine Glass and Fire PitCape Cod Winery

The last stop on our winery tour is Cape Cod Winery. This is a newer winery on the Cape and is located at 4 Oxbow Road in East Falmouth. The land that the winery sits on was one of the very first strawberry farms in the area during the early 1900’s. The winery offers wine tastings so you can try multiple samples of their wines.

The Cape Cod Winery produces several varietal of wine – red and white – but be sure to check out their Rose Mermaid water.

The atmosphere at this little oasis is very relaxed with tables and fire pits. They also host lots of events so you can check out their website to see what’s going on when you are in the neighborhood!

Cape Cod Winery does have some food available and there is usually a food vendor on premises. You are also welcome to bring your own charcuterie picnic to enjoy at one of their tables with your favorite glass of Cape Cod Wine!

Everyone should experience the Long Dell Inn

Looking for a home base for your Cape Cod winery adventure?  The Long Dell Inn is the perfect place to stay.  Long Dell Inn is a historic sea captain’s house with a total of seven guestrooms all with private en-suite bathrooms.  Located in the quiet seaside village of Centerville – frequently called one of the prettiest village on Cape Cod – we are just minutes from a great beach, delicious dining, fabulous shopping, ferries to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and easy access to all your Cape Cod adventures.  Check out our accommodations and book your getaway today!  If you have questions, please call (508-775-2750) or email us.

As your innkeepers, we would be happy to discuss your winery options and make a reservation for you to enjoy a visit to one of the Cape Cod wineries! We want your Cape Cod vacation to be the best it can be.

Cape Cod Cranberry Bog Tours

Cranberry Bog Tours on Cape Cod

Autumn on Cape Cod is considered by locals to be Cape Cod’s best season.  The crowds are gone, the vibe is much more relaxed but there is still plenty to do on the Cape .

Our motto at the Long Dell Inn is “life is an adventure!” and there are lots of awesome adventures waiting for you on Cape Cod.  You can visit wineries and breweries, walk the beach or hike the trails, you can golf, fish, bike to enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer.  One fun autumn adventure is to visit a cranberry bog during harvest.  Did you know that Massachusetts is the 2nd largest producer of cranberries?  During a bog tour you’ll learn lots of history and fun facts about cranberries.

Tens of thousands of years ago, receding glaciers carved out cavities in the land that evolved into cranberry bogs.  Newly formed kettle ponds filled with sand and clay formed the perfect environment for vines to spread across the South Shore of Massachusetts, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

The native Wampanoag People across southeastern Massachusetts have enjoyed the annual harvest of wild cranberries, that they called sasumuneash, for 12,000 years.

The Native Americans taught the Pilgrims to use cranberries as medicine and the American whalers and mariners used the fruit to prevent scurvy.

Cranberry farming has flourished on Cape Cod for over 200 years due in large part to the peninsula’s acidic peat soils, course sand, constant water supply and moderately long growing season.

Cranberry farming continues to flourish on Cape Cod and you can visit and tour several cranberry bogs on the Cape.

Cranberry Bog Tours:  Harwich, MA

This is the largest organic cranberry bog on Cape Cod.  They offer daily tours of the bog from April through the fall and you can visit with their farm animals as well.

Annie’s Crannies:  Dennis, MA

History comes alive at Annie’s bog.  Annie’s grandfather owned this bog from 1911 to 1959.  In 1994, Annie bought the property and has been cultivating cranberries ever since.  Stop by the check out the bog as well as the gift shop where they sell several varieties of honey and candles from their own native bees.

Cape Cod Cranberry Bog Tours:  Orleans, MA

You can enjoy a cranberry bog tour and learn about how cranberries are grown and their importance to Cape Cod.

Hope you have enjoyed reading the Bog Blog!! When visiting Cape Cod, stay at the Long Dell Inn, we can help you plan your Cape Cod cranberry bog tour and maybe we’ll bake some Cape Cod cranberry nut bread or our famous Cape Cod Cranberry Crunch Cookies!!

Everyone should Experience the Long Dell Inn

Looking for a home base for your awesome Cape Cod adventure?, the Long Dell Inn is the perfect place to stay.  Long Dell Inn is a historic sea captain’s house with a total of seven guestrooms all with private en-suite bathrooms.  Located in the quiet seaside village of Centerville – frequently called one of the prettiest village on Cape Cod – we are just minutes from a great beach, delicious dining, fabulous shopping, ferries to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and easy access to all your Cape Cod adventures.  Check out our accommodations and book your getaway today!  If you have questions, or prefer to book your getaway over the phone, give us a call at (508) 775-2750.

Cape Cod Fall Festivals

Autumn on Cape Cod

It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over and that leaf peeping season is almost upon us!

We know that when you think of Cape Cod you think about sun bathing on the beach, enjoying a ferry ride to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard or strolling down Main Street in your flip flops licking your Four Seas ice cream cone. And although we love the summer and all of the activities summer brings, autumn is a special time of year here. If you ask Cape Codders and wash-a-shores (those of us who were not born on the Cape!) what their favorite season is, about 90% would say Fall is their favorite season (but shhh – please don’t tell too many people!)

Fall is such a wonderful time on Cape Cod: you get to enjoy all the natural splendor without the traffic; you get to dine at all of the fabulous restaurants without having to wait in line; and you get to enjoy being outside under the beautiful autumn sky without worrying about sunscreen and beach umbrellas to shield you from the sun. And of course…you get to wear your favorite Cape Cod sweatshirts!

There are tons of fun activities and festivals on Cape Cod to enjoy this fall. If you love to be outdoors, there are lots of biking paths, hiking trails, and beaches to walk.

And did you know that there are 27 public golf courses (and 15 private clubs) on the Cape? Best of all, because of the mild climate you can usually golf all year round.

Here are a few of our favorite fall festivals:

Annual Cape Cod Brewfest – September 21, 2019

This 8th annual event celebrates American craft brewers. You can sample over 300 beers from over 100 breweries. There will be live music and food vendors to guarantee a memorable event. To purchase tickets and for more info, click here

Vinegrass Music Festival – September 29, 2019

It’s a full day of boot-stomping fun and live music at Truro Vineyards. Sample local wine or cocktails from Twenty Boat Rum and Dry Line Gin and enjoy savory snacks from Blackfish food truck. To check out the line-up of bandstand for ticket info, click here

Yarmouth Seaside Fest – October 12-14, 2019

If you are looking for something fun to do Columbus Day weekend, check out the 41st annual Yarmouth Seaside Fest: live music, pie-eating contests, kayak and canoe races, sand sculptures & fireworks! If that’s not enough there’s an art sale featuring over 125 artists and crafters.  Click here to check out their website for more info.

Wellfleet Oyster Fest October 19-20, 2019

If you love these famous Wellfleet oysters then this is an event you won’t want to miss. Enjoy cooking demos, live music, arts & crafts sales and beer & wine vendors while devouring oysters, clams and other traditional New England fare. And maybe you’ll win the annual shuck-off competition! for more info, click here.

And there’s more . . .

There are lots of other fall activities: you can take in a show or a cooking class or go to a wine tasting or take an art class. On Cape Cod, there is something for everyone, so whether you are a solo traveler, or a couple or a group of friends, this is the place to visit! If there is something specific you would like to do on a fall weekend getaway, give us a call and we can help customize a special weekend just for you!

Long Dell Inn should be Experienced

So if you are looking for an autumn adventure, the Long Dell Inn is perfect place to stay.  Long Dell Inn is a historic sea captain’s house with a total of seven guestrooms all with en-suite bathrooms.  Located in the quiet seaside village of Centerville – frequently called one of the prettiest village on Cape Cod – we are just minutes from a great beach, delicious dining, fabulous shopping, ferries to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and easy access to all your Cape Cod adventures.  Check out our accommodations and book your fall getaway today!  If you have questions, or prefer to book your getaway over the phone, give us a call at (508) 775-2750.

Best Cape Cod Beaches

Best Beaches on Cape Cod

Cape Cod is surrounded by water and thus there are a lot of beaches to choose from when you visit the Cape. When you look at a map of Cape Cod and you see Picture of Craigville Beach that it is surrounded by water, you think that the Cape is an island. But it’s not! The Cape is considered a peninsula because it was connected to the mainland until 1916 when the Cape Cod Canal was completed to shorten the trade route from New York to Boston.

Cape Cod is surrounded by four bodies of water – the Nantucket Sound on the southern coast, Buzzard’s bay on the western coast, the Cape Cod bay on the northern coast and the Atlantic Ocean on the eastern coast. Many people are surprised to learn that the coastline is more than 400 miles! Each coast of Cape Cod is very different and thus the beaches of Cape Cod are very different.

So when guests ask us which Cape Cod beach is the best, we have to find out what they are looking to do before we answer.

If you want to spend the day sitting on the beach working on your tan, take a long stroll on the beach while looking for sea shells, or take a dip in the warm water, we recommend going to Craigville Beach in Centerville, on the Nantucket Sound. This is one of the largest beaches on the Cape, where you’ll find a lifeguard, a bath house with restrooms and showers, and a couple of food shanties across the street. You can spend the day sunbathing, take a dip, and go for a walk along the Picture of sunset at Craigville Beach. beach out to the tip of Long Beach and can walk around to the Centerville River side then walk back to the beach while viewing some beautiful Cape Cod beach homes.

For the best sunsets on Cape Cod, we suggest going to Chapin Beach on the northern coast overlooking Cape Cod Bay. The northern coast is a rockier coast and has an extreme tidal shift. When low tide and sunset coincide, the result is magical! At low tide you can walk about about a mile and see what the tide leaves in it’s wake – lots of swirls and tide pools – you’ll feel like you walked into a different world.

On the western coast of Cape Cod, you will find Old Silver Beach in North Falmouth. This beach has plenty to offer: the sand is fine and white; the water is clear, calm and warm; and the sunsets over Buzzards Bay are beautiful!

Picture of the beach entrance up in Wellfleet.

If you are hoping to see some seals and rougher waves, then you should head off to the Cape Cod National Seashore on the Atlantic Ocean on the eastern coast of the Cape. There are several beaches that make up the National Seashore. With its giant sand dunes, Cahoon Hollow Beach, located in Wellfleet, is a popular beach for those in their twenties and thirties (as is the Wellfleet Beachcomber seaside restaurant and bar!) Coast Guard Beach, known for its awe-inspiring vistas and Nauset Light Beach, located in Eastham are also popular beaches.

The large waves make it ideal for swimming, boogie boarding and surfing. The water temperature in the Atlantic is a bit cooler. You may find some seals along the coast or in the water but beware, where there are seals, there are sharks.

Everyone should experience the Long Dell Inn

Looking for a home base for your Cape Cod adventure?  The Long Dell Inn is the perfect place to stay.  Long Dell Inn is a historic sea captain’s house with a total of seven guestrooms all with private en-suite bathrooms.  Located in the quiet seaside village of Centerville – frequently called one of the prettiest village on Cape Cod – we are just minutes from a great beach, delicious dining, fabulous shopping, ferries to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and easy access to all your Cape Cod adventures.  Check out our accommodations and book your getaway today!  If you have questions, please call (508-775-2750) or email us.

These are just a sampling of the MANY beaches on Cape Cod. We are always available to discuss with our guests which beach best fits their needs.  Before you head off to find your favorite Cape Cod beach, remember to take along your beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels from the Long Dell Inn!

Whale Watching on Cape Cod

One of the best experiences of our loves was whale watching on Cape Cod. When we would come to Cape Cod for vacation, we alwaysPicture of a whale tail coming out of the water with a whale watching boat behind it. made sure that whale watching was one of the things on our to-do list. And now that we live on Cape Cod, we still make sure to go whale watching at least once a year. It’s always fun to go with a friends who have never gone because it is an amazing experience and we love to share it with people who is whale watching for the first time!

As Innkeepers, a lot of guests ask questions about whale watching so we thought we would provide some information that may be helpful if you are thinking about coming to Cape Cod and trying to decide if you should go whale watching.

When is whale watching season?

For Cape Cod, the best time to go on a whale watch is from April to October. In the colder months, whales migrate to warmer locales such as the Caribbean to mate and to give birth. Then they return to the Cape again!

What types of whales will I see?Picture of a whale tail coming out of the water.

There are several types of whales that make Cape Cod their home. Humpback whales are the most common and they weigh about 37 tons. Humpbacks are powerful swimmers and use their massive fin tail to breach (leap out of the water) and it is an awe inspiring sight to behold. We also have finback whales, minke whales, right whales and pilot whales. You may also see dolphins and seals while you are on the search for whales!

Why do whales vacation on Cape Cod?

Cape Cod is one of the most popular vacations spots in the United States for humans, so why wouldn’t whales want to vacation here as well? OK, maybe that’s just one reason. The other reason is that the waters off of Cape Cod provide a feeding ground buffet of fish, krill and plankton. Humpbacks can eat up to 3,000 pounds of food per day!

Where to go whale watching on Cape Cod?

There are two main whale watching companies on the Cape and they both go to the same areas to see whales. Hyannis Whale Watch leaves from Barnstable Harbor (5 ½ miles from the Long Dell Inn). Or you can drive up to Provincetown and take the Dolphin Fleet from the MacMillan Pier.

Both companies have naturalists on board so that you can learn about the history of some of the whales you’ll see. The naturalists can identify specific whales by the markings on their tales.

During busier months, you should definitely make a reservation. You can contact them directly or we can call to make the Picture of a humpback whale breaching out of the water.reservation for you.

What should I wear? What should I bring?

Definitely wear sneakers and bring a sweatshirt or windbreaker depending on the weather. Bring some sunscreen because you will be outside for a couple hours. Do not bring a baseball cap as they are known to fly off heads during the journey. You can bring food and drinks with you or you can buy some food on board the ship. Remember to bring some sea sick meds if the sea if rough. And most importantly, bring your camera (or phone or tablet) to document this amazing experience!

Where should I stay while on Cape Cod?

Here, of course!!

We will provide you with a comfortable place to sleep, a scrumptious breakfast, and we will help you with your itinerary so that you can make the most of your Cape Cod vacation. And of course, we can assist you in making your reservation for whale watching on Cape Cod!

Everyone should experience the Long Dell Inn

Looking for a home base for your Cape Cod whale watching adventure?  The Long Dell Inn is the perfect place to stay.  Long Dell Inn is a historic sea captain’s house with a total of seven guestrooms all with private en-suite bathrooms.  Located in the quiet seaside village of Centerville – frequently called one of the prettiest village on Cape Cod – we are just minutes from a great beach, delicious dining, fabulous shopping, ferries to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and easy access to all your Cape Cod adventures.  Check out our accommodations and book your getaway today!  If you have questions, please call (508-775-2750) or email us.

Road Trip to Martha’s Vineyard

Picture of our dog Spirit on the ferry.We recently had a day where all our guests’ needs were taken care of rather early, so we decided to go on an adventure.  We hopped in the car, drove down to Woods Hole and took the ferry (with our furry pup, Spirit) to Martha’s Vineyard.

We were lucky that the weather was spectacular!

W{icture of one of the ginger bread cottage on Martha's Vineyard.e started our adventure  in Oak Bluffs.  We walked around the shops and stopped by one of our favorites call Sanctuary.  We took a stroll through the campgrounds where more than 300 brightly decorated gingerbread cottages are settled around the Tabernacle.

Then we headed to Edgartown (via Seaview Avenue) where we had a delicious lunch at Among The Flowers Cafe.  We had two great salads – the Power Salad and the Seared Tuna Salad.  After our awesome lunch, we took the very tiny, 3 car ferry over to Chappaquiddick (known to the locals as Chappy) and drove around.

Once returning to Edgartown on that very tiny ferry, we drove west, across the island via Edgartown Road, State Road and S Road just checking things out.  We stopped at Morning Glory Farms (Edgartown) for a snack.  Although we just got a cookie or two, they are really known for their Zucchini Bread. Along the way, we also stopped at Alley’s General Store in West Tisbury.  They claim to be dealers in “almost everything.”  We can say, there was a lot of stuff in there!Picture of Gay Head Lighthouse and the clay cliffs of Aquinnah.

Continuing west, we made it to one of our main stops – Aquinnah (Gay Head) – home of the famous Cliffs and Lighthouse.  Definitely one of the highlights.  The cliffs are amazing, and the red brick lighthouse was unique and worth seeing.

Picture of sunset from Martha's Vineyard.

Next, we were off to Menemsha in hopes of arriving before sunset.  We made it in time – Yeah!  It was crowded, but we found a parking spot, grabbed our beach chairs, and just enjoyed ourselves.   Spirit got lots of attention as we chatted with some lovely tourists.  It turned out to be an incredible sunset – just perfect!

By the time we arrived back in Vineyard Haven (arriving and departing port), most of the restaurants were closed.  So we grabbed a slice of pizza, and got onto the ferry back to the Cape.

Home Sweet Home!

For more images of our Martha’s Vineyard adventure, Click Here to visit Marc’s photography website.

Everyone should experience the Long Dell Inn

Looking for a home base for your Cape Cod and Islands adventure?  The Long Dell Inn is the perfect place to stay.  Long Dell Inn is a historic sea captain’s house with a total of seven guestrooms all with private en-suite bathrooms.  Located in the quiet seaside village of Centerville – frequently called one of the prettiest village on Cape Cod – we are just minutes from a great beach, delicious dining, fabulous shopping, ferries to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and easy access to all your Cape Cod adventures.  Check out our accommodations and book your getaway today!  If you have questions, please call (508-775-2750) or email us.

The Kennedy Legacy on Cape Cod

Cape Cod and the Kennedy Legacy

Picture of JFK on his sailboat.Clam chowder, blue hydrangeas and the Kennedys are all iconic symbols of Cape Cod. One of the most frequent questions we get is “how far away is the Kennedy compound? (It’s 3 miles from the Inn).

Today, May 29, 2017, marks the 100th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s birth. And although the Kennedys had several homes, Cape Cod was where their hearts lived. The Kennedy clan has lived in Hyannisport, a sleepy seaside village, for 90 years. JFK’s presidential campaign was launched from Cape Cod and he used the compound as his campaign base. The entire Kennedy family spent election day 1960 here and JFK gave his victory speech in Hyannis.

President Kennedy was successful in passing legislation for the Cape Cod National Seashore. This protected area includes more than 40,000 acres of forest, marshland, bogs and salt ponds along with nearly 50 miles of untouched beach.

Picture of the JFK Museum in Hyannis.JFK frequented Four Seas Ice Cream (a stone’s throw from the Long Dell Inn) and his favorite flavors were vanilla and peach. The President enjoyed golfing at the Hyannis Port Club (where he would call to schedule his own tee times) but his true love was sailing the waters of Cape Cod.

JFK once said “I always go to Hyannisport to be revived, to know again the power of the sea and the master who rules over it and all of us.”

To commemorate the centennial of his birthday, there are many scheduled celebrations on the Cape. Today we will attend a special program at the John F. Kennedy Museum (jfkhyannismusuem.org) where they will be unveiling a new exhibit and then get a bite a eat. Some local restaurants will be celebrating with themed cocktails and special menu items.

The Kennedy legacy continues to be intertwined with Cape Cod.

For information on the Kennedy Legacy Trail, please click on the following link (kennedylegacytrail.com).

Everyone should experience the Long Dell Inn

Looking for a home base for your Cape Cod adventure?  The Long Dell Inn is the perfect place to stay.  Long Dell Inn is a historic sea captain’s house with a total of seven guestrooms all with private en-suite bathrooms.  Located in the quiet seaside village of Centerville – frequently called one of the prettiest village on Cape Cod – we are just minutes from a great beach, delicious dining, fabulous shopping, ferries to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and easy access to all your Cape Cod adventures.  Check out our accommodations and book your getaway today!  If you have questions, please call (508-775-2750) or email us.