Winter on Cape Cod

Okay, the holidays are over, and the long, cold winter is looming ahead with no end in sight. Now what? Plenty, that's what! There's plenty to do on the Cape in the winter, if you know where to look.

For those of us with children and young families, a visit to your local library is all you need to find fun and entertainment this time of year. While most places close down during the winter months, the library is always open and ready to fill your mind and spirit. Most local libraries offer puppet shows, story hours, craft workshops, yoga sessions for all ages, and even movie nights! Here are some libraries that offer many family-friendly activities throughout the winter:

• Sandwich Public Libary: 142 Main St., Sandwich, MA http://www.sandwichpubliclibrary.com/


• Jonathan Bourne Public Library: 19 Sandwich Rd., Bourne, MA http://www.bournelibrary.com/


• Falmouth Public Library: 300 Main St., Falmouth, MA http://www.falmouthpubliclibrary.com/


• Eldredge Public Library: 564 Main St., Chatham, MA http://www.eldredgelibrary.com/

Another fun thing to do this time of year is to plan your own "Staycation". Book a room for your family at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa, 1225 Iyannough Rd., Hyannis, MA (508) 771-3000 http://www.capecodderresort.com/. This hotel offers an Indoor Wave Pool. It's housed in a 8.200 square foot indoor pool, complete with 2-foot waves, and 80-foot water slide, as well as a 50-foot water slide, waterfalls, whirlpool, dancing water fountains and two saunas. During this year's February school vacation week, they are offering their popular "Fun Zone" package, featuring Wii games, Ping Pong, Board Games, Moon Walk, Magnetic Darts, as well as younger children's activities such as Crafts & Face Painting and much, much more, all free of charge to registered hotel guests. Check their website to see the full schedule of vacation week activities.

For a more cost-effective family activity, check out the Gallo Arena Ice Skating Rink, 231 Sandwich Rd., Bourne, MA (508) 759-8904 http://www.galloarena.com/ . They offer public skating weekdays from 12:oopm - 2:00pm and Sundays from 4:00pm - 5:30pm. Public skating is $3 for adults and $2 for children ages 18 years or younger. You can bring your own skates, or rent them for $3 per pair. This is a fun and energetic way to spend a mid-winter afternoon!

If you're ready for a date-night, or looking to get out with a group of friends one evening, here are a few restaurants I particularly enjoy during these cold winter months. The first is Tokyo Restaurant, 143 Fairhaven Rd., Mattapoisett, MA. Yes, over the bridge!! You know it has to be good if I'm willing to cross the bridge for it. It's a short 15 minute drive over the Bourne Bridge, but well worth the trip. This Japanese, sushi & hibachi restaurant is a true experience. The excitement and showmanship of having a chef prepare an exotic Japanese meal right at your table, while giving a dazzling performance, is sure to excite you and tempt your taste buds. My personal favorites are the Chef Egg trick, the Volcano Onion trick and of course watching the master Chefs chop and cut your food at dizzying speeds! The tables are set for up to 15 people, so bring as many friends as you can - the more the merrier! This is especially fun if you go for a girls-night-out, or with a few other couples.

Another mid-winter treat is the Brazilian Grill, 680 Main St., Hyannis, MA (508) 771-0109 http://www.braziliangrill-capecod.com/ . If you've never been here before, you are missing a truly gluttonous experience. It is all about meat, meat and more meat. "Dr. Atkins" approved, this restaurant offers a traditional Brazilian style barbecue (called Rodizio) with a wide variety of different cuts of beef, pork, lamb, chicken and seafood. It is all you can eat, ad nauseum (but in a good way!) When you are seated, you will find a 2-sided card on your table. One side is green, the other, red. Simply signal the "Gauchos" that you are ready to begin the Rodizio by turning the card on your table to the green side. After you have enough, simply turn the card to the red side. The Rodizio also includes unlimited visits to the buffet which offers salads, vegetables, cheeses, pasta, as well as other Brazilian hot dishes. (Vegetarians can opt for the buffet only.) You definitely need to pace yourself at this place. There are many meat varieties offered, and you may request as many servings of any kind you'd like. So sample them all, but choose your favorites carefully - then have at it!!

The old adage "The best things in life are free" is never more appropriate than at this time of year. Simply bundle up and take a hike through the Cape's many nature conservatories and parks, or along our beautiful shoreline. Sometimes it's just what you need to get back to nature and stretch those sorely negleted muscles. Otherwise, there are times when nothing beats curling up with a good book, a hot cup of tea (or glass of wine!) and relaxing in front of a cozy fire.

No matter what you do to pass the time before the first peaks of Crocus appear, I hope this Blog entry helps you think of new and creative thing to do this winter. Before you know it, it will be Memorial Day!