Another Village Stroll

Another favorite past time for the kids and us adults is a stroll through the Sandwich Village to the Glass Museum (http://www.sandwichglassmuseum.org/)with a nice lunch at the Dunbar Tearoom (http://www.dunbartea.com/). Either meandor down Jarvis street with stops at the galleries and shops near Russells Corner or stoll down Main Street with a stop for a sip of spring water near the Dexter Gristmill.

The membership to the Sandwich Glass Museum has been well worth the money. The glass blowing demonstrations, interactive exhibits and short film about the history of the town and glass factory are wonderful. The kids actual ask us to go to the museum every month or so.

Sandwich Village Crawl

Highly recommend a appetizer stroll through the village with a stop for an appetizer and drink in the village. To make it an early evening start late afternoon at the Brown Jug or Dunbar Tea house for a glass of wine and some cheese. Move on the Daniel Webster Tavern for the Smoked Duck Bruchetta. Next head over to the Belfry Inn and Bistro then wrap up the stroll at the Painted Lady. For us it's great because not only can you walk from establishment to establishment but we live close enough so we can walk from home.

Hidden Hollow Update

Finally made it back to Heritage Museum and Gardens to check out the completed Tree House. Spectacular. Yet again a short trip to Heritage turned into a 4 hour play date with the kids. I typically had to drag them away from Hidden Hollow to go to the Carousel and other attractions.

Heritage Museum and Gardens Never Fails

Yet again another great day at Heritage Museum and Gardens. Our membership more than pays for itself. This was our third visit of the summer and there will be many more.

The latest activity area for kids "Hidden Hollow" is absolutely wonderful. From the point of entry through the natural arbor to the 3 story tree house there are activity stops and centers along the way.

Don't quote me on this but I believe the tree house was designed by renowned tree house builder Pete Nelson from Seattle, WA. The tree house which appears to be nearing completion is already spectacular and we haven't even set foot in it yet.

The kids can dress up and put on a skit on the stage/amphitheater or as our kids do just fill and re-fill the watering cans at the hand pump. The fabric available to the kids among the Rhododendrons can occupy a child's fertile imagination for hours. Tie the fabric off to make a hammock or simply run through the woods with a cape on an adventure.

The scavenger hunt draws them frantically through every nook and cranny of the Hollow helping them learn and see all of the activities and action. After a couple of hours of fun in the Hollow and a picnic lunch, we are off to the carousel and other exiting activities at Heritage.

Spring is finally upon us. Although most of our crocus have gone by spring hasn't really set in yet. Weather reports are good for this weekend. We are looking forward to a nice weekend in the yard, walking through the Sandwich Village, stopping by the Dexter Gristmill to check for herring, scanning Shawme Pond for signs of bass ready to bite and speaking of bites maybe a quick stop in at the Dunbar Tea House for a snack.

"SandwichFest" Scores Again!

This past Saturday we had the honor and thrill of hosting the 2nd annual "SandwichFest" here in Sandwich. Just when I thought the first one (held last year) couldn't get better, the wonderful folks from the Sandwich Chamber of Commerce out-did themselves again to make this year's street festival bigger and better than ever. Amid the soaring heat and humidity, thousands turned out to peruse the dozens of vendors, merchants and organizations lined up and down Jarves and Main Street.

Of course the main attraction of the festival is the "Best Sandwich in Sandwich" contest. A virtual Who's Who of restaurants in Sandwich, all vying for the coveted Sandwich trophy and bragging rights. This year's People's Choice winner was The Aqua Grille, serving Hot & Crunchy Lobster Sliders (Lobster cakes breaded and sauté’ in cornflakes, almonds & coconut. Served on a brioche with avocado mayo and sprinkled with an ancho chili sauce.) Changing things up a bit this year, the judges chose winners in 3 separate culinary areas: Best Vegetarian, Best Non-Vegetarian and Best Use of Local Ingredients. The winners were, Best Vegetarian: Beth’s Special Teas Cape Cod Cranberry Wrap, Best Non-Vegetarian: The Dan’l Webster Inn
Breuben Sandwich and for Best Use of Local Ingredients: The Aqua Grille (see People's Choice).

There was truly something for everyone, art, jewelry, cars, music & artistic performances, a bounce-house, dog contest & parade, local farmers, and even political groups were on hand to drum up supporters. Just about every aspect of life in our community was represented.

We all know how wonderful it is to live on Cape, but attending this festival truly makes a person proud to call Sandwich our Home. I'm looking forward to next year's festival already. Who knows, maybe I should think about setting up my own little table and hand out information and tips on things to do in on the Cape?!

Stopping by Beach on Snowy Morning

John's tribute to Robert Frost and Cape Cod in winter.

Stopping by Beach on Snowy Morning

Whose beach these are I think I know.
The houses of the Village show;
Who will see me stopping here
To watch the beach fill up with snow?

Desolate, isolated, bone chilling: Cape Cod in winter doesn’t have to be viewed through a pessimistic lens. Change your perspective and engage the beauty of our natural surroundings especially at dawn.

Short winter days make the beauty of the morning sun more accessible. The golden morning light of a clear sunny day shines with a brilliance triggering thoughts of Pony Boy. “Everything's new… there’s still lots of good in the world.”

Winter tides cover the marsh. Long shadows across the boardwalk flex with the gentle waves of the marsh tide. Walk on water over the boardwalk to the beach. The cold winter water of the bay is a deeper blue then the summer water. Is it possible for water to look cold?

The waters are lovely, dark and raw.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before spring thaw,
And miles to go before spring thaw.