What’s it like as Springtime approaches! Well the sun is shining, the weather is warmer, and the skies are blue. Ah, spring is in the air! That amazing feeling especially since winter seems to drag on for quite some time. That’s why today during Valentines Day what a better way to start dreaming about Springtime than on this cold, windy and snowy day.
And there’s no better place to spend spring when the flowers are in full bloom and you can take a beautiful walk on the beaches of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. Here are eight reasons to plan your seasonal getaway to New England’s favorite vacation region.
Flowers are in full bloom. Stop and smell the roses – or the daffodils. The 46th Annual Daffodil Festival on April 23rd & 24th on Nantucket is an Island tradition to honor the yellow flora. Attend the antique car parade and other festivities donning your daffy-themed garb. From April 29th – May 1st the 36th annual Brewster in Bloom on Cape Cod brings a 5K Bloom Run, arts and crafts show, Brewster Band concert, and festive parade to the town; bring the kids along to Kid Fest at Drummer Boy Park that Saturday for food, fun, and games. Head to the Vineyard’s Edgartown’s Pink & Green Weekend on May 6th – 8th, and celebrate the season and Mother’s Day amidst a sea of vibrant crocuses, with activities including extravagant brunches, shopping sales, and family-friendly events like a themed dog show. On May 30th, the Rhododendron Festival at Heritage Museums and Gardens showcases thousands of the world-famous flowers over 100 colorful acres and exquisite grounds.
Foodies, rejoice! Dig in and enjoy Cape Cod Restaurant Week from May 13th – 19th, with three- and four-course menus offered by local favorites. Martha’s Vineyard’s annual Taste of the Vineyard on June 16th and 18th is a tented affair, featuring a Gourmet Stroll on Thursday and Patrons’ Stroll on Saturday exploring unique local flavors, including food, wine, and handcrafted beer.
Find family-friendly fun. Island Alpaca’s Annual Shearing Day will be held April 30 on Martha’s Vineyard. Kids will love to get up close with these gentle, curious creatures; refreshments and door prizes add to the fun. During the Figawi Race Weekend cheer on the more than 200 sailboats as they race from Hyannis to Nantucket. Root for the home team on June 12 at Opening Day of the Cape Cod Baseball League. Bring a blanket, grab a hot dog, and settle in to watch future Major League Baseball players in action.
Bike around the beaches. Soak up the spring sunshine with a bike ride. Cyclers on Cape Cod have 114 miles of paths to choose from, with routes through picturesque towns, passing ocean views, salt marshes, and lighthouses. If you’re cruising through Nantucket, take your pick from more than 33 miles of bike paths, all separate from adjacent roads and offering a gorgeous tour of the Island. Martha’s Vineyard boasts 44 miles of bike trails, with mostly flat terrain for beginners and kids. If you’re up for a challenge, try a tour of West Tisbury, Chilmark, or Aquinnah.
Time for wine. Wine down this season with some delicious vino, courtesy of the Cape and Islands. From May 18th – 22nd, the Nantucket Wine and Food Festival offers a boutique experience with world class wines and award-winning food; fittingly, the festival turned 21 last year. Toast to spring at Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod For only $10 per person, you can sample five of ten available wines in the open-air tasting room and take home a souvenir glass to remember your trip. If beer is more your scene, you’re in luck. Breweries on Cape Cod and Nantucket will quench your palate, as will Martha’s Vineyard’s two microbreweries Bad Martha and Offshore Ale Company.
Whale watching is back. Spring signals the return of a favorite pastime on the Cape and Islands. Hop aboard one of Cape Cod’s many whale-watch excursions for a chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Daily trips led by expert naturalists depart from April through October. On Nantucket, set sail for a six-hour whale watching expedition with Shearwater Excursions to get a glimpse of humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as basking sharks, white-sided dolphins, and sea turtles.
Go golfing. Get some tee time on one of the Cape’s 40-plus courses including championship, nine-hole, and par-54 layouts. Many of the area’s hotels and motels feature fantastic stay-and-play package deals, while a few of the upscale resorts provide access to exclusive, private golf courses. When on Island time, take a swing at Nantucket’s Miacomet Golf Club or try Fram Neck Golf Course and Mink Meadows Golf Club on the Vineyard.
Explore to your arts’ content. Stop by any (or all) of the four cultural districts on Cape Cod; see glassblowers in action in Sandwich Glass Town, head harbor-side for Barnstable Village, find a crafty gift at Hyannis HyArts, and hunt for handmade goodies in Orleans Village Center. Nantucket’s Cultural District houses live performances, concerts, exhibits, and other exciting events throughout spring. On Martha’s Vineyard, the Aquinnah Cultural District is famous for its red brick lighthouse. Built in 1856, the lighthouse is made entirely from clay harvested from the cliffs. The Vineyard Haven Harbor Cultural District is a charming retreat with shops and galleries on Main Street and two ship building centers featuring two Class B tall ships.
After a wild winter, you deserve a chance to regroup and relax. Bloom where you’re planted – just be sure to plant yourself on the Cape and Islands.