Brewster in Bloom Just Around the Corner Followed by Cape Cod Maritime Days

May is just around the corner, and the cherry blossoms are in bloom. To start May off take advantage of Brewster in Bloom Festival May 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Click on the link below and it will take you to all the events for the weekend. If you are coming later in May all the Maritime Days' Events are here -- from tours, to museums, to artist receptions, boat exhibits and safety at sea talks. Remember those who book three nights mid-week (Sunday through Thursday, except the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend) receive a 40% discount on the room rate. So plan your vacation and take part in all the great happenings on Cape Cod.

MONDAY, MAY 18

History and Restoration of the Hay Barge from Nauset Marsh
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Location: Salt Pond Visitor Center, Eastham
Perhaps the last barge of its kind, this vessel now sits on display at the Salt Pond Visitor Center. Learn about its history and restoration, and visit the vessel.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-255-3421

Lighthouse Inn Tours
Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Location: The Lighthouse Inn, 1 Lighthouse Inn Road, West Dennis
Enjoy a tour of The Lighthouse Inn and West Dennis Light, built in 1855, the only privately owned and operated lighthouse in the US, sanctioned by the United States Coast Guard. Reservations required, space is limited.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-398-2244 for reservations

TUESDAY, MAY 19

Researching Cape Cod’s Civil War Years
Time: 3 to 4 p.m.
Location: Sturgis Library, Barnstable Village
Stauffer Miller, a long-time Cape Cod resident and avid historian, is author of the compelling new history of Cape Cod’s naval officers in the Civil War titled “Hoisting Their Colors: Cape Cod’s Civil War Navy Officers.” He utilized the collections of the Sturgis Library, as well as additional Cape Cod libraries, historical societies, and other resources. Mr. Miller will discuss his research strategies and answer questions from researchers and others on the rewards and challenges of documenting the Civil War era.
Cost: Free
Information: Space is limited. Call 508-362-6636 to register.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20

Boat Tour of the Historic Lower Cape
Time: 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.
Location: Town Cove Orleans/Eastham
Join Blue Claw Boat Tours for a one-hour narrated boat tour through the Lower Cape’s most pristine rivers, bays and island passages to learn about their history. View working fishermen and bay men as they go through the centuries old traditon of harvesting the sea. Glimpse diverse wildlife, including seals, shorebirds and waterfowl. Dress warmly, non-slip footwear preferred.
Cost: $20 per passenger
Information: Reservations required. Call 508-240-5783

“Hoisting their Colors: Cape Cod’s Civil War Navy Officers”
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Location: South Yarmouth Library, Old Main Street, South Yarmouth
Author Stauffer Miller brings to light the story of 170 Cape Cod merchant captains and mates who served in the Civil War navy. Books available for purchase and signing.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-760-4820

Kayak the Upper Reaches of the Herring River
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Explore the narrow and sometimes winding reaches of the Upper Herring River on this 2-mile kayak trip. Bring your own kayak and gear.
Cost: Free
Information: By reservation only! Call 508-255-3421, ext. 0.

Songs of the Sea Concert
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Falmouth Public Library, 300 Main Street, Falmouth
“Songs of the Sea” concert performed by folk singer and storyteller Mark Alan Lovewell of Martha’s Vineyard.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-457-2555, ext. 6

Truro's Naval Officers in the Civil War
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Truro Public Library, 5 Library Lane, Truro
Talk by Stauffer Miller based on his recent book "Hoisting their Colors: Cape Cod 's Civil War Navy Officers." Sponsored by the Truro Public Library and the Truro Historical Society.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-487-1125

THURSDAY, MAY 21

Lighthouse Inn Tours
Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Location: The Lighthouse Inn, 1 Lighthouse Inn Road, West Dennis
Enjoy a tour of The Lighthouse Inn and West Dennis Light, built in 1855, the only privately owned and operated lighthouse in the US, sanctioned by the United States Coast Guard. Reservations required, space is limited.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-398-2244 for reservations

“Thermometer-Mania Tour”
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Porter Thermometer Museum, 49 Zarahemla Road, Onset
The curator will provide guided tours of the museum in Onset, the Thermometer Capital of the World. Emphasis will be placed on maritime thermometers. Tour includes the museum’s collection of over 1,000 devices, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley’s.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-295-5504

Talk and Book Signing – Stauffer Miller
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum, One High Pole Road, Provincetown
Stauffer Miller, a longtime Cape Cod resident and avid historian, will discuss his new book “Hoisting their Colors: Cape Cod’s Civil War Navy Officers.” He utilized the collections of the museum for part of his research. Discussion will include question and answer period and book signing.
Cost: Free with admission ($7 adults, $5 seniors, $3.50 students)
Information: 508-487-1310,

FRIDAY, MAY 22

“Hoisting their Colors: Cape Cod’s Civil War Navy Officers”
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Falmouth Senior Center, Dillingham Avenue, Falmouth
Stauffer Miller will introduce his new book, “Hoisting their Colors,” and share stories about 10 officers from Falmouth, including a rare account by William Please of his service on the Tallahatchie from January-April 1865. Copies of his book will be available for purchase and signing.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-548-4857

Cape Cod Maritime Museum Lectures and Book signings
Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
Location: Cape Cod Maritime Museum, 135 South St., Hyannis
“Woodrow Wilson and the Sinking of the Lusitania”: Lecture by Historian and Curator Mark Wilkins.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-775-1723

See you soon! And, it is a proven fact, that people who take vacations live longer. So reduce the stress in your life and stay with us at the Whalewalk Inn & Spa.