PAN MASS Race -- A Thrill a Minute as Riders Toured Cape Cod

The Pan Mass Challenge was very exciting to watch, and those riding were grateful for the spectators. Guests at the Inn were happy to cheer the riders on to Provincetown. Did get to wave to our friend, Karen, who was riding in memory of her mother, but did not see Ed go by. He must have been in a group that passed during breakfast. Congratulations to all!

If you are still planning for your summer vacation, we do have some availability. Here are some great hiking opportunities for your vacation fun. You really will like the self guided tours in the National Seashore. In Eastham, there is the Red Maple Swamp Trail, which includes new interactive stations for children, but the young at heart will have fun too. Buttonbush Trail includes a guide rope and text in Braille and large print. Doane Trail is paved and wheelchair-accessible and has vistas of Nauset Marsh. Nauset Marsh Trail winds along the edge of the Salt Pond and Nauset Marsh, crosses fields and returns to the visitor center through a recovering forest. There are several spectacular vistas along the way.

So book today, either on our website or call at 800-240-0017.

Father's Day Around the Corner -- Give Dad a Trip to Cape Cod

Father's Day is fast approaching. Give Dad a fishing weekend getaway to celebrate this special day. Kevin will be happy to share some of his fishing hole secrets -- I even know a couple of them, too.

If you prefer, book one of the fishing boats in the Rock Harbor fleet. They will provide a stupendous day of fishing. The stripers are running, and put up a nice little fight.

If fishing isn't Dad's thing, the Cape Cod National Seashore is also just around the corner. After a stop at the Visitor's Center for trail maps, Dad can enjoy a hike through Red Maple Cedar Swamp and the Fort Hill Trail. There are other trails to follow also. Here, too, he can get a free permit and build a campfire at any of the Sheashore's six swimming beaches, including Coast Guard Beach -- in Eastham and 10 minutes away from The Whalewalk Inn & Spa.

So book a room for Dad and guest, or buy him a gift certificate so he can come on a weekend that works with his busy schedule. FOR EVERY $100 DOLLARS YOU SPEND ON A GIFT CERTIFICATE, WE WILL ADD $10 EXTRA. OFFER EXPIRES JUNE 20TH. So order your certificate today either on our website, or call 508-255-0617.

Hiking the Many Trails of Cape Cod

"If beaches are Cape Cod's primary draw, its vast acreage of nature preserves and walking trails is a close second. Hiking or walking is an excellent and virtually cost-free way to see the geographic splendor and diversity of Cape Cod up close.

Cape Cod Pathways is the name of a network of trails across the Cape. It is constantly being expanded and when complete, will extend from Provincetown to Falmouth and Bourne and provide a connection between the seashore and the Cape's wooded interior."

On the Cape Cod Commission's website, you'll find a map showing 106 public walking trails along with descriptions of the trails, pictures, and links for more information about each. Of the 104 trails, 36 are within 1.5 miles of a public transportation route stop on Cape Cod."

Some of her favorites are:

"South Beach in Chatham, an area that has undergone extensive change since a storm-induced breach in North Beach in 1987.

Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail in Wellfleet, a cool, mossy 1.25-mile loop in stunted oak and pine woods with a boardwalk through a cedar swamp.
Be sensible when you walk: Wear a hat and take sunscreen, water, and mosquito repellent."

July 22, Cape Cod Budget Living Examiner by Ellen Albanese

Make your reservations today at the Whalewalk Inn & Spa and enjoy the many great hiking and biking trails along the Cape.

Barnstable County Fair -- A Cape Cod Tradition

Step back in time and enjoy the 166th Barnstable County Fair beginning July 17th through the 24th. Brave the midway rides, visit farm animals -- even a kangaroo, and agricultural exhibits. Don't miss the fried dough, cotton candy and music. Meet you at the County Fair grounds, Route 151 in East Falmouth.

After a day at the fair, drive up to Eastham check into the Whalewalk Inn, have a great dinner at one of the great restaurants in the area -- Mahoney's, Nauset Beach Club, Abba, Academy Ocean Grille, Joe's Beach Bar and Grille, the Beacon Room, Land-Ho --and those are only in Orleans. Drive up route 6 and experience Arnold's a lobster institution, the Friendly Fisherman, Marconi Grille and the Wellfleet Drive-in. Wellfleet has some great water view dining at Mac's Shack, Pearl or the Bookstore for oysters, oysters and more oysters.

If you want to take a great walk -- just turn left out of the Inn's parking lot, go to your first right, Dyer Prince, and follow it to Cape Cod Bay. Along the way you may spot deer, osprey, fox, coyote, and if the tide is going out, a cadre of sea creatures, burrowing into the sand waiting for the water to return.

Make your reservations today -- online or by phone, 508-255-0617.

Brewster in Bloom--Parade, Arts and Antiques During the Day, Cape Theatre in the Evenings

Today starts Brewster in Bloom. Especially excited this year, as the grandsons will be marching in the Sunday Parade and the weather is supposed to be lovely. Look for the red head with the sax and the other red head with the bass drum -- probably the smallest drummer there. Also this weekend our grand daughter will be in the Nauset Middle School production of The Wizard of Oz. She will be dressed in green. Of course, there will be a lot of kids dressed in green, but she will be the pretty red head -- kind of runs in the family, and of course, those who have stayed at the Inn already know about all the red hair.

If you are looking for some serious theatre on the Cape "Eurydice" is at the Cape Rep, "Of Mice and Men" at the Orleans Academy of Performing Arts, "Edward II" at The Provincetown Theater, "Much Ado About Nothing" at Cape Cod Community College, and there are other performances throughout the Cape.

The Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra Classics V Austrian connections will be performed in Barnstable at the Performing Arts Center on Saturday and Sunday.

Feel like dancing -- well Head over to Joe's Beach Road Bar & Grill in East Orleans. Enjoy the music of The Rip It Ups, starting at 10:00 PM. Also music at the Lost Dog Pub on Friday at 9:30 PM. Check the Cape Cod Times for other musical entertainment.

This coming Wednesday head to the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History for a spring walk. Meet at 9:20 at the Museum for a trek on Morris Island that lasts for two hours. Beautiful scenery there. One of our favorite haunts for hiking.

Birders head up to the Massachusetts Audubon society' Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary for a great hike. That evening at 6:30 at the Truro Public Library learn about the Coastal Waterbird Program. Call 508-487-1125 for more information.

Also, check out the Cape Cod Times website for information on all that is going on this weekend and next week. The Cape is springing up with events and The Whalewalk Inn is ready to greet visitors. Enjoy off-season rates and all that the Cape has to offer.