Escaping the city life was on our list of things to do recently and Cape Cod has always been on minds. I have to admit that the thought of driving from Boston to the Cape has been hampered by the stories of crazy traffic of city folks wanting to get away for the weekend. Kind of like Torontonians escaping to cottage country. So, with careful planning and taking advice from friends we decided to leave early Saturday morning to try and escape the crawl. Luckily our plan worked!
The drive was uneventful and not as scenic as we had envisioned but we just wanted to get out of the city and make a bee line for the Cape. However, I can assure you that as we approached our destination, The Ocean Edge Resort, it was as spectacular as I had hoped and dreamed it would be. The meticulous greenery that sprawls in front of the Ocean Edge Mansion immediately transports you back into the era of grandeur.
We decided on this resort because we truly felt it was a place that would leave a lasting impression, particularly with the kids. The setting, the history, and of course, the variety of activities are all important factors for us when we travel.
The Ocean Edge Resort is situated in the town of Brewster on Cape Cod. In the 1880s Samuel Nickerson, founder and president of the First National Bank of Chicago, decided to build the original house for his son Roland and his wife. Named the Fieldstone Hall, it quickly became one of the most talked about houses in the area. It became the social hub for friends and family as well high society gatherings.
However the mansion had several reincarnations over the years. In 1906, the original mansion was destroyed in a fire. Roland Nickerson died just shortly after. According to locals, his death was a result of being heart-broken over this incredible loss of this home. Soon after, Roland’s wife and his dad decided to rebuild a new home which is still standing to this day. In between then and now, it was also under ownership by the Catholic Church and used as a seminary. Eventually it was purchased by Corcoran Jennison Hospitality and has reclaimed it’s reputation as a place where families and friends can retreat.
A fascinating tour with Historian Charlie revealed many interesting details of the property including original artwork that still resides in the mansion and photos of the Nickerson family. Of course, I was curious about any ghost stories but Charlie laughed and claims there are no known ghost stories on record. It’s no surprise as it was a home that was very much a happy place where the family entertained and wanted everyone to enjoy themselves. “It was very much a place to be yourself and to enjoy time with friends and family,” said Charlie. “It was a place for kids to run and play freely. Nature was their playground and that sense still carries through to today.” (You can read more about it’s history here.)
I could easily wander through the mansion and visualize the good times had by all. The reception area was once the men’s parlour, covered in dark wood. The detailing along the ornate banister leading to the upstairs is beyond special. The house isn’t glitzy but there are definitely influences in the details of Italian, English and French designs of the era. Bedrooms have been converted now to event spaces and the view overlooking the water is spectacular.
Daily low-tide brings undeniable excitement to kids and adults. I admit that I’ve never experienced a low-tide quite like this before. When we had arrived it was high tide and beach chairs were filed along the sandy coast line. Families were enjoying the breeze and kids were happily playing in the sand and shallow waters. A few hours later we ventured back and our kids were amazed at just how far they could go. It was a priceless moment that we repeated daily during our stay. Looking for hermit crabs, fish and seashells provided endless hours of exploration.
We met local oyster farmers out in the early mornings tending to their oyster beds that can only be seen during low tide. Our kids were excited to ventured out in ankle deep water to ask them a bizillion questions. “How old are they?”, “When are they ready?”, “How many do you pick out each day?” were just a few questions the farmers happily answered. My 9 year old said low-tide was pretty amazing and loved learning about the oysters.
As mentioned, there’s plenty to do at the Ocean Edge Mansion and Resort — tennis, bocce, movies on the front lawn; you can even rent a bike with their new Freedom Flyer bike fleet. You can venture off and cover the property’s legendary 429 acres as well as the historic Cape Cod Bike & Rail Trail — a 26 mile journey that runs through Ocean Edge. Don’t worry, when you’ve reached your destination a van will come and pick you up if you’re too tired to get back on your own.
While you don’t necessarily have to leave the resort, trust me, there’s lots to see and do including dining – our best meals were on the Ocean Terrace here. We had decided to see a few highlights along the Cape.
What else to do in Cape Cod…
Brewster – Where this property is located is spotted with restaurants and shops worth checking out. For your shopping fix, you’ll want to head to She Sells for the perfect Cape Cod outfits (shed your crisp city outfits, if you know what I mean) and then poke your head next door to JoMama’s for really good coffee, bagels and other baked goodies.
WellFleet – We couldn’t pass up a visit to this town especially since we’ve enjoyed many raw oysters that are farmed here. We visited Mac’s Seafood on the Pier for a dozen of the freshly farmed oyster to satisfy our craving. This casual outdoor spot beckons you to kick off your flip flops and enjoy many seafood offerings. Kids will love exploring the seashore and look for horseshoe crabs. Also in Wellfleet (ocean side) is the Beachcomber restaurant, the only commercial business allowed to do business in the Cape Cod National Seashore Conservation Area. Perched on top of a massive sand dune it offers great food and has access to the coastal beach. A breath-taking view that can’t be missed!
Chatham – Our friends had mentioned that we should take in a local baseball game if possible but our timing didn’t work this time. We ventured into the main streets spotted with shops, restaurants and ice cream parlours. Wild Goose Tavern is where we enjoyed fish tacos and other delights. Buffy’s Ice Cream shop was a must stop for locally made summer treats.
Marconi Museum – History buffs who are interested in telecommunications will be interested in adding this to your itinerary. Several landmarks are featured in Cape Cod that was once known as the lonely place that provided a lookout for ships that came close to the shores. In 1874 a Transatlantic Cable was complete that joined the US to France. IT was that longest undersea cable in the world that allowed communications between the countries. You’ll also be interested in learning about how Marconi played a significant role in the history of the Titanic. The Museum offers a great insight into communications and the importance of its situation in Cape Cod.
There’s so much more to see and we’re planning to go back there again to visit the towns we’ve missed on this trip. But hey, we don’t like to rush ourselves. The charm and hospitality of Cape Cod has definitely captured our hearts.
For more information on the Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club visit their official site. The Mansion, where we stayed, is just newly renovated with beachside accommodations and a private beach area overlooking Cape Cod Bay. Ocean Edge Villages nearby is a stunning 380 acres property with 2 and 3 bedroom villas that sprawls across the Nicklaus designed golf course.
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