Living Frugal on Cape Cod

16 FREE things to do on the Cape – Summer Edition

July 6, 2009

Whether you live on Cape Cod or are on vacation, there are plenty of things to do that are absolutely FREE. I have lived on the Cape for 27 years and I have yet to do all of the things on this list. I take the Cape for granted and just live here day to day, but I do not venture out to enjoy all that the Cape has to offer. During the summer there are more things to do than in the winter, and so I bring you 20 FREE things to do while on Cape Cod.

Most of the things to do that I have decided to write about are family oriented. I myself have 2 small daughters and know that sometimes it can be hard to find things to do with small kids.

Cape Cod Rail Trail – The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs through the towns of Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet. It is 22 miles long and follows what used to be a former railroad here on the Cape. There are many restaurants and activities located just off of the CCRT that are fun to stop and enjoy while on your ride.

Go Fishing – Every town on Cape Cod is located along either a bay side or the ocean side beach. Many towns also have ponds and sometimes fishing holes. Grab your fishing poles and try some fishing this summer.

Climb Scargo Tower in Dennis – Climb the 26 foot Scargo Tower located in Dennis. It is located up on a hill and has a 36 step steel staircase inside. View Cape Cod from a new viewpoint and Barnstable Harbor.

Tour the Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory – 9am to 5pm Monday thru Friday you can tour the Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory located in Hyannis. The tours are self guided and FREE. You can also download some FREE scenic screensavers and wallpapers right from their website here.

Walk the Fort Hill Trail – Located in Eastham on historic Fort Hill. This trail is 1.5 miles long and meanders through some woods and along the marsh.

Tour a lighthouse – Chatham, Nauset, Three Sisters and Stage Harbor lighthouses are just some of the many lighthouses located on the Cape. Click here for directions.

Walk the White Cedar Swamp Trail – Located in South Wellfleet, this trail meandures through wooded trails and though the white cedar swamp. It is 1.2 miles long and a great walk for kids of all ages.

Cape Cod Baseball League game - Enjoy a local baseball game at no charge. With games throughout the Summer, you can view the schedule here.

Marconi Station – Located in South Wellfleet right on the ocean. Visit the World’s first successful transmission message site between the president of the United States and the king of England.

Go to the Beach – This may seem obvious, but really you HAVE to visit at least one beach while on Cape Cod. There are beaches all along both sides of the Cape, be sure to dig your toes into the sand and taste the salty air this summer. View the Cape Cod beach guide

Watch the Sunset – While you are visiting a bay side beach, be sure to watch the sunset. It is a breathtaking view as the sun sets right over the ocean. A view that can only be seen in special areas of the world.

Craft Show/Antiques Show – All throughout the Cape there are crafts shows and antique shows all Summer long. This is a great way to get to know local crafters and artists and to enjoy some nice Cape Cod weather.

Bradley House Museum – This museum is located in Woods Hole. It was built in 1803.

Salt Pond Visitor Center – Located in Eastham, this is not your usual visitor center. Located on a salt pond that you can walk around on a nice day and with exhibits kids of all ages will enjoy.

Sandwich Fish Hatchery – Visit the fish hatchery located in Sandwich. Watch the fish as they swim around and hatch into little babies.

Local Winerys – Truro, Falmouth, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket all have local wineries. You can take a tour free of charge during most weekdays this Summer.

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Vacationing on a Budget

July 5, 2008

If you are trying to plan a family vacation but you have a strict budget to adhere to, which may not be as much money as you would like it to be, you CAN make it work. I have some great tips to help you plan a family vacation without breaking the bank and having fun too! Start by deciding when you can go on vacation, if you can go anytime, this will make your planning much easier. The best times to go on a vacation on a budget is during times of the month that are slower for hotels and motels. Some states have different “shoulder seasons” that are the best for cheap travel, below are some examples:

January

Best times to visit New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. and its surrounding Maryland and Virginia. The weather is cold enough to keep tourists to a minimum, which means you have some of the best museums in the world all to yourself, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC (www.nycvisit.com) and The Smithsonian in DC. In the City by the Bay, take a cruise to visit the National Park at Alcatraz, www.alcatraxcruises.com.

February

The Netherlands, Ireland, and Dallas-Ft. Worth. Bicyling around Holland in winter will keep you warm, as will a pint of you-know-what anywhere in Ireland.

March

Italy, Spain, Los Angeles – Perfect weather for searching out the perfect olive oil and hiking the mountains of the first two, and searching for movie stars in Hollywood.

April

Asheville North Carolina — The azaleas are in full bloom in the extensive gardens at The Biltmore Estate, the largest and most opulent mansion in the USA.

May

Hawaii, Portland, Oregon and Vancouver – Flowers in bloom everywhere, ideal weather for hiking or biking excursions, sailing and parasailing.

June

Park City, Utah; Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona and Albuquerque, New Mexico – Take the chairlift to the top of the mountain in Park City or the Sandia Tram in Albuquerque to inhale the view and bike or hike down. In Phoenix, you’ll have to walk to Camelback Mountain. In Scottsdale, the city’s first and only winery, Su Vino Winery in the Main Street Arts District, has a program to let you blend and barrel your own wine, www.suvinowineryaz.com.

You can still go on vacation and have a great time and save money by traveling during the shoulder seasons. This is the time before and or after a holiday week or peak season. Also try to book your flights to leave and return on a weekday, this will drastically reduce the amount of money for airfair. I always try to book my vacation on a weekday to save some extra money. I also use a travel agent to find my flights believe it or not, and she always ends up finding me a cheaper flight than when I do a search online.

While your on vacation the following will help reduc your costs as well:

Eat lunch at home.
Pack lunch to eat at the park.
Pack drinks so that you do not need to buy them while out and about.
Bring your on towels, sunscreen and beachwear instead of buying new.
Walk a few blocks to save money on parking.
Rent a house or Condo, an be cheaper than a hotel.
Stay at a hotel that has a continental breakfast.
Drink water with meals out instead of soda.
Use coupon booklets.

There are many more ways to save while on vacation and you can find great tips by doing a Google search for “frugal travel tips”.

Photo:www.nationalgeographic.com