Why Spend Autumn on the Cape?
Once the summer season winds down, the chillier fall air can make it tougher and tougher to get outside. But, the colder weather brings with it some serious benefits.
Cape Cod’s population more than doubles in the summer with seasonal renters. While more people mean more activities, better services, and, of course, a certain liveliness — many people enjoy the return of the quiet, sleepy Cape once September hits.
Not only are the summer crowds gone in the fall, but the bugs are, too. As soon as the temperatures begin to dip at night mosquitoes and flies you’d normally be swatting, especially in wooded areas and on beaches, start to vanish.
Fall Cape Cod weather is perfect for outdoor activities – not too hot, not too cold. While summer sunshine can make a long jog or bike ride seem unappealing, fall ushers in a renewed sense of energy – without winter’s wind and snow.
Outdoors Cape Cod: Things to Do in the Fall
There are plenty of fall Cape Cod trails to ride, tours to do, and sights to see – all outside your Cape Cod rentals. Save your book for after dark, and use the day to get outside on the Cape.
Cycle the Cape Cod Rail Trail
The Cape Cod Rail Trail stretches 22 miles across the park. This paved recreation trail follows the old railway that connected Americans to their favorite east coast vacation destination. The railway is long since gone, but you can still see its remains at different points along the route.
The trail offers tons of scenic views and lookouts and passes through parks, including Nickerson State Park and the Cape Cod National Seashore.
There are a few places to rent bikes on Cape Cod, but Dennis Cycle Center (249 Great Western Rd.) in South Dennis is probably the closest to the trail.
See How Cranberries Are Grown
Dried in in a trail mix or mashed in a Thanksgiving sauce, Americans love their cranberries. But, have you ever seen how they’re grown?
Visit the Cape Farm & and Cranberry Company in Harwich, on the south shore of the Cape. Take a guided tour around the cranberry bogs to learn about how the cranberries are harvested.
Stop at the farm stand to pick up some cranberries – fresh, dried, or sauced – to go at their farm shop. They also sell local, hand-crafted soaps and honey.
Taste Your Way Through Truro’s Vineyards
Most people don’t rent Cape Cod homes for their proximity to wine country, but the vineyard in Truro, MA, won’t disappoint. One of the pioneer vineyards in maritime wine-making, Truro Vineyards produce a number of reds and whites, as well as a couple of limited collections.
Private tastings and facility tours for groups of 10 or more, and have regular events and festivals.
Enjoy the Colorful Trees
In autumn, the trees on Cape Cod turn magnificent shades of red, yellow, orange, and green, creating a blanket of color. Whatever you do outside, take the time to observe the changing leaves around you. This is a perfect opportunity to snap a few pictures – a memory of your Cape Cod getaway.
With so much to do outdoors in Cape Cod, you’ll have your weekend agenda filled pretty quickly this fall. Just because the swimming season is over for the year doesn’t mean that there are plenty of things to do outside: cycling and jogging, agricultural tours, and amateur photography, to name a few.
Come To The Cape This Fall
To learn more about this northeastern paradise and its year-round roster of activities and attractions in each community, visit the Area Info section, or call us at (508) 619-7658.
