Maritime Days are in Full Swing on Cape Cod -- Win Two-Night Stay Memorial Weekend -- Follow the Blog for More Details

Cape Cod Maritime Days are in full swing! Please see previous blogs for happenings across Cape Cod. Sunday May 24th , besides being chock full of activities, we will host our Memorial Day Picnic. Kevin and Brendan will be smokin' some great meats and the rest of the staff will be making salads for your dining pleasure. Also, this will be our first ever Scavenger Hunt -- first prize, a two-night stay at the Inn. Some restrictions will apply, but anytime at the Inn is a great time.

SUNDAY, MAY 24

Boat Tour of the Historic Lower Cape
Time: 11a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-3 p.m.
Location: The River, Orleans to Pleasant Bay
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

Eastern Mountain Sports Kayak Fishing Tour
Come fish on the kayak sponsored by Eastern Mountain Sports/Hyannis and Cape Cod Fly Fishing. $150 per person includes kayak rental and guide tour with professional Fly Fishing guide Michael Mullaney of www.capecodflyfishing.com Contact Michael at 508-208-2265. Anglers can spin fish or try their hand at fly fishing.
Cost: $150
Information: Contact Michael at 508-208-2265

Harbor Your Arts Artist Shanties
Location: Bismore Park, Ocean Street, Hyannis
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Harbor Your Arts artist shanties are a unique harborfront location for artists to create and sell their work. All work is juried, and includes painting, photography, glass blowing, jewelry and more!
Cost: Free

Kayak the Waterways of the Lower Cape
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Paddle to Nauset Beach
Investigate different coastal habitats during these exceptional kayak tours that include kayak instruction and environmental education. Certified kayak instructor and coastal educator, Dick Hilmer will lead you through sheltered creeks, into bays and marshes, and towards islands rich in cultural history. During the three-hour coastal exploration, the certified guides of Explore Cape Cod Tours will provide professional instruction in easy to paddle, comfortable and stable tandem kayaks. Perfect for novice or experienced paddlers. All equipment is provided including kayak, paddle, lifejacket and instruction – just bring a smile and a bottle of water, and $30 per person.
Information: Due to space limitations, reservations are required. Please call 508-240-1211. You will receive directions upon making your reservations.

Marine Rummage Sale
Location: Osterville Museum, 155 West Bay Road, Osterville
Held outside on museum grounds, this old-fashioned rummage sale will feature maritime items. Proceeds to benefit the Osterville Museums’ children’s programs.
Cost: Free to attend
Information: 508-428-5861

Tours at Nauset Lighthouse
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Location: Nauset Light, North Eastham
Guided tours of the lighthouse, open to the public. Please park in the Nauset Beach parking lot.
Cost: Donations are welcome
Information: 508-240-2612

Walking Tour of the Three Sisters Lighthouses
Time: 3 to 4 p.m.
Location: Meet at Nauset Light Beach parking lot in Eastham
These 19th century lighthouse once provided a beacon for sailors off the shore of nauset Light. Come and learn of their history and importance. Half-mile walk.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-255-3421

We look forward to hearing from you, and remember to book early for Memorial Day Weekend. It promises to be a great weekend.

Cape Cod Maritime Days--Enjoy Sea Tales, Sea Voyages, and Your Own Sea Escape

April showers are definitely out of the way, and Cape Cod is "busting out" with flowers and activities. May 21st is the last day for Cape Cod Maritime Days and it is chock full of activities. So make your reservations at The Whalewalk Inn & Spa for a Maritime Getaway.

Also, please read previous blogs for activities from May 13th on celebrating the Sea Heritage of Cape Cod.

SATURDAY, MAY 23

5th Annual Ocean to the Bay Road Race
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Highland Light Road, North Truro
Five-mile run/walk from Highland Lighthouse to the bay and back, to benefit the lighthouse preservation. Awards, raffles and refreshments.
Cost: $15 registration fee
Information: 508-487-1121

Boat Tour of the Historic Lower Cape
Time: 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.
Location: The River, Orleans to Pleasant Bay
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

Boatbuilding Demonstration
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Location: Boat shop behind Woods Hole Historical Museum, 579 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole
Come visit the ongoing boatbuilding demonstration program, with participants on hand to answer questions.
Information: 508-548-7270


Eastern Mountain Sports Kayak Fishing Tour
Come fish on the kayak sponsored by Eastern Mountain Sports/Hyannis and Cape Cod Fly Fishing. $150 per person includes kayak rental and guide tour with professional Fly Fishing guide Michael Mullaney of www.capecodflyfishing.com Contact Michael at 508-208-2265. Anglers can spin fish or try their hand at fly fishing.
Cost: $150
Information: Contact Michael at 508-208-2265

Harbor Your Arts Artist Shanties
Location: Bismore Park, Ocean Street, Hyannis
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Harbor Your Arts artist shanties are a unique harborfront location for artists to create and sell their work. All work is juried, and includes painting, photography, glass blowing, jewelry and more!
Cost: Free

Kayak the Waterways of the Lower Cape
Time: 6 to 8:30 a.m.
Location: Sampson’s Island, Pleasant Bay
Investigate different coastal habitats during these exceptional kayak tours that include kayak instruction and environmental education. Certified kayak instructor and coastal educator, Dick Hilmer will lead you through sheltered creeks, into bays and marshes, and towards islands rich in cultural history. During the three-hour coastal exploration, the certified guides of Explore Cape Cod Tours will provide professional instruction in easy to paddle, comfortable and stable tandem kayaks. Perfect for novice or experienced paddlers. All equipment is provided including kayak, paddle, lifejacket and instruction – just bring a smile and a bottle of water, and $30 per person.
Information: Due to space limitations, reservations are required. Please call 508-240-1211 or email dhilmer@explorecapecod.com. You will receive directions upon making your reservations.

Maritime Exhibit at Captain Bangs Hallet House
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Location: Captain Bangs Hallet House, 11 Strawberry Lane, Yarmouthport
The maritime collection of the Historical Society of Old Yarmouth will be open for display. Includes historical artifacts, paintings and ship models.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-362-3021

Maritime Matinee: “The City that Lit the World”
Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Province Lands Visitor Center, Race Point Road, Provincetown
Take an armchair journey to New Bedford during the height of the whaling industry. New Bedford was the mid 19th century’s preeminent whaling port and for a time “the richest city in the world.” This history is preserved today at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, where visitors can stroll its cobblestone streets, tour the world’s largest whaling museum, visit a whaling merchant’s home and whaleman's chapel, and walk a 19th century schooner’s decks. The 45-minute program includes the film and brief remarks by a park ranger.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-957-0738

A Whaling Family’s Story
Time: 11 a.m. to noon
Location: Meet at the Penniman House at Fort Hill in Eastham
Learn about the Penniman family through a tour of their home and stories of their travels. Examine some of the hardships, adventures and lifestyle of a whaling family.
Cost: Free
Information: Reservations required! Call 508-255-3421, ext. 0

Besides all the sea activities, take a leisurely drive around and enjoy the picturesque scenery bursting with wisteria, roses, cherry blossoms and roses. Make your reservations today to enjoy all the diverse activities that the Cape has to offer.

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.

Cape Cod Arts Calendar for April--40% Discount for Sunday through Thursday

Spring not only brings a renewal in nature, but it is also the beginning of a new season of art, music and festivals. Take advantage of these cultural events while visiting the Cape and staying at The Whalewalk Inn & Spa. Book early and take advantage of our 40% discount for our 40th Wedding Anniversary. Book your massage resrvations at the same time. See you at the Inn!

Clay: Work by Cape Cod Potters
Saturday, April 4 through 19, 2009 (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
Clay: Work by Cape Cod Potters, an exhibit at the Cape Cod Museum of Art in Dennis, showcases the work of 40 members of Cape Cod Potters, Inc. and, by extension, 40 unique approaches to the medium. Dan Finnegan of the Liberty Town Arts Workshop in Virginia
Contact: 508-385-4477
Category: Arts Events
Location: Cape Cod Museum of Art
Route 6A
Dennis, MA 02638 map
508.385.4477


Paintings in the Great Hall at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod
Wednesday, April 8, 2009 (11:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Sally Vince, Jackie Reeves, and Cristina Reverdy show their paintings in the Great Hall. Opening art reception April 11, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Contact: 508-394-7100
Category: Arts Events
Location: Cultural Center of Cape Cod
307 Old Main Street
South Yarmouth, MA 02664 map
508-394-7100


Ikebana-Japanese Floral Design Workshop
Thursday, April 9, 2009 (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Create simple line arrangements in the Japanese manner using a few branches and flowers. Master floral designer Kaye Vosburgh will teach the principles of Sogetsu Ikebana.
Contact: Michele Wilkins 508.888.3300 ext. 102
Category: Educational Events
Location: Heritage Museums & Gardens
67 Grove Street
Sandwich, MA 02563 map
508-888-3300


Opening Art Reception
Saturday, April 11, 2009 (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
Sally Vince, Jackie Reeves, and Cristina Reverdy show their paintings in the Great Hall, April 8-19. Come enjoy the art and the refreshments and meet the artists. All are welcome.
Contact: 508-394-7100
Category: Arts Events
Location: Cultural Center of Cape Cod
307 Old Main Street
South Yarmouth, MA 02664 map
508-394-7100


Ballroom Bliss: Waltz Dance Course at Cultural Center
Tuesday, April 14, 21, 28, 2009 and April 21, 2009 (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Professional ballroom dance instructors Doug and Kimberlee McHugh from Ballroom Bliss will teach Waltz classes. Registration is recommended. Walk-ins are welcome. Please call 508-760-4071 or email ballroom_bliss@verizon.net to register.
Contact: 508-760-4071
Category: Educational Events
Location: Cultural Center of Cape Cod
307 Old Main Street
South Yarmouth, MA 02664 map
508-394-7100


JACQUELYN MITCHARD @ 'AUTHOR'S FRIDAY"
Friday, April 17, 2009 (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Best-selling author of The Deep End of the Ocean and other popular novels speaks and signs autographs at Dennis Public Library.
Contact: BOB LYNCH 508-760-6219
Category: Educational Events
Location: DENNIS PUBLIC LIBRARY
5 HALL ST.


Woods Hole Model Boat Show
Saturday, April 18, 2009 (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
The Woods Hole Historical Museum hosts the seventh annual village-wide Woods Hole Model Boat Show. The show�s attractions include over 125 boat models, ship-in-bottle building demonstrations, exhibits, and children�s events.
Contact: 508-548-7270
Category: Arts Events
Location: Woods Hole Historical Museum


Spring Antiques Show & Sale
Saturday, April 18, 2009 (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
A show featuring distinctive dealers and quality antiques to benefit Barnstable's Sturgis Library and Whelden Memorial Library. Admission is $6.00.
Contact: Carrie Bearse 508-362-9230
Category: Charity & Fundraising Events
Location: Barnstable-West Barnstable Elementary School
2463 Route 6A
West Barnstable, MA


The Bart Weisman Group and New York�s String of Pearls, in Concert
Saturday, April 18, 2009 (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
The amazing jazz drummer Bart Weisman and his group will accompany New York�s String of Pearls, a female vocal trio that performs modern vocal jazz and vintage "girl group" music with swing, style, and musical excellence. Call for details.
Contact: 508-394-7100
Category: Arts Events
Location: Cultural Center of Cape Cod
307 Old Main Street
South Yarmouth, MA 02664


Cape Cod Conservatory Performance Series
Sunday, April 19, 2009 (3:00 PM - 4:30 PM)
All Brahms Program featuring the Conservatory Chamber Ensemble
Contact: Betsy Reney 508-362-2772
Category: Arts Events
Location: First Congregational Church of Yarmouth
329 Main St. (Route 6A)
Yarmouth Port, MA 02674 map
508-362-0772


Jazz Jam
Sunday, April 19, 2009 (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
Since 2006, when 40 musicians performed on a Sunday for a Jazz Jam at the Provincetown Jazz Festival, Bart Weisman has led the only Jazz Jam on Cape Cod.
Contact: Bart Weisman 508-274-2513
Category: Arts Events
Location: Island Merchant
302 Main Street
Hyannis, MA 02601 map
508-771-1337


Giant, Enormous, Spectacular Tag Sale to Benefit the Cultural Center of Cape Cod
Saturday, April 25 & 26, 2009 (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
The Cultural Center has been collecting great stuff, including furniture and some antiques, since last fall to fill its Great Hall with a wealth of treasures of all kinds. If you�d like to donate �good junk,� please call 508-394-7100. See you there!
Contact: 508-394-7100
Category: Charity & Fundraising Events
Location: Cultural Center of Cape Cod
307 Old Main Street
South Yarmouth, MA 02664 map
508-394-7100