Cape Cod Life's 2009 Best of the Cape & Islands Readers' Poll

What an exciting day at The Whalewalk Inn & Spa! We just received a congratulatory letter that the Inn is a winner in Cape Cod Life's 2009 Best of the Cape & Islands Readers' Poll. (Not just winners, but GOLD WINNER!)

The letter states "Our readers have a great loyalty to the magazine, and they take pride in voting for their favorite places on the Cape and Islands--you were voted among the very best! The results will be published in the June 2009 issue of Cape Cod Life. By the end of this month, this special issue will be on sale in retail outlets."

Thank you to all who have stayed with us and voted for us. We appreciate your loyalty, and the fact that you took the time to vote for us.

Mother's Day is fast approaching and we do have a little availability, if you are interested in a getaway. Check our availability page for room choice.

Also, Maritime Days are fast approaching and we are offering the mid-week (Sunday through Thursday 40% Off your room rate) special. Weekends are still our off season rates. Read some of the past blogs to see what is being offered for Maritime Days -- kayak trips, nature walks, sea tales and talks, lighthouse tours and much more. Be the first on your block to enjoy this seasons Wellfleet oysters, clam chowdah' and lobster. Golf courses are up and running, so plan a day of golf also. A fun day of golf is 9 holes at Highland Links in Truro, lunch at the Book Store in Wellfleet, while enjoying a water view, and then 9 more holes at Chequessette Golf Course.

A day trip to Nantucket makes for an exciting trip. Book through us and receive $6.00 off on each ticket. These tickets are available for the Hy-Line Cruises. You can upgrade these tickets to the first class section and receive complimentary breakfast treats and evening cheese and crackers. You can also upgrade to the Hy-Line Fast Ferry upon arrival for the 40 minute trip over. You will still have the $6.00 discount, but it cannot be booked in advance.

Make your reservations today and we look forward to seeing you at the Inn.

Maritime Days on Cape Cod-- Kayak Trips, Museum, Boat Shop and Chatham Fish Pier Tours,

May is fast approaching and with May comes wisteria, cherry blossoms, daffodils and Maritime Days. Maritime Days begin May 14th through May 21st. Below is a list of Friday activities. To check other activities, read our other blogs below. You can print the whole schedule from the blog. Also, for your Sunday through Thursday stay of three nights or more you are eligible for the 40% discount. Weekends are our regular off-season rates. If you are planning an earlier May vacation, remember that May 1, 2, and 3 is the Brewster Daffodil Festival. The schedule of events can be found further down on the blog.

SUNDAY, MAY 17

Boat Tour of the Historic Lower Cape
Time: 10-11 a.m. and 3-4 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 508-240-5783om

Columbia: The 18th Century Maritime Adventures of Privateer and Explorer John Kendrick
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Brooks Academy Museum, 80 Parallel Street, Harwich
Discover the maritime adventures of Harwich-born John Kendrick, whose circumnavigation of the globe helped establish the China trade.
Cost: $4
Information: 508-432-8089

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

Heritage Kayak Guided Fishing Tour
Come fish on the kayak sponored by Cape Cod Sea 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. Michael is the Loop Fly Rod Co. endorsed fly fishing guide for Cape Cod & Heritage Kayak Co. endorsed fishing guide. Anglers can spin fish or try their hand at fly fishing.
Cost: $150
Information: Contact Michael at 508-208-2265

Kayak the Waterways of the Lower Cape
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Location: Nauset Marsh, Eastham
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.

Memoirs of Old Truro
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Truro Community Center, Truro
Kick-off event for Truro's 2009 "One Book, One Town" program. Richard Whalen will provide an overview of Truro's history to introduce a series of programs based on Anthony Marshall's book "Truro, Cape Cod, As I Knew It." Sponsored by the Truro Public Library and the Truro Historical Society.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-487-1125

Open House at Three Sisters Lighthouses
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Location: Park at Nauset Light Beach in Eastham, follow signs to the lighthouses
These 19th century lighthouses once provided a beacon for sailors off the shore of Nauset Light Beach. Come and learn their history and importance.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-255-3421

Tours of Race Point Lighthouse
Time: 10 a.m to 3 p.m.
Location: Race Point Lighthouse, Provincetown
Tour the historic structure at Race Point. The Keeper’s House has been meticulously restored to its 1950’s-era beauty. Climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse for a breathtaking view. Free transportation from the Race Point Beach parking lot (lower level). Light refreshments will be served.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-487-9930

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

Besides all these extra activities, take advantage of whale watching with the Dolphin Fleet, Lighthouse tours, fabulous restaurants and the beautiful Cape Cod National Seashore.

Book your reservation today -- and remember to book your massages at the same time.

April on Cape Cod, 40% Savings Mid-Week, Walks along the National Seashore, Romance, and Spa Services

The Whalewalk Inn & Spa re-opens it doors in April. Take a break from the winter blues and spend time with us at the Inn. Spring is just around the corner, but the Daffodils will be there to greet you. Remember we are offering our 40th Anniversary special, Sundays through Thursdays. Check it out on our Special's Page on our website. Here are some events that are happening during the month of April. Also, read our blogs for other events happening on the Cape.

April 8-9. Cape Symphony Orchestra. Hyannis. Sat. 8pm., Sun. 3pm. Rachel Lee, outstanding violinist and rising star, returns to grace the CSO stage performing the delicate, and hauntingly beautiful Red Violin. Following this, Ms. Lee will perform Paganini's Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 1. Then the CSO performs the rousing Billy the Kid Suite by Aaron Copland and two Shostakovich pieces, Jazz Suite and Tahiti Trot Tea for Two. Adult tickets $26-$53; students 6.5 0-$13.25. At Barnstable High School Performing Arts Center, West Main St. (508-362-1111)

April 14-15. Still Life with Iris. Harwich. Fri. at 11am & 7:30pm., Sat. at 2pm and 7:30pm. This fantasy adventure drama, the first play for young audiences to receive the Kennedy Center’s Fund for New American Plays Award, chronicles a young girl's quest to regain her memory and with it her home. With the help of the incredible people she meets along the way, Iris' crusade recovers more than her past. Admission $12-$16. At Harwich Junior Theatre. (508-432-2002 ext. 4)

April 28- 29. Night of New Works. Orleans. 8pm. Tickets $16. At Academy Playhouse. (508-255-1963)

April 28 through May 28. A Year with Frog and Toad. Harwich. Fri. & Sat. at 7:30 pm,Sundays at 4 pm. (Special Saturday matinees at 4 pm on May 3 and 10.) A jazzy, perky delight destined to become a classic.... a splashy and lavish family musical. Frog and Toad are nothing alike, yet they're best, BEST friends. Toad's a worrywart, if you'll pardon the expression, Frog's not. But oh what good times they have! Admission $12-$16. At Harwich Junior Theatre. (508 432-2002 ext. 4)

April 30. Easter Organ Concert. Orleans. 3:30 pm. Tickets $20; $15 seniors; students/children 18 and under free. At the Church of the Transfiguration, Community of Jesus, 7 Bay View Drive, Rock Harbor. (508-240-2400)

Make your reservations today at www.whalewalkinn.com, and don't forget to book your spa services. Now is the time for quiet walks along the beach or in the marshes, where you can see Mother Nature awakening after the long winter. See you in April!

Discount for a Romantic Spring Getaway, Honeymoon or Anniversary on Cape Cod

Check the special's page for the Whalewalk Inn & Spa. The savings are out of this world. Use your savings for a wonderful spa experience with Heather or Jan. Either one will give you the massage of a lifetime.

After a romantic dinner at Abba, Nauset Beach Club, Captain Linnell or one of the other amazing restaurants in the area, take advantage of Cape Cod theatre. Showing in May in Dennis where summer theatre was born, is "Brighton Beach Memoirs" by Neil Simon -- Gertrude Lawrence Stage, Dennis -- 05/07/09 to 05/24/09 -- Route 6A and Old Bass River Road, Dennis (508) 398-8588. Call for your tickets today.

May 15,2009 6:00pm - 9:00pm is the Toast of Harwich, Wequassett Inn Resort, Harwich. Silent auctions and exhibits by local artists, wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres from Harwich's finest restaurants. Varies -- Call 508-430-1165 for details and reservations for dinner and special events.

Make your reservations at the Inn and for your spa treatments. See you mid-week for our 40% DISCOUNT to celebrate our 40th anniversary.

Christmas Shopping on Cape Cod

"Christmas is coming and the lights are on the tree ..." and Cape Cod offers everything for a unique shopping experience and gifts for your loved ones.

Come and stay at the Whalewalk Inn & Spa and enjoy what we have to offer and get in the Cape Cod Holiday Spirit.

If you cannot travel to the Cape and want to give a special gift to remember a past stay here, we are offering our luxurious bathrobes for $110. Get the gift that keeps on giving. Also, have gift certificates available and will get them out before the holidays. So call early!


Saturday, December 6

Holiday craft fair -- local crafters, 8 am to 4 pm, Willy's Gym, Route 6, Eastham, free.

Christmas fair -- First Light Church, 195 Meetinghouse Road, Route 137, South Chatham, 9 am to 4 pm.

Hyannis Village Stroll, begins at 9 am with street activities all day, Harbor lighting and Santa's visit at 4:30 pm.

Holly Fair -- 9 am to 2 pm at St. Mary's Church, Route 6A, Barnstable Village. Luncheon. Crafts, attic treasure, handmade gifts, bake sale, live and dried wreaths, greens and more.

Holiday Boutique sponsored by the Barnstable Historical Society, 9 am to 4 pm at the Daniel Davis House, 3074 Main Street in Barnstable Village. Works by 50 select artisans and craftspeople.

Silver Bell Holiday Fair -- 9 am to 3 pm at Our Lady of the Assumption, Wianno Avenue, Osterville. Handmade items, jewelry, white elephant.

Holiday Fair -- 9:30 to 2 pm at Unitarian Church of Barnstable, Route 6A, Barnstable Village. Jewelry, handmade items, white elephant, arts raffle, silent auction, lunch, and holiday greens.

Holiday Festival -- 10 am to 4 pm at Taylor-Bray Farm, 108 Bray Farm Road North, Yarmouth Port. Holiday greens and Christmas trees. Crafts, baked goods, photos, artwork, honey and more. Watch demos of hearth cooking, hayrides and animals. Call 508-385-9407.

Festival of Trees Reception -- Reception and silent auction, 5--8 pm at Atwood House Museum, Stage Harbor Road, Chatham.


Sunday, December 7th

Taylor-Bray Farm -- 10 am to 4 pm -- see December 6th for details

Holiday boutique at Daniel Davis House, 11 am to 4 pm. See December 6th for details


Monday, December 8th

Rowley Gallery, 84 Route 6A, Orleans, 508-255-3690. Holiday show "Tiny Gems/Enormous Talent", through December 24th.

The calendar goes on and on, but will keep you posted.

December Discount -- Pilgrim Monument Lighting -- Provincetown, Cape Cod -- November 26th

Wednesday, November 26th -- begin your day with a guided hike with the Eastham Hiking Club. It is free and open to all. Call 508-255-3808 for details. Meet at Pilgrim Heights parking lot. Truro.

Then in the evening take a ride up to Provincetown. The official 2008 Lighting Ceremony of the Pilgrim Monument will take place on Wednesday, November 26 from 5-7 p.m., at the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum (PMPM). Come share in Cape Cod’s most beautiful tradition, which celebrates the Pilgrim’s First Landing in America at Provincetown. Local composer and pianist, John Thomas will provide entertainment and refreshments will be served by the Provincetown Business Guild. The lights will be switched on promptly at 6:00 p.m. and continue to shine every night through January 6, 2009. After the lighting, a raffle will take place with the winner receiving a pair of round-trip Provincetown/Boston tickets generously donated by Cape Air.

Friday there will be sales all around town, so you can begin your holiday shopping. Of course, you have to go to Snow's Department Store in Orleans. There you may become a kid again, when you play with their famous train set up. You can start all the trains, help the tiny skiers ride up the ski lift, and turn on the lights all around the "tiny" town. Most items in the store will be 20% off. You surely can find some wonderful Cape Cod memorabilia.

To help celebrate the holidays take 10% off any room on Sunday through Thursday in December. Cannot be applied to existing reservations. Offer ends Thursday, December 18, 2008.

Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary -- Holly Berry Bazaar -- First Prize in Raffle is Whalewalk Inn & Spa Weekend

'Ti's the Season for crafters and bazaars. One of Cape Cod's outstanding bazaars is the Holly Berry Bazaar. They have some amazing crafted items, all done locally, to choose from, and the prices will not break the bank. After the election lines -- get ready for another line as this bazaar draws crowds early in the morning.

There is also a raffle and guess who is the First Prize -- you got that right! Take a chance, and win two nights and two massages at the Whalewalk Inn & Spa. So if you don't have anything going on this weekend, come to Cape Cod; enjoy a relaxing couple of nights at the Inn and experience the Holly Berry Bazaar.

Also, this past weekend, we went to Provincetown for a Sunday drive. What a great time of year to head on over. The sales for your early Christmas shopping pleasure, were really good. The clothiers had some really great prices and the art galleries offered nice discounts. Had lunch at the Lobster Pot. Their prices seemed a little high, but the amount of food certainly made up for the cost. We order the clam chowda' and Portuguese Cod and Chiopino. Both were delicious.

Here is the information about the bazaar:

Holly Berry Bazaar
09:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday, November 08, 2008
Presented by Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary. Wrap up your shopping in a heartbeat! Proceeds to benefit Cape Cod Hospital Cardiac Care Center.
Location: Nauset Middle School, Center of Orleans, Route 28, Orleans MA

Also, offering the November special -- Book two nights and two massages and Sunday night is free.

A Romantic Fall Walk on Cape Cod--Rock Harbor and Cape Cod Bay

Today is rather a blustery day on Cape Cod, but the sun is shining over the marsh rendering a cacophony of color. The sea grass is showing off its golden color, which almost seems to sparkle in the sun -- natures own "amber waves." Ground cover on the dunes has turned a dark shade of red. This back drop really shows off the white of the gulls circling about.

The trees have all taken on their fall jewel tones. The evergreen trees are emerald with berries of jade. The blue spruce certainly challenges the blue of any star sapphire. The oak trees run the gamut from smokey quartz to the dark shades of the cat's eye. The ruby red fire bushes stand out in nature's fall array. Added to this mix of color are the brilliant citrine yellows, the agate oranges, and all splattered with garnet splotches.

So come on down for your own romantic walk on Cape Cod. Afterwards sit by your fire, read that book you haven't had time for, enjoy a bowl of clam chowder at one of our many area restaurants, do a little holiday shopping, or book the best massage ever, after relaxing in the sauna, hot tub, and resistance pool. Check out our November specials, and we will see you soon.

October Mid-Week Special -- Cranberry Time on Cape Cod

October is cranberry picking time. Come to the Cape to buy your home grown cranberries for Thanksgiving. (They stay fresh by freezing them whole. Just defrost when ready to use.) Join us at the Inn Monday through Thursday on the following days and receive a 10% discount on our off-season rates.

The days and dates are: Monday through Thursday, October 20, 21, 22, 23, and October 27, 28, 29, 30. Two-night minimum required. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Cannot be used on existing reservations.

So come on down and buy your cranberries, and we will be happy to share our Cranberry Orange Bread recipe. See you at the Whalewalk Inn & Spa (bring your bathing suits – the indoor pool is beckoning.) Also, these are the last few days of whalewatching tours. Take the wine tasting tour at the Truro Winery and buy your Thanksgiving wines.

NOVEMBER GETAWAY

Experience the crispy side of the Cape. Take an invigorating walk along the Bay. Play 9 holes of golf on the honor system (Yes! In November.) Read that long awaited novel by your fireplace. Sip a glass of champagne in your whirlpool tub. Take advantage of the pre-holiday sales in your favorite or new found boutique. Relax in the Spa. Rejuvenate your body with a massage.

Take advantage of our new November weekday rates! Also, take advantage of our Friday/Saturday Special.

Book Friday and Saturday at the off-season rates, schedule two massages, and stay Sunday night for free.

Book any two weekday nights, Monday through Thursday and enjoy a 15% discount off our off-season rates. (On a $305 per night room, you pay only $259.25 – for a king bed, whirlpool tub, fireplace, wet bar, private balcony and more – and don’t forget breakfast!)

So come on down with holiday shopping in mind, and purchase unique gifts for all those special people on your list, while enjoying all that the Whalewalk Inn has to offer. (Don’t forget your bathing suit – sun always shines at the Inn’s indoor heated pool.)

Cannot be combined with any other offer or coupons. Does not apply to existing reservations.

Christmas in July

Celebrate your September Getaway in July

“See you in September when the summer’s through.” The water is warm and beautiful, with days made for hiking and biking, and the nights made for sleeping.

Mark your calendar for July 24th, 25th and 26th. Call the Whalewalk Inn & Spa for any room for a two-night (or more) stay – from Sunday through Thursday in September. Receive a 15% discount off the in-season rates. Reservations can only be made on the above three days from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Does not apply to existing reservations.

We look forward to hearing from you in July for a super stay in September.

HOT, HOT, HOT

Enjoy the heat wave on beautiful Cape Cod at the Whalewalk Inn. The air is on, breakfast will be served on the patio, and the beaches are pristine. Best of all, this is our last week for off-season rates mid-week. So come out any two days, Monday through Thursday, and enjoy winter rates -- that's HOT, HOT, HOT.

See you at the Inn

Ride the Cape Cod Rail Trail

WOW! Those one-night discounted rooms are starting to move. Check our availability to see if you can find a one-night between two existing reservations and receive that 15% discount -- certainly will help to pay for gas.

Looking for something to do after you arrive for your one night special -- How about renting bikes? You can drive up to the National Seashore to the Little Capistrano Bike Shop. From there you can bike through the Nauset National Seashore Bike Trail to Coast Guard Beach and the Coast Guard House. From there you ride to the Nauset Lighthouse and 3 Sisters Lighthouses. Maps will be provided. The cost is $12 per person for three hours. You may call them for information at 508-255-6515.

Another Great Father's Day Idea

Here's a great idea for those planning on making reservations, or for those already staying at the Whalewalk Inn & Spa the weekend of June 13th. The Barley Neck Inn is hosting a Greg Norman Wine event paired with a 5 Course Cuisine dinner prepared by their Executive Chef, Christian Schultz.

The dinner will be on Thursday, June 12th at 6:30 PM. You may check out the menu on their website. Call for reservations at the Inn (508-255-0617,and at the Barley Neck for dinner(508-255-0212). We would also be happy to make the dinner reservations for you. The cost for dinner is $85 per person. Oh, and you may also be lucky enough to win a foursome at TPC in Norton, or a Nike Driver, or Golf Balls.

We also have two(2)one-night rooms on June 12th (Main Inn room 3 at $190 and Carriage House 3 at $250 -- and don't forget that 15% discount for rooms that are only available for one night.) Also, Thursday is the last night of our off-season rates for the summer season.

Blog Reader Special for May 12th through the 15th

Book Carriage House 1, 2, or 4 for any two nights and recieve and additional 10% discount on our off-season rates. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast, evening hors d'oeuvres and after dinner brandy and cordials. Cannot be combined with any other offer or cannot be used for existing reservations.

One-Night Special

Keep checking our website availability page for possible one-night stays. If you find a one night sandwiched between two existing reservations, you may book that night and receive a 15% discount. (Cannot be combined with any other offers.)

Here are some one-nights that may fit into your schedule for a quick visit to Cape Cod:

Thursday, June 12 in Carriage House 3
Sunday, June 15 in Carriage House 1
Monday, June 23 in Salt Box Cottage
Saturday, June 28 in Carriage House 3
Saturday, July 5, in Carriage House 4 and Carriage House 2(The night of our picnic and fireworks)
Sunday, July 6 in the West Suite (sleeps up to 4 people, over 12)
Monday, July 7 in Carriage House 3
Thursday, July 17, in Guest House 5, also Sunday July 27 in this room
Friday, August 8 in Guest House West Suite
Thursday, August 14 in Main Inn room 3
Saturday, August 23 in Carriage House 1

So plan your one-night romantic summer getaway and experience some of the fine dining in our area, or just enjoy a Cape cod lobster and amazing clam chowda'

Blog Reader Specials

From time to time, thought it would be fun to post specials for our faithful blog readers. They will be last minute specials and cannot be combined with existing specials. They also cannot be applied to existing reservations. The two-night minimum does apply.

Our Blogger Special for April 23-27


Book Carriage House 4, a lovely queen bed with four tall posters, TV/VCR/DVD, CD player, fireplace, private patio, small frig, and bathtub/shower combination -- and if you need to bring along some work, we do have WIFI. It is a very private and quiet room facing a woodsy scene.

This can be yours for $175 per night, a savings of $45 per night. It includes full use of the spa, massages are extra, a gourmet breakfast, complementary soda and bottled water, after dinner drinks and cookies and evening hors d'oeuvres. The weather looks good with Thursday looking wonderful. See you at the Inn!

Spring into the Arts

First of all, thank you to all who called on February 29th. We look forward to seeing returning guests and new ones too.

If you missed that special, we are offering a spring special which centers around the Arts on Cape Cod. You can order a book from the Cape Cod Chamber which focuses on artisan trails to follow. You can see what the Cape has to offer in the way of galleries, museums and theatre.

In conjunction with this book we are offering the following:

Cape Cod is not only the home of one of the top ten beaches in the US, The National Seashore, but there is a wealth of galleries, antique shops, and theatre. The Cape Cod Chamber in an effort to promote the arts has a two for one Passport to the Arts. See details at www.artsfoundation.org.

Stay at the Whalewalk Inn any three week nights from April 7th through May 23rd, 2008 and we will provide you with a Passport to the Arts, so you can explore the artistic side of Cape Cod. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Not available for existing reservations.

So, if it is not a beach day, but you want to experience the Cape, give us a call and your Passport to the Arts will be waiting for your arrival. See you soon!