Wyndham Wisdom

Cape Cod in the Fall

By Meg Nukens Noonan

Labor Day may be the symbolic end of summer, but on Cape Cod, that 70-mile-long bent-arm-shaped peninsula in eastern Massachusetts, there's still plenty of family fun to be had in the Cape Cod offseason. If you visit Cape Cod in the fall, you'll find pleasant temperatures, lots of elbow room on the bike paths, inviting wide-open beaches--with free parking--and a full slate of fall festivals. Oh, and that place with the legendary clam rolls that was impossibly packed in August? Now you can waltz right in. All good reasons to ignore the calendar and start packing for Cape Cod in the fall.

FALL EVENTS

Harwich Cranberry Festival
This weekend of parades, music and fireworks celebrates the cranberry harvest across the 14,000-plus acres of bogs on the Cape and in southeastern Massachusetts. Harwich; harwichcranberryfestival.org

Bourne Scallop Festival, Buzzards Bay
Every year, three tons of fried scallops are dished out during this popular event in a park beside the Cape Cod Canal. There are also carnival rides, kid-friendly entertainers, an art show and performances by top regional bands. bournescallopfest.com

Jam Kitchen Workshops, East Sandwich
Cook up some mango-plum or cranberry-apricot jam in a Saturday afternoon parent-child workshop at the Green Briar Jam Kitchen. The $38 fee covers one adult and one child (six or older), and includes several jars to take home. 6 Discovery Hill Rd. off Rte. 6A; 508-888-6870; thorntonburgess.org

Wellfleet OysterFest
Home to some of the world's best oysters, Wellfleet celebrates with shucking contests, boat tours, musicians, jugglers, a kid's fun run--and bushels of oysters for the tasting. Wellfleet; wellfleetoysterfest.org

INDOOR FUN
Sandwich Glass Museum
Enjoy more than 60,000 colorful, light-catching pieces made by the Boston & Sandwich Glass Co. in the 1800s. The highlight for most kids is the glassblowing demonstration. 129 Main St., Sandwich; 508-888-0251; sandwichglassmuseum.org

Woods Hole Science Aquarium
This small aquarium has 140 local marine species on display, including lobsters, horseshoe crabs and starfish in kid-level tanks. Several seals make their home in an outdoor pool, where you can watch feedings and exercise sessions. 166 Water St., Woods Hole; 508-495-2001; aquarium.nefsc.noaa.gov

Pilgrim Monument & Museum, Provincetown
A 252-foot-tall granite monument commemorates the pilgrims who stopped here on their way to Plymouth. The 116 steps and 60 ramps make a fun climb for active kids. pilgrim-monument.org


EAT
ARNOLD'S LOBSTER & CLAM BAR
This sprawling landmark serves classic
clambake fare--steamed lobsters, fried
seafood and mounds of onion rings--
plus Massachusetts churned Richardson's
ice cream. 3580 Rte. 6, Eastham;
508-255-2575; dinner for two, $40*

BAXTER'S BOATHOUSE
On busy Hyannis Harbor, overlooking
the docks for the Nantucket and Martha's
Vineyard ferries, Baxter's is an eat-in-the-
rough institution for lobster rolls and fried
seafood. 177 Pleasant St., Hyannis;
508-775-4490; dinner for two, $45

CAPTAIN KIDD
A cozy waterfront lunchtime spot serving
clam chowder, fried scallops and burgers.
77 Water St., Woods Hole; 508-548-8563;
lunch for two, $25

CARMINE'S PIZZA
Take a break from seafood at this small,
red-and-white- checked-tablecloth classic.
Some consider this the best pizza on the
Cape. 595 Main St., Chatham; 508-945-5300;
lunch for two, $20

CLANCY'S
Old-school baked cod, surf and turf, and veal
Oscar served in a dining room overlooking
the placid waters and marshlands of the Swan
River. 8 Upper County Rd., Dennisport;
508-394-6661; dinner for two, $55

PROVINCETOWN PORTUGUESE BAKERY
This harborside favorite is famous for its
malasadas (fried dough dusted with sugar)
and bolas de berlim (custard-filled doughnuts),
as well as linguica-stuffed sandwiches and
chouriço and kale soup. Eat in or take out.
299 Commercial St., Provincetown;
508-487-1803; lunch for two, $20

*Meal prices do not include drinks, tax or tip.