The Off-Season on Cape Cod

The beaches are bare, no evidence of past summer shenanigans. Walking trails tread by hundreds during the summer are devoid of any fresh footprints. Timid wildlife slowly emerges from the cover of their secluded summer hideaways. Visiting your favorite place during the off-season offers an experience unlike any other. In fact, many people believe the quieter months are the best time to visit Cape Cod. After reading this blog post, we’re confident you'll agree that a Cape Cod winter getaway is more than enticing.

I often feel like an overprotective older sibling when it comes to remarks made about Cape Cod during the off-season. It’s as if the second the summer sun retreats behind the cover of clouds, individuals are eager to ask me how I can live in such an isolated place.

I’m constantly defending the integrity of my tiny beach town, assuring people that the winter

months only increase my love for this one-of-a-kind place. When people learn I live full time on Cape Cod, they make an unintentionally ignorant comment like, “Isn’t it so boring there during the winter?” or “What do you even do for fun?” And while these comments are harmless, they’re made under the misconception that Cape Cod is merely a place to be enjoyed during the summertime.

Immediately, I come to my sweet home’s defense and rattle off the many reasons why I actually prefer the off-season. Keep reading to be versed on these reasons!

Go for a Beach Walk

As many of you know, during the peak summer months, the beautiful beaches of the Cape and Islands are often crowded to capacity by 10 a.m. While there's a certain comfort in being in the company of fellow beach bums and lovers of the Cape, there's nothing quite like the serenity of strolling the beach solo. The only sounds that surround you during the off-season are those of waves crashing and seagulls singing in the distance.

Experience a Restaurant

In an effort to brighten up the dim light of a winter's day, I occasionally spend an evening dining out at one of the restaurants open during the off-season. During the shoulder season, eating out becomes more of an experience. The warmth of the wait staff is infectious, and the opportunity to have an uninterrupted conversation is ample. You don't feel rushed to finish your meal, rather you feel yourself soaking up the serenity of the environment. You admire the dinner as an experience and not an expense.

Wildlife Walk

Your favorite walking trails are no longer filled with footprints advertising the Nike logo, but are instead decorated with dainty paw prints. When the wind is too ferocious for a leisurely beach stroll, head to places such as White Cedar Swamp, Fort Hill, or The Knob to enjoy a much needed nature walk.

In summary...

While many people view the Cape as dark and dreary during the off-season, I embrace my home in all seasons. The beauty of its mesmerizing landscape never fades no matter the time of year.