Head south for an ultra-luxe getaway.
If you’re fond of sand dunes and salty air Quaint little villages here and there You’re sure to fall in love with old Cape Cod.”
Patty Page crooned these words in the 1950s tune “Old Cape Cod.” Back then, visiting the “other” Cape typically meant driving on dirt roads, staying in tiny knotty pine cottages, and dining at clam shacks. Today, Cape Cod is full of luxury resorts that cater to young families and honeymooners alike, offering all the latest amenities for a relaxing, fun-filled getaway. One luxury resort stands out among the rest on Cape Cod Bay in Brewster. And visiting before the height of the season allows you to enjoy the sun and fun without the summer crowds.
Stay
Located on winding, shady Old King’s Highway in the picturesque town of historic Brewster, Ocean Edge sits on a bluff overlooking Cape Cod Bay. Its iconic 1912 stucco and stone mansion built for the Nickerson family has been beautifully restored—with original dark oak paneling, marble fireplaces, and stained glass windows throughout.
The 430-acre resort—the largest property of its kind on Cape Cod—includes a private bay beach, a redesigned 18-hole Nicklaus golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness and cardio rooms, tennis courts, a tavern, and a favorite spot to sit and sip a cold glass of Sancerre on a summer night, Ocean Terrace—an outdoor lounge and dining room overlooking the bay. Other dining options include more casual fare at Bayzo’s Pub and Linx Tavern.
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The sunsets are mesmerizing as the sky turns from orange to hot pink to hazy lavender just before the stars come out to shine. Grab a bite of fresh bay scallops or a steamed lobster caught that day. Beach bonfires for roasting marshmallows or evening movies poolside are a few activities the kids will love.
Last year, the resort underwent a major renovation and reopened with 31 two-and three-bedroom Presidential Bay Collection villas, many of which overlook the tranquil water. Each room is well appointed with contemporary furnishings that reflect the New England seaside setting. Renovations include dining areas with built-in banquettes, fireplaces, and entertainment centers for rainy days. No detail is left to chance—including pints of ice cream and Ocean Edge’s own signature wines stocking villa fridges. oceanedge.com
Eat
Although the resort is all-inclusive, you may decide to venture out into the sleepy town for a bite at one of its stellar restaurants. Foodies visiting Brewster—or anyone looking for a memorable meal—should head to Chillingsworth on the 300-year-old Chillingsworth Foster estate. The estab- lishment offers both a prix-fixe fine dining menu, as well as more casual bistro fare. In the main dining room (located in the oldest section of the house) expect to enjoy a long delicious evening by candlelight with six courses prepared to perfection. Wellfleet oysters on puff pastry with spinach, lemon, chive butter, and almond pearls or lobster stew with sweet corn, English peas, and lobster butter fondue are just the starters. The bistro side has a casual atmosphere but serves impeccable dishes as well, such as sundried figs and prosciutto with truffle honey and steamed mussels drenched in saffron broth. chillingsworth.com
For an- other casual culinary option, head to lunch or dinner at The Brewster Fish House. The wait can be long in the height of summer (they do not take reservations), but it is worth it as the restaurant serves up classic Cape Cod dishes such as lobster bisque, clam chowder, and chilled local oysters. You may also be tempted by the focaccia crusted cod or duck pastrami. Award-winning chef Toby Hill has taken over the reins this spring, and the dishes are seasoned to perfection.
See
The town of Brewster is delightful—and has Americana written all over it. A must-visit tourist spot is the The Brewster Store located in what was originally built as a church in the mid-1800s. Although it definitely pleases vacationers looking for a bit of Cape Cod nostalgia, locals come for their coffee and doughnuts during the off-season and sit around the old potbelly stove to talk town politics. Rows of penny candy jars—set at just the right height for the young sweet tooth—is a hit with kids, while home chefs like the collection of rustic kitchen accessories lining the shelves. It has been in continual operation as a general store for 140 years. brewsterstore.com
If you have kids in tow, you won’t want to miss The Cape Cod Natural History Museum. With exhibits on shark science, archaeology, and native peoples, he museum satisfies a wide spectrum of interests. Make time to walk the nature trails surrounding the museum—sandy paths meander through 400 acres of salt march, pitch pine groves, and sand dunes, leading to a Cape Cod Bay barrier beach.
The Stony Brook Grist Mill and Museum is another picturesque spot to visit. In spring, Stony Book is the perfect place to see the herring run. And any extended trip to Brewster should include a ride on the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Hop on in Brewster’s Nickerson State Park and ride by the Cape’s beautiful kettle ponds—they are perfect for taking a refreshing dip. capecodbikeguide.com