Introduction to Cape Cod

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Cape Cod, one of the most historically-fascinating regions of the USA, is located some 72 miles (115 km) south of Boston, Massachusetts. An arm-shaped peninsula roughly 70 miles (110 km) in length from “shoulder” to ‘elbow” to “fingertip”, and 15 miles (27 km) wide at the widest point, it shields part of mainland Massachusetts from the worst of the Atlantic storms. It has had many illustrious residents, the most famous being the Kennedy family.

Along with the adjacent islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod is one of the most popular summer tourist destinations on the eastern seaboard. It has 42 golf courses, more than half of them open to the public, and lots of hotels and motels. There are some 560 miles (900 km) of coastline with 60 public beaches: the Cape Cod National Seashore alone has 40 miles (64 km) of sandy beaches. That is why the Cape’s normal population of about 220,000 soars during the summer months. Tourism is its main industry, closely followed by cranberry cultivation. Beginning in 1816, today Cape Cod has some 14,000 acres (56 sq km) and the entire State of Massachusetts produces more than ¼ of America’s total cranberry harvest.

Early last October Margo and I visited Cape Cod. Staying in Hyannis, the largest town, we toured some of the Cape’s 14 towns, partook of the local culinary delights, and spent an afternoon in historic and colourful Provincetown. That is where the Mayflower landed in 1610, and where the Pilgrims wrote the Mayflower Compact before moving on after five weeks to Plymouth on the mainland. Unfortunately, it rained quite a bit and stormed one day, so we didn’t get to go on a whale-watching excursion. Nevertheless it was an interesting and relaxing visit, and we hope to return some day. In addition to our pictures, may I suggest that you view the excellent video “Exploring Cape Cod by video” at http://www/capecodchamber.org/cape-cod-video

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