Captain's House Inn

Happy 300th Birthday Chatham!

2012-01-28T09:35:00.003-05:00

It's hard to believe our little seaside village is about to celebrate its 300th birthday. Every time I visit another part of the country, I realize how unique Chatham is. It is one of the few towns that has maintained old fashioned charm and tradition making it not only an ideal escape from the hustle bustle of today's modern world for visitors, but also a wholesome place to live and raise a family.

This March kicks off the year-long schedule of events planned around our town's milestone birthday. Events include everything from seminars and tours of historic homes and buildings to chef tastings at local restaurants, an opera performance, and even a dinner ball at the prestigious Chatham Bars Inn.

Check out the official website established by the Chatham 300 volunteer committee and start planning a winter getaway to help celebrate the anniversary of one of the few remaining villages in the country where mom and pop shops are still plentiful, big band concerts occur weekly during the summer, and all the locals bend over backwards to help their neighbors.

Captains House Inn Saltine Toffee Bar Recipe

2011-12-17T09:10:00.005-05:00

Looking for a new Christmas cookie recipe? Try this easy, but really tasty recipe for Saltine Toffee Tars. The best part is having your friends and family try to guess the secret ingredient. No one ever guesses Saltines!

Ingredients:
4 Ounces Saltine Crackers
1 Cup Butter
1 Cup Dark Brown Sugar
2 Cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips
3/4 Cup Chopped Pecans

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).
2. Line cookie sheet with Saltine crackers in single layer.
3. In a saucepan combine the sugar and the butter. Bring to a boil and boil for 3 minutes.
4. Immediately pour over Saltines and spread to cover crackers completely.
5. Bake at 400 degrees for 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Let sit for 5 minutes. Spread melted chocolate and top with chopped nuts. Cool completely and break into pieces.

Enjoy and happy holidays from the Captains House Inn!

Holiday Teas Have Started!

2011-11-27T10:31:00.005-05:00

The holiday season is upon us and per our annual tradition, we have just launched our annual holiday tea menu. Executive Chef Kevin Case created a mouth watering menu that is sure to please every palate. Between the festive holiday fare and elaborate Christmas decorations gracing the dining room, there is no better way to jump into the holiday spirit than to join us for a truly memorable high tea treat.

Tea is $18/person and includes English holiday "crackers" (if you don't know what these are, you'll have to come simply to satisfy your curiosity!), plus all the menu items listed below presented on three tiers. We also serve high end artisan loose teas brewed in your own personal China tea pot. Holiday teas are served daily throughout December with seatings between 3:00 and 4:30. For groups of more than six, private parties are available starting at 12:15 (dates are filling up quickly!). Advance reservations are required - 508-945-0127.

Captains House Inn Holiday Tea Menu

Savory Course
Plum Tomato and Basil Pesto on Toasted Focaccia
Egg Salad and Watercress on Pumpernickel
Cucumber Shells Stuffed with Salmon Aoli and Pepper Salad
Curried Chicken in Phyllo Cups
Branston Pickle and Cheddar Tea Sandwiches
Winter Spice Bread with Citrus Cream Cheese
Mushroom Pasties
Cheese Straws

Scone Course
Mini Fruited Scone
Traditional Scone with Strawberry Jam, Whipped Cream and Strawberries

Dessert Course
Traditional English Mini Trifle with Victoria Sponge Cake, Blueberries and Peaches
Chocolate Holiday Tree Cookies
Rocky Road Triangles
Milano Raspberry Stars

Can't fit a Captains House tea into your busy holiday schedule? Whip up a batch of homemade scones and enjoy them on your own. Or, freeze them and save for all the holiday company! Add your favorite ingredients like sundried cranberries, chocolate chips, cinnamon, or raisins for variety.

Oven Temperature 350°
Yield 10 - 12 scones
Cutter #3 Plain Circular Edge Cutter

Ingredients
2 Cups All Purpose Flour
1 Tbsp Baking Powder
3 Tbsp Sugar
½ Cup Butter
2 Large Eggs
1/8 Cup Heavy Cream

Ingredients - Egg Wash
1 Egg
A Little Heavy Cream

Method
1. Sift the dry ingredients into the mixer and cut in the butter until the mixture resembles bread crumbs.
2. Add the eggs and then the cream a little at a time. Do not over moisten the dough.
3. Roll the dough LIGHTLY to a ¾” thickness and use a #3 plain circular edge cutter to shape the scones.
4. Place the scones on a greased cookie sheet and brush them lightly with egg wash (beat the two egg wash ingredients together).
5. Bake for 15 minutes at 350° until they have risen and are lightly browned.

Cape Cod Holiday Events

2011-11-13T10:07:00.003-05:00

Despite the fact that temperatures will reach sixty degrees today, I'm starting to feel the spirit of the holidays as catalogs arrive in my mailbox and invitations to parties and events land in my inbox.

If you're planning a trip to the Cape over the next few months, here are some highlights for festivities taking place:

Thanksgiving Day: Turkey Trot
Join innkeepers Jill and James in running the Thanksgiving morning 5k annual turkey trot near Oyster Pond in downtown Chatham. Race kicks off at 8am and is $15/runner plus a donation bag of non perishable groceries. Not a bad way to justify that extra piece of pie later!

November 25 - December 29th
The Captains House Inn will be serving our special holiday high tea menu. This year's menu features goodies like salmon salad stuffed cucumbers, pesto and plum tomato on focaccia, mushroom pasties, dried fruit scones (trust me, they trump fruit cake!), and traditional English trifle. Tea is served daily with seatings form 3:00-4:30 and is $18/person for outside guests and $7.50 for in-house guests. Larger parties can be accommodated earlier in the day.

December 4th
Santa arrives at 1:30 at the Chatham fish pier to kick off a month long celebration - Chatham's Christmas by the Sea. His visit is followed by a performance by the Chatham Town Band at Kate Gould Park at the band shell. Finally, that evening, Chatham Bars Inn hosts its annual holiday dinner/dance.

December 9-11 - Christmas Stroll Weekend
Take advantage of the Captains House Inn's two night Historic Inn Tour package which includes a wine and cheese social, tickets to the inn tour, and discounted rates.

The weekend kicks off at 5:30 on Friday night with a tree lighting ceremony in downtown Chatham.

On Saturday, December 10th, don't miss the first ever Brandenburg-by-the Sea concert at the Methodist Church downtown. The Brandenburg Concertos by Johann Sebastian Bach are a collection of six instrumental works presented by Bach to Christian Ludwig, Margrave of Brandenburg Schwedt in 1721. They are widely regarded as among the finest musical compositions of the Baroque era. Tickets are $50 and proceeds will be donated to the Homeless Prevention Council on Cape Cod.

On Sunday December 11th, a collection of inns and historic homes will open their doors to the public for the annual holiday inn tour. Stroll at your own pace to view spectacular decorations and munch on festive nibbles. Tickets are $10/person.

New Years Festivities
We have two rooms remaining for our popular three night New Years package which begins on December 30th with an elaborate buffet high tea for all in-house guests. On New Years Eve, indulge in a "create-your-own" sundae during our afternoon ice cream social. That evening, Chef Kevin has created a menu featuring iconic favorite dishes for our supper buffet. Swing into the dining room and fill your plate and champagne flute between some of the many first night events taking place throughout Chatham. We just got word that American Idol star Siobhan Magnus will be performing that evening. The package culminates on New Years day morning for our extended gourmet brunch. Our chef has outdone himself this year and one thing is for sure - you won't leave hungry!

With all the events taking place over the next few months, it hardly feels like the "slow" season for us innkeepers. We hope to see you and look forward to celebrating the holiday season with our guests.

Let the Holiday Shopping Begin!

2011-11-01T10:19:00.003-04:00

Now that Halloween is over and there are only 54 days left to get your holiday shopping done, we thought we'd offer a few ideas for those impossible to shop for people on your list.

Since, generally speaking, most people you are shopping for have a bed, you can't go wrong with a set of our luxurious microfiber linens. Not only do they wear well and come out of the dryer wrinkle free, but they are super soft right out of the package - no need to wash them fifty times to break them in. Sets are available in tea green, white, cream and chocolate and come with a flat sheet, fitted sheet and two pillowcases (king size on king sets). Queens are $143 plus tax and kings are $149 plus tax. If you order these by calling us at 508-945-0127, we are able to offer free shipping within the United States.

Next, treat that special couple in your life to a well deserved getaway at the Captains House Inn. A gift certificate to the inn is valid for ten years so allow them to choose the dates that work for them and select from one of our sixteen sumptuously appointed guest rooms. There is no better gift than that of relaxation so allow them to rejuvenate on your dime – they’ll thank you a million times over!

With the winter chill in the air, bathrobes are always popular holiday gifts. We sell plenty of our cozy microfiber Captains House Inn robes. There’s nothing like wrapping yourself in terry lined luxury after a hot bath or shower for a little indulgence. Order in the next week or two for custom orders or call us at 508-945-0127 to see what colors and sizes we have in stock.

Need a stocking stuffer or two? How about a tube of our popular H2O body butter which we provide as amenities in rooms but also sell in a larger 8 oz size in our gift shop? We also carry H2O shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in a 12.5 oz bottle. There’s nothing better than those first few mornings after the holidays when you get to dive into new scents and beauty products – at least not for us ladies!

Captains House Inn mugs, key chains, and large assortment of loose teas also make ideal stocking stuffers. To order any of our gift shop items, shop our online store at or call us at 508-945-0127 to place your order.

We look forward to helping check off all the recipients on your holiday shopping list so you can enjoy the spirit of the season ahead.

Halloween Special Deal

2011-10-21T10:13:00.003-04:00

Take advantage of the Captains House Inn Halloween special and save so much it's almost spooky! Our two night package is available any two nights October 30-November 3rd. Choose any room and pay just $375 total including tax. The special includes two nights lodging, a full gourmet breakfast daily, afternoon cream tea, all applicable taxes, Halloween cookies in your room on arrival, and an arrangement of fresh fall flowers. The rate applies to any available room, but cannot be combined with other offers or applied to existing reservations. You must mention our Halloween special when booking to receive this special rate.

Oktoberfest in Chatham

2011-10-20T11:06:00.003-04:00

It’s pumpkin time! Pumpkin people that is. The Chatham Merchants Association is sponsoring Pumpkin People in the park – a display of scarecrows with pumpkin heads created by Chatham families and businesses. The larger than life creations are decked out in themed garb – favorites from 2010 included a Pumpkin Chef created by Gustare Oils and Vinegars and a Fancy Nancy Pumpkin by Where the Sidewalk Ends bookstore. Judging for the pumpkins will take place on the afternoon of October 22nd and will remain on display through Halloween.

Also on October 22nd, Chatham will host Oktoberfest at Kate Gould Park where there will be food vendors, music at the bandstand, bobbing for apples, doughnuts on a string, face painting, pumpkin bowling, and games for kids of all ages. There will also be cupcake and apple pie bakeoff competitions and a storefront window painting contest which will all be judged on Oktoberfest afternoon.

So don’t miss out on these fall festivities. And if that’s not reason enough to visit Chatham this month, consider that we just jumped into winter rates at the Captains House Inn. Plus, for all wine lovers out there – Joe’s at the Barleyneck Inn in Orleans is offering their annual wine sale where all bottles on their award winning list are discounted by 50%! Hope to see you soon.

Wellfleet Oyster Festival October 15 & 16

2011-10-03T11:14:00.004-04:00

If there's one Cape Cod event not to be missed, it is the Wellfleet Oyster Festival. This is my all time favorite festival, marking the beginning of crisp fall weather, traditional Cape Cod fun, and, of course, plenty of raw oysters being shucked road side and served up on paper plates with hot sauce and lemons. Local artists and craftsman line the grounds, offering their unique wares you just can't find at home. This is not only a great opportunity to slurp shellfish - it is also an ideal time to get a jump start on your Christmas shopping.

Events take place throughout the weekend and highlights include an oyster shucking contest, live music, and a cooking demonstration. And, if you're not a fan of oysters, don't worry - many local restaurants will be serving some menu favorites including the famous Wellfleet Mac Shack, Moby Dick's, the Wicked Oyster, and the Sausage King. Local breweries will keep the beer flowing and Truro Vineyards will be showcases several of their wines.

So if you happen to be on the Cape the weekend of October 15th and 16th, put the Oyster Festival on your itinerary. And bring your appetite - those oysters may not take up much space, but with the bounty of food available, you certainly won't leave hungry!

New Pacakge: Personal Wellness Transformation Retreat

2011-09-14T16:18:00.005-04:00

As a busy summer draws to a close, we look forward to our favorite time of year on the Cape – the fall. But if autumn flies as quickly as summer, it will soon be winter and time to start thinking about holidays and the new year ahead. I am, by nature, a planner. So right about now, I start examining my year, taking pride in my accomplishments, and noting a few things I just didn’t get around to but wish I had. But a new year lingers in the future and I mentally resolve to tackle a few new resolutions in the coming calendar year. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll tick a few items off that list in the remaining months of 2011. After all, do we really need a brand new year to start a new project?

With this in mind, we have just launched a new package designed to inspire personal transformation and encourage you to take stock of life and embrace new opportunity to better yourself. Whether you book this for 2012 as part of your anticipated new year resolution, or waste no time and book over the next few months, our Personal Transformation Wellness Retreat is available year-round and is designed to open new opportunities for self awareness and betterment.

Included in our package are consultations with a personal trainer, nutritionist, and a meeting with yours truly during which I will reveal some of my own personal transformation secrets and tools including recipes, websites, and books that have changed my own life outlook. You will also indulge in a detoxifying massage and steam facial at Sol Spa and receive a take-home package of joy catering to your five senses. The package includes a set of our luxurious sheets, meditation CD, a full size set of our sumptuous H2O bath amenities, and a subscription to your choice of healthy eating magazines.

To learn more about the details of this package including rates and detailed descriptions of our consultants and their practices, click here. We look forward to inspiring the new you, regardless of the time of year you choose to visit.

Packing for Your Cape Cod Fall Vacation

2011-09-07T11:28:00.004-04:00

September is the month of never knowing what to wear in the morning. I generally change my attire three times a day not only because I have to regularly transition between innkeeper and Mama, but because the temperatures vacillate so greatly, it is impossible to stay comfortable in one outfit all day. With temperatures cooling significantly in the evenings, but increasing to beach lounging weather during the afternoons, I figure if I’m having this much wardrobe trouble this time of year, guests must be having their own challenges when packing for their Cape Cod getaways. Here is my suggested fall packing list:

• Layers, layers, layers! You’ll want everything from tee shirts to hoodies and if you’re coming later in the fall, a lightweight jacket will be necessary at night. And don’t forget something waterproof, particularly if you plan to go out on a whale watch – you just never know what the weather will be like out at sea!
• Capris (for the ladies) are just about right this time of year. I’d also through in a pair of jeans and shorts and if you happen to have a pair of those handy khakis that have zip off bottoms to turn into shorts, you can save some space.
• Comfortable walking shoes. The Cape is a hiker, biker, and kayaker’s paradise, so bring some athletic sneakers and maybe a pair of flip flops for the beach or more casual strolls through town.
What not to pack:

Here at the Captains House Inn, we try to have a lot of amenities on hand to make your packing routine easier. So don’t bother with….

• Umbrellas – we have giant golf umbrellas in all closets in our guestrooms
• Beach Chairs
• Hair dryers
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion – we supply a full line of luxurious H2O amenities. Trust me, they’re fabulous and you won’t be longing for your usual brand once you try them. They are also a gender neutral fragrance so guys don’t have to worry about smelling like a rose all day.
• Toothpaste and make-up remover cloths

And you can even leave your guidebooks behind. We have plenty of information on activities in the area available in our concierge area and are always happy to help plan itineraries based on your interests, the weather, and our extensive knowledge of the area.

Also, remember that Cape Cod is fairly casual. There are no restaurants that require a jacket and only a few that don't allow jeans. Even the dining establishments with the best food don't require super dressy outfits. You can often get away with dressing up a pair of jeans so don't worry about packing special occasion attire - unless, of course, you want to - anything goes!

Finally, the fall is a great time to shop on the Cape as many merchants feature fall sales to clear their inventory for the winter. What you forget to bring, you can buy. And there’s always the old stand by – Cuffy’s – for all your Cape Cod and Chatham themed sweatshirts, tee shirts, and other souvenirs.

Jill's Ice Cream Review: Short 'n' Sweet, South Chatham

2011-08-23T08:45:00.003-04:00

Short 'n' Sweet Ice Cream (aka the Old Schoolhouse) in South has been my "go to" ice cream venue for years. When I was pregnant, I practically lived on the "homerun" size Milky Way flavor. But this time I went with my reviewer hat on and now I know why it's my staple….it's fabulous.

For starters, the flavor list is never ending and stocked with options for all palates. From Butter Crunch to Coffee Kahlua to Chocolate Peanut Butter…I stood for ages trying to decide. As usual, when I can't choose just one flavor, I go for two - good old Death by Chocolate and Mississippi Mud (coffee ice cream loaded with nuts and fudge). The portion sizes are astronomical - a kiddy size would be sufficient for the average appetite, but since I HAD to have to two flavors, medium was the smallest option available. No worries, though - I managed to polish the entire gargantuan dish because, let's face it - when something is this good, you just can't leave leftovers.

With flavorful, plentiful ice cream and heaps of enticing flavors, Short 'n' Sweet remains my "go to" ice cream parlor. I mark it down a point only because the ice cream isn't made onsite and the consistency isn't quite as creamy as Four Seas (still, hands down, the best consistency in Cape Cod ice cream I have discovered to date). But a nine out of ten just ten minutes down the street is reason enough to frequent my all time fave!

Jill's Ice Cream Review: The Smuggler, Dennis

2011-08-13T10:47:00.004-04:00

The Smuggler in Dennis has received countless rave reviews so it has been on my list of ice cream parlors to check out for quite some time. Finally, after a fantastic dinner at Fin Seafood just down the street (highly, highly recommend, but that's a different blog entirely!), I had reserved a little room for a big bowl of ice cream. Without a lot of chocolate based flavors to satisfy my chocoholic tendencies, I opted for plain chocolate and added nuts and butterscotch. I have to admit, the ice cream wasn't particularly creamy nor did it ooze that chocolaty flavor I was craving. The butterscotch and nuts were nice extras, but the ice cream itself was ever so slightly disappointing.

I will say that there was quite a crowd on a Wednesday night at 10:15 so the Smuggler obviously has a strong following. And, I noticed a majority of patrons were enjoying hot fudge sundaes so perhaps that is the specialty of the house and I missed out. My rating: 6 out of 10, but if I find myself there again, I'll give it another try and splurge with the house sundae.

Jill's Ice Cream Review: Sundae School, Harwich

2011-08-03T10:30:00.003-04:00

I can’t say my latest blog project has exactly been a hard job. Ice cream tasting is certainly one of the perks of being an innkeeper because even my least favorite ice cream beats a bowl of steamed broccoli any day. My latest taste test was at Sundae School in Harwich Port. First off, I love the atmosphere here. It is a larger creamery with plenty of outdoor seating and patrons milling about on a hot summer night, lingering over drippy cones and sky high sundaes.

The flavor choices were plentiful – so much so that I veered off my usual “small” cup and sprung for a medium so I could try two flavors – Triple Chocolate Chunk and Bass River Mud (Coffee ice cream, roasted almonds, chocolate chips, and a fudge stripe). James showed some restraint and went with a single scoop of coffee Oreo. Thumbs up on creamy consistency (though not quite as creamy as Four Seas) and thumbs up on packing in the ingredients. I enjoyed mouthful after mouthful of almonds, fudge, and chips and James’ ice cream looked almost black with all the Oreos crammed in.

My issue was really with the flavor of the ice cream which was a touch bland – I really wanted to taste more chocolate and coffee so I had to mark the Sundae School experience down to a 7.5 for lack of flavor. But I have to admit that with all the creameries on the Cape, I am starting to get just a tad picky in my ratings. That said, when there is a lot of competition, I’m seeking perfection. A 7.5 rating is a hell of a good dish of ice cream and I’d return in a heartbeat. But the perfect dish of ice cream has yet to be found!

Jill's Ice Cream Review: Jimmy's Ice Cream, Cotuit

2011-07-29T10:14:00.003-04:00

Although National Ice Cream month is coming to a close, this is only the beginning of a summer full of ice cream parlor reviews by Jill. For my next critique, I stopped off at Jimmies Ice Cream in Cotuit on our way to the Barnstable County Fair. While the fair was a blast, I have to confess, it was my splurge at Jimmies that was the highlight of the day. For all non-New Englanders, as a side note, Jimmies are the New England equivalent of sprinkles, hence the spelling of this shop's name. The flavor selection was outstanding - I debated awhile but when I asked what was in the Midnight Madness I was sold.

A dark chocolate based ice cream chock full of nuts, brownie, and caramel swirl is my kind of indulgence. I considered ordering a medium, but decided to stick with my usual order of "small cup" to keep my reviews consistent. I was glad I did. The small size was equal to other creameries' larges and I was glad. I wiped it clean and had to restrain myself from ordering another. While definitely not as creamy as Four Seas, Jimmies Ice Cream still screams flavor packed homemade decadence. With an eclectic variety of options from Grape Nut to Grapefruit to Moose Tracks to regular old Vanilla, there is a flavor for all tastes at Jimmy's and plenty of options for chocoholics like me. I give them a 9 out of 10 rating losing a point only because I would have enjoyed a slightly creamier consistency. But hey, I'm being picky. If you go, go hungry and get a large with all the toppings - trust me, it's worth the splurge!

Jill's Ice Cream Review: Four Seas, Centerville

2011-07-23T10:39:00.003-04:00

I am an ice cream addict. Thankfully, I live in a place where homemade ice cream parlors are plentiful so during the summer I find myself testing the different creameries on an embarrassingly regular basis. I figured I might as well put my habit to good use by sharing my findings with other ice cream aficionados planning their own Cape Cod vacations.

Review #1: Four Seas, Centerville

It made sense to begin my ice cream reviews with the oldest ice cream shop on the Cape and the third oldest in New England. Housed in an old blacksmith storefront, Four Seas dishes out 24 flavors at a time with selections changing periodically. I am partial to chocolate and typically order the chocolatiest flavor available. But when I visited, there were few chocolate based selections so instead I opted for a peanut butter based ice cream with chocolate chips. Wow. By far, this is the creamiest ice cream I've ever tasted and believe me, I've tasted a lot. James had mocha chip - really nice flavor, and again, the creamy consistency earned Four Seas very high marks in my book.

The portions were a tad small for my hearty ice cream appetite, but I suppose this is a good thing to keep the pounds in check. All in all, on a scale of 1-10, I'm giving Four Seas an eight with a point lost for flavor selection and portion size. Insider tip - take your cone down to Craigville Beach just down the street and enjoy the beautiful views while you lick away the creamy goodness!

Up Next: A trip to Jimmy's (formerly Chad's) in Cotuit is planned.

Barnstable County Fair July 16-23

2011-07-17T10:08:00.003-04:00

It's that time of year ago - Barnstable County Fair week on Cape Cod. I've always thought of fairs as appropriate for kids only. That is, until I discovered the Barnstable County Fair about 15 years ago on a family vacation to the Cape. I was traveling with my boyfriend (now husband's) family and we were all over the age of 18. Even though there were no little ones in tow, we had a blast. The fair truly has something for everyone from games to rides to live entertainment to animal shows, demolishion derbies, horticulture displays, and arts and crafts vendors.

The fair is a throwback in time. So get ready for some old fashioned funnel cake, ring tosses, and sea lion tricks. The fair runs daily from noon until 10pm and tickets are $10/adult.

Al Fresco Dining at the Beach House

2011-07-05T09:24:00.004-04:00

Picture this: Perfect summer day. Not a cloud in the sky. Seventy-five degrees. No humidity. You are on vacation with not a care in the world. The only thing you need to decide is where to eat lunch. On a day like this, it would be a crime to sit indoors, so the Beach House at the Chatham Bars Inn is a perfect choice.

For outdoor dining, our favorite had always been the Outer Bar and Grille at the Wequassett Inn and we always enjoy dining on the Wild Goose Tavern's downtown patio. While the Outer Bar and Grille still holds the number one spot for dining al fresco, the Beach House is a close runner up. The menu, while not inexpensive, is what one would expect for a high end resort with panoramic water views and unmatched ambiance. Mouth watering options like a fried oyster po-boy, decadent salads, and about 1/2 dozen entrees featuring lobster grace the menu.

As a lobster lover, I ordered a lobster salad which was a beautifully presented combination of jicama, avocado, mango, crispy plantains, hearts of palm, and lots of tender lobster meat. James had the fried oyster po-boy which, while hard to eat as a sandwich, was stuffed with perfectly cooked oysters and served with a choice of fries, green salad, or fruit salad (a nice touch when you are able to select your side). Since I am cursed with a sweet tooth, I had to indulge in dessert and I wasn't disappointed. The pecan caramel ice cream pop dipped in dark chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt was to die for. I'd go back for my $4 pop and water views any day of the week!

All in all, not an inexpensive lunch - but when you factor in the breathtaking views, lavish menu, and the fact that you are dining at the premier resort on Cape Cod, the out-the-door cost is what one would expect. A definite must for a beautiful Cape Cod summer afternoon.

Fourth of July Cape Cod Events

2011-07-01T10:42:00.003-04:00

The official Cape Cod kick off to summer is here! Fourth of July weekend has arrived and there are plenty of events to help celebrate Independence Day.

July 1st - Get in the holiday spirit this evening and catch the traditional Orleans fireworks display over Rock Harbor. The show begins at dusk (around 9pm) and can be viewed from Rock Harbor, and any Bay Beaches from Brewster to Eastham including Skaket Beach in Orleans.

If feel like getting out on the water, firework boat cruises will leave from Barnstable Harbor at 7:30pm on July 1st and 6:30 pm on the fourth. Complimentary appetizers, sandwiches, and desserts are included in the $65 ticket price. 508-362-6088.

If fireworks aren't your thing, don't miss the kick off to Chatham's Friday night band concert series. This is good old fashioned family fun at the Kate Gould park Whit Tileston Band Stand downtown. Bring a picnic dinner and join the crowds of people lounged out on blankets taking in the tunes of Chatham's big band. Don't forget to grab an ice cream cone afterwards at Emack and Bolios to really ring in the summer!

July 3 - Old Fashioned July Fourth Celebration 1-4pm at the Schoolhouse Museum on Route 6 in Eastham. Ice cream from Ben and Jerry's, cookies, and children's activities.

July 4th - There are heaps of events taking place on the Cape today, but here are some highlights.

9am - Just down the street from the inn, the annual Chatham Fourth of July Parade takes place. Walk from the inn and enjoy music, floats, and vintage cars.

9pm - Provincetown Fireworks over Provincetown Harbor. Another spectacular display in honor of American's indepence. Make an evening of it and dine at one of P-Town's many fine restaurants. We suggest the Lobster Pot for casual waterfront dining or the Front Street Restaurant or Red Inn for higher end fare.

31st Annual Cape Cod Chowder Festival

2011-06-25T11:56:00.003-04:00

Finally, the sun seems to be shining again and the weather should start feeling like summer this weekend. Just in time for the 31st annual Cape Cod Chowder Festival sponsored by 106.1 WCOD. The event will be held at the Cape Cod Melody Tent from noon until 3pm on Sunday, June 26th. Tickets are $12 in advance and $17 day of and entitle you to all the chowder and ice cream you can eat. Ice cream provided by the fabulous Four Seas Homemade Ice Cream and chowder entries will be plentiful with over a dozen participants. Try them all and decide who you think should take home the prize this year. A guest panel of celebrity judges will make the final call. Don't miss this fun Cape Cod event - just a short drive from the Captains House Inn!

Chatham MA: New Gallery Destination

2011-06-10T09:45:00.004-04:00

Calling all art lovers...did you know that the town of Chatham boasts over twenty art galleries featuring everything from paintings to photography to pottery to jewelry? Not too long ago, we sent art seekers out to Wellfleet and Provincetown to get their fix, but now, with the plethora of galleries sprouting up along Main Street and beyond, art loving guests have a variety of options all within two miles of the inn.

Chatham gallery owners have collaborated marketing efforts to form the Chatham Gallery Association and developed a handy Chatham Gallery Trail map allowing visitors to gallery hop. And, every Wednesday evening starting June 29th through August, participating galleries will open their doors for weekly "Gallery Nights" with festivities, libations, and featured visiting artists.

With pieces for every palate, ranging from abstract to realism in every medium, art enthusiasts can make a vacation around the fine galleries all within a stone's throw from the Captains House Inn.

Calling All Adventure Seekers!

2011-06-03T17:18:00.003-04:00

There are several types of Cape Cod travelers – some prefer to meander down Main Street, poke around shops, and spend leisurely days lounging around the pool or on one of the Cape’s many beaches. There are those that seek out the infamous Cape Cod Rail Trail for a scenic bike ride or hiking paths along the National Seashore for a bit of exercise. Then there are those who thrive on adventure. Luckily, Cape Cod is not just for the low key traveler. We have something for everyone and this post is dedicated to those seeking an off the beaten path experience.

For water lovers, get in touch with Jonathan over at Cape Kayaking. He is an expert in the world of scenic kayaking tours and not only guides you through the most picturesque Cape waters, but provides the most up-to-date kayaks for your comfort and safety. He offers morning and afternoon group tours, each three hours long for $60/person or private tours for $75-$150/person. Either way, he will guide you through some favorite kayakers’ paradises like Nauset Marsh and Pleasant Bay allowing you to take in the seals, birds, and other marine wildlife native to Cape Cod.

For adrenaline junkies, try your hand at sky diving right here at Chatham’s airport. Skydive Chatham offers tandem jumps for under $250. Jumpers not only get to experience the adrenaline rush of a 10,000 foot free fall, but can take advantage of a twenty minute scenic flight of Cape Cod. After your jump, don’t miss lunch over at Hangar B at the airport. Chef Brian offers a mean fish taco dish featuring local Cod.

Fun Seekers offers water enthusiasts three options for adventure water sport: surfing, wind surfing, and a relatively young and popular options – kite boarding – a sport for which Cape Cod is ideal with miles of coastline and consistent breeze. Lessons for all three options are advisable as the experts know when and where to learn based on tides and winds. While lessons aren’t inexpensive (up to $375 for three hours), the rush you will feel as you mount a wave for the first time is priceless!

We are always happy to help with reservations for any Cape Cod activities in which you might be interested. Taking advantage of the above adventures are great ways to create a truly lasting memory of your Cape Cod getaway.

Cape Cod Romance

2011-05-21T13:28:00.007-04:00

There is romance in the air at the Captains House Inn. Not only did innkeepers Jill and James celebrate a decade of marriage yesterday, today, a couple staying at the inn was married outside the gazebo. So, in honor of love and marriage, I’d like to share some tips for making your Cape Cod getaway extra romantic.

1. You’re on the right track if you’ve booked a room with us at the Captains House Inn. Our rooms and suites are beautifully appointed and are specifically designed with romance in mind. Our Lady Mariah room, Clarissa Suite, or Lydia Harding Suite would be my top picks for ultimate luxury and are popular choices for honeymooners and those celebrating anniversaries. We even offer complimentary room service for breakfast and afternoon tea for those couples wanting the ultimate in privacy.

2. Allow us to book a table for you at one of Cape Cod’s many fantastic restaurants. For an intimate dinner, the Captain Linnell House (where we were married) is classy and elegant and has won countless awards for their top notch food and romantic setting. Another great option is 28 Atlantic at the Wequassett Inn, which, while not as intimate and cozy, offers stunning views of Pleasant Bay and outstanding, creative cuisine. A more casual option is Buca’s Tuscan Roadhouse in Harwich, a personal favorite featuring exceptional Northern Italian fare in, what feels like a truly authentic Italian setting.

3. Take advantage of one of our many in-room amenities and surprise your significant other with our beautifully presented cheese, fruit, and chocolate dipped strawberry board, some bubbly, or a flower arrangement. We also offer homemade truffles for the chocoholic traveler and several other add-ons which add to your Captains House Inn experience.

4. What’s more romantic than a stroll along the beach? Check out one of the many bay beaches dotting the north coast of the Cape along route 6A or venture North to the National Seashore where the Salt Pond Visitor Center offers countless trails to explore along the shoreline.

5. Catch a sunset. Head over to Hardings Beach in Chatham (about ten minutes from the inn) and watch the sun sink into the Nantucket Sound. Or, particularly if you dine at the Captain Linnell House, hit Skaket Beach just down the street.

6. Surprise him/her with a Cape Cod souvenir. Chatham’s Main Street is lined with boutiques, jewelry stores and galleries. The Narrowland Gallery tucked beside the Squire features beautiful local photography. For the food lover, take home a few bottles of Gustare flavored balsamics or olive oils. And for the jewelry lover, head to the original Cape Cod bracelet retailer, Eden on route 6A in Dennis.

7. Indulge in a local aphrodisiac. Ancient Romans believed that raw oysters heightened women's libido. Whether there's much scientific evidence to this or not is debatable, but this Cape Cod specialty is low in calories, high in protein, and best of all tasty. Pick up a dozen at Nickerson's Fish Market one afternoon and slurp them up while watching the fishermen unload their catch at the adjacent fish pier. Chocolate and vanilla are also renowned for their aphrodisiac qualities. I recommend a trip to Emack and Bolios in Chatham for a scoop each of Serious Chocolate Addiction and Vanilla Bean Speck.

Clearly the Cape is an ideal location for a romantic Cape Cod getaway. Whether you are seeking an adult vacation away from the kids, celebrating an anniversary or honeymoon, or popping the question, we will pull out all the stops to ensure your stay is as romantic as possible. And, if romance has never been your forte, don't worry...we're here to help.

Fin Seafood - New Cape Cod Restaurant

2011-05-02T11:07:00.002-04:00

We have just awakened from a self induced food coma after checking out one of Cape Cod's newest restaurants, Fin Seafood in Dennis. Every calorie we indulged in was well worth it, from the Tuna and Sea Urchin Ceviche and Smoked Salmon Terrine Appetizers to my Garlic-Thyme Marinated Shrimp Entrée to the Artisanal Cheese Plate for dessert. Add to that pleasant, friendly service, a brief, but well selected wine list, and a cozy, antique home setting, and a stellar restaurant is born. Since the foursome I dined with struggled to narrow down our entrée selections, we each ordered something different. All four dishes were exceptional - in addition to my shrimp dish, I was able to sample Seared Native Cod, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, and Pan Seared Day Boat Scallops. What sets Fin apart is the creativity in the side accompaniments and sauces served with each entrée - creamy mascarpone polenta with my shrimp, for example, or Pinot Noir Gastrique drizzled over the salmon. Prices were very reasonable with entrees starting at $20 and topping out at $29 for a Rib Eye. Have us book your advance reservations now for your upcoming stay…you won't be disappointed!

New Packages at the Captains House Inn

2011-04-23T09:52:00.005-04:00

We've been getting creative here at the Captains House Inn and have designed three new packages. The first was inspired by some personal goals we have been working to achieve over the winter - both Jill and James have been training for the upcoming Hyannis Road Race and designed a Runner's Getaway Package for out of town runners. The package includes race registration fees, a runner's goody bag, massage, and carb-up breakfast. Check out some of the upcoming Cape Cod races and start training!

We are also offering a Nifty Thrifty Carpool Package. Grab your favorite travel mate(s) and book any two rooms for two nights now through June 15th. You unwind and refuel and we'll refuel your tank. Simply bring us your gas receipt ($75 max) and we will deduct the amount from your bill.

Finally, in honor of "Date Your Mate" month in May, our Date Your Mate Package is all about romance and rekindling relationships. Included in the two night special is a set of our luxury king or queen sheets, a dozen roses, a "Sweet"-Heart plate of maple "date" truffle cookies and homemade chocolate kisses, a split of bubbly, and "A Table For Two: The Cookbook for Couples."

So whether you are aiming to get in shape, save on fuel, or escape for some romance, we've got the package for you! Give us a call (508)-945-0127 or book online now (indicate your package selection in the "special needs" field of the booking form).

Grilled Cheese Recipe Competition

2011-04-02T10:09:00.003-04:00

I just found out that April is National Grilled Cheese Month and boy am I excited. As the world's biggest cheese fan, a giant grilled cheese sandwich is one of my all time favorite indulgences. So, to tempt my palate and have some fun with this national celebration of cheese, the Captains House Inn is having a grilled cheese sandwich recipe contest. The winner's sandwich will be featured on our summer poolside menu and the winner will be entitled to a complimentary lunch for two during his/her next stay. Email us your submissions (if possible, include a photo of your creation) and we'll post the winner on April 12th which happens to be National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day.

Innkeeper Salad Competition

2011-03-31T12:40:00.006-04:00

On our four hour drive home from our Distinctive Inns of New England meeting at the Rabbit Hill Inn in Vermont, James and I somehow decided to have a salad creation contest for dinner. Given that the drive was long and we had nothing better to do, we got a little carried away and came up with some parameters:

Contest Rules:

1. No more than 10 ingredients per salad.

2. Ingredients must be procured from the grocery store in 15 minutes or less.

3. Salads must be prepared in 20 minutes or less.

4. Each contestant can choose one ingredient his/her opponent must use. Items selected were honey and fresh fig.

5. No cookbooks or recipes permitted.

6. Judging will be done by Facebook and Blog fans and the loser will have to take a polar plunge dunk in Chatham's Oyster Pond which will be videotaped and shared on the Captains House Inn Facebook page.

The contest was intense and came right down to the wire when plating. The results are below. Please comment or email us to cast your vote by April 1st at noon.

Salad A: Baby arugula salad topped with prosciutto wrapped grilled shrimp, crispy chickpeas, pear,fresh fig, and crumbled Stilton. Finished with a port balsamic reduction.

Salad B: Spinach salad dressed in cinnamon pear balsamic and topped with honey rubbed salmon, mango, avocado, sweet roasted red pepper, and black bean medley, and crumbled Wensleydale ginger mango cheese.

Brewster In Bloom April 29th - May 1st

2011-03-27T10:14:00.004-04:00

Finally, we feel like spring is upon us. Even though the weather is still chilly and there was a bout of snow last week, there have been warmer days scattered here and there - a sure sign that spring is on the way. As we watch signs of warmer weather to come like crocuses sprouting and robins chirping, we look forward to the official Cape Cod kick-off to spring - Brewster in Bloom.

Brewster in Bloom is a three day festival beginning on Friday, April 29th, celebrating the return of spring. Drive along historic route 6A and view all the flowers blossoming for the season. The festival is packed with events including an antique fair, craft fair, live music, and parade, complete with a Daffodil Queen!

Brewster is an easy drive from the Captains House Inn. Staying in Chatham affords guests easy access to our beautiful downtown village and 70 miles of shoreline with close proximity to towns like Brewster and Provincetown for easy day trips. We look forward to hosting you and joining us in welcoming spring this year - with all the snow in New England this winter, it is well deserved!

Captains House Inn Wins AAA Four Diamond Award for 25th Consecutive Year

2011-03-05T13:30:00.002-05:00

We are pleased to announce that for the 25th consecutive year, the Captains House Inn was awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond honor. To qualify for this award, inns and hotels are inspected anonymously on an annual basis and must meet meticulously high standards. Only 3% of inspected properties meet the criteria set forth by AAA. We are proud to be recognized for all our hard work and invite you to experience our high standards in service, amenities and comfort for yourself.

Captains House Inn Book Pick: Left Neglected by Lisa Genova

2011-02-18T14:30:00.003-05:00

What better way to spend a cold winter afternoon than snuggled on the couch by the fire with a really good book? Rarely do I have time to indulge in anything that requires “free time,” but in a recent attempt to carve out more “me” time, I managed, in the course of a few weeks to finish an outstanding book written by a Chatham resident who also happens to be a friend of mine and mother of my almost-three year old daughter’s love interest. Left Neglected by Lisa Genova is the story of Sarah, a working mother of three, who, like many of us, is so busy raising her kids and climbing the corporate ladder that she never stops to appreciate the important things in life. One day, when multi-tasking and making a business call on her cell phone in the car, Sarah gets into a near fatal accident resulting in a brain injury called left neglect, a condition whereby the individual behaves as if the left side of sensory space is non-existent. The book takes the reader through Sarah’s journey toward accepting her condition and the steps she takes to live with neglect and ultimately embrace a slower paced life and all the pleasure she had been missing before.

Though this is a story of a somewhat rare condition, it is a situation to which we can all relate. How many of us are on the fast track in a stressful career while simultaneously raising a family and paying the mortgage on a dream home in the suburbs? It is so easy to get caught up in the American dream that we often forget to enjoy life’s journey. Lisa Genova depicts this common tendency so beautifully, it is almost impossible not to read this book and promise yourself to take a step back and reflect.

Lisa admits she was once on the path that almost cost Sarah her life. But after leaving her stressful career in the consulting business, she built a new life on Cape Cod, a place many of us locals value a slower pace of life. With the Nantucket Sound serving as Chatham’s backdrop, stress on the island is a rarity, making it not only an idyllic place to live, but an perfect destination to unwind and get away from it all. So my advice this winter is to pick up a copy of Left Neglected, reserve a room at the Captains House Inn, and allow us to tend to your every need as you take the first step toward living a less stressful life.

Valentine's Day on Cape Cod

2011-01-15T09:16:00.009-05:00

While Cape Cod in the winter is notably quiet, what better place to celebrate Valentine's Day than a peaceful retreat where you can focus on each other? The Captains House Inn is an ideal getaway where romance is in the air not just on Valentine's Day, but every day of the year.

Surprise your significant other this year and book one of our beautifully appointed rooms where you can spend endless hours soaking in your Jacuzzi tub or curled up watching a movie or reading a book by the fire. For dinner, allow us to book a table at one of Cape Cod's many restaurants. We suggest the Captain Linnell House, one of the most romantic area eateries with spectacular food and impeccable service.

Also, don't miss a relaxing couples massage at Sol Spa where they specialize in luxurious massage treatments. And, to make your stay extra special, select from our menu of in-room add-ons like a bouquet of flowers, handmade truffles, or a romantic package with fruit, cheese, chocolate dipped strawberries and a split of prosecco. As always, our staff is at your disposal to book reservations, make special room arrangements, and offer advice to make your Valentine's stay memorable and special.

And, if you can't get away for Valentine's Day itself, remember, all this is available at the Captains House Inn all year long.

New Years In Chatham

2010-12-27T16:14:00.003-05:00

With all the snow the Northeast has seen over the last week, the holidays on Cape Cod certainly felt festive. Several days before Christmas, a foot of snow fell in Chatham and several days later, the winds howled and more snow fell (though only a dusting this time as opposed to the blizzard in every surrounding state). Thankfully, the next few days promise sunshine despite somewhat frigid temperatures. With our New Years Eve celebration just days away, we have visitors coming from all over and are grateful that the weather won't get in the way of travel plans.

This year, the Captains House Inn is hosting our traditional annual three day gastronomical New Years extravaganza. The events kick off with a decadent high tea for all in-house guests with typical English tea fare like sausage rolls, Branston pickle sandwiches, curry chicken salad, scones, and plenty of tea cakes and cookies. On New Years Eve, guests will enjoy an ice cream sundae bar and homemade Peppermint hot chocolate followed by a lavish evening buffet. Chef Kevin has created a menu this year focused around healthy food options that still taste sinful. Guests pop in and out of the dining room throughout the evening to sample all the food and sip a glass of wine or champagne, then head out to enjoy Chatham's first night festivities culminating with a midnight firework display. The next morning, the first meal of the New Year kicks off with an extensive gourmet brunch complete with Bloody Mary's and Mimosas.

Certainly no one leaves hungry after their stay at the Captains House Inn for the New Year holiday. With three night package prices topping off at under $1,000 including tax, what a wonderful way to kick off the year ahead. While we are fully booked this year, we do keep a wait list in the event of cancellations and it's never too early to consider your plans for 2012!

Champagne Holiday High Tea for Moms December 16th

2010-11-27T16:56:00.005-05:00

On Thursday, December 16th, Jill Meyer, owner of the Captains House Inn, will be hosting a special holiday themed champagne high tea geared especially toward moms. In addition to running the inn, Jill is the mother of two (almost three) under age three and also the voice of “mama” on Generations Uncorked, a website highlighting her mom blog and information about the book she is currently co-writing with her mom, Mama Matters, Nana Chatters. Her speaking debut kicks off with a candid account of her feelings toward facing the holidays with kids. Escape your own holiday mama drama, sip some champagne, meet other mothers (the ones who aren’t busy making homemade wreaths) and unwind with a good belly laugh or two. Plus, if you stay at the inn that night and attend the tea, receive a 15% "Mama Discount" of your room - please mention this discount when reserving.

Mama Comic Relief
Good Food & Bubbly
Raffle Prizes

Thursday, December 16th at 12:15pm
Captains House Inn
369 Old Harbor Road, Chatham

Tickets: $25
Space Is Limited So Reserve Early by Calling The Captains House Inn
508-945-0127

Thanksgiving Cape Cod Style

2010-11-20T09:24:00.003-05:00

Here on Cape Cod, we are known for our countless cranberry bogs. And while the fields of marshy burgundy tend to be a tad anticlimactic when guests scope them out, our bogs do produce some darn good berries which us locals are lucky to enjoy freshly picked. During Thanksgiving, local farmers set up roadside stands with bags of cranberries ready for the taking and a metal bank accepting payment on the honor system. So, with several pounds of cranberries, we tend to incorporate quite a bit of this local ingredient into not only our Thanksgiving meal, but also our fall menu offerings at the inn. Here are three of our favorites:

Cranberry Waffles
Serves 8

Ingredients:
2 2/3 Cups All Purpose Flour
¼ Cup Baking Powder
1 Tsp Salt
2 Tbsp Sugar
4 Eggs, separated
1 Cup Milk
6 Tbsp Oil
2 Cups Fresh or Frozen Cranberries (well drained) coated with
2 Tbsp Sugar

Method:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites, just until stiff, moist peaks form. In another bowl, without washing the beaters, beat yolks lightly.
3. Stir in the milk and oil, blend well. Add liquid mixture to dry ingredients, beat until smooth. Fold in the beaten egg whites. Add sugared cranberries.
4. Bake in a pre-heated waffle pan.

Cranberry Streusel Coffee Cake
Oven Temperature 350F
Yield 2 x 8” Square Glass Baking Pans

Ingredients ( Cranberry Filling)
3 Cups Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
½ Cup Sugar
4 Tbsp Orange Juice

Ingredients ( Streusel) - Simply combine these ingredients until crumbly
1 Cup Brown Sugar, firmly packed
½ Cup All Purpose Flour
1 Tsp Cinnamon
4 Tbsp Butter, softened
1 Cup Chopped Walnuts

Ingredients (Batter)
3 Cups All Purpose Flour
3 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Tsp Salt
12 Tbsp Butter, at room temperature
1 ½ Cups Sugar
4 Tsp Grated Orange Peel
4 Eggs
1 Cup Milk

Method:
Preheat oven to 350F and grease 2 pans.
To make the cranberry filling, combine the ingredients in a saucepan and stir constantly over a medium heat until the berries begin to pop. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
In the mixer bowl, beat the butter, sugar and orange peel until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Divide the batter into 2 parts, then layer the mix into the pans as follows - ½ batter, ½ cranberry filling, ½ batter, ½ cranberry filling
Then sprinkle the streusel over the top.
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean, and cool on a wire rack.

Cranberry Jalapeño Relish
Yield: 3 Cups

Ingredients:
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt

Method:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberries, orange juice, onion, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, lime juice, cumin and salt. Stir together and chill 2 hours before serving.

Captains House Inn Ranks Number One on Trip Advisor

2010-11-10T09:02:00.004-05:00

Last night, we took our staff to the Del Mar Bistro in Chatham for our annual end of the busy season celebration. But we had more to celebrate than just a successful summer; we also raised our glasses to our new status as the number one ranked inn in Chatham on Trip Advisor. This is the second property we have owned which we were able to bring into this prestigious standing, but this time, we felt we owned most of our success to our outstanding staff. Not a day goes by that we don't get positive feedback from guests on the pleasant group of employees attending to their every need.

The following example illustrates our staff's efforts perfectly: just the other morning, our Executive Chef, Kevin, overheard a coversation I was having with a guest. He picked up that the guest was staying in our Garden Room and celebrating a 25th wedding anniversary. Without any direction from me, I overheard Kevin ask our Kitchen Assistant, Claude, if she had time to prepare chocolate dipped strawberries as an anniversary gift to them. The strawberries were dipped and plated and our team of interns prepared a card and coordinated with our housekeeping staff to ensure the berries would be placed in the guest's room during turndown. At breakfast the next morning, the guest thanked me for the berries and I sheepishly took credit for all the work my staff had done to make the gift happen. Meanwhile, I knew that while they enjoyed their gourmet breakfast, their room was being cleaned by our housekeepers who would remove the finished strawberry plate from the room as our groundman, Dan, ensured the path to the entrance to their room was cleared of leaves.

As the owners, we are the ones who receive credit and praise and constant glowing reviews. But we must pay tribute to our staff - they are the ones that make the Captains House Inn the perfect place.

Holiday Events in Chatham and Cape Cod

2010-11-04T09:32:00.005-04:00

I couldn't believe it. Just two days after Halloween, I went to the mall and it was as if Christmas had exploded all over Macy's. Christmas trees and lights, shiny red, green and silver balls, holly, Santa hats, and elaborately wrapped gifts adorned the entire mall and I found myself whistling White Christmas along with Bing Crosby as I scoped out the fall sales and mentally prepared myself for the festivities in the weeks ahead.

To that end, there are quite a lot of events taking place in Chatham and at the Captains House Inn over the coming months. The season kicks off with Thanksgiving - a favorite holiday among our staff as we host a lavish spread featuring not only a traditional American supper, but dishes from around the world. With staff from England, Jamaica, Haiti, and Argentina, the 30 plus people who gather in our finished basement feast on everything from Jamaican Jerk Chicken to Yorkshire Pudding and Argentinean Vino. The spirit of Thanksgiving transcends to the inn as guests book our luxuriously appointed rooms as a retreat from family they may be visiting in the area or take a year off from the chaos of hosting a large party and enjoy an intimate dinner at one of the many fine restaurants on the Cape open for the holiday.

Immediately following Thanksgiving, our Christmas decorations go up in preparation for the annual Chatham Inn Tour. This year marks the 13th annual tour on December 13th from 1:30-4:30. Close to a dozen of Chatham's inns and historic homes open their doors to the general public and offer light refreshments throughout the afternoon. At the Captains House, we offer a two night Inn Tour Package which includes tickets to the event and a wine and cheese social. Package prices start at $395 and go up to $595 inclusive of tax.

Throughout the month of December, our traditional daily high tea menu transforms to a holiday themed tea complete with mini English trifle, stollen scones, and an elaborate assortment of savory tea sandwiches and pastries and tea cookies. Price per person is $18 for outside guests and $7.50 for in-house guests exclusive of tax and gratuity. Advance reservations are required and holiday teas are served daily with seatings between 3:00 and 4:30. Private parties for parties of six or more are available starting at 12:15.

Finally, after the Christmas rush is through, kick off 2011 by booking one of our few remaining rooms for our New Years Eve package. An annual tradition, our three night package includes a sumptuous high tea on December 30th followed by an ice cream sundae bar, extensive dinner buffet and Chatham First Night events on the 31st. The package culminates on New Years Day with a mimosa and Bloody Mary brunch with menu choices highlighting our theme this year - "Deceptively Light."

We look forward to welcoming you to Chatham for one of the many holiday events taking place to put you in the mood for the festivities of the season.

Vacation from Your Vacation

2010-10-29T09:09:00.003-04:00

Have you ever heard a friend who just returned from vacation complain that she needs a vacation from her vacation? I for one, have fallen victim to the over-ambitious vacation itinerary and as a result have become a firm believer in the 2-3 day "do nothing" getaway.

What better time for an unplanned holiday than November and December on Cape Cod? The weather is still mild enough to put a pretty solid bet on no snow and, as Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, the old New England homes and inns are bedecked in their holiday finest. Shopping in downtown Chatham not only provides unique gift ideas, but shoppers can often walk away with amazing deals as the shops unload their inventory in anticipation of the quiet winter months ahead.

Our rooms at the Captains House Inn are designed for ultimate comfort and luxury - many guests honker down in one of our luxurious suites with a nice bottle of wine, bubbly Jacuzzi tub, and a few good books and board games and appear for our gourmet breakfast the next morning, the epitome of relaxed vacationers.

And for those who prefer to step out for some culture, the Chatham Drama Guild presents "Nunsense," Dan Goggin's wacky musical about a group of nuns who put on a variety show to raise money for their sisters recovering from food poisoning. Performances are on weekends through mid-November.

Also playing at the Cape Cod Rep Theatre in Brewster, "The Drowsy Chaperone," a comedy within a musical. This production is an homage to the Broadway musical, which won four Drama Desk and five Tony Awards in 2006, including Best Book and Best Original Score. Performances through November into early December.

So catch your breath after traveling to four Hawaiian islands in ten days or touring five European countries in a week and settle down for a truly relaxing getaway at the Captains House Inn on peaceful Cape Cod.

Ten Days Left for Half Bottle Wine at Joe's!

2010-10-20T08:37:00.005-04:00

Last night, for the third, but not final, time this month, James and I dined at Joe's at the Barleyneck Inn. During the month of October, we rarely venture anywhere else. Why? Because their award winning wine list is discounted by 50% throughout the month so they can clear their wine cellar and restock with different vintages. To enjoy a bottle of Cakebread Cellars Pinot Noir for under $45 at a restaurant is unheard of - but we did just that last night. The food isn't half bad either with specials featured each evening and everything from fish and chips to grilled fish, pasta dishes, and innovative pizzas. As far as I'm concerned, half priced wine is reason enough to book a last minute trip - we still have some rooms left this month and are now into winter rates. We hope to see you soon!

First Annual Chatham Oktoberfest

2010-10-04T10:28:00.003-04:00

If you happen to be visiting Chatham between October 16th and 23rd, don't miss the town's first annual Oktoberfest. The fall inspired festival will kick off on October 16th at Kate Gould Park downtown where "Pumpkin People" will be created by businesses, individuals and clubs and displayed until October 31st. To participate in the competition, fill out the online form. The Pumpkin People will be judged on October 23rd by local celebrity judges.

Don't miss the festive window painting in the shop windows along Main Street. To participate in this contest, fill out the online form by October 8th. Judging takes place on October 23rd and winners will be notified by mail.

In addition to the judging on October 23rd, the main Oktoberfest event will take place downtown from 12-4. Entertainment will include live music, an apple pie eating contest, kids activities such as face painting and apple bobbing, and food vendors throughout Kate Gould Park. Plus, during the week, local restaurants will be featuring specials, tastings, and wine pairings celebrating the arrival of fall on Cape Cod.

Sea Glass Festival Cape Cod

2010-09-22T08:41:00.003-04:00

Many guests come to Cape Cod to collect sea glass, leftover shards of glass that are typically found in brown, green and clear colors and less frequently in lavender, blue, amber, and yellow. Sea glass collectors are a patient breed as these treasures are becoming increasingly hard to find. Yet, along the shorelines of dozens of beaches along the Cape Cod shorelines including popular Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable and Sandwich, glass continues to be found and turned into beautiful pieces of jewelry.

This Columbus Day weekend, the North American Sea Glass Association will be hosting its annual sea glass convention right here on the Cape. The festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 9th and 10th starting at 10am at the Hyannis Convention Center. For just $5 (cash) per person, you can learn more about the art of collecting and utilizing sea glass and visit vendors peddling their own finds.

So if you're planning a visit to Cape Cod this Columbus Day weekend, add this special event to your itinerary and get ready to comb the beaches for some Cape Cod sea glass to remember your visit.

Wellfleet Audubon - The Perfect Fall Escape

2010-09-08T08:55:00.004-04:00

I often have to live my days vicariously through guests. As an innkeeper and mom, I have little time to explore and enjoy all the Cape has to offer. Just the other day, a guest was raving about his experience at the Wellfleet Audubon Sanctuary. I listened wistfully and added it to my ever growing bucket list. But while my time is somewhat limited, the time of vacationers is endless and I thought I'd share this tip for anyone planning an upcoming itinerary.

The sanctuary is situated along Wellfleet Bay and features over 1,000 acres of salty marsh, sandy beach, pine woodland, and freshwater pond. With five miles of trails and a wide array of wildlife including song and shore birds, the scenic sanctuary is a perfect way to spend a restful and peaceful afternoon. Don't miss the hummingbird and butterfly gardens and take advantage of the knowledgeable volunteer staff who offer guided bird tours.

After all that walking and fresh air, stop off in downtown Wellfleet for a bite at one of my favorite casual waterside eateries - the Bookstore Restaurant. With a great menu, outdoor seating, and water views, the Bookstore Restaurant is perfect for a bowl of New England clam chowder or raw bar sampler on a brisk fall afternoon. Stop in the adjoining shop afterwards to browse the dusty collection of rare books - perhaps you will find a Cape Cod souvenir to add to your book shelf.

Truro Vineyards Barrel Room Dinner

2010-08-31T10:17:00.003-04:00

If you're anything like me, a fantastic food and wine dinner is something around which vacations are planned. On September 22nd, Truro Vineyards, together with Blackfish Restaurant will be hosting a six course barrel room pairing dinner at 6pm. This is a farm to table dinner in which ingredients are locally sourced and paired with handcrafted wines aged and fermented in the candlelit barrel room where the event takes place. Tickets are $125 and must be purchased by September 8th either online or by calling 508-487-6200.

The dinner is in conjunction with CLASH week - (Cape Land And Sea Harvest) from September 20-26th during which local restaurants host "Eat Local Week" and feature special menus utilizing local ingredients. For foodies and wine connoisseurs, this is the week to eat your way through the Cape and take advantage of farm to table events like the Truro Vineyard barrel room dinner, farmers markets, and countless tours and tastings. Bring your appetite and book your room at the Captains House Inn (we only have a few vacancies remaining that week). Between our sumptuous breakfasts and the array of food events throughout the week, we promise you won't return home hungry.

Best Time of Year on Cape Cod Approaching!

2010-08-26T11:05:00.003-04:00

Guests often ask me what is the best time of year to visit Cape Cod and time and time again, my answer is September and October. The weather is beautiful - warm, yet comfortable days and cool, pleasant evenings, the water is warm enough for an Indian summer dip, and the kids are all back at school so the crowds thin out and traffic eases up.

Fall is the perfect time to explore the Cape Cod rail trail on bike and the many hiking trails along the National Seashore by foot. Trips by boat to see the whales off the coast of Provincetown and day trips to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are still running and less crowded. Plus, many restaurants offer special prix fixe menus during the shoulder season and reservations at some of our favorites like Buca's, Pisces, and the Cape Sea Grille which are hard to come by in the summer, are easier to obtain come September. Add to the list of enticing reasons to visit the Cape in the fall the many sales at stores in downtown Chatham as shop owners clear out their inventory in anticipation of the slow winter months ahead.

If you're seeking a good deal on accommodations, our winter rates take effect on October 17th and we are running an early winter rate special October 11-14 - visit our "Specials" page for details. So book now in one of our luxuriously appointed guestrooms, all of which feature fireplaces for chilly fall evenings, and enjoy the best time of year on Cape Cod.

A Day Trip To Provincetown

2010-08-11T11:51:00.004-04:00

I have to admit that the intensity of the busy summer months coupled with raising two young daughters requires a break every now and then. So yesterday afternoon, James and I left the inn in the care of our trusty interns, our daughters in the care of trusty Nana, and headed north with no game plan except to have fun. We followed the familiar roads through Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, and Truro noting the many beaches and lighthouses our guests are always raving about over their morning coffee when I chat with them during breakfast. In Provincetown, we meandered along the main drag, Commercial Street, popping into eclectic shops and galleries and taking in Provincetown's notorious population of colorful gay couples.

Since managing to sit down to a proper lunch is rare for us in the summer, we found our stomachs growling long before dinnertime and happened upon Karoo Kafe, an exotic South African eatery where we enjoyed a sampler appetizer platter of Somosas, Falafel Balls, Snail Rangoons, and Smoky Wings which we washed down with some beer and wine. For casual, out of the ordinary fare, we'd highly recommend a stop at this ethnic cafe, particularly for vegetarians or vegans.

Back on Commercial Street, we stumbled upon a fantastic looking bakery/creamery/sandwich joint, the Purple Feather. We were tempted by the gelato display where unusual flavors like Mojito Sorbetto were featured, but resisted in an effort to save room for dinner. We also passed our chef's favorite sandwich spot, Relish, which recent guests of ours who are self described sandwich connoisseurs gave glowing reviews on a recent day trip. If you happen to be taking a lunchtime Whale Watch, swing by Relish for a to-go sandwich and enjoy it while watching the humpbacks put on a show. We also noticed a crowd gathered outside the infamous Lobster Pot and took a wander through the restaurant, which interestingly displays an open kitchen as patrons walk by to their water view seating. We caught a glimpse of some giant lobster rolls on their way to hungry diners, and once again, were almost tempted to indulge. Finally, on our way back to the car, we passed Art's Dune Tours, a small operation which takes tourists on a four wheel adventure through the protected Provincetown dunes. A couple years back, we went on a dune tour and highly recommend the experience which, as Art's Tours promotes, highlights the "other" Provincetown.

We decided to head to Wellfleet for dinner and were delighted to find two seats at the sushi bar at the Mac Shack. A glorified "shack" restaurant, Mac's attracts quite the crowd in the summer months with a raw bar outside surrounded by patio seating as well as indoor space complete with a sushi bar which produced excellent fresh fish with some creative rolls and our favorite, Hawaiian tuna poke appetizer. We ended the night at the nearby Chatham Bars Inn's Beach Grille for a nightcap on the beach where we enjoyed some live music and star gazing on some Adirondack chairs in the sand.

Now, rejuvenated by our outing and armed with recommendations and advice for guests, we embark on another busy summer day at the Captains House Inn.

Summer Concert Nights on Cape Cod

2010-08-01T10:37:00.003-04:00

I've been to many different concert sites, but none compare to the quaint, laid back feel of the Cape Cod Melody Tent. With a revolving stage and free seating (none more than 50 feet from the stage), the tented outdoor venue is one of the Cape’s long standing traditions operated by South Shore Playhouse Associates, a non-profit organization promoting culture and the arts for Cape Cod. The theater originated in 1932 in the South Shore community of Cohasset where stars like Humphrey Bogart, Josephine Hull and Van Heflin attracted audiences from Boston to Cape Cod. The South Shore players soon outgrew the small town hall location and in 1950, when tented theaters began emerging along the East coast, the present day Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis was established.

This year, we had the opportunity to enjoy some classic children’s performances (Cinderella and the Three Little Pigs) with our 2 ½ year old daughter who is still scratching her chin chanting, “not by the hair on my chinny chin chin.” But for those of you who are beyond fairy tales and nursery rhymes, this summer’s line-up features big names like The Beach Boys on August 7th, Tony Bennett on August 15th, American Idol runner up, Adam Lambert on August 19th, and the B-52’s on August 21st.

On your way to the theater, grab dinner at Pain d’Avignon (check out my previous blog entry), a European style boulangerie featuring chef Toby Hill’s innovative cuisine coupled with a rare beer list and fantastic desserts.

Beach Days

2010-07-17T13:23:00.005-04:00

We're having a hot summer here on the Cape. With little rain and sunny days, guests are spending lazy days on the beach enjoying the breezes off the water and taking a tip in the waves to cool off. There are countless beaches dotting the coastlines of the Cape and even after six years as a local, I'm still learning about new ones to check out.

Recently, I made a new beach discovery based on the recommendation of a guest - Mayflower Beach. Named for the Pilgrim ship, this Dennis based Bay beach boasts a sprawling shoreline, which, when the tide is out attracts visitors to enjoy waterside recreational sports. The anecdote to ocean beaches, bayside beaches are known for calm waters with few waves.

After a few hours in the sun, head down the street for a bit to eat at another new discovery of mine - the Sesuit Harbor Cafe. There, picnic tables are scattered along the water and diners can order breakfast, lunch or dinner from the casual indoor "shack." If you're still looking for more fun to pack into your itinerary, consider a Lobster Roll Cruise around the bay. Three cruises (lunch, dinner and sunset) depart daily from Sesuit Harbor and are 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. Passengers can enjoy meals and cocktails on the boats or simply buy a "boatride only" ticket.

Regardless of the activities you choose to enjoy, allocating a day for a trip along the Old King's Highway just south of the Bay is a must during your Cape Cod vacation.

Old Fashioned Movie Fun on Cape Cod

2010-07-08T11:01:00.003-04:00

Sometimes living on Cape Cod feels like a throw back in time. Between the old fashioned Friday night big band concerts, creameries with homemade ice cream, and mom and pop businesses like Chatham Jam and Jelly and Marion's Pie Shop lining the streets, it is a wonder we manage to stay connected to the modern world with technology like iPhones and laptops. Add to that list one of our favorite old school pastimes - the Wellfleet Drive In Movie Theater.

Built in 1957, the Wellfleet Drive In is the only drive in theater on the Cape and one of the few remaining in the entire country. But while the original theater remains, modern state of the art speakers have been added to enhance sound quality and a snack bar, mini golf course, and playground add to the family fun scene. Also, during the day on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the summer, don't miss the sprawling flea market with over 200 vendors featuring antiques, jewelry, and Cape Cod memorabilia.

This summer, old favorites like Toy Story and the Karate Kid are on the line up. But it doesn't really matter what you watch - the main attraction is the atmosphere and people watching and a sense of nostalgia that is a rarity in today's busy world.

Wednesday Events on Cape Cod

2010-07-01T11:46:00.004-04:00

If your stay at the Captains House Inn happens to include a Wednesday night, don't miss one of the two new midweek events on the Cape.

Take a day trip up to Provincetown during the day and on your way home, make a pit stop at Truro Vineyards. One of two vineyards on the Cape, Truro wines are surprisingly tasty (I say surprisingly because with such fluctuations in temperature throughout the year, one wouldn't expect ideal grape growing conditions). On Wednesday nights, the vineyard hosts a series called WAAM (Wednesday Appetizers Art and Music) featuring a tasting of their wines along with guest chefs, artists and musicians. Pick your favorite(s) and bring a bottle or two back to the inn to enjoy picnic style on the grounds along with a take out dinner of either pizza from Camparis or fried seafood from the Chatham Pier Fish Market at the fish pier. Who says wine can't be paired with casual fare?

Or, if you prefer to stay closer to "home," a new series of band concerts will take place each Wednesday through mid August in downtown Chatham at Kate Gould Park. Similar to the town's Friday night concerts, a tradition for over a half a century now, the Wednesday night concerts will be earlier (6:00-7:30) to cater to folks who prefer a little live entertainment before heading out for a bite to eat. Borrow some beach chairs or towels from the Captains House Inn and head downtown for a throwback in time with guest performers including acoustic folk musicians Tripping Lily, Irish band the Lindsays, old-school jazz outfit the Dixie Diehards, and roots rockers the Rip-It-Ups. Then head to one of our favorite local seafood joints like the Impudent Oyster or Pisces to round out a perfect vacation night on the Cape (don't forget to have us make advance reservations, though...the summer months are hopping!)

Second Annual Cape Cod Quahog Day

2010-06-16T11:49:00.003-04:00

Celebrate Cape Cod's quirky take on groundhog day in the summer! The island's second annual National Quahog Day is scheduled for Monday, June 21st at Hemisphere Restaurant in Sandwich followed by a week long of festivities honoring our representative quahog Doug (get it?). Sandwich is the perfect stopping point on your way to or from the Captains House Inn or even makes a great day trip from Chatham during your stay. This year, FOX25 Meteorologist A.J. Burnett will be the Master of Ceremonies at the Quahog Prognostication during which through a secret b-valve language, Doug will give word to the Secretary General of Quahog Republic on how many more weeks of Cape Cod beach weather remain.

The ceremony will be followed by live music from Black Wampum, a local band which sings about Quahogs, free samples of Polar Cave Ice Cream's flavor "Doug's Mud," and a Quahog Day bash, co-sponsored with the Sandwich Chamber of Commerce. All proceeds of a 50-50 raffle at the event will benefit the National Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay.

The event is free and open to the public, but you must RSVP in advance! RSVP to kristen@capecodhamber.org.

Give your best guess at Facebook.com/VisitCapeCod for what the Quahog will predict and the five people with the closest guess will receive a limited edition Quahog Day t-shirt!

The fun doesn't end there! This year, Quahog Day will kick off a week's worth of Quahog-related activities around Cape Cod, including special menu additions and specials at favorites like the Hot Chocolate Sparrow in Orleans and Clancy's in Dennisport. Shops like the Atlantic Spice Company and the Cape Cod Beach Chair Company will offer discounts as well. The week culminates on Sunday, June 27th with the 30th Annual WCOD chowder festival at the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis.

Dinner and Jazz Waterside

2010-06-11T14:02:00.005-04:00

As we jump into the height of the busy season, one of our favorite annual traditions begins. On June 29th, the first jazz night of the year kicks off the summer at the Wequassett Inn where live music can be enjoyed while sipping cocktails or dining under the stars overlooking Pleasant Bay. A selection of world renowned Latin, jazz and blues bands are lined up for every Tuesday and Wednesday evening through August starting at 7:30pm. A calendar of events with descriptions of bands can be viewed on the special festival website. You can choose to dine at 28 Atlantic, the resort's high end and spectacular water view restaurant for a special pre-festival menu, dine alfresco at the more casual Outer Bar and Grille, or even enjoy dinner while listening to the band on the lower deck beside the sprawling pool. What better way to enjoy a warm summer evening and ease into vacation mode? As always, we are happy to help with any reservations.

The Fish are Here!

2010-05-21T10:48:00.003-04:00

Never before have I seen so many fly fishermen casting lines into Pleasant Bay, just down the street from the Captains House Inn. I figured the Stripers must be biting and according to a quick Google search, my suspicions were confirmed - the season is off to a near record breaking start. The Nantucket Sound and Pleasant Bay are rumored to be loaded with fish - big ones up to 36 inches and in the Billingsgate Shoals out in Wellfleet, a 56-inch Striper was caught using Mackerel as bait. The two major factors that influence positive fishing conditions - water temperature and bait are working in our favor here on the Cape and as a result, charters and fly fishing operations alike are raring to go.

One of our favorite guides, Glen Southwick runs Rockin Robin Charters out of Rock Harbor in Orleans. His method for hooking fish is jigging and based on the information I have read online, he leaves from a prime location to catch some big ones.

The Goose Hummock in Orleans is a wealth of information when it comes to the Cape waters and fishing. They offer sport fishing charters on the Sound and also in the calmer Bay waters.

For visitors, the vast quantity of information and opportunities for fishing the Cape can be overwhelming to say the least. Here at the Captains House Inn, we are happy to offer our advice, set up charters, and steer you in the right direction. In return, all we ask is that you bring us a a keeper or two for dinner. In all seriousness, we are happy to store your catch until you depart assuming you don't catch an 80 pound tuna and we have ample space!

Celebrate Mothers Day with High Tea

2010-05-02T11:58:00.004-04:00

Mothers Day gifts have been an annual challenge for me. I've always felt like dedicating one day a year to my mom is not enough - shouldn't we take a moment or two every day to appreciate all that our mothers do? And yet, year after year, I hit the card aisle to read all the sappy prose and while none of the cards quite reflect my sentiments, I select one and then rack my brain for the perfect gift to accompany it.

Now that I am a mom myself, I realize that what my own mother told me for the last thiry plus years is true - all we really want is quality time with our offspring. And a lot of good food (prepared by someone else) couldn't hurt either! So, what better gift to give mom this year than a high tea at the Captains House Inn?

Set in our sunny dining room with floor to ceiling windows looking out to English gardens, our traditional English high teas are served on three tiers and are accompanied by high end loose teas served in individual china pots. Start on the top tier with savory delacies like curried chicken salad in phyllo pastry, egg salad stacked tea sandwiches, shrimp salad in tomato cups, and dainty sausage rolls. Move on to our homemade scones complete with whipped cream and strawberries and save room for our chef's homemade tea cakes and cookies for dessert.

Reservations are required, preferably 48 hours in advance. Tea is served daily with seatings from 3:00 to 4:30. Cost is $18/person plus tax and gratuity. High teas are also available to in-house guests with advance notice for $7.50/person. We look forward to seeing lots of moms in May and helping to celebrate all they do. 508-945-0127

May Special

2010-04-22T16:32:00.003-04:00

As innkeepers, we are constantly learning. One thing we always stay on top of is how far in advance we are booking, what our average daily rate is, and how our occupancy levels compare with previous years. This helps us set our rates and minimums with somewhat of an educated basis rather than arbitrarily setting these policies. As the economy has taken a downward dip over the last couple years, we have had to react accordingly, though we have been lucky and while we haven't raised rates in 2010, we have a busy summer on the horizon. There is a week, however, between the end of our winter rates and Memorial Day (the official kick-off to summer) that is looking a bit bleak. So, this is one example of looking ahead and reacting accordingly - and you, as guests reap the benefit!

Between May 19th and 25th, inclusive, book two nights or more and receive a 20% discount off your entire stay. This brings the rates during that time period from $260-$475/night all the way down to $208 to $380/night - almost as low as winter rates! To receive this rate, you must mention our May special. We're sorry, but we are unable to extend this special to existing reservations. We hope to see you to enjoy the beautiful spring weather we are experiencing.

Spring Events on Cape Cod!

2010-04-17T10:29:00.003-04:00

For the first time I can remember in the six years I've lived on the Cape, we are actually experiencing a beautiful spring climate. Starting in late March, temperatures suddenly spiked into the 60’s and while we still suffer the occasional cool, rainy period, the majority of days now require just a light jacket, sunglasses, and occasionally I’ve broken out my favorite flip flops!

With the pleasant weather come several spring events well worth taking advantage of. The Dolphin Fleet has started its annual whale watching expeditions – a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. We have already had guests take advantage of this activity and were able to see nearly a dozen whales on one trip!

Also coming up is the annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival on the weekend of April 24 and 25. A day trip to Nantucket from Chatham is easy on the high speed ferry and well worth it, particularly this weekend with over 3 million daffodils of every bloom and color imaginable.

Finally, did you know that April 24th is National Go Bird Watching Day? What better place to attempt to see dozens of species of birds than Cape Cod, home to the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Massachusetts Audubon's largest and most beautiful sanctuaries. Also, just down the street from the Captains House Inn is Monomoy Wildlife Refuge which provides important resting, nesting and feeding habitat for migratory birds, including the Federally protected piping plover and roseate tern.

Not only are spring activities becoming more doable now that the weather has improved, but some of our favorite restaurants are opening for the season including the Cape Sea Grille, now opened, and Pisces of Chatham, opening April 29th. Don’t miss out on the first spring the Cape has had in years and book your reservation at the Captains House Inn (winter rates are still in effect!) today.

Norabella in Dennis Hits Homerun!

2010-04-09T09:50:00.003-04:00

Though it is about to celebrate its one year anniversary, I hadn't known about Norabella's existence until just recently. With just eight tables in a cozy, yet uncrowded space, it is no wonder the chef/owner at this Italian eatery feels no need to advertise. Word of mouth seems to do the trick, especially when diners are given no reason to spread anything other than glowing reviews amongst family and friends.

While the menu is not extensive, it is certainly much larger than I would expect from such a tiny establishment. In fact, with three entree specials in addition to their regular offerings, all three diners in my party had trouble deciding. In the end, we settled on a spinach and mushroom vegetarian lasagna, a double cut pork chop with pancetta and mushrooms and caramelized onions demi glaze, and on the waitress’s strong (and accurate) rave review of the chicken marsala, I opted for this special dish of the evening. For appetizers, we shared another special – calamari soup as well as Melanzana all griglia – grilled eggplant with spinach, roasted tomatoes, basil and smoked mozzarella. Everything was outstanding, particularly, in my opinion the specials – clearly the chef utilizes the freshest ingredients he can find in all his cooking, but the specials really stood out and exemplified his use of creating distinctive, flavorful dishes based on these fresh, seasonal ingredients. Unfortunately we left no room for dessert, but were almost tempted by a unique variation on traditional canolis – these made with pistachios, candied orange, and chocolate chunks.

While I can’t speak highly enough about the exceptional food at Norabella, the service almost outshined the meal. Our waitress was extremely personable without being intrusive. She knew the menu inside out and was happy to offer ordering advice and recommendations when requested.

Situated right on route 28 along a less than scenic strip, this inviting eatery is truly an unexpected gem. Reservations are accepted (508) 398-6672. Open year round starting at 4:30 pm. Closed Mondays. Wine dinners are held monthly.

The Joke's On Us....Huge April Fool's Savings!!!

2010-03-31T09:17:00.004-04:00

It looks like this year, we're the fools - at least we must be to be offering such significant savings. Here's the deal - book any night with us during the month of April and receive the second night for just $4.01 plus tax. And the savings don't stop there...book two nights, receive two nights for $4.01 each and so on which basically means nearly 50% off any length of stay the entire month! There are a few rules, but not many:

This offer cannot be applied to existing reservations

A minimum stay of two nights is required

You MUST mention our April Fools Day special when booking your reservation (if booking online, simply type "April Fools" in the special needs field)

To receive this discount, your reservation must be made on April Fools Day (April 1st) and may be booked for any days during the month of April

To book your reservation, you may call 508-945-0127 or book online. Remember, reservations must be made on April 1st...Happy April Fool's Day!

Ocean House Open for the Season

2010-03-11T15:47:00.005-05:00

While March always feels like the longest month of the year, particularly for us New Englanders who have a severe case of spring fever and know warm weather is a good month away, the month always holds a sense of excitement and anticipation as restaurants begin to open for the season. Despite the fact that the Cape is still quiet in March, restaurateurs tend to open their doors several weeks before the crowds flock over the bridge, allowing them time to fine tune their menus and service during the slower pace.

On Wednesday, March 10th (which also happens to be my birthday), the Ocean House Restaurant in Dennis opened for the season and James and I were lucky enough to dine at a coveted window table. We hadn’t been to the Ocean House in about five years, but left feeling much the same we had when we had been previously. The food was exceptional, the acoustics were a bit loud, and the view was lovely. But let me start from the beginning.

During the shoulder season, the Ocean House offers a three course price fixed menu nightly for $26. For each course, there is a large range of choices and I would be surprised if ordering off the regular menu made any difference on portion size. We started with filet mignon lettuce wraps and vegetarian spring rolls, both beautifully presented, and more importantly fresh and tasty. I moved on to a gourmet thin crust pizza topped with rosemary chicken breast, spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese – yum - and James enjoyed pork tenderloin with barbequed white beans and shallot crackling. Dessert was the only disappointment – while I licked my chocolate pudding cake off the plate, James’ blueberry buckle was little more than a mediocre blueberry muffin.

The service was a tad rushed – from start to finish, we were there exactly one hour, which, for three courses (and a rare opportunity to linger over a child-free meal), we felt the pace could have been a bit more leisurely. Still, it was opening night, and this is one of the minor glitches that we’re sure will be addressed as the season progresses.

The view from our window seat, even after sunset was lovely with spotlights highlighting the Nantucket Sound. We highly recommend requesting a window seat – while the other tables are adequate, housed in a wood paneled open dining room with exposed brick fireplace leading to the bar, they pale in comparison to the water views.

The Ocean House is currently opened for dinner Wednesday through Sunday and reservations are suggested. Dessert disappointment and pace aside, for exceptional food and gorgeous views, this is one restaurant we will recommend and return to again.

Mad Hatter High Teas During March

2010-03-06T09:02:00.005-05:00

During the month of March, join us at the Captains House Inn in "Wonderland" for our Mad Hatter high teas. While we serve traditional English high tea year round, our daughter's recent obsession with Alice in Wonderland inspired us to develop a Mad Hatter Tea menu as a fun twist during the month of March to liven up the winter with whimsical cookies and cakes, colorful tea pots, and mismatched China. Our daughter's fascination with wonderland landed at an ideal time as Disney celebrates Alice's "un-anniversary" and Tim Burton's release of the film makes its way to theaters.

All Mad Hatter tea guests will feast on treats like dice cookies, ischel tea pots, fondant dragonflies, and savory favorites such as stuffed mushroom caps, egg salad stacks, and cheese crisps. Everyone will go home with an Alice in Wonderland themed favor and a keepsake menu as a memento of their crazy tea experience. Mad Hatter teas are served daily between 3:00 and 4:30. The cost is $18/person and reservations are required. Don't be late for a very important date!

Captains House Inn Cookbook Released

2010-02-20T11:59:00.004-05:00

It has been a long time in the making, but finally, after over a year in production, we have released our first cookbook featuring 100 of our favorite recipes. Selling a cookbook has been a project I have had in the back of my mind since taking over ownership of the inn nearly four years ago. But until last year, the project has existed only in my mind until Rebecca Anne Chapman, an intern from 2008 to 2009 approached me with the idea of finally publishing all the recipes frequently requested by guests. "Go for it," I encouraged, "but you have no idea how time consuming and tedious this is going to be." I figured I had scared her off, but Becky persevered and several months later, with the help of our Executive Chef, Kevin Case, had submitted our most popular recipes to an online cookbook publishing company and was ready to go to print. It took me almost another year to proof the book, and finalize decisions like layout and photo selection, but the endless project is now hot off the press and available for sale.

The cookbook includes breakfast recipes like Eggs Italiano and Apple Dollar Pancakes as well as high tea treats such as Traditional Scones and Pineapple Right-Side-Up Cake. You can purchase the cookbook for $9.95 at our gift shop during your next visit or at our online store and we'll ship it to you. Cookbooks also make a wonderful gift and are a great way to remind that special someone of the wonderful time you shared at the Captains House Inn.

Nauset Beach Club Restaurant Hosting Italian Wine Dinner Specials

2010-01-17T09:37:00.003-05:00

During the next few months, the Nauset Beach Club, an Orleans eatery specializing in Northern Italian cuisine will be hosting regional Italian wine dinners. The first dinner will be held at 6:30 on Friday January, 29th and will focus on Puglia, a region located in the very south-east part of Italy. Cost per person is a very reasonable $45.00 excluding tax and gratuity, but inclusive of wine. The four course menu is enticing:

Antipasti

Marinated Mixed Olives and Pickled Baby Eggplant with Homemade Sun-dried Tomato Focaccia

Zuppa

Chickpea Soup with Short Pasta Tubes

Secondi

Individually Rolled Stuffed Veal, with Italian Parsley, Pecorino Cheese and Roasted Garlic, Apulia Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Roasted Fingerling Potato, Sautéed Broccoli Rabe

Marinated Grilled Lamb Sirloin, Salentino Rosso Wine Sauce, Fava Bean Puree, Wilted Farmed Dandelion and Preserved Lemon Rind

Dolce

Pecorino Romano Cheese, Crenshaw Melon with Drizzled Reduced Negroamaro Rosso, Almond Biscotti

Wine Selections

2008, Cantele, Chardonnay, Lecce
2004, Salice Salentino Riserva, Lecce

2003, Tormaresca, Negroamaro/Cabernet, Bari

As future dinners are announced, we will keep the blog updated. In the meantime, if your plans include a visit to the Captains House Inn to include January 29th, consider having us make you a reservation for this authentica Italian feast!

Jill's Top Ten Easy Peasy Holiday Decorations

2009-12-18T08:49:00.005-05:00

It is less than one week until Christmas and the Captains House Inn looks beautiful. I have to admit, though, that I cannot take credit for the festive holiday decorations this year. With two daughters under two, I left the tedious task of decorating to our more patient staff and James with a lot of help and orchestration from the masters of decorating, James' parents, Lynne and Lou. For them, fussing over lights, tinsel, and garland is a labor of love - they look forward to the annual chaos of it all while I am much happier inside with a mug of hot chocolate reading "That's Not My Santa Claus" over and over with my daughters. There are, however, some decorations I enjoy digging out every year - I call them Jill's Easy Peasy decorations and they require close to zero time and most importantly, zero frustration:

1. Santa Claus Hat Chair Covers - You can find holiday chair covers in many different designs. We use the santa hats at the inn - all you have to do is fit them over the back of your dining room chairs and - voila - the room is instantly festive!

2. Glass Snowflakes - These oversized ornaments can be found at most places that sell holiday decorations. We have a bunch in different sizes and hang them in windows and from ceiling hooks. The best part is, they can be left up all winter!

3. Wreath Magnets - If you're a wreath person, these are worth the investment. You can easily hang wreaths in windows and on glass doors without dealing with wire or ribbon.

4. Festive Hannukkah Candles - Since I am part Jewish, we celebrate the eight nights of Hannukkah at our house. While there aren't many Hannukkah decorations out there, I like to buy festive rainbow candles to add a little pizzaz to our menorah.

5. Become a Collector - My mother in-law is the biggest fan of Santa Claus over the age of five. She has wooden santa clauses, stuffed St. Nicks, santas made of glass, porcelin ones, mini ones, giant ones - and every year, she puts all her regular knick knacks in a big box and displays all the santas. Likewise, my father-in-law somehow became a collector of pig christmas tree ornaments - they buy a tree specifically for all the pigs. Find your holiday passion and make a show of it!

6. Charlie Brown Christmas Tree - Every year, James and I pick out the worst looking tree at the nursery. We've had short trees with big bottoms and tapered tops, trees with gaping holes in the branches, lopsided trees, and trees that were so stunted they were too small for our Christmas tree stand. But inevitably, with a bunch of lights and sparkly ornaments, our Charlie Brown trees wind up looking - well, passable anyway. It is a great way to save a few bucks and start a fun family tradition while you're at it.

7. Stocking Hangers - As a little girl, I remember my dad hamering nails into the brick surrounding our mantle so we could hang our stockings. It is probably common knowledge that they now make decorative hangers to place on the mantle, but I didn't discover them until just recently so to spare anyone trying to drill nails into brick, these hangers make my list. Pottery Barn makes them with picture frames to easily identify the stockings.

8. Holiday Card Tree - This wirey tree with clips for photos is perfect to display all your holiday cards. Then, no need to find storage for it when the holidays are over. Simply remove the cards and clip snapshots to it instead.

9. Advent Trees - My mother in law invented a fun tradition for our girls. Instead of traditional advent calendars, she bought each of them a mini pre-lit Christmas tree and two dozen mini ornaments. Our older daughter, Abigial caught onto the tradition quickly and can't wait to meticulously select a daily ornament.

10. Baby Pointessa Staircase - To jazz up your staircase for the holidays, buy 7-10 (depending on the size of your staircase) mini pointsettas (they usually sell them right in the grocery store) with different color foil surrounding the pots. Place one on every other stair and carry the holiday spirit from one floor to the next. The only caveat is that you will have to water the plants, but you can always cheat and buy fake ones - there are a lot of decent looking silk imitations out there now.

Regardless of your holiday decorating scheme, try to remember that unless you own an inn, there's no need for your home to scream Martha Stewart. Just have fun and embrace the holiday spirit. Happy holidays everyone and happy decorating!

Cape Cod Gift Ideas Part III

2009-12-13T11:55:00.006-05:00

Here is our final installment of Cape Cod gift ideas that we have been posting every day on Twitter.

Idea # 21 - The book Still Alice written by Cape Cod author Lisa Genova.
Idea #22 - Cards from Cape Card.
Idea # 23 - A growler of beer (or a shirt or a hat) from Cape Cod Beer .
Idea #24 - A Cape Cod Hammock.
Idea #25 - A tie from Vineyard Vines .
Idea #26 - The Last Best League - a book about the Cape Cod Baseball League - order from Where the Sidewalk Ends.
Idea #27 - Baby Quilt hand made on Cape Cod .
Idea #28 - A Cape Cod weathervane.
Idea #29 - Community Cookbook created by the Chatham Women's Club - Peggy at 508-348-1938.
Idea #30 - Maybe the best of them all - a gift certificate to the Captain's House Inn.

We hope you all have a Happy Holiday!

Cape Cod Gift Ideas Part II

2009-12-08T10:59:00.005-05:00

For those of you following us on Twitter, we now have posted twenty great Cape Cod gift ideas to help you with your holiday shopping. Over the next ten days, we will post ten more. You can learn about them on Twitter every day at noon, or we will post them here in ten days.

Idea # 11 - A sand snowflake ornament from your favorite Cape Cod Beach.
Idea #12 - A carved house number sign from the Chatham Sign Shop.
Idea #13 - A glass plate (or bowl) from Sydenstrickers.
Idea #14 - Gourmet oil and vinegar from Gustare - one of our favorites is the Cinnamon Pear Balsamic.
Idea # 15 - A Captain's House Inn robe.
Idea # 16 - A gift certifcate to Buca's - one of our favorite year round restaurants.
Idea #17 - A Cape Cod photograph from Jon Vaughan - the Peaked Hills is one of our favorites.
Idea # 18 - A subscription to Cape Cod Life Magazine.
Idea #19 - A "Dogs of Cape Cod" 2010 calendar.
Idea #20 - A Cape Cod doormat.

Cape Cod Gift Ideas

2009-11-27T11:53:00.007-05:00

To help out with the holiday shopping, we have been posting Cape Cod gift ideas on our Twitter page. Every day at noon, we have been listing a great Cape Cod present to help you out with your shopping. We have posted 10 so far, and will do another 20. Follow along on Twitter, or wait 10 more days and we will update them here.

1) A wine club from Truro Vineyards.
2) A beautiful Cape Cod necklace.
3) An antique map of Cape Cod or one of the towns that make up the Cape.
4) Spa appointments at Sol Spa in Harwich or Le Petit Day Spa in Chatham.
5) Delicious jam and jelly made at Chatham Jam and Jelly shop.
6) Hire Bob Hessler to be your personal chef for a relaxing, romantic dinner at home.
7) An aerial tour of Cape Cod.
8) A Captain's House Inn mug - a great way to wake up in the morning.
9) Chocolate covered cranberries (or any thing else) from the Candy Manor.
10) A Nantucket Basket made on Nantucket.

Happy shopping.

Cranberry Pecan Bread Recipe

2009-11-11T09:34:00.002-05:00

Part of the Captain's House Inn's holiday high tea menu...

Oven Temp: 350f
2 large loaf pans

4 Cups Unbleached all-purpose flour
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1Tsp Baking Soda
2 Eggs
½ Tsp Salt
½ Tsp Ground Cloves
½ Tsp Ground Cardamom
1 ½ Sticks Unsalted Butter,(melted)
1 1/3 Granulated Sugar
2 Cups Fresh or Frozen Whole Cranberries (coarsely chopped)
1 ½ Cup Pecans (toasted and coarsely chopped) - optional
Finely Grated Zest and Juice of 1 Large Navel Orange
2/3 Cup Buttermilk

Method:
Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cloves and cardamom into a medium mixing bowl. Set aside. Combine the melted butter, buttermilk, and orange zest and juice in a small mixing bowl .Set aside.

On a high speed beat together the egg and sugar in a large mixing bowl until they are thick and light yellow in color. Beat on a low speed the melted butter mixture. Scrape down the sides with a spatula several times during the mixing. Mix in the flour mixture and finally the cranberries and pecans just to combine. Pour and scrape the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the top with the spatula.

Bake until cake tester inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean, 55-60 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn the loaf out onto the rack. Set it aside and let it cool completely until slicing.

The baked and cooled loaf can be stored at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 1 week. It may be frozen for 3 months.

Skibo Castle Ginger Shortbread

2009-11-11T09:29:00.002-05:00

Part of the Captains House Inn's holiday high tea menu...

Oven Temperature 350F
Yield Makes about 5 dozen
Pan Size 13 x 9 inch Metal Baking Pan

Ingredients (Shortbread Base):
1 ¼ Cups All Purpose Flour
3 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Tsp Ground Ginger
¼ Tsp Salt
1 Stick Cold Unsalted Butter, cut into pieces.

Ingredients (Topping):
¾ Stick Unsalted Butter
1 Tbsp Lyles Golden Syrup (British Cane Sugar Syrup)
1 Cup Confectioners Sugar
½ Tsp Ground Ginger
½ Tsp Vanilla

Method (Shortbread Base)
1. Sift together dry ingredients and blend in butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
2. Press evenly into bottom of pan. (Base will be thin)
3. Bake in middle of oven until golden and crisp. 12 - 16 minutes (at 9 minutes start topping).

Method (Topping):
1. Melt butter in a small saucepan and whisk in remaining ingredients until smooth.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer, stirring for 30 seconds.
3. Remove shortbread from the oven and pour topping over, tilting pan to cover.
4. Leave to set and cut into sqauares.

Holiday High Tea Menu Starting Soon

2009-11-11T08:57:00.005-05:00

On November 28th, the Captains House Inn will kick off its annual holiday high tea menu. Served throughout the month of December, our festive menu includes treats like smoked salmon pate stuffed cucumber cups, vidalia onion and carrot tea sandwiches, homemade cranberry bread with citrus cream cheese and mouth watering desserts like our signature mini English trifles, Skibo Castle ginger fingers, and stollen scones.

Whether you are a guest at the inn and decide to add a high tea to your stay or you're a local resident in search of a special meal, the Captains House Inn holiday tea menu is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Tea is served daily with seatings from 3:00 to 4:30; reservations are required, preferably 48 hours in advance. Price is $18/person for outside guests and $7.50/person for in-house guests.

We look forward to making your 2009 holiday season special.

Cape Cod Fall Specials

2009-10-28T17:23:00.004-04:00

With the off-season approaching, this is a perfect time to visit the Cape for some excellent deals. We are now officially in our winter rates and for extra value, offer a mid-week special starting in November.

Cape Sea Grille - Harwich - Has a $25 3 course special, which they are offering Thursday, Friday and Sunday all night and Saturdays between 5 and 545 pm.

DelMar Bistro - Chatham - Offering a $18 three course dinner Sunday through Thursdays. Jill had the pan roasted salmon which was delicous.

Ocean House - Dennis - Enjoy water views and a three course prix fixe menu for $26 Wednesday through Sunday evenings.

Wild Goose Tavern - Chatham - Thursday night is ladies night with 1/2 price apps from 3 till close.

November is an ideal time to visit the Captains House Inn and Cape Cod - with these great deals, a luxurious, romantic getaway is easy on the wallet and a much needed reprieve from the hustle and bustle of your daily routine.

Another Girl

2009-10-13T13:10:00.003-04:00

Innkeepers Jill and James are happy to announce the birth of their second girl, Paige Elizabeth Meyer. Paige was born October 12th at 8:36am. She weighs 6 pounds 9 ounces and is 20 inches long. Mom and Paige are doing well and Dad realizes he is really out numbered now.

For everyone who had an entry in our baby pool, it was very close. Barbara Boni had the closest guess for birth date and time, the Lesh's were only 1 ounce away on the birth weight and there were two correct guesses on the length. However, the overall winners of the baby pool and the $250 gift certificate are Denise and Barry Lloyd. Congratulations to the Lloyds and thank you for every one who participated.

Cape Cod Vacation Itinerary Day Five

2009-10-10T10:46:00.003-04:00

If you have enough time during your Cape Cod vacation, and you’re up for another jaunt to an island, head to Martha’s Vineyard where each of the island’s six charming towns boasts its own personality and charm. To get there, you can take one of two ferry lines – Steamship Authority out of Woods Hole, abut an hour and a quarter from the Captains House Inn and a 45 minute ride on the high speed ferry, or Hy-Line Cruises out of Hyannis, about a 40 minute ride from the inn and an hour on the ferry. You may also choose to fly out of Hyannis airport, which saves time, but is a bit more expensive and not ideal for anyone prone to fear of flying as the aircraft between the mainland and island are rather small! While there is the (quite pricey) option to take your car on the Steamship Authority ferry with advance reservations, we do not recommend doing this as the island has plenty of public transportation, cabs, and even rentals if you do prefer your own wheels.

Once there, many folks find a brief bus tour of the island is helpful in understanding the layout and getting a thorough overview before setting out on their own. Martha’s Vineyard Transportation and Tours offers several different tour options, the most popular of which is a one hour overview of the island. Next, take your pick of towns to explore – you may be inclined to head to Chilmark, a rural, unspoiled town, home to a small fishing village and a working sheep farm. Or, if you prefer more hustle and bustle, Edgartown, Oaks Bluff, and Vineyard Haven are the most popular destinations among tourists. Edgartown is renowned for its impressive ship owner and whaling captains’ mansions lining North Water Street. The downtown area offers upscale shops and gourmet restaurants, and nestled beside Memorial Wharf is the Chappaquiddick ferry transporting passengers to the “island within and island” where highlights include Mytoi, Japanese gardens, and a vast expanse of coastal nature preserves.

Vineyard Haven is the port where most ferries drop passengers and is home to a naturally protected harbor which was once one of the busiest in the United States and along which Gannon and Benjamin boatyards, one of the finest manufacturers of wood yachts, is located. Downtown, grab lunch at the Black Dog Tavern, a well known eatery attracting tourists from all over (though Vineyard Haven is a dry town, so despite its name, alcohol is not served here).

Don’t miss Oaks Bluff, the island’s liveliest town, particularly in the wee hours during the summer months. Take a ride on Flying Horses, the nation’s oldest operating carousel and explore Union Chapel dating back to 1870. For animal lovers, a visit to Island Alpaca, is a must. Here, the alpacas are bred, raised, and sold and visitors can enjoy a self guided tour and learn all about the gentle, unique creatures.

Clearly, Martha’s Vineyard is packed with sightseeing and activities that can easily fill a day, but be sure to head back to the Cape with enough time to get ready for dinner because tonight, you’re heading to the Impudent Oyster – an unfailing crowd pleaser and landmark in Chatham for over thirty years. Here, the fresh seafood and bustling atmosphere consistently earn rave reviews from guests. Finally, snuggle into our 600 thread count sheets with a full belly and visions of Martha’s Vineyard architecture, harbors, and alpacas dancing in your head.

Dining in Wellfleet and Provincetown

2009-10-02T09:30:00.004-04:00

Just a few weeks before our second baby is due to arrive, James and I managed to squeeze in a one night getaway to Provincetown, complete with two uninterrupted meals and one uninterrupted nights sleep. We will look back on that 24 hour period fondly over the next few months, not only because of the peace and quiet we enjoyed, but because the restaurants in which we dined were exceptional - and good food, to us, is often the highlight of our fondest memories.

On the drive up to Provincetown, we stopped in Wellfleet, a small artist’s town, which, despite its diminutive size, is packed with galleries, boutiques, and great restaurants, most of which specialize in local fare. We had heard positive reviews about a place called the Bookstore and Restaurant and decided to give it a try. Though completely different from our expectations (we had envisioned a less modern, more cutesy Barnes and Nobel type operation), the Bookstore Restaurant was a fantastic kick off to our 24 hour escape. Overlooking the harbor, the eatery is a casual, family owned throwback in time. We dined on the glassed in porch just beside the makeshift oyster shucking bar where the young men casually shucked as if they had been doing so since they could walk (which just may have been true!). The menu is extensive with everything from salads to fried fare to sandwiches and burgers and plenty of Wellfleet oysters, of course. I enjoyed one of my all time favorites – a lobster roll, which, for $14.95 was packed with more lobster meat than some competitors’ $20 rival rolls. James ordered an oyster stew – a simple chowder base chock full of the local specialty, bursting with flavor and just the right consistency. After our meal, we sauntered over to the bookstore – talk about a throwback in time! The store was bursting at the seams with an eclectic collection of reading material and the woman who pleasantly greeted us warned us that if the dust was too much – “run for the door!” Book lovers could probably spend hours exploring the haphazard collections packed onto the shelves, but we cut our visit short and hit the road to our final destination – Provincetown – where we spent a leisurely afternoon working up an appetite for our next meal.

Dinner was booked well in advance as was recommended, at the Red Inn, a 200 year old property overlooking Provincetown Harbor. We were seated at a window table overlooking the water, where, as the evening wore on, we watched the tide gradually creep right up to the inn and wash away the single set of footsteps that were so perfectly plotted along the shoreline, it looked like a postcard. This was, by far, one of the most romantic restaurants we’ve dined at – the intimate, dimly lit dining room was arranged so we could hardly see other patrons and the old world, rustic feel complete with wide plank floors, a brick fireplace, and beamed ceilings, was just our speed. Pair the setting with world class food and an impressive wine list, and we could see why the Red Inn receives glowing accolades and requires reservations six weeks in advance in the high season. To start, I couldn’t resist the lobster and artichoke fondue in a sourdough bowl while James chose the bacon wrapped fried oysters. After my dramatic love affair with the fondue during which I actually silenced James so I could fully focus on the dish, my entrée, a special that evening, halibut with capers and Kalamata olives over Israeli couscous arrived along with James’ chili rubbed double thick pork chop. Both dishes were fantastic and we finished the evening with a big slice of homemade peanut butter mousse pie – okay, I ate most of it, but I’m eating for two and James knows not to take more than a taste or two of his pregnant wife’s dessert. We sunk into a food induced coma that night – our last sound sleep for awhile.

Both restaurants are open year round.

Gracie's Tables Makes the Cut

2009-09-26T10:23:00.005-04:00

I must have driven by Gracie's Tables on Old King's Highway (a.k.a. route 6A) in Dennis dozens of times during my six years of living on Cape Cod. But it wasn’t until a friend suggested we go treat ourselves to tapas one evening that I knew it existed. From the moment I walked in the door, I was sold – a cozy bar area with high tops and a small, but well stocked copper bar is in the entrance leading to an intimate dining room. The room held just a handful of tables, which being nine months pregnant at the time, I was particularly delighted to find were surrounded by comfy banquettes and cushy throw pillows. Upstairs, I learned, were more tables making a relatively average size restaurant seem far more cozy. I hoped the food would measure up to the warm, inviting atmosphere and as luck would have it, I wasn’t disappointed.

A welcome diversion from traditional Cape Cod menus, Gracie’s Tables is the Cape’s original Tapas restaurant featuring Spanish tapas and petite entrees with influences from southwest France and northern Spain and an emphasis on local, organic ingredients. While the petite entrees were tempting (particularly the fish of the day – swordfish topped with local fried oysters), we stood by our original plan and sampled several tapas plates. The Pa Amb Tomaquet (tomato bread) is a must – bursting with tomato, sea salt, and garlic flavors, it was the perfect start to our feast. We continued with frog’s legs (the meat fell right off the bone and they were served with a tasty confetti of garlic, tomato, shallot and parsley) and beet risotto – not something I would typically order, but I was pleasantly surprised with a subdued beet flavor coupled with creamy goat cheese. Three more tapas followed - perfectly cooked, melt in your mouth scallop and chorizo skewers, spinach fritters with spicy aioli and chili sauce (though not labor inducingly spicy, unfortunately), and patatas bravas (a.k.a. French fries), which were not as crispy as I would have preferred, but the sweet and sour dipping sauce made up for the lack of crunch. We didn’t save room for dessert, but the couple next to us was drooling over something decadently chocolately looking which I learned was the house specialty Valhrona Chocolate Cake, made up of 70% dark chocolate – wow! My only complaint? To put it delicately, the garlic taste in my mouth didn’t quite dissipate until breakfast the following morning, but perhaps if I had indulged in that chocolate dessert, I could have warded off my pungent breath sooner.

Gracie’s Tables is open year round with limited days during the off season. Reservations are accepted.

Facebook and Twitter

2009-09-22T17:25:00.002-04:00

The Captain's House Inn is slowly trying to catch up with the rest of the world. You can now be come a fan of the Captain's House Inn on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. Look for updates, information and new finds. The blog will also keep you up to date as well. Any ideas on how to make them both better are really appreciated. James is really struggling with both sites.

Cape Cod Vacation Itinerary Day Four

2009-09-18T11:04:00.003-04:00

After a busy day on Nantucket, an R&R day is order for the middle of your Cape Cod week vacation. In previous blogs, I've discussed beaches and the Cape Cod rail trail, both of which fit the bill in terms of kicking back. If neither of those ideas appeal to you, or, if you come across a rainy day during your stay, how about a leisurely drive along Old Kings Highway (a.k.a route 6A) which runs along the north coast of the Cape. This scenic route is dotted with antique, glass, and pottery shops and the old clapboard homes and inns truly depict the charm of old Cape Cod.

Head west along the highway and don't miss stops at the Brewster General Store for a throw back in time, Sydenstricker Glass in Brewster which showcases a huge selection of glassware in a variety of designs, Dianne Heart Pottery in Brewster where Dianne creates one of my personal favorite pieces - a tea mug with a little slot for the teabag string, and The Barn and Co. in Dennis for one of a kind treasures many of which are created by local artisans.

Stop at the Brewster Fish House for an unbeatable seafood lunch. Don't miss the lobster bisque - some of the best I've ever had chock full of fresh lobster meat and bursting with flavor.

Continue west and eventually come to the village of Sandwich, the oldest town on the Cape and home of the Heritage Museum and Gardens which also houses an antique automobile collection and the Glass Museum where sometimes you can catch a glass blowing demonstration. Browse through the quaint downtown area in the many galleries, antique, and glass shops before heading back east, this time taking the more efficient route six.

For dinner, take a break from traditional seafood and head to Buca's in Harwich, just 10-15 minutes from the Captains House Inn. Buca's features fantastic northern Italian cuisine in a cozy, romantic setting. Every time we dine there, the authentic food, dim lighting, and red checked table clothes make us feel like we've been transported to Italy itself. No matter what you order, you can't go wrong, but don't skip dessert with a glass of Vin Santo, a traditional Italian dessert wine, perfect to cap off a relaxing day.

Enter Innkeeper's Baby Pool to Win $250 Gift Certificate

2009-09-07T10:50:00.003-04:00

NOTE: DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS SEPTEMBER 28TH.

Innkeepers Jill and James are expecting their second baby at the end of October...or sooner!

On August 31st, at 32 weeks pregnant, I was rushed by ambulance to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston with contractions two minutes apart. Luckily, doctors were able to stop the preterm labor with a series of drugs and released me back to Cape Cod where I have been confined to bed rest for the duration of the pregnancy.

Meanwhile, James has been stepping into my shoes as meeter, greeter, and breakfast server in the mornings and has thankfully been doing a far better job than if Iever had to fill his accounting and substitute chef roles! With help from grandparents, interns, and a babysitter, our16 month old daughter is in good hands while James manages the inn so all is under control - except of course, for my need to contribute to the operations of the inn.

Hence, a baby pool I've created from the confines of my bed...we invite all readers to participate in this fun contest for a chance to win a $250 gift certificate toward a stay at the Captains House Inn. Here is some preliminary information to point you in the right direction:

• We already have a sixteen month old daughter who was born at 33.5 weeks gestation and weighed 4.3 oz., and was 17 inches long.
• Until Sunday, August 30th, Jill’s current pregnancy was uneventful (though Jill is quite rotund). Then, at almost 32 weeks, Jill experienced regular contractions and was pronounced 2 cm dilated, 70% effaced, and the contractions were coming every two minutes. After being ambulanced to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, the contractions were halted with medication and Jill was ordered to bed rest with hopes to prolong the pregnancy as long as possible.
• Jill’s due date is October 27th. She was confined to bed rest just shy of 32 weeks pregnant on August 31st.

All entries will be inputted into an online baby pool forum where we have a secure account and all guesses will be scored based on the system’s weighted scoring system (incorrect gender: 400 points, date & time: 5 points per hour, weight: 5 points per ounce, length:10 points per inch)

Copy and paste the following details into an email to info@captainshouseinn.com and as the subject of the email, simply put "Baby Pool Entry."

Your Name:
Your Phone Number:
Baby's Gender:
Date of Birth:
Time of Birth:
Baby's Weight (in lbs. and oz.):
Baby's Length (in inches):

OPTIONAL QUESTION: (does not count toward pool):
Suggestions for baby boy names (we have our girl name picked, but are struggling with the boy…middle name will be either Louis or William, last name is Meyer):

Thank you for entering and good luck!

Cape Cod Vacation Itinerary - Day Three

2009-09-05T08:43:00.006-04:00

Depending on how long your Cape Cod vacation is, you may wish to dedicate a day to exploring either Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket. Either island is well worth a day trip if time allows and if you have time for just one, Nantucket would be my recommendation based on its easy navigability, renowned charm, and upscale shops and restaurants.

From May through September, take advantage of Freedom Cruise Line's high speed ferry out of Harwich Port. The ferry ride is 80 minutes and the port is located an easy 20 minutes from the Captains House Inn with free parking. During the non-peak season, you can travel out of Hyannis with Hy-Line Cruises or save time by taking a prop plane out of Hyannis Airport. However you choose to travel, allow the entire day to take advantage of all Nantucket has to offer.

To get the inside scoop on the island from a local's point of view, allow us to book you on one of Gail's Tours upon docking at the port. Gail will take you on a nearly two hour tour of Nantucket pointing out areas of interest you would never discover on your own. Wind up back at the port and right near the beautiful, cobblestoned downtown area where shops are plentiful and the scenery is postcard perfect. Stroll around and pick up a souvenir or two before heading over to one of Nantucket's finest restaurants, Toppers at the Wauwinet Inn. Topper's is listed in USA Today's top 100 restaurants in the U.S. and has received accolades from prestigious publications like Zagats, Bon Appetit, Travel and Leisure, and National Geographic. The restaurant offers both deck and dining room seating, both of which options enjoy spectacular water views coupled with locally influenced cuisine and an award winning wine list.

Walk off lunch with a leisurely stroll along one of Nantucket's many pristine beaches. Just down the road from the Wauwinet Inn, check out Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, the largest red cedar, savanna, and woodland in New England. The refuge is a great spot to view Great Point Light House from the outside, and is covered with rolling dunes, bayberry, beach plum, heather, and beach grass. Guided tours are also available in season.

A visit to Nantucket wouldn't be complete without a quick stop at the Whaling Museum which was restored in 2005 and features a restored 1847 candle factory, expanded top-quality exhibition space, a fully accessible rooftop observation deck overlooking Nantucket harbor, and the sperm whale skeleton.

Finally, if libations are your thing, finish off the day with a visit to Cisco Breweries, the local beer brewery and also home of Triple Eight Vodka Distillery and Nantucket Vineyards Wine. Sample whatever you want and purchase a bottle or two to bring back to the Captains House Inn for a pre-dinner cocktail.

After heading back on the ferry, a casual, light dinner is likely in order. Head into downtown Chatham where the Squire has dished out pub fare and has been known as the local watering hole for 40 years. Indulge in some of the best fried oysters or chowder around before heading back to the Captains House Inn to collapse into bed after a jam packed day of fun.

Cape Cod Vacation Itinerary Day Two

2009-08-28T16:21:00.004-04:00

Wake up on the first full day of your Cape Cod vacation to a tray of tea, coffee and juice delivered to your room. Linger over your morning caffeine fix outside on one of our private terraces in the summer or in front of your fireplace in the winter. Then, make your way to our dining room, or spoil yourself and order breakfast to your room - either way, enjoy a two course gourmet breakfast and an extensive buffet while reading the local paper and chatting with the interns and innkeepers about your plans for the day.

After breakfast, head North toward Provincetown, the tip of the Cape. Along the way, don't miss stopping off at the Fort Hill area in Eastham where you can stroll along the trails on the marshy shoreline, the National Seashore beaches such as Coast Guard Beach and Marconi Beach, the many lighthouses dotting the shoreline, and the artist's town of Wellfleet known not just for oysters, but for its many galleries. For lunch in the summer, you may wish to stop at Arnold's, famous for fried seafood and "the best onion rings around," or the Beachcomber at Cahoon Hollow Beach with a hopping scene overlooking the beach. In the winter, save your appetite for Napi's in Provincetown, a landmark featuring a varied menu with something for everyone.

Provincetown offers a myriad of options, depending on the season and your preferences. From April through October, enjoy a whalewatch with the Dolphin Fleet where year after year, tourists can view whales frolicking in the water just beside the boat. Another popular choice is taking a four wheel tour of the Dunes with Art's Dune tours where you can see "the other Provincetown." Don't miss strolling along Commercial Street, Provincetown's main drag where the people watching alone is worth a trip. On the return trip to Chatham, stop off at Truro Vineyards if time allows. There, you can enjoy a tasting of their wines under a tent and learn about their winemaking process.

Finally, head back to the inn to unwind before heading out to dinner. To complete your day of seaside fun, head to the Cape Sea Grille in Harwich Port for some of the best food around. There is a nice variety of seafood on the menu in addition to several land options - no matter what you order, you can't go wrong. Finish the evening with a plate of homemade cookies and hot tea or coffee from our open kitchen before resting up for another fun filled day tomorrow.

Golf specials in Brewster

2009-08-08T13:33:00.004-04:00

For those of you looking for a last minute getaway (yes we do have a few rooms still available in August) or those of you wondering what to do during your stay at the Captain's House Inn, the Captain's Golf Course has some great specials in the month of August. With two par 72 courses, the Captain's Golf Course offers some premier golfing here on the lower Cape. And with specials in August, there's never been a better time to golf at the Captain's.

Cape Cod Vacation Itinerary Day One

2009-07-24T13:23:00.008-04:00

Whether you plan to spend ten nights or ten hours on your Cape Cod getaway, there are plenty of activities and day trips to fill your time and the next few posts are suggested itineraries to ensure you get the most out of your vacation.

Day One

On your arrival day, if you're anything like me, you will want to unwind from your travels and get situated in your room before heading out to get your bearings. At the Captains House Inn, we are happy to bring a pot of tea or a glass of fresh lemonade to your room while you unpack, relax, and plan your afternoon.

I usually suggest guests head to downtown Chatham as their first stop. Main Street is lined with countless boutiques, galleries, and restaurants and one can spend an afternoon meandering along the mile long stretch window shopping or enjoying a full blown shopping spree. Don't miss some of my favorite shops - the Dalli Lama for unique silver jewelry, the Crooked Fence, set back from the street behind Carmine's Pizzeria, chock full of decorative home goods, and Where the Sidewalk Ends, an independent bookstore featuring numerous special events held throughout the year. Take a break from shoppping and grab lunch on the outdoor terrace at the Wild Goose Tavern - the chowder is some of our favorite and the menu is varied with fresh salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and a no frills lobster roll, which, as far as I'm concerned is the only way to serve this Cape Cod specialty properly.

Finish the afternoon with a stroll or quick drive down to Lighthouse Beach where you can snap a picture of Chatham's famous lighthouse and putter along the shoreline of the beach and maybe catch a glimpse of a seal or two. Then, continue down Shore Road to the fish pier next to Nickerson's Fish Market where you can watch the fishermen unload their catch as the seals linger in the water awaiting the occasional fish gone overboard. Finally, return to the Captains House to enjoy our cream tea in the dining room or outdoor terrace and relax with a good book in one of our adirondeck chairs scattered throughout the grounds before preparing to go out to dinner.

Complete the day with a casual, yet exceptional seafood dinner at Chatham's Pisces Restaurant, just ten minutes from the inn. Pisces is a small, chef owned eatery featuring some of the best local seafood around. Dishes are innovative without overpowering the fresh fish flavors and the ambiance will truly set the mood for the rest of your Cape Cod vacation.

Fabulous New Restaurant Off the Beaten Path

2009-07-04T12:40:00.003-04:00

Have you ever accidentally stumbled on a hole in the wall restaurant to discover that your low expectations were way off base? Such was the case for us at a new eatery in Hyannis called Pain d'Avignon located on a tiny side street we would never turned down had it not been for a flat tire. Tucked away behind the main thoroughfare and nestled in what appears to be an industrial park, we happened upon a trendy European style café which masquerades as a bakery and sandwich shop by day and a French bistro restaurant by night. Waiting for AAA to come change our tire proved the perfect opportunity to sit at one of the outdoor tables and enjoy a bowl of carrot ginger soup and warm eggplant sandwich on homemade brioche. Wow. We couldn’t resist a couple huge oatmeal cookies for dessert which (and I know this is a bold statement) were the best I’ve ever had in my life. We made a mental note to return soon for dinner, and three nights later, found ourselves at the same table, this time with wait service and a menu featuring small and large plates, tapas style.

Between the two of us, we enjoyed a gnocchi dish with peas, carrots, morels and parmesan, a “Mangez a Trois” slider selection of truffled Kobe beef burger, lobster salad, and grilled eggplant, housemade ricotta, and tartare de boeuf with crispy shallots. Again, wow. We could have done shots of the tartare dressing, and the “undressed” Kobe beef burger was in no need of condiments, cheese, or even a pickle for that matter. We didn’t think the meal could improve, but it did. A trio of desserts – strawberry rhubarb pie (again, the best I’ve ever had in my life and I’m not exaggerating), raspberry panna cotta, and fresh strawberries with balsamic, mint, and crumbled biscotti. We left feeling pleasantly plump and planning a return visit.

We learned that the mastermind behind the exceptional food is Chef Toby Hill, formerly executive chef of a Chatham restaurant we once frequented. Chef Hill is notorious for combining unexpected flavors and producing some of the finest and most unique cuisine we have ever experienced.

With a great wine and beer list, European setting, outstanding food, and, of course, loaves and loaves of freshly baked bread, Pain d’Avignon is an off the beaten path gem we’re sure glad we found.

Cape Cod Offers the Best in Local Theatre

2009-06-15T13:04:00.002-04:00

In addition to dozens of beaches, scenic bike trails, and countless antique shops, Cape Cod also offers some of the best in local theatre and the Captains House Inn in Chatham is just minutes from several renowned venues. Located just a mile from the inn, the Monomoy Theatre in Chatham will open for its 52nd season on June 23rd and will kick off with the all American musical, Anything Goes. Also included in the line up for the season, the timeless love story, Romeo and Juliet, and a show-stopping comedy, Room Service.

Also just minutes from the Captains House Inn is the Chatham Drama Guild which will begin the 2009 season on July 17th with a rendition of the Velveteen Rabbit.

Other venues include the Academy of Performing Arts in Orleans, just 20 minutes from the Captains House Inn which is currently featuring the musical, Chicago with upcoming performances to include Sleeping Beauty and Godspell. The Cape Playhouse in Dennis, less than 30 minutes from the Captains House Inn will kick off its 2009 season with the Musical of Musicals on June 22nd. For for some risque entertainment, the Crown & Anchor in Provincetown is legendary for its leading drag entertainers and comedians, sensational singers and even world premiere theatrical productions.

Finally, for those who prefer the big screen to live theatre, the Wellfleet movie theatre is one of the few remaining drive ins in the country. Not only are the parking lots chock full of cars angled in to the giant screen, but the playground swarms with children winding down before the entertainment and the casual restaurant pumps out juicy burgers, fried seafood, and of course popcorn and movie snacks throughout the evening.

While many feel a trip to Cape Cod is not complete without lounging on one of its many pristine beaches, the Cape has now earned a following of theatre goers who round out their Cape Cod evenings with a healthy dose of entertainment.

Coast Guard Beach Named One of Nation's Top Ten Beaches

2009-05-29T10:25:00.004-04:00

Coast Guard Beach, one of Cape Cod's most popular beach destinations was named one of the top ten beaches in the country in 2009 by "Dr. Beach," Stephen P. Leatherman. Included in Leatherman's top ten are several beaches throughout Hawaii, Florida, California, and the Carolinas. While Cape Cod lacks the year round picture perfect climate of other destinations on the list, Coast Guard Beach compensates with pristine facilities, easy parking, and most importantly, waves worthy of two surfing website web cams honed in on it at all times.

Located just 25 minutes from the Captains House Inn, Coast Guard Beach is a favorite day trip for guests. But for those who prefer a shorter drive or calmer waters, Chatham offers 70 miles of shoreline dotted with its own award-worthy beaches. Chatham Light Beach, just 1.5 miles from the Captains House is a favorite for sun worshippers and Hardings Beach, just ten minutes from the inn offers breathtaking sunsets. For those who prefer strolling along the shore to lounging, Monomoy Wildlife Sanctuary, a five minute drive from the Captains House offers a long stretch of sandy shoreline complete with dozens of horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs, and other sea creatures to observe.

Whichever beach guests choose to spend their leisurely getaway perusing, Cape Cod's myriad of options awaits and never fails to impress travelers and locals alike.

Bicycling Cape Cod's Rail Trail

2009-05-09T13:01:00.002-04:00

After the long, cold winter and before the heat makes us want to do nothing but lounge on one of Cape Cod’s many beautiful beaches, travelers can take advantage of the perfect weather for biking along Cape Cod’s scenic rail trail. The trail follows 22 miles of former railroad from Dennis to Wellfleet and with paved paths, few hills, and wide shoulders, it is an ideal route for a leisurely cycle through Cape Cod.

Along the trail, cyclists will find several opportunities to pull off for a bite to eat or relax on a beach. Popular stopping points are Coast Guard Beach in Eastham and Nickerson State Park in Brewster. Travelers can rent bikes at a number of shops dotted along the trail including Chatham Cycle, just down the street from the Captains House Inn or at Brewster Bike in Brewster. While the scenery and exhilaration of biking make a day of cycling along the rail trail worthwhile, the icing on the cake is returning to the Captains House Inn for cream tea, knowing that every calorie consumed is already burned off!

Chatham Anglers 2009 Season Approaches

2009-05-01T11:05:00.003-04:00

As the warm weather slowly rolls in, Chatham, Massachusetts prepares for one of its longstanding summer traditions - Cape Cod baseball league season. The premier amateur baseball league in the nation since 1885, the Cape Cod baseball league celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. With over 1,000 alumni performing at all levels of professional baseball in 2008, a record total 212 former Cape leaguers play in the major leagues.

With such a high caliber of talent, it stands to reason that the Cape Cod ball games are consistently packed with fans who enjoy unsurpassed entertainment for only a voluntary donation. The Captains House Inn, located just 1/2 mile from the Chatham Anglers, (formerly the Chatham Athletics), ball field is an ideal location to stroll over to catch a game, and maybe grab a burger at the nearby Red Nun. The Anglers will kick off opening day at a home game against Wareham on June 12th at 7:00 p.m. The new schedule has been published and tourists and locals alike wait with baited breath for opening day - the official start to Cape Cod summer.

Captains House Inn Receives 23rd Consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award

2009-04-21T09:56:00.003-04:00

We are pleased to announce that for the 23rd consecutive year, the Captains House Inn in Chatham, Massachusetts received the AAA four diamond award. Each year, 65 full time tourism editors evaluate over 58,000 hotels and restaurants. Of those, only about 3% are awarded the coveted four diamond award.

We are anonymously inspected annually, and must meet certain criteria in order to maintain our four diamond status which includes the entire booking process straight through to the guest’s check-out. For example, the phone must be answered in less than three rings and we must use the guest’s name with frequency. On check-in, assistance with luggage must be provided, and throughout the guest’s stay, excellent service must be adhered to at all times. Finally, the inspector evaluates the cleanliness, general comfort level, and maintenance of the inn. We believe the reason we continue to receive the award year after year is that we treat every guest as if he or she was a AAA inspector. This way, when the actual inspector reveals his identity, we are not caught off guard and wondering if we did everything properly – we are always confident that we did.

To experience our four diamond facilities and service for yourself, click here to book online now.

New H2O Line of Bath Amenities!

2009-04-09T14:31:00.003-04:00

Like many aspects of innkeeping, selecting an amenity product line isn’t as straightforward and fun as one might envision. Sure, there are endless samples to test, fragrances to sniff, and new products to ponder. But after accumulating a lifetime supply of travel size shampoos and bath gels, and months of inhaling everything from green tea vanilla to cherry blossom freesia, we still hadn’t hit upon “the one.” See, it’s not just about finding a high end product with a pleasant scent that we, personally like. Our criteria were threefold:

1. Packaging – As a four diamond inn, we obviously look for a sleek, high end presentation and many product lines offer the look we’re after. However, it is important to us that the product not only look nice, but is functional. I’m sure we’ve all had the experience of struggling to squeeze a dollop of shampoo from a too-small bottle opening despite the fact that there is plenty of shampoo congealed to the bottom of the container. The problem with many travel size products is that they sit up-right and offer no “squeezability.” So we specifically look for squeeze tubes that sit upside down on the cap – after all, our guests are here on vacation – we want to offer a relaxing shower as opposed to one in which they emerge with little rings embedded into the palms of their hands from smacking the bottle against them repeatedly.

2. Fragrance – Granted, most women love to smell like a rose garden all day. But we fear this might be a tad emasculating for our male guests. Trying to find a gender-neutral, yet pleasant scent is not as easy as one might imagine!

3. Theme – Since we are located on Cape Cod near dozens of beaches, we wanted our amenity line to reflect the seaside feel of the inn. We fell in love with a wonderful pomegranate product which we almost ordered, but felt it was more appropriate for a property in, say, Hawaii. Also, a plus for us, based on several comment cards we have received, is that the line we select be manufactured in America. So our search continued….

Finally, after much deliberation, the winner was selected – H2O Plus’s Spa Line known for their unique combinations of nourishing marine ingredients and advanced technology, a perfect harmony of nature and science. Ingredients include seaweed extracts, sea fennel, sea lettuce, Wakame and green tea. Most importantly, though, the product is luxurious, easy to squeeze from the container, beautifully fragranced (though for all you men, you won’t smell like a flower), Cape Cod appropriate, and manufactured right here in the States. We hope our guests enjoy the new line – it’s been quite a process!

Spring Clean Like A Pro

2009-03-24T11:49:00.002-04:00

Here on the Cape, we typically see crocuses start to pop up in early March, but the warm weather doesn’t always immediately follow. Still, us New Englanders tend to jump into spring mode despite the nip in the air. If the temperature hits 45, it isn’t unusual to see hearty locals sporting shorts and driving around with the convertible down (albeit with the heat blasting). So, while the weather hasn’t quite caught up with my spring mindset, I find myself tackling the grueling annual task of spring cleaning in hopes that warm weather will ensue. In my quest for decluttering and deep cleaning, I have come across several helpful tips over the years:

1. Combine 2 cups water, 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap or detergent in a spray bottle and use to clean windows. Believe it or not, newspaper works better than paper towels or rags when drying.
2. Spruce up your jewelry so it sparkles when the sun finally starts shining! Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse jewelry for two minutes. Buff with a clean rag.
3. To remove candle wax from carpet, place a paper bag over the spilled wax and lightly iron over the bag.
4. Be proactive and prevent messy Tupperware by spraying with cooking spray before filling with tomato based sauces. This will save your storage containers from stains and you from endless scrubbing.
5. Put a piece of waxed paper under your dust mop. Dirt will stick to the mop and the wax will shine your floors.
6. Bounce dryer sheets eliminate static electricity from your television screen. Since Bounce is designed to help eliminate static cling, wipe your television screen with a used sheet of Bounce to keep dust from resettling.

To be honest, when it comes to cleaning and organizing, there aren’t too many short cuts. In fact, there are some “tips” I’ve come across over the years which, to be honest, are more time consuming and frankly, stupid. Take, for example the following:

1. To open sealed envelopes, place in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. (Or, invest in an inexpensive letter opener and save yourself an afternoon!)
2. Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces. (Leftover wine?)
3. A few drops of vanilla extract on a piece of cotton placed in the refrigerator will eliminate odors. (Sure, but opening the door and finding a furry brown science experiment will kill your appetite for the day.)
4. Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least three hours prior to burning. (Yes, but with all the envelopes and cotton balls, is there really room for all those candles?)

So, when reading articles like, “Save Time, Money and Stress with These Ten Life Changing Tips”, take them with a grain of salt. Save the futile tricks for the amateurs and tackle spring cleaning like a pro - attack projects one at a time and complete one task before taking on another. Don’t try to accomplish an entire years worth of clutter in an afternoon – set aside a few hours a day for a few weeks and stick to a schedule to avoid becoming overwhelmed. And most importantly, remember, unlike me, you don’t have to bring your home up to four diamond standards – a little dust under the couch or a streaky window never hurt anyone.

Tea Termonology 101

2009-03-14T10:23:00.002-04:00

It generally takes about a year after purchasing an inn to find your own management style and to feel comfortable with day to day operations. I remember for the first few months after buying the Captains House, wondering if I would ever feel in charge of the day – would I ever be proactive instead of reactive? Eventually, though, we fell into a groove, but it took a lot of effort. While we had owned an inn before, and were familiar with selling rooms, serving breakfast and chatting with guests, one tradition we inherited with which we were not familiar was the daily spread of English tea for which the inn was renowned. Locals and visitors alike would book advance reservations and eagerly await the tiers of authentic homemade tea delicacies our chef, Kevin, prepared.

Aside from the fact that my dad hails from England, we knew little about English tea and wondered if we could successfully continue the service without allowing our inexperience to reflect in the quality. Ultimately, we decided to learn as much as possible and continue the Captains House Inn’s celebrated tea tradition. Over time, we discovered that there are endless details to ascertain when it comes to properly offering tea service. We learned the correct placement of cutlery, how to make mouth watering scones, recipes for countless dainty tea cookies and sandwiches, and most interesting of all – the difference between cream tea, afternoon tea, and high tea.

Turns out, Americans typically throw around the term “high tea” erroneously. What we often refer to as “high tea” is actually more like dinner to the English and consists of heavier, meatier fare as opposed to dainty pastries and sandwiches. When we think of tiers of elegant, almost regal cuisine including selections like cucumber sandwiches, scones, and mushroom pasties, we should really be describing this as “afternoon tea.” Sometimes, “afternoon tea” is also referred to as “low tea” because folks would enjoy their meal seated on comfortable couches with their food and tea on low coffee tables. Finally, the term “cream tea” consists mostly of tea cookies and cakes and scones with jam and cream.

While we still inaccurately label our tea “high tea,” we do so only because this term is so common and seems to be the clearest way to paint a picture in guest’s minds of our tea presentation. To clarify our offerings, cream tea is served daily to in-house guests between 3:00 and 5:00 and is included in our room rate. High tea (or afternoon tea if you prefer to use the correct terminology) is open to both in-house and outside guests and is also served daily from 3:00 to 5:00. For in-house guests, the price/person is $7.50 and for outside guests, it is $18.00/person. We do require reservations and if you choose to indulge, you will understand why – the time and artistry that goes into preparing all those miniature delicacies entails a lot of care and planning. We hope you will join us and share what we have not only learned a lot about, but what we now consider a pastime close to our hearts.

Clancy's Restaurant - Another New Restaurant Discovery for Us!

2009-03-10T11:16:00.002-04:00

Once again, we have stepped out of our comfort zone and ventured off to a new restaurant. And once again, we have found a winner. Clancy’s Restaurant in Dennis Port is the epitome of an old school Cape Cod eatery complete with Prime Rib night on Fridays and Saturdays and renowned fresh fish n’ chips. Clancy’s is a favorite amongst locals, but also packs in the visitors in the summer months – and with good reason. The food is fresh and plentiful and the prices are very reasonable. Pair that with friendly service and views of the Swan River, and there’s no question why Clancy’s has been the recipient of Reader’s Choice and Zagat awards for years on end.

We visited on a Wednesday night in February. Despite gloomy weather and tourist season being months away, the restaurant was generating pretty decent business. We started with fried oysters which happen to be my personal favorite and, of which I am a pretty ruthless critic. For an appetizer portion, the serving was plentiful – in fact, I could have had that for my meal and been satisfied. They were honestly some of the best fried oysters I’ve had – cooked perfectly and not over-battered which is a giant pet peeve of mine. Next, we both opted for burgers – half pound Angus ones with our choice of fixings. Yum! Granted, it’s hard to screw up a burger, but when we ask for it to be cooked rare and it actually comes out nice and pink (a request many chefs tend to over-do, perhaps out of fear of mad cow disease or something), we know we’ve found a kitchen where quality food is produced. I think the only burgers around that perhaps rival Clancy’s are those at the Red Nun, a local watering hole with exceptional pub food.

Will we return to Clancy’s? Absolutely – probably for Prime Rib night. And we will certainly recommend it to guests – particularly those seeking a casual venue with great food, service, and best of all, that old Cape Cod atmosphere, which, with newer more sophisticated restaurants sprouting up, is a rarity. As an added bonus, Clancy’s is open seven nights a week year round – who says there’s not much open on Cape Cod in the winter?

March Madness - Weekend Savings at the Captains House Inn

2009-03-04T14:30:00.004-05:00

March tends to be a quiet month on Cape Cod. And understandably so - even the hardiest New Englanders find the snow to be just another shoveling expedition versus a beautiful white wonderland. Still, for those who can’t escape for a week in the Caribbean, the Cape does provide a retreat for those who need a quick getaway, if even to escape the cabin fever of their own home. To sweeten the deal, we have extended our winter mid-week special for the entire month of March to include weekends as long as one night of your stay includes a week night (Sunday-Thursday). A two night minimum stay is required to receive this rate. So, ditch your cell phone and lap top and grab a bottle of wine and a good book and revitalize at the Captains House Inn before you embark on your spring cleaning this year.

Hannah Rebekah, Lady Hope, Garden Room, Intrepid, Cape Lady, Whirlwind, Hideaway: $150
Hiram Harding, Wild Pigeon, Wild Hunter: $175
Eliza Jane, Tradewinds, Lady Mariah, Northern Light: $200
Clarissa, Lydia Harding: $215

Winter on Cape Cod

2009-02-27T14:27:00.003-05:00

I am a summer girl. I love everything about those hot, sticky months – flip flops, sundresses, lounging on the beach, sun brewed iced tea, and best of all loads of business. The downside is that I have to forgo all that lounging on the beach for working ten hour days seven days a week, so I generally save any soaking in the sun for vacations during the winter. Living in a seaside village with seventy miles of shoreline, you would think that I’d feel nothing but jealous and resentful of our guests who get to take advantage of it all. And while some days, there’s nothing more I want to do than exchange my apron for a bathing suit and tube of sunscreen, for the most part, I relish the hustle and bustle of running a busy inn all summer long. Plus, come winter, I get to enjoy the Cape in many ways summer guests miss out on.

Take for example, Lighthouse Beach, just 1.5 miles down the street. I took my daughter there just the other day and we had the entire beach to ourselves and even glimpsed a couple ocean effect snowflakes blowing through the sunny sky and down the sandy shoreline that seemed to stretch for miles. Or, how about the fact that, despite some restaurants closing for the season, the ones that remain open aren’t trying to flip a table three times in one night, so leisurely meals without reservations are always an option. And then there’s the much appreciated ability to make a left hand turn – an impossibility when the narrow Cape Cod streets are jammed with traffic in the summer.

People always ask how I survive the quiet, uneventful Cape Cod winters. Those who know me well are surprised at the ease with which I shed my fondness for New York and Boston for a home on a street whereas we are the only year round residents. Perhaps after the hectic summer, I long for a peaceful reprieve and Chatham in the winter fits the bill perfectly. But I think it’s more than that. I have grown to love the intimacy of a small town where the dry cleaner and fish market owner know me by name. I have even gone so far as to suggest to guests that winter is, indeed, the best time to visit the Cape. What could be better than strolling down Chatham’s Main Street without tripping over hundreds of people, stopping at the Squire for a big bowl of calm chowder, and retiring to Lady Mariah for a soak in the giant whirlpool tub and a warm fire with a bottle of wine and a good book…and all for lower winter rates?

Stress Free and Budget Friendly Weddings

2009-02-20T15:46:00.002-05:00

James and I were married almost eight years ago at the Captain Linnell House on a beautiful spring day in May. I wore a vintage dress I had found at a second hand store and carried black magic roses. James wore a rented tux and carried a small flask of whisky to calm his nerves (just kidding). His dad performed the ceremony in front of the gazebo under a 150-foot linden tree which is no longer there. Afterwards, we ate raw oysters, drank champagne, and danced to Frank Sinatra after my mom (who also happened to be my maid of honor) gave a speech that rivaled “I Have a Dream.” Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Except for maybe the number of guests (and the electric slide which somehow managed to sneak into the DJ’s repertoire even though I had specifically requested no cheesy group dances). It wasn’t a huge wedding – 150 people tops. And I’m glad I got to share the day with each and every person who was there. The thing is, by the time we were done making the rounds and ensuring we had greeted and chatted with all our guests, we were left with little time to actually enjoy the reception we had taken so long to plan.

Our wedding was followed several years later by my brother Max’s who spontaneously married a girl he met in New Zealand. I didn’t make the trip for his very small and brief wedding, but my parents said the setting in a public garden was just beautiful and completely stress-free. Not long after that, my other brother Alan, married a German girl in Australia. James and I happened to be the only guests at their backyard wedding and afterwards we celebrated at a nearby winery where we enjoyed a leisurely lunch, several bottles of wine, and a view of the vineyards that stretched for miles.

When we became innkeepers, I decided to design an elopement package so we could provide a venue for mini, stress-free weddings like my brothers’. The package was a huge success and to date we have probably shared over three dozen weddings with couples in all different circumstances from all over the world. I’ve had brides get married in everything from jeans and boots to elaborate wedding gowns, but the one thing all couples seem to share is a strong desire to enjoy a stress-free wedding. If this sounds like you, read on for the top five reasons to elope at the Captain’s House Inn:

1. You’re not concerned with little details and don’t know the difference between and orchid and a calla lily, nor do you care. (Don’t worry, if you do care, you can choose your flower type and color.)
2. You believe that anything that takes a year and a half to plan and a year’s salary to afford is bound to be a tad anticlimactic.
3. You are pregnant and don’t have the time or energy to plan an elaborate affair. All you’re really interested in is celebrating your official union with a lot of wedding cake and plenty of ice cream.
4. Swimming laps in the ocean in sub zero weather sounds more appealing to you than being the center of attention for 150 people.
5. To you, the perfect wedding means sharing it with only the most important people in your lives.

If any of this sounds familiar, contact us for more details about the possibility of sharing your stress-free wedding day with us.

Captains House Inn Banana Macadamia Nut Pancakes with Orange Butter and Praline Sauce

2009-02-14T16:55:00.004-05:00

Ingredients for Pancakes:
3 Cups All Purpose Flour
5 Tbsp Sugar
2 ¼ Tsp Baking Powder
¾ Tsp Baking Soda
¼ Tsp Salt
1 ½ Cups Buttermilk, well shaken
4 ½ Tbs Butter, melted
3 Large Eggs
1 ½ Tsp Vanilla
2 Banana, Large and ripe

Topping:
¾ Cup Macadamia Nuts, roasted and chopped

Ingredients for Orange Butter:
½ stick Butter, Softened
½ Tsp Orange Zest, finely grated
1 Tsp Fresh Orange Juice
1/8 Tsp Salt

Ingredients for Praline Sauce:
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Brown Sugar
2 ½ Cups Heavy Cream
2 Tbsp Corn Syrup
4 Tbsp Butter

Ingredients for Tuille:
½ Pound Flour
½ Pound Confectionary Sugar
¾ Cup Egg Whites
1-2 Tbsp Milk

Method (for pancakes):
1. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Whisk together the buttermilk, 2 Tbsp melted butter, eggs and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth. Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture and whisk until combined. Cut banana into pieces and fold into the batter along with the nuts, (batter will be very thick).
2. Use the griddle and working in batches of 3, pour ¼ cup measure into the hot griddle and cook until bubbles appear on the surface and undersides are golden brown, 1-2 minutes.
3. Flip pancakes with a spatula and cook until golden brown and cooked through, 1-2 minutes more.
4. Serve with orange butter, praline sauce, powdered sugar, and mint.

Method (for orange butter):
1. Stir all the ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
2. Roll into a cylinder shape to be able to cut discs from to serve on top of the pancakes.

Method (for Praline sauce):
1. Boil first five ingredients for 8-12 minutes until sugars have dissolved, stirring with a rubber spatula.
2. Add butter

Method (for Tuille):
1. Sift flour and confectionary sugar into mixing bowl. Add egg whites and milk. Beat until smooth.
2. Pour batter into a squeeze bottle and pour into favorite shapes onto Silpat panliner.
3. Bake until brown. Remove and “bend” into shapes. Let cool and store in airtight container.

Putting it Together:

Day Before:
1. Make and store tuille.
2. Make praline sauce and store in double broiler.
3. Toast macadamia nuts and chop when cool.

Day Of:
1. Heat praline sauce in double broiler over water.
2. Make pancake batter and cook pancakes.
3. Pour praline sauce onto a warm plate and stack pancakes and a slice of orange butter in layers.
4. Drizzle top with more praline sauce and a dab of orange butter and sprinkle with toasted macadamia nuts.
5. Add tuille, mint, and sliced bananas. Dust with confectionary sugar and garnish with a strawberry fan.

The Logic Behind Inn Policies Part Three

2009-02-14T16:47:00.004-05:00

Policy Explanation #3: Hindsight is 20/20 When It Comes to Group Reservations

I’ll never forget one of my biggest rookie mistakes in this business. We were preparing for our first summer season at our original bed and breakfast, the Carriage House, and the bookings were starting to pour in. Every time we filled another week, we did a victory dance and celebrated with a fairly cheap bottle of champagne (we had just blown all our money on the inn). So when we got a call from a family who wanted us to host their family reunion for a week in July meaning they would book all six rooms, we were ecstatic. In fact, I think I offered them something like a 15% discount and waived all third person in the room fees to ensure they would book with us. At first glance, this may seem like a fantastic booking – it did to me. But as a veteran of the business, I can now admit that taking this booking was actually a mistake. A big one.

Don’t get me wrong – the family was pleasant enough. But when booking a group who’s going to reserve the entire inn, the business logistics are a nightmare. First off, all six rooms are going to check in and out on the same day. This means that in order to maximize occupancy, we needed to find six guests who would all be checking out on the group’s check-in day and another six guests who were looking to check in on the group’s check out day. Not only is it highly unlikely that this will happen, but if it does, think of the housekeeping involved. With six guestrooms, we employed one housekeeper who would single-handedly have to flip all six rooms between the hours of check out and check in (a four hour window). At an hour a room, this is mathematically impossible and the end result is an unhappy guest on my doorstep at 3:00 expecting his room to be ready and it’s not. Also, consider breakfast – a group booking typically implies group activities, which means everyone meets up for breakfast at 8:30 before heading off to Nantucket for the day. So, instead of six rooms coming in at staggered times during our breakfast window, we had all six rooms sitting down at once while I frantically raced around fetching drinks and taking orders and James tried to cook 30 flapjacks on a griddle the size of a Monopoly box and refrained from cursing too loudly.

That said, if the group had wanted to book a week in say, March, one of our slowest months, I’d break out a bottle of champagne (a slightly higher end one these days) and celebrate the booking. But in the height of the busy season, when rooms can be filled with individual reservations that are staggered, my advice to all you aspiring innkeepers out there is – go that route.

A New (But Old) Restaurant Discovery

2009-02-04T12:05:00.002-05:00

As innkeepers, one of the hardest parts of the job is testing out all the restaurants in the area to determine the best to recommend. I’m being sarcastic, of course. There’s nothing we love more than to put our food critic hats on and see how eateries in the area stack up. After living here for five years, we certainly have our favorites and, as creatures of habit, rarely venture off our old stand-bys in search of something new. But after hearing the rave review from our trusted cohorts in the dining analysis practice (my in-laws), we abandoned our comfort zone and booked a table at the Old Yarmouth Inn.

I have to admit, my expectations weren’t high. As much as I trust my in-laws on restaurant advice, I felt like if I hadn’t yet discovered this landmark, which, according to their website has been around since pre-Revolutionary War days, it couldn’t possibly be anything to write home about. I was wrong. Set in a sprawling historic inn, the restaurant’s many smaller dining rooms feel cozy despite the 200 seats actually there. With wood paneled walls and a roaring fireplace, the tavern was our pick on the cold winter night we dined. Our waitress was friendly and helpful, yet unobtrusive and the menu was extensive, yet not overwhelming, allowing us to select from tavern or dining room fare. Also unexpected was an impressive wine list which has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for seven years running and offers more than 18 wines by the glass and 115 from the wine cellar.

To start, we enjoyed carpaccio of beef with shaved Asiago and capers. While not the best we’ve ever had, it was certainly tasty and about what we expected from a casual, traditional eatery. For our entrees, I decided on honey mustard glazed salmon with cucumber, caper, and mango compote. I asked for the salmon cooked rare, as is my preference, and the chef delivered (often, I find this request gets overlooked). James opted for a braised short rib beef stew which was served piping hot and was out of this world – he went so far as to claim that it was the most tender beef he had ever had. For James, this was a bold statement. While we were too full for a third course, the dessert menu was tempting as was the three course $19.95 prix fixe menu offered in the winter at lunch daily, all night Sunday through Thursday, and 4:30-6:00pm on Friday and Saturday.

While a bit of a drive from the inn (30 minutes without traffic), we didn’t hesitate to add it to our recommendations list – especially since it is open 364 days a year and exuded a Cape Cod ambiance unrivaled by many other local spots.

The Logic Behind Inn Policies: Part Two

2009-01-27T12:52:00.002-05:00

Policy Explanation #1: The Rationale Behind Minimum Stay Requirements

Picture this scenario: you call an inn wanting to book their most expensive suite for a Saturday night during their high season. It’s your 25th wedding anniversary, so you’re splurging for the best, but when the innkeeper informs you there is a four night minimum on the date you’ve requested, your plans are shattered. Why on earth would a business turn away the $500 you’re willing to fork over now versus holding out for a possible longer booking? I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve ruined someone’s vacation plans because they did not meet our minimum requirements. I honestly hate being the bearer of this bad news and have actually been called selfish, money hungry, and stupid for not taking a booking during tough times in the economy. While I appreciate the name calling and unsolicited business advice, there is good reason for this policy and quite frankly, I wouldn’t be in business if I didn’t adhere to it.

Here’s the thing – the high season is our bread and butter, so we’ve got to maximize our occupancy during that time. This often reminds me of a puzzle in which booking reservations back to back in the same room is key. Sometimes, this means we can take a one or two night stay because it is a perfect squeeze between two standing reservations. For this reason, we try to keep the wording on our minimum stay requirement policy fairly vague – after all, filling those gaps between reservations is the difference between achieving 98% occupancy and 100% occupancy – a feat we have managed the last two Augusts in a row.

In general, though, weekends in the summer, for us, are like gold. We can sell Saturday nights 20 times over that same day, let alone four months in advance. Bottom line is, we’re not worried about selling our Saturday nights and we’ve got to hold onto them for the guests whose stays will spill over to the weekdays. We’ve also got to keep in mind that the longer a guest stays, the less man hours are required. To illustrate my point, here’s what goes into flipping a room from start to finish:

1. Previous guest checks out (about five to ten minutes).
2. Room gets stripped so a set of sheets, towels, and robes go into the laundry (believe me, on days when we have a lot of check outs, the laundry room is a scary place!).
3. Housekeeping staff cleans room (about an hour).
4. Once room is clean, housekeeping marks off that room is finished and one of our interns goes over the room with an extensive checklist to make sure it is properly stocked, the temperature is comfortable, lights and music are on, etc. (about 15 minutes)
5. The intern initials that the room has been checked so the whole staff knows the room is ready for check-in.
6. Once the new guest arrives, a member of staff gives a brief tour pointing out all the amenities and common areas, walks the guest to his or her room, assists with bags if necessary, and checks off that the guest has arrived. (about 15 minutes)
7. Also, bear in mind that taking and processing each reservation takes anywhere from 15 minutes to several half hour phone conversations.

Therefore, with all that’s involved, it is important to stagger arrivals and departures so we don’t have all sixteen rooms checking in and out on say, a Sunday, which is what would happen if we were to sell our Saturday nights in advance. Perhaps this makes me “selfish, stupid and money hungry,” but as an innkeeper, I’ve got to remember that my inn is my livelihood which would not survive without sensible policies like this.

The Logic Behind Inn Policies – Part One

2009-01-17T18:27:00.002-05:00

When we bought our first inn, I remember thinking that a lot of the policies we inherited from the previous innkeepers seemed kind of, well, rigid. I mean, I had stayed at countless Marriotts and Hiltons where I was able to cancel my reservation the day I was due to check in and there was never any mention of minimum stay requirements or deposits being taken. So what was up with the strict and lengthy page of policies citing rules involving “14 days notice,” “reservation handling fees,” and “three night minimums?” It took a few months before I thoroughly understood why a small inn’s policies couldn’t mirror those of a Marriott. Which leads me to speculate that aspiring innkeepers or, worse, potential guests, must read the policies of smaller lodging establishments such as ours and wonder where we get off charging guests for reservations they don’t use or demanding a three or four night stay. So, my next few posts will attempt to explain ourselves as well as answer any questions from a business perspective.

Policy Explanation #1: What’s up with a 14 day cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy states (and I’d like to defensively add that it is a lot more lenient than many other inns in which I’ve stayed):

A deposit of one nights stay is required to guarantee all bookings of four nights or less and two nights stay for more than four nights. We are able to refund the deposit, minus a $30 handling fee, if we are given 14 days notice for a cancellation. Otherwise, the deposit is refundable only to the extent we are able to re-rent the room.

So why do we require 14 days notice when Marriott hardly requires any notice at all? For starters, a Marriott has several thousand hotel rooms across the world. We have just 16 rooms which means not only do we have fewer to sell and therefore retaining a room for a guest means holding over 6% of our potential revenue for the night, but we also have a smaller marketing budget so it takes longer to sell 16 of our rooms versus 16 Marriott rooms. The bottom line is, a small business like ours can’t absorb the lost revenue like a Marriott can. But, you may wonder, why should the guest have to forfeit a deposit just because we don’t have the corporate cushion to recoup our loss? Think of it like this: a guest reserves a four night stay which we have been holding with a one night deposit for, say, three months. The day before they are due to arrive, they cancel due to illness. Fair enough – I probably wouldn’t want to travel when I’m sick either. Now, it seems somewhat insensitive for us to keep the one night deposit given the circumstances; however, we had been holding the room for three months and we’re still out three of the four nights, so really, it’s us taking quite a big hit. Staying at a smaller property like ours is certainly a bit more risky as far as the cancellation policy goes. However, in my completely unbiased opinion, the benefits of staying at an independently owned inn, (i.e. breakfast, WIFI access, afternoon tea, snacks, room service, DVD library, and use of our fitness center and pool, all for no additional charge), far outweigh the slim chance you will need to cancel at the last minute and lose your deposit. Hey, when you look at it like that – you’re actually saving money with all the freebies at a smaller inn!

A Murder Inn Chatham

2009-01-12T12:11:00.004-05:00

During the winter, when things are a bit slower and we have time to focus on things like maintenance, staffing, and marketing, we encourage the interns to get involved in more “back of the house” operations. We host four interns per year who are studying hospitality or tourism and hail from universities all over England. The internship is a year of their studies and we like to think they come out of it knowing all the ins and outs of operating a luxury inn. This year, the interns have taken a keen interest in marketing and have designed a murder mystery package for the first weekend in March. After a lot of research, they hired RTC Theater Company, a theater group associated with the Murder Mystery Café based in the greater Boston area, to conduct the entertainment. With the help of our chef Kevin, they also designed a three course English themed dinner for guests to enjoy during the murder mystery, and even added a wine and cheese reception the Friday evening prior to the event. We hope for a great turnout for the exciting package the interns have designed and invite you to visit our specials page for specific details and pricing.

Civil Disputes: Arguing Innkeeper Style

2009-01-09T17:27:00.006-05:00

Despite the fact that I love my husband, there are times I want to wring his neck. I’m sure he would say the same about me. After all, we live together and work together – we’re bound to have our differences. But, as I tell my interns, who also live and work together, it’s important to keep the fists from flying at work and to leave personal issues at home. Easier said than done. There are occasions when an argument erupts at the inn, but we have learned over the years a few rules of combat so as not to alarm our guests:

1. No yelling. Granted, “am I the only one around here who knows how to change a bloody (our English interns taught us this supposedly “bad” word) light bulb?!” holds a lot more caché when screeched across the room at full volume, but learning how to whisper-yell is key to keeping brawls under wraps. (As a side note, James is not the only one who knows how to change a bloody light bulb, but he is the best and fastest at doing the hard to reach ones, so frequently gets requests to do so. Sometimes, my timing is off.)

2. Obscene hand gestures must be disguised. Now, I can’t reveal our secret signal in case you happen to stay at the inn and notice us using it. But remember that Friends episode when they strike their fists together instead of “flipping the bird?” Something like that would suffice.

3. Fight it out in private. Designate a fighting zone at the inn, preferably a padded sound proof room far away from guests. And steer clear of the kitchen. Too many knives.

4. Agree to disagree. Generally James and I see eye to eye and work exceptionally well together. I’m assuming that’s the case for the majority of husband-wife innkeeping teams or they probably wouldn’t have attempted to go into business together. But no matter how in synch two people are, you can’t possibly agree on everything.

5. Choose your battles. I’m quite certain James had no interest whatsoever in replacing the creepy portraits that used to hang in the sitting area. But he humored me and the sitting area is now a better place because of it. Likewise, I feign concern every time he uses the phrase “fiscally responsible.”

6. Accept defeat. Two years ago, I desperately wanted to give the foyer a facelift, but my decorating argument didn’t hold much water against putting the money toward roofing work that needed to get done. As much as I hated to live another year with those creepy portraits and wallpaper which was not my personal taste, the image of a leaky ceiling in the middle of the summer was enough to shut me up. For a year anyway.

The bottom line is, arguing is to be expected and in many ways, is a good practice. We all need to clear the air and vent every now and then. But when work and home mesh into one, as is often the case for innkeepers, it’s important to lay down some ground rules…unless you want to scare away your guests! If you're considering buying and running an inn (or any business for that matter) with your spouse, here are a few articles on the subject:

How To Work (If You Must) With Your Spouse

Work & Life: Working With Your Spouse

Working With A Spouse In A Small Business Partnership

The Benefits of Working with Your Spouse

Avoiding Packing on the Pounds as an Innkeeper

2009-01-03T15:18:00.004-05:00

Although I’m not a big partaker in the new years resolution tradition, I do always find myself counting calories and hitting the gym more frequently around this time of year. For me, it’s not the holiday parties and temptations that do it, but the sudden slower pace at the inn and therefore less physical activity. Being an innkeeper is like celebrating the holidays year round. The kitchen always smells like chocolate chip cookies or bacon and there is a constant stream of coffee cakes, cookies, tea sandwiches, egg casseroles, blueberry pancakes and French toast leaving the kitchen on beautifully decorated plates and leftovers going to waste if the staff doesn’t eat it. So, for all aspiring innkeepers who fear the relentless lure of baked goods resulting in reliving the “freshman 15”, and in light of the new year resolution season, here is a brief list of tricks that have helped me over the years and that I still try to fall back on when I see a big plate of royal toffee chocolate bars…my arch nemesis.

1. Try to think of the food at the inn as work. Metaphorically speaking, a jeweler can’t bring home all the diamonds in the store, right? So don’t eat all the cookies at the inn.

2. It is important to taste the food that gets served for quality control. But don’t use this as an excuse to eat an entire stack of flapjacks. Take one bite and judge. And remember – the next bite is going to taste exactly the same as the first.

3. Recreate dishes with low fat ingredients. For example, Kevin makes a mean breakfast burrito which is great for a treat when you’re on vacation, but for the innkeeper who sees it pop up in the rotation every couple weeks, it’s best to trick your taste buds. For this particular dish, I take a low carb burrito and stuff it with egg beaters mixed with low fat cheese, diced jalapeños, peppers, onions, and center cut bacon, then wrap it and top with spicy salsa.

4. If you’re an innkeeper like myself who is lucky enough to have a fitness center on site, use it. Hate is a strong word, but I am using it to describe my feelings about going to the gym. Still, I hate when my jeans start feeling snug even more, so I bite the bullet and go….sometimes.

5. Eat breakfast before you start serving your guests. You may not be starving first thing in the morning, but you certainly will be after an hour or two of breakfast service and at that point, leftover sausage links and Belgium waffles will somehow sneak into your mouth.

Captains House Inn Traditional Scone Recipe

2008-12-28T16:41:00.004-05:00

Due to popular demand, here is our famous scone recipe:

Captains House Inn Traditional Scones

Oven Temperature 350°
Yield 10 - 12 scones
Cutter #3 Plain Circular Edge Cutter

Ingredients
2 Cups All Purpose Flour
1 Tbsp Baking Powder
3 Tbsp Sugar
½ Cup Butter
2 Large Eggs
1/8 Cup Heavy Cream

Ingredients - Egg Wash
1 Egg
A Little Heavy Cream

Method
1. Sift the dry ingredients into the mixer and cut in the butter until the mixture resembles bread crumbs.
2. Add the eggs and then the cream a little at a time. Do not over moisten the dough.
3. Roll the dough LIGHTLY to a ¾” thickness and use a #3 plain circular edge cutter to shape the scones.
4. Place the scones on a greased cookie sheet and brush them lightly with egg wash (beat the two egg wash ingredients together).
5. Bake for 15 minutes at 350° until they have risen and are lightly browned.

Presentation
Serve the scones with raspberry jam and freshly whipped cream. (decorate with sliced fresh strawberries if available)