Cape Cod is becoming an increasingly popular vacation destination, which is why it’s so important to keep your vacation rental up to date. More and more people are looking to secure Cape Cod vacation rentals, meaning your property has to be able to compete. If your property is older, you may be considering some renovations. However, with the demographics that Cape Cod is drawing today, there are certainly a few things you want to avoid. Here are the top three things to stay away from when renovating your Cape Cod rental.

Painting Walls a Non-Neutral Color

We are seeing the “modern” and “minimal” look become a bigger and bigger trend these days. With the minimal style comes a more neutral color palate. Rooms that are too bold and bright can be off-putting to guests, and they are not conducive to the relaxing atmosphere that visitors expect from Cape Cod. Instead, neutral colors like gray, pale yellow, or blue are best, as they add a bit of warmth and contrast to the home without being overwhelming.

You can make even more of an impact with your paint by selecting an environmentally friendly option. Select colors with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These options pollute the environment less and are ideal for renters who are sensitive to chemicals. This simple choice is something you can advertise to draw a younger demographic that is more concerned about these issues.

Kitchen Upgrades

While your kitchen is an important part of the home and you want to keep it up to a certain standard, there are a few changes to avoid. First, if you’re looking to replace your countertops, don’t go with granite. Although they may be popular in the moment, the trend will quickly lose steam, meaning your home will soon appear outdated. Additionally, granite countertops are much more expensive than other comparable finishes like quartz or treated laminate.

Another feature to avoid is hanging pots and pans. This is another trend that has had its time but now makes a home appear to be stuck in the past. Opt instead for large drawers for storage, as this will prevent the kitchen from seeming too cluttered, and add value to your kitchen. Finally, stay away from distressed cabinets that are now out of style, and instead choose a neutral and smooth finish.

Installing Appliances that Don’t Save Energy

Today’s renters are largely in their 20s and 30s, and this generation puts a big emphasis on their environmental footprint. If you’re considering replacing your appliances, be sure to choose ones with Energy Star labels. Not only will this save you money, but it’s an extra bonus you can add to your rental listing to draw this all-important group of renters.

You can also spread eco-friendliness throughout your home. It’s an easy switch to change your lightbulbs from traditional styles to energy-saving LED versions. Be sure to also consider your light fixtures, and if you’re thinking about replacing them, look specifically for one that is energy efficient.

When planning your Cape Cod rental renovations, keep these changes in mind. By implementing a few quick and easy upgrades, you’ll be able to keep your home modern and competitive for years to come. Many of our most popular Dennis rentals and other selections in the Cape Cod area take advantage of these tips. You’ll be able to draw a much wider pool of renters, save money on your energy costs, and solidify your rental property as one of the most desired homes in Cape Cod!

Owners of a Cape Cod vacation rental property have an important decision to make: to list on my own or to list through a company? Listing independently may seem tempting at first.

There may be no up-front fees, and you have complete control over your property’s availability and listing. But, there are a lot of downsides to it, too.

Once you buy on the Cape, consider working with a trusted and experienced vacation rental company to ensure you get the most value out of your investment property.

Real Estate Trends on Cape Cod

Fortunately for rental home owners, established and new, real estate trends on Cape Cod are looking up. While market trends are unique to each town or region – upper, lower, outer, and inner – of the Cape, one thing is certain, median sales prices has been slowly and steadily climbing since they plummeted in 2008.

Nearly 10 years after the financial crisis, the median home price in Barnstable County has seen a steady increase from $320,000 in 2008 to more than $400,000 in 2018.

In just one year, the median home price has increased by more than eight percent from 2017 to 2018. At the same time, the average number of days on the market has decreased from 147 last year to 125 in the first quarter of 2018.

The conclusion? Homes are selling faster and for more money than last year. There seems to be no end in sight for this upward trend. That’s good news for those who are looking to buy on the Cape in the near future and want to immediately get it rented to establish a cash flow.

Listing your Cape Cod Vacation Rental

Despite popular opinion, owning a vacation rental is not passive income. It can be, however, a good business decision for the right person. It takes real, hard work to run a successful vacation home rental business – although cash flows come quickly, you won’t see the full fruit of your labor for years to come.

Now is a great time to buy on the Cape – before it overheats. But, investing in real estate, involves care, maintenance, and a consideration of customer service. It should not be a split-second decision.

While there is work involved, listing your property with a service like ours can make life as a landlord a lot easier. With so many public listing sites – Airbnb and VRBO, among others – you might wonder what the benefits are of working with a local real estate and rental company.

Finding tenants can be time-consuming, stressful, but we’re here to make it easier. Here are a few things that our property rental company can do for you:

• Market your property – we use strategies like target audience, word of mouth, content strategies, and community profiling to market your property without you lifting a finger.
• Schedule viewings – we’ll help schedule viewings and showings, take photos, and set up appointments, so you don’t have to.
• Tap existing networks – years of networking means we have a database and resources we can use to our advantage to fill vacancies.
• Provide local insight – with more than a decade of experience in Cape Cod, we can bring local insight an online listing site can’t. We can help sell the community your property is in, and help customers get excited about their upcoming vacation, which can lead to higher conversion rates. We also have a deep understanding of market value and average rent, and can analyze your property’s amenities and compare it with others that are similar.
• Reduce turnover time – listing your company with a rental company can help reduce time in between renters, thus helping you increase occupancy rates.

Over the last 10 years, we’ve provided rental services for more than 170 property owners. We have the knowledge, experience, and networks needed to provide excellent rental services, to both the landlord and the renter. Let us take care of the details, so you don’t have to.

Ready To Buy

For more information on our services for landlords, contact us at (508) 619-7658 or request a brochure that details our services online. Let us help you get the most out of your investment property this year, and fill off- and shoulder-season vacancies like never before.

Of all the things to see and do in Cape Cod, a visit to one of several exceptional bakeries is a must. Whether you are looking to satisfy a sweet tooth or enjoy a delicious sandwich prepared with freshly-made bread, the following bakeries are a must-visit while visiting Cape Cod.

Cottage Street Bakery

If you are looking for a cozy, quaint spot to enjoy pastries, cookies, cakes, and breakfast and lunch while on your Cape Cod summer vacation give Cottage Street Bakery a try. Located in a small cottage, you’ll enjoy stopping by for a variety of sweet treats and goodies. The signature pastry the French Donut Puff better known as the Original Dirt Bomb is a must-try. Freshness is a priority at Cottage Street Bakery which is why pies and pastries are baked fresh daily. They even make custom cakes just in case you happen to be celebrating a special occasion while visiting Cape Cod.

Cottage Street Bakery is located at 5 Cottage St. Orleans, MA.

Pie in the Sky Bakery Cafe

Pie in the Sky Bakery Cafe is the perfect cafe for those seeking a convenient Cape Cod bakery that has a solid reputation for great service and great food. Located in the historic Woods Hole just a minute walk from the Martha Vineyard terminal, this bakery is definitely on the list as a Cape Cod places to visit. Since 1982, Pie in the Sky Bakery Cafe continues to serve up breakfast, lunch and an assortment of pastries and baked goods to delight your palette. What’s even better is that they are conveniently open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., so there is plenty of time throughout the day to stop in an enjoy the deliciousness that so many in Cape Cod enjoy from Pie in the Sky Bakery Cafe.

Pie in the Sky Bakery Cafe is located at 10 Water St. Woods Hole, MA.

Marion’s Pie Shop

While you are vacationing at one of the Cape Cod summer rentals, make your way over to Marion’s Pie Shop. Originally established in 1947, the current owners Cindy and Blake have been successfully carrying on the tradition of making an assortment of freshly-made, delicious pies on a daily basis. Come in and try the classic chicken pot pie or you can opt for other meat varieties to include hamburger, beefsteak, clam, and seafood. The fruit pies are a big hit at Marion’s Pie Shop, and they are made with a special pastry crust recipe that has been passed down for over 67 years! From classic apple to key lime, lemon meringue, and strawberry rhubarb, Marion’s is the place to be for fresh pies in Cape Cod.

Marion’s Pie Shop is located at 2022 Main Street Chatham, MA.

Centerville Pie Co.

If you are ready to experience pies with an Oprah seal of approval, Centerville Pie Co. is a must-visit while in Cape Cod. Since 2009, close friends Laurie Bowen and Kristin Broadley have been offering up meat and fruit pies to the delight of everyone in Cape Cod. There was a fateful moment when Oprah Winfrey “discovered” the pies, and Centerville Pie Company became known to millions. Their Signature Chicken Pie was even named as Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2007, 2012 and in 2017. From the Buffalo Chicken Pie to the Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie, there is sure to be a pie here that pleases your taste buds.

Centerville Pie Co. is located at 1671 Falmouth Road Centerville, MA.

Eat Cake 4 Breakfast

Eat Cake 4 Breakfast is a must-visit bakery in Brewster! Here at the bakery, the philosophy is that food should be not only delicious but fun as well. The owner and pastry chef Danielle Nettleton traveled to Paris to train at Le Cordon Bleu. She fell in love with baking there and worked with some of the best. She might be trained in classic French Pastry, but she loves creating pastries that every foodie. From croissants, cookies, cakes, pastries, and tarts there is something for everyone to enjoy at this bakery.

Eat Cake 4 Breakfast is located at 302 Underpass Road Brewster, MA.

Maison Villatte

While staying at one of the Cape Cod vacation rentals, a visit to the authentic French bakery Maison Villatte is a must! Oh, how you’ll enjoy the savory smells and tastes of the varied French pastries and baked goods. Prepared fresh on site each day, a variety of French culinary treats await you. From chocolate croissants to quiche champignon and much more, you’ll enjoy experiencing the tastes of an authentic French bakery in Cape Cod.

Purchasing an income property on Cape Cod is a great investment. Cape Cod is an extremely popular vacation destination for people of all ages and walks of life. Taking advantage of the opportunity to own your own slice of beautiful Cape Cod and make some money by renting it out is a wise financial move. Whether you own a condominium at Ocean Edge or a waterfront property in Chatham, most investment property owners will tell you that it is in your best interest to rent your property through a Cape Cod rental agency. Websites such as HomeAway make it seem easy enough to rent your property yourself, cutting out the middle man and maximizing your profit. However, most websites charge you a fee for listing your property and  provide you with little to no of protection if things go wrong with your renter. You are then lost in the sea of multiple listings available on Cape Cod. Listing your property with a Cape Cod rental agency such as Leighton Rentals ultimately maximizes your rewards and minimizes risks.

Here are some of the benefits of using a rental agency to rent your investment property instead of renting your property on your own.

Check-in / Check-out

When renting your property on your own, there is no way to know who you are renting to. You also need to figure out a way to get the key of your property to each tenant. Working with a Cape Cod rental agency such as Leighton Rentals  can help you with these concerns. Before a tenant arrives at your rental property, a Leighton Rentals staff member meets your tenant at one of our offices. The tenant is given two keys, the property is discussed as well as the town and any questions from the tenant are answered. At the time of check-out, the tenant again meets us at our office to turn over the keys which are kept for the next tenant check-in. Meeting with the tenants at check-out gives the tenant an opportunity to discuss any issues they may have had during their stay so it could be communicated to you, the owner and resolved before the next tenant goes to your property. This meeting also gives the rental agency the opportunity to see if the tenant is interested in renting the property again the following season, potentially booking your property again next year. Departure walkthroughs are available for some properties to ensure that your home is ready for the next tenant.

Experience

Working with a Cape Cod rental agency gives you piece of mind. Leighton Rentals has been in the rentals market since 2003, and has seen a swell in not only the number of properties we represent, but also our returning renters. Due to this increase, we have become one of the top locally owned agencies in the area. When pricing your property for rent, you want to price it appropriately to attract tenants.

The rentals manager has the experience and knowledge of the area and comparable rentals to ensure that you are charging a price for your rental that is both competitive in the market and appealing to potential tenants. Working with a Cape Cod rental agency instead of renting your property privately gives you access to the best cleaning companies in the area as well as contractors that can do work needed on your property during the high season which can be difficult to do that time of year. During the summer season, most contractors are booked which can make it difficult to find someone to fix your air conditioner, television or repair damage to your home. Leighton Rentals has a list of trusted contractors and cleaners that they have used for years and can help you coordinate the work so your property is up and running throughout the season.

Support

Tenants have needs, and they expect you as the owner or the rental agency representing the property to respond to their needs immediately. It is their vacation after all, and they paid good money to rent your property so it is only fair their issues are being addressed and resolved in a timely manner. Instead of having to run out to replace a light bulb that burned out or batteries in the remote that died, a rental agency could handle these issues for you. If there is an issue with the WiFi signal or television the rental agency can trouble shoot and involve you when necessary. It gives the tenant piece of mind to know that 7 days a week, there is someone there that can help them if there is ever an issue with the property they are renting. The Cape Cod rental agency you are working with gives the tenant a phone number to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so if the tenant locks themselves out of your property in the middle of the night, there is someone that can let them back into the property.

Receiving and coordinating payment as an owner can be tricky. When renting with a Cape Cod real estate agency such as Leighton Rentals, that is taken care of for you so all you have to do is wait for the checks to come in. Leighton Rentals has an owner portal where you can access your owners statements, rental calendar and rental status. Leighton Rentals even offers direct deposit so you do not have to wait for a physical check to come in the mail to get paid for your rental (although you will receive a paper copy along with your direct deposit). Owners are paid on a schedule so you know exactly when you will get paid for the rental of your property. Leighton Rentals is staffed by licensed agents and an experienced accountant who can assist you with any questions you may have regarding a payment for your property.

Bookings

Working with the Leighton Rentals not only gives you the support and professional experience to successfully rent your investment property, it also gives your property the exposure necessary to have a successful rental season. More exposure means more money in your pocket! We advertise your property on our rentals website, but we also list it on multiple rental websites such as HomeAway, Flipkey, VRBO, TripAdvisor, Expedia and Cape Cod Online. Leighton Rentals stays on top of rental trends, checking out new and up and coming methods of advertising rental properties to ensure maximum exposure for their owners.

In addition to advertising on travel websites, Leighton Rentals has a social media presence and regularly campaigns via email to boost bookings by reaching out to previous tenants. Pictures of the property are updated as needed to showcase improvements on the property, and virtual 360 degree tours are taken of every property. There are also YouTube videos available, so tenants can see the property in its entirety before booking their reservation. Leighton Rentals has many inquiries on these websites year round, so there is a skilled professional who is familiar with your property marketing your investment throughout the year. Another benefit of working with the Leighton Rentals is the tenant’s ability to book your property 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on our website. Leighton Rentals also offers electronic lease agreements where tenants can agree to the lease agreement immediately after booking, which decreases the number of cancellations. Renters insurance is also offered to all renters upon booking, which is very appealing to potential tenants.

Why Rent with a Cape Cod Rental Agency?

Renting your investment property with a Cape Cod rental agency such as Leighton Rentals with a bank of potential tenants and marketing your property through multiple venues is in your best interest. For a small fee, you gain the experience of a professional, increased booking potential, 24hr support for your tenant and piece of mind that your keys are safe and someone has met the people that will be in your property. Set up an appointment with the rental manager at Leighton Rentals and see what they can do to help you have a successful rental season!

Cape Cod is a popular vacation destination, and a very desirable place to live year round. Currently, Cape Cod is experiencing a housing shortage, creating a demand for more rental properties. This is why many people are making the leap to becoming a Cape Cod landlord. When there’s a high demand for rentals and a short supply on the market, the ability to cover the home’s expenses and make a profit is attainable. How do you start the process of becoming a Cape Cod landlord? Here is what you need to know if you are thinking about becoming a landlord.

Residential Income Property Types

The first decision you need to make when considering becoming a landlord is how many tenants and properties you want to deal with at a time. If you want to deal with one tenant or family of tenants, you would look for a single family home, condo or townhouse. This is a great option for a first time Cape Cod landlord, so you can learn about what this new job entails before getting in over your head. If you feel confident that you could handle more than one tenant at a time, you could buy a duplex where you rent to two tenants at a time (one in each unit), a condo development or apartment complex. If you do not want to manage the property yourself, you could always hire someone to manage the property for you. Remember that managing multiple tenants at the same time means dealing with multiple problems at the same time. Working with one tenant, responding to their needs and the needs of your income property can be tough, but multiple tenants at the same time can be overwhelming for a landlord with no previous experience.

Disadvantages of Becoming a Cape Cod Landlord

While there are plenty of advantages to becoming a landlord, there are also disadvantages to becoming a Cape Cod landlord. One major disadvantage is the amount of money that needs to be invested by the landlord, which can be about 45% of the rent collected to cover operating costs of the home. One way to offset this cost is by investing in the property with friends or family. Check out our blog, “How to Buy a Cape Cod Vacation Home w/Family or Friends.” Income property investors can expect higher down payment requirements and higher interest rates for their mortgages than owner occupied properties. Insurance can also be more costly since your home is being rented to unknown tenants.

When you’re a landlord, you are responsible when an emergency happens on your property. This means 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Hiring a property manager or rental agency would relieve this stress from your plate when a tenant needs you. If things do not go well with the tenant you choose to occupy your investment property, it can be costly to get them out. In a year round or long term rental situation, you may need to evict the tenants which can be a very long, costly and emotionally draining process. If you choose to do both winter and summer rentals, it is always possible that the winter rental tenant refuses to leave or pay your rent when their lease expires. This will cause you to lose the rent for the time the tenant is squatting in your home, and cost you additional legal fees to get them out.

How to Spot a Good Income Property

To be successful in becoming a Cape Cod landlord, you need to find the right income property. It is important to enlist the help of the right real estate agent in your search for the perfect property that will allow you to charge a reasonable rate for tenants and still make enough to cover expenses and walk away with a little extra money in your pocket.

When looking for your perfect income property, keep in mind the first rule in real estate. Pay attention to location, location location. Look for homes that are up and coming, or have the best school systems. When you identify what demographic you want to appeal to, look for the location that would appeal to them. Do you want to rent to families, young professionals or empty nesters? If you are trying to appeal to families, look for homes with the best school district. If you are appealing to young professionals, look for properties that have easy access to the highway for their commute.

Year Round or Seasonal

Year round properties are very difficult to find on Cape Cod. Every year the search for year round housing for Cape Cod families becomes trickier and trickier. The cost of buying a house for most families can be difficult due to their credit score, ability to come up with a down payment, or any number of reasons. If you shop around, many renters are paying about the same or slightly more than a typical mortgage. So if you decide to rent your income property year round, you will receive a number of calls from people looking for housing. However, Cape Cod does have a busy summer season, which could allow you to only rent your home during the summer months and still make some money. If you do decide to rent your income property during the summer months, you should consider renting through a Cape Cod rental agency, such as Leighton Rentals. Check out our blog, “4 Reasons You Should Rent Your Home with a Cape Cod Rental Agency.”

Thinking about Becoming a Landlord?

If you are thinking about becoming a Cape Cod landlord, there are a number of things you need to consider before making that leap. Consider the expenses, the commitment to your tenants and what could possibly go wrong before you start hunting for the perfect income property. There are plenty of benefits to becoming a landlord, but it is not for everyone, so make sure you are ready!

Pizza is something that Cape Cod locals take seriously. There are a few pizza places that make leaving the comfort of a Cape Cod rental home for a few hours all too tempting. These five pizza places have Cape Cod’s most mouth-watering pizza, and you should definitely give them a try.

Joey’s Pizzeria

Joey’s Pizzeria offers a wide variety of pizza, wings, subs, salads, dinners, appetizers, smoothies, and delicious fried dough. Joey’s is known for making old-style Italian thin crust pizza. They offer two different sizes – small (12-inch) and large (16-inch), each of which can be adorned with several dozen delicious toppings. You can order your pizza your way with cheese-only, one topping, extra cheese, anchovies, or a 2-, 3-, or 4-way combo. This makes it easy to customize based on you and your family’s or friends’ tastes.

Also, the calzones are made in the colossal carnival style with fried dough, meaning you are going to get a stomach-full of awesome flavor. Dinners are just as satiating, and there are platters available with fries or onion rings as sides. Oh, and this wouldn’t be a great Cape Cod experience without fresh oysters served directly from Joey’s very own oyster farm!

Pizza Barbone

One of the few things you cannot get in the kitchens of Chatham rentals is a wood fire oven. Pizza Barbone caters to travelers with its restaurant as well as its mobile ovens and bar cart. In fact, the word “barbone” means “a person who travels from place to place.” Pizza Barbone utilizes fresh ingredients and makes many menu items from scratch.  They even have a huge rooftop garden where they grow their own veggies!

Their pizza selection speaks to their desire to create healthy, fresh food. The Bianca Verde is a real stand-out, combining ricotta, mozzarella, Parmigiano, roasted garlic, basil, balsamic, and baby arugula. For potato-lovers, there is the Crushed Potato, which pairs creamer potato with bacon, garlic cream, scallion, and mozzarella.

You can treat your family to some lovely home-made desserts while you are there, and there is a nice line-up of coffees and hot teas available to chase down your meal. Gluten-free and vegan options are available, and the vegan cashew mozzarella is made in-house.

George’s Pizza House

George’s Pizza House has been in business for half a century and has been operated by the same family. They’re an award-winning restaurant, winning numerous “Best Pizza” titles over the years.

Want to see why they’ve won so many awards? Customize your 10- or 14-inch pizza with up to four toppings or pick from the Meat Lovers, Vegetarian, or House Special Combo with Works. There are also some amazing gourmet pizzas.

If you don’t feel like eating pizza, there are calzones, grinders, pastas, and salads. Pair your meal up with one of their wines or beers for an even more satisfying treat. For the young (and young-at-heart), there is milk, chocolate milk, juice, and water.

Stone L’Oven

Every pizza made by Stone L’Oven is hand-stretched to order. They’re then cooked right on top of the stone at a sweltering heat, which enhances the pizza’s flavor. Made with high-gluten spring wheat flour, whole milk mozzarella, and Stanislaus tomatoes in the sauce, these pizzas are naturally delicious.

Get either a 12- or 16-inch crust or substitute for a 10-inch gluten-free crust. A lot of the toppings are house-made, including the maple fennel sausage and house-roasted red peppers. Add some seafood to your pizza with shrimp, scallops, or anchovies.

Stone L’Oven has three different locations (in Canton, Brewster, and Newton), so wherever you are staying in Cape Cod, you can get to this amazing restaurant.

Paul’s Pizza

Last, but certainly not least, is Paul’s Pizza. They’ve been in business since 1960 and have an award-winning 10-inch thin-crust pizza that can be covered with an array of 32 toppings. This Falmouth-based joint has won Cape Cid Life Publications’ “Upper Cape’s Best Pizza” a whopping ten times!

Their massive menu makes it hard to choose between one of their pizzas, seafood or chicken plates, pasta, subs, and sandwiches. Got the kids or grandkids with you? They can opt for pizza or go with something from the lengthy children’s menu.

After filling up on some delicious pizza, return to one of our Chatham rentals for a well-deserved nap!

Settling on the very furthest point, on the northern tip of Cape Cod, is the acclaimed and historic village of Provincetown.

It is a captivating place to see, but you don’t have to stay so far away from the rest of the cape to enjoy what it has to offer. Our Cape Cod vacation rentals provide a wonderful alternative to staying right in Provincetown. Take a fun day trip and come back, getting the most out of your Cape Cod escape.

So what can you expect to see? What does this lovely village have to offer? We cover our personal top five things to do in Provincetown.

Long Point Beach and Lighthouse

Long Point Beach, and its lighthouse neighbor makes for two of the best Cape Cod attractions. The beach is quiet and a welcoming respite after the hustle and bustle of the far more commercial parts of the cape. It easily stands as one of the finest Provincetown beaches.

You can get to the beach by walking across the Breakwater Dike. It’s considered far off-the-beaten-path. Considering it can take about 25 minutes to walk to the beach point, this is not an understatement. During low tide, the beach really expands, showing off its attractive and vibrant wildlife and its lush foliage and sands. You can even see the quiet edge of Provincetown. Out of all the things to do in the town, this is easily the quietest, offering nice vistas for romance and relaxation.

Go Whale Watching

Whale Watch Dolphin Fleet offers the premier experience for Cape Cod whale watching. See the most spectacular creatures of the sea glide carefully through the Atlantic. This is an ambitious journey of the cape. Come prepared for an extensive journey. Any good Provincetown whale watch trip includes a guide from an experienced naturalist, a large sundeck, plentiful seating, a presentation, and the newest and best equipment for finding these angelic mammals, worthy of the utmost protection.

Visit Commercial Street

Explore commercial street- the restaurant and boutique shop- packed center of Provincetown. Commercial Street is a delightful journey through the best of Provincetown, featuring local pizza, art galleries, and even homes. Yes, people live and thrive right here in this historic district.

Check out top Provincetown restaurants and cool dessert shops, like the Nut House and the Portuguese Bakery. Spend some extra time with a cup of coffee at the Wired Puppy. Don’t miss out on all the Provincetown shopping by the famous MacMillan Pier. The pier stands as the area’s top attraction, where locals and tourists gather to take photos, walk their pups, and even launch right off the pier into the water below.

Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum

For a deep dive into Provincetown history, you must see the Provincetown Museum and its sister attraction, the Pilgrim Monument. The two collectively gather the richest local history, including the tale of the town’s founding, the stories of the Mayflower Pilgrims, and more.

The two structures are on the same site. Admission is $14 per person and the site is open seasonally.

Race Point Beach

This isolated beach haven wraps itself around Provincetown, reaching by the point and landing over by the town’s coast guard station. It features big and bold dunes, numerous bike trails, and an overall untouched natural layout. For example, the beach isn’t raked and the surrounding foliage is densely layered.

Check out all our Cape Cod rentals to find the best abode for you. We have a variety of oceanfront rentals for you to experience some of the best oceanside viewings in the northeast. There’s a reason (or two) for why Cape Cod is such an eternal vacation escape.

There’s no shortage of family-friendly things to do when visiting any part of Cape Cod this summer. Guests love to visit the beautiful beaches, lounging out along the famous Nantucket or Cape Cod Bay. Others venture into the thick of the local parks on Cape Cod, featuring extensive hiking trails and views of the glorious ocean.

Summer is the season to stay on Cape Cod. There is an endless supply of really exciting and memorable Cape Cod summer events. We cover our top five favorites for you and your family.

Falmouth Road Race

One race, one winner. The Falmouth Road Race is a captivating foot-race journey seven miles from Falmouth to Falmouth Heights. It is open to the public and manages to draw upwards of 1,000 race enthusiasts annually. The event is slated for August 18th.

Nantucket Film Festival

The Nantucket Film Festival has grown into one of the most substantial film events in the northeast. It is an impressive line-up, with about 75 total films across about a week. Package prices range from about $95 to $600. Special VIP packages get you first access into the pre and post- screen interviews and presentations. Individual tickets to certain vents and screenings can be purchased on the official website.

The Screenwriters Colony is a special event retreat for aspiring and professional screenwriters, while Late Night Storytelling is a glimpse into the world of impromptu writing- a 5-minute story from industry professionals based on a randomly selected theme. Ben stiller hosts the All-Star Comedy Roundtable and an awards show recognizes the best of the event.

The festival is June 19th to June 24th.

8th Annual Brewster Summer Arts & Craft Festival

Sometimes, you just want to enjoy the cool summer air near your Brewster vacation rental. The 8th Annual Brewster Summer Arts & Craft Festival provides exactly this. With a focus on local arts and traditions, the festival is a collection of candles, clothing, wire wrapped jewelry, personal care products, sea glass art, stoneware, gourmet delights, and so much more. It is Brewster’s defining event, and the best way to see and experience the compelling history and artisan culture of this lovely seaside village. Admission is free. It is located at Drummer Boy Park and runs July 27th and July 28th from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Father’s Day Car Show

In downtown Hyannis, right on Main St. is the special Father’s Day Car Show. This annual tradition turns out a crowd, with its intrepid mix of classic cars from the 1940’s and 1950’s. It is a novelty to some and a flash-in-the-past for others, but it gives everybody a little jolt of how far vehicle designs have come.

The event is simple. Cars line Main St. You can stare. You can ask questions. You can grab lunch.

The Father’s Day Car Show is June 16th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Provincetown Carnival Week

Make time to head to the very tip of Cape Cod for Carnival Week in Provincetown. Nearly 100,000 people visit the Upper Cape for huge carnival rides, a costume ball, and art fairs. The event celebrates all lifestyles with enthusiasm, and you can feel that open acceptance in the air! This Provincetown event stands as one of the biggest outdoor festivals in the state. It is scheduled for August 22nd.

There are many more top summer events on Cape Cod! You can bike the rail trails or lounge by the beach. You can head to the top of the most famous lighthouses in the northeast or see the Cape Cod wildlife from your vacation rental patio or deck. It’s the vacation of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on any opportunity when you finally escape to Cape Cod.

Those residing on Cape Cod know that even a small coastal town can get hectic, particularly in the summer months. Sometimes, you just need an escape.

Fortunately, Cape Cod has some great places to have your very own “staycation,” whether for an afternoon, weekend, or even a week. Rather than cozy up in Cape Cod rentals with a book and a glass of wine, why not do something special for a change?

Head to one of these fantastic day spas or resorts for a day – or few – of relaxation and fun. To help you get started, here are some of our picks for spas, resorts, and private clubs on beautiful Cape Cod.

Wequassett Resort and Golf Club

This five-star Harwich resort is the perfect getaway for someone who craves a little bit of luxury.

Spend a day at the spa or on the green, then a night in one of their bright ocean view suites. Le Petite Day Spa is exclusively for Wequassett guests and offers a menu of services like none other. If you want to indulge, go for the Ultimate Spa Package, which includes a hydrating facial, an exfoliating body treatment, and an hour-long aromatherapy massage– three hours of pure bliss.

The Whalewalk Inn & Spa

The Whalewalk is Eastham is an eastern seaboard-style bed and breakfast that’s been turned into an exquisite resort and spa.

Stay at their homey, vintage-cottage bedrooms, and wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Then, head to the on-site spa a variety of massages – Swedish, deep tissue, aromatherapy – all under $100. After your treatment, head to the jacuzzi for a quick dip before dinner. The inn an indoor has a hot tub surrounded by houseplants.

Chatham Bars Inn

From whale watching to stunning golf courses, there are lots of activities on Cape Cod. Chatham Bars Inn is a paradise amid the busyness. This stylish, historic resort offers private beach access right near lots of activities and attractions.

It boasts a state-of-the-art fitness facility, with weights, equipment, and regular fitness classes. The spa offers treatments that cure body, mind, and soul.

Chatham Bars Inn has an excellent restaurant that focuses on buying from local. Their fine dining restaurant offers farm-to-table meals with classic ingredients, and The Sacred Cod, a more casual, sports bar-style restaurant.

The New Seabury on Cape Cod

As far as private clubs go, the New Seabury may be the best on the Cape. It features an incredible green, a huge outdoor pool, and a number of excellent restaurants, from the sandwich counter to raw bar, to casual-fine dining. No spa here, but the environment will have you relaxed in no time.

The challenging golf course is a great escape for those who have trouble sitting still. Play a few rounds in the morning, then spend the afternoon by the pool. Now that’s what we call a perfect way to spend your staycation.

Beach Plum Spas

This spa chain has two locations on Cape Cod: one in the Dan’l Webster Inn and Spa in Sandwich, and another in the Cape Codder in Hyannis.

This highly rated spa has a long list of services for men, women, and children. Services include massages, body treatments, facials, and mani-pedis. Combine one of these treatments with a private bath soak. The spa also offers a long list of packages, both day and overnight. For a real escape, book an overnight spa package for couples, a girls’ getaway, and moms-to-be.

The Cape Codder location not only has rooms and a spa, but also has its very own water park for both kids and adults to enjoy. Side, float, and swim to your heart’s content, before heading to the resort’s restaurant.

Stay With Us

When staying at our Cape Cod rentals, you know you’re getting clean, homey accommodations on the Cape. When you need a break, head to one of the nearby spas, resorts, and private clubs to treat yourself to an afternoon of indulgence. Play a game of golf, spend a few hours at the spa, and take a stroll on the beach. Then, treat yourself to one of the many resorts restaurants and clubhouses. You won’t be sorry you took the afternoon off!