Posted on Thu, Aug 02, 2012 @ 11:00 AM
After a long day of hiking, kayaking, or shopping (hey, it's hard work!), we all love to just lay back, chill out, and take a breather. While it's definitely important to get make the most out of your Cape Cod getaway, it's just as important to take the time to rest up for the rest of your vacation activities. Take a nap, enjoy a drink on the porch, indulge in a therapeutic bath using our Vedana Spa Unit, or check out one of our picks for the best massage spas in Sandwich, MA.
Wicked Relaxed Massage Therapy & Bodywork : 71 Route 6A, Unit 4 - Sandwich, MA
For those of you not native to the New England area, this is the only place in the world where "wicked" is a term more often associated with good things rather than witches- and Wicked Relaxed does not disappoint. Their services range from a quick, 30-minute Area Treatment to an all-out, 90-minute Wicked Pampered treatment complete with heat therapy, massage, foot scrub, and aroma therapy. There are options for every budget and comfort level, so check out their site for more details. Oh, and mention the Belfry when booking your appointment for a 20% discount!
Skinsense Cape Cod : 102 Route 6A - Sandwich, MA
Not only does Skinsense offer soothing, rejuvenating massages- they also offer facials, make-up applications, and waxing. Make a spa day out of it! If you're running low on time, but want the full relaxation experience, they offer a tempting combo deal which gives you a full massage and custom facial all within 60 minutes. Have a quick pampering session that will have you feeling great and ready for your next vacation adventure. Rated as the #1 Day Spa in Sandwich by Reader's Choice, it's definitely worth a try!
Cape Cod Massage Therapy : 445 Route 6A - East Sandwich, MA
If you're looking for a fully immersed relaxation experience, you need to check this place out. Using a combination of music, art, aromatherapy, and feng shui, the certified masusses at Cape Cod Massage Therapy go above and beyond to make sure their spa atmosphere is as comfortable as possible for everyone. They offer all of their services in either 60 or 90 minute timeslots and have a variety of treatments to choose from. If you like to keep things simple, book a Beach and Islands Combination Massage, but if you're feeling a little more exotic, why not try a Hot Lava Shells Massage? With competitive prices and tons of options to choose from, this place is worth a visit.
Posted on Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
Staying in shape is probably the last thing on your mind when you finally get to laying on the beach, chowing down on a Belfry Bistro sandwich, seeing one of your favorite artists perform live in concert, or doing anything relaxing, but it will definitely be on your mind when you check the scale when you get home.
Thanks to the beautiful climate and pristine climate of Cape Cod, there are plenty of ways to stay active while still having fun during your getaway- especially if you're staying with us in the Sandwich, MA area.
1. The Tour de Cape Cod
Biking isn't just for super-fit men in tight, one-piece suits like Lance Armstrong. We all learned how to ride one (hopefully- if not, you might want to grab a pair of training wheels) at some point in our lives, and even if you haven't pedaled in quite some time, it's easy to start back up.
There are plenty of safe, exciting places for you and your whole family to bike: along the Sandwich Boardwalk, through the historic downtown streets, or even along the Cape Cod Canal. Either bring your own set of wheels, or go ahead and rent a bike from Ecotourz or Cape Cod Bike Rental.
2. Play Explorer
Even though the pilgrims and early colonial settlers may have beat us to the New England discovery bragging rights, that shouldn't stop you from exploring all that nature has to offer. Cape Cod is filled with amazingly beautiful nature trails, hiking paths, and beaches that are perfect for people of all ages.
If you don't know where to start, we highly recommend the Shawme State Forest, the Scusset Beach State Reservation, or the Murkwood Conservation Area. The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce has a detailed list of all the best hiking spots if you feel like taking a day trip to somewhere else.
3. Way Bigger than an Olympic Swimming Pool
Let's face it, the Atlantic Ocean is basically the elephant in the room here. Not only is swimming one of the most effective ways to work your entire body while still staying cool, it works as a medium for so many types of water activites!
Kayaking, canoeing, diving, jet skiing, tubing, boating, fishing- the possibilities never end. While the Belfry Inne may not have the signature, Chlorine-ridden indoor hotel pool, we figured you'd probably want something a little more authentic.
So now that we know staying healthy is actually possible while on vacation, how do you plan on keeping in shape during your Cape Cod getaway?
Posted on Wed, Jul 25, 2012 @ 11:00 AM
On our Facebook page, we asked our friends what's most important to them when planning a Cape Cod vacation, and lots of them mentioned vacation activities. Figuring out what to do and how to make the most out of your trip can be exhausting, and here at the Belfry we wan't to make your Cape Cod getaway as stress-free as possible which is why we're helping to make the planning process that much easier with our specials!
Our "SUN, SURF, AND SAND" special is perfect for beach lovers, foodies, or anyone who just wants the peaceful, simple Cape Cod beach experience. Here's what we've thrown together:
- A two-night stay because, let's be honest, you won't want to leave after just one day.
- A picnic lunch 100% supplied by us- cooler included! Enjoy a selection of snacks, sandwiches, wines, and a map to the most beautiful beaches in the area.
- If you want, we'll even pick you up/drop you off at Sandy Neck Beach, Town Neck Beach, or the Sandwich Boardwalk. You pick!
- Beach chairs, blankets, and an umbrella- all the beach essentials.
- And hey, we'll even throw in a dinner at our own Belfry Bistro.
This special is valid from April 2012-October 2012, so get it NOW during prime beach weather season!
Prices (all inclusive special, just add $10 for an optional Sunday brunch):
- $399 per night at The Abbey
- $347 per night at The Painted Lady
So does a gourmet picnic on the beach sound like something you might like? Give us a call at 508-888-8550 to book yours today!
Posted on Tue, Jul 24, 2012 @ 02:00 PM
When it gets hot and sticky out, it seems as though all we want to do is lay out at the beach, but there's one thing that's worth making the trek outside the realms of your air conditioner: ice cream!
Who doesn't love grabbing a scoop or two of their favorite, icy flavors? It's a Cape Cod tradition and the area is filled with some of the best parlors in New England, but the best ice cream on the Cape can only be found in one place: Sandwich, MA.
1. Twin Acres Ice Cream Shoppe - 21 Route 6A, Sandwich MA
For over 20 years, Twin Acres has kept people of all ages happy and cool with its amazingly delicious menu and country charm. The building itself is part of an old cottage colony that dates back to the 1940's and still has that old-fashioned, down-home feel to it. Their flavors include classics like Cotton Candy and Peanut Butter Cup, but if you feel like trying something new, grab a scoop of Purple Cow or White Thunder instead!
2. Ice Cream Sandwich - 66 Route 6A, Sandwich MA
This year, Ice Cream Sandwich is celebrating its 30th anniversary of bringing quality, homemade ice cream to Cape Cod. It was named by the Boston Globe as one of the best homemade ice cream stands in New England and its success continues to grow every year. Don't let the name fool you! While the store does serve super sweet ice cream sandwiches (served on homemade chocolate chip cookies), they also offer a variety of hard and soft ice cream flavors that can be served up in a Belgian Waffle cone or a bowl, depending on your preference.
3. Sweet Caroline's Ice Cream - 177 Route 130, Sandwich MA
Neil Diamond doesn't lie. Sweet Caroline's will have you singing "so good! so good!" after every bite- and not only does it taste good, but thanks to their connections with charities such as Dancing for a Cure, the Dana Farber Institute, and the Challenger Club, you can DO good by buying a scoop or two. Their menu offers all your favorite flavors like Rocky Road and Oreo, or switch it up and order one of their speciality Strawberry Shortcake Sundaes or Extra Thick Frappes. While it may be new to the Sandwich ice cream scene (est. 2009), it has already won a "Best of Cape Cod" medal and gotten nothing but positive attention.
So next time you find yourself in the Sandwich area (and hopefully staying with us at the Belfry), stop by one of these shops for a sweet treat that's the perfect way to end any summer night.
Posted on Fri, Jul 13, 2012 @ 04:06 PM
Whales.
We know they exist and we know they're Earth's largest mammals, but how often do we get to see them? Not very often (unless you take frequent trips to SeaWorld). Lucky for you, Cape Cod is home to native, REAL whales that you can get up close and personal with WITHOUT hopping on a plane to Florida.
Not so sure if it's worth it? Consider the following:
1. Your goldfish is not a whale.
Let's get real: when's the last time you've actually seen marine life (pet stores don't count!)? Even if you've visited the New England Aquarium lately, there's just something exciting about seeing live, untamed wildlife. Oh, and just so we're clear, Humpback Whales are about 4 times the size of Shamu- and I'm only talking about a small one.
2. Everyone loves boats.
Well, not someone who's just watched "Titanic," but mostly everyone. Even if you don't happen to catch too many whales while out on your journey, a trip to Stellwagon Bank on a big fishing boat is something that everyone in your family can enjoy, so no need to worry about keeping the "so bored" crowd happy.
3. It's cheaper than a day at the Aquarium.
We all love to see wildlife, but zoos and marine parks can get expensive. Thankfully, whalewatches average out at about $30 per adult and $20 per child. Plus, most allow children 6 and under to ride for free! Check out the local tourist information centers (or the front desk of the Belfry) for admission coupons! Imagine: you can do something fun and STILL have money leftover for a nice dinner!
Have you ever been on a whale watch?
Posted on Fri, Jul 13, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
By this point, I'm sure you're aware of how amazing the gourmet meals at the Belfry Bistro are. Our awards, reviews, and faithful customers speak for themselves, but there's one thing that may create a bit of a problem for us: our food is just SO good and SO high-quality that we may scare away the "I just want a quick cheeseburger" family crowd.
I mean, let's face it. While you might love to pop open a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and savor every last bite of your 5-Spiced Long Island Duck Breast, some of us are partial to good old, down-home American cuisine- especially your kids.
Thankfully, the Belfry Bistro has something for everyone! So instead of spending most of your Cape Cod getaway at the local fast food joint trying to find something your family will actually eat, bring them to the Belfry instead! In addition to gourmet favorites like the Braised Beef Short Ribs or the Dayboat Chatham Codfish, try out some of our lighter fare options such as:
- Bistro Statler Chicken Breast with Herb Roasted Potatoes and Pancetta Jus
- Grilled Bistro Burger with your choice of toppings
- Classic Fish'n'Chips
- Atlantic Salmon Salad
...and so much more!
So if you're looking for a great place to eat in Sandwich where you can try something new and still keep the picky eaters in your family happy, stop by the Bistro for a fulfilling, no-complaint meal that won't cost an arm and a leg!
Posted on Thu, Jul 12, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
When you get sick of relaxing on the beach, shopping, or playing tourist and visiting all the attractions, a few holes of golf is the perfect way to mix things up, get some fresh air, and even get a little exercise! Even if you're not a golfer yourself, chances are, you know someone who is. So if you're looking to spend some time on the green during your Cape Cod Getaway, we've rounded up the best golf courses in the Sandwich area for you to try out.
Cranberry Valley - Harwich, MA (30 mins. from Sandwich)
This beautiful and professionally designed 18-hole course has been rated as "Excellent" by the Zagat Golf Guide and received a 4-star review from Golf Digest magazine. Whether you're a pro, an amateur, or a complete newbie, CV offers instruction for all levels of play as well as one of the best practice areas on the Cape. With endless greenery and a "down-home" feeling, CV will make you feel at home and relaxed- which is how you should always feel when on vacation!
Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds - Marston Mills, MA (20 mins. from Sandwich)
This has got to be one of the most interesting courses you'll ever play. The former home of the Barnstable Fairgrounds has been converted into a state-of-the-art, 18-hole course (hence the name) and will "have you using every club in your bag," or so it likes to brag. The main clubhouse is actually a renovated barn from the fairgrounds and has a full service bar/restuarant inside- perfect for relaxing after the game and collecting your winnings.
The Dennis Pines - Dennis, MA (30 mins. from Sandwich)
The Pines is a gorgeous course complete with waterfront views and amazing florals. Although it's been rated as one of the toughest layouts on Cape Cod, it could be the perfect fix if you're up for a challenge. They have cheap club rentals (in case you leave yours at home accidentally) and a comfortable lounge to hang out in after a long day. Even if you don't play your best, you definitely won't walk away dissatisfied.
So what are you waiting for? Book a room at the Belfry, pick out a tee time, and we'll see you on the green!
Posted on Mon, Jul 09, 2012 @ 02:03 PM
There's never a shortage of things to do during your Cape Cod getaway- especially when you're staying with us in Sandwich. From beaches, to tours, to museums, to stores, you'll never run out of things to do. As a matter of fact, you might have a hard time deciding just what to do with your free time!
One attraction that is definitely a must-see when staying in Sandwich is the Heritage Museums and Gardens. Each year, the museum hosts new, exciting exhibitions that provide fun for the whole family. Check out some of this year's exhibits:
Hidden Hollow
What kid doesn't love a treehouse? As one of New England's first certified Nature Exploration Classrooms, the Hidden Hollow area is a giant interactive adventure through nature that your kids will love. There's a full schedule of games and activities everyday, and hey, maybe you'll learn something new this vacation!
Normal Rockwell: Beyond the Easel
Normal Rockewell's art is an American treasure that we've all come to know and love. The Heritage Museum's exhibit features Rockwell's most notable works of art as well as an in-depth look at the photography that inspired his pieces and the process he used to create them. With more than 150 works featured at this exhibit, there's a lot to see and learn.
World Class Antique Auto Collection
We all have a "car guy" in our family, but even if you're not big into them, the Heritage Museum's Antique Automobile collection is a definite must-see. With classics on display like a 1909 Steam Car and a 1919 Model T Ford, you'll be amazed to see how far technology has come. Some of the cars were even owned by famous celebrities!
American Art and Carousel Gallery
While you browse through one of the best collections of American Folk Art in the country, your kids can ride on the 100-year-old antique, hand-carved carousel. Endless rides are included with admission, so you should take a spin as well!
The Grounds
The Heritage Gardens host Southern New England's Largest Public Garden. Aside from the impressive collection of plants, shrubs, and trees native to Cape Cod, they are also hosting the 2012 Whimsical Garden Gates exhibition. This is a must-see for all you "Green Thumbs" out there.
So while you're staying with us at the Belfry Inne, make sure to visit our front desk to pick up tickets for the Heritage Museum and Gardens. You won't regret it!
Posted on Thu, Jul 05, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
Lunch. We ALL look forward to it during a long workday, and while we all would love to take an hour and enjoy a gourmet, sit-down meal, sometimes there's just not enough time in the day (or money in our wallets). We tend to find ourselves at the nearest fast-food drive-thru or ordering a greasy slice of pizza from the place down the street, but come on: isn't it time you broke tradition and treated yourself to a quality lunch?
The Belfry Bistro makes it easy to enjoy a nutritious, gourmet lunch with co-workers, friends, family, business partners... anyone you want! Aside from our delicious menu options, we also offer reasonable prices so that you can experience the Belfry's prize-winning food without the fancy dinnertime price.
So instead of chowing down on your usual Ham & Cheese on Wonderbread, why not try one of our delightful lunch entrees? Here's a few of our favorites:
- Flat Iron Steak Sandwich (made with Marinated Steak, Boursin Cheese, and Shaved Onions)
- Grilled Free-Range Chicken Quesadilla (made with Cheddar Cheese, Oico de Gallo, Spinach Tortilla, and Chipolte)
- Baked Mac'n'Cheese (made with Five Cheeses, Chorizo Sausage, and Buttery Crumbs)
...and that's only the beginning! We have a huge variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, and drinks for you to try. So if the thoughts of juicy steaks and creamy mac'n'cheese are making your mouth water, stop by the Belfry Bistro anytime between 11:30AM and 3:00PM!
Posted on Tue, Jul 03, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
Before you spend another Independence Day at a cookout your way-too-nosy in-laws, why not break tradition and try something new this year? Let's face it: The 4th is one of those holidays everyone tends to do the same thing ever year for, but since it lies right in the middle of the week this year and some of us are lucky enough to have the rest of the weekend off, why not make a mini vacation or at LEAST a day trip down to Sandwich, MA to take part in our festivities?!
The 3-Mile Fun Run (8:30 AM - registration at 7:15)
While you may be used to packing on a few pounds of hotdogs and hamburgers during the 4th, maybe you could spend the morning getting a little extra exercise to save room for the feast later on. The Sandwich Recreation Department is hosting a 3-mile "fun run" for anyone aged 13 or older. A $5 donation will get you a number and a $15 donation will get you a t-shirt to make you remember your valiant efforts.
The "Spirit of Sandwich" 4th of July Parade (10 AM)
Unlike most parades, this is one that EVERYONE can participate in! Feel free to decorate your bike, wagon, or maybe even your dog to walk down the parade route waving to your adoring fans. If marching's not for you, every parade needs bystanders! Pick a comfortable spot, set up a few camping chairs, and enjoy the flots, antique cars, music, and (most importantly) the free candy that is sure to be thrown. The parade is true family fun for everyone!
The Lions Club Egg Toss and Picnic (11:30 AM)
If you're looking for some old-fashioned fun and a chance to meet some new people, stop by the park, pack a lunch, and play some Egg Toss! It sounds lame at first, but I promise- it's addicting. Not to mention, the kids will love it.
The Muster Events (1 PM)
If you've had enough of the July heat, check out the Henry T. Wing School Grounds for a bunch of water games to help cool down you and your family! I'm not sure what they're offering, but I assume there will be plenty of water balloons, ice buckets, and slip'n'slides for everyone.
The Boat Parade (9 PM)
For almost 200 years, the town of Sandwich has hosted a 4th of July Boat Parade at Shawme Pond. Stop by the bandstand area around 9PM to see boats decorated the the occasion and illuminated with lanterns. This could be the perfect way to end your fun-filled day.
So switch up your normal routine this year and give Sandwich a chance! I can't promise you'll stay dry or hungry, but I can definitely promise you'll have a good time.