Cape Cod is known as a family-friendly beach destination… which it is. But what about the grown-ups? What is there for us to do when the weather is chilly, we don’t have kids in tow, and we still want to explore one of New England’s best weekend getaways?
The short answer is this: A lot. The longer answer includes breweries, trivia, jazz spots, paint nights, artisan markets—the list goes on. Check out a few of our favorites to help inspire your next visit.
Activities
You and your crew could almost spend your entire Saturday at Lanes Bowl & Bistro in Mashpee. And here’s how. Pop over for a long lunch that includes lobster risotto balls and an ahi tuna & avocado stack or two. Then, grab a couple drinks from the all-day Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar, and head over to the lanes to show off your impressive pin-crushing abilities. If you need the bumpers up, no judgment…we won’t tell. Finally, when the local band shows up to play your reggae, rock, and funk favorites, finish the night off by hitting the dance floor.
You don’t have to be the next Claude Monet to enjoy an evening at the Cape Cod Art Bar. Professional artists provide step-by-step instructions to ensure you’ll leave with a piece of artwork worthy of hanging in your home. All you have to bring is your adult beverage of choice, be it beer, wine or sparkling water (for those who just like bubbles), and a good attitude, from the canvas to the corkscrews, the Art Bar provides all the rest.
If your favorite part of breakfast was (or still is) solving the maze on the back of the cereal box, Riddle Escape Room at Mashpee Commons is the place for you. For this live-action adventure, teams of up to eight are locked in a room and have 60 minutes to solve complex riddles and decipher cryptic clues. With six adventures - including an 80's-themed room and the new "Secret of Dragon's Spire," there’s no shortage of opportunities for you and your friends to hone your Einsteinian puzzle-solving skills.
You can also try your luck in the new Escape Rooms at Ten Pin Eatery in Hyannis. Work together to uncover hidden secrets of Ancient Egypt, or solve the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of the world’s greatest inventor in Victorian Era England. Afterwards, toast your victory (or at least your valiant effort) at Ten Pin's 45-seat bar.
Breweries
In the last decade, breweries have really come into their own. They’re so much more than, places-where-people-make-beer. They’ve become gathering spots for friends and the community. For example, every Saturday at Cape Cod Beer, you can enjoy a locally-crafted pint while perusing locally-made goods at the Pop-Up Cape Cod Artisan Market. Vendors change weekly so while you might pick up some treats from Underground Bakery one weekend, you might get jewelry from Nautically Northern the next.
The weekend doesn’t deserve all the fun! For those looking to mix up their Thursday evenings Naukabout Brewery offers Team Trivia alongside their hop-forward, small-batch craft beers. One of the Cape’s favorite food trucks, like Wild Game Sausage Man and Wolf Pizza, will stop by to help feed hungry competitors.
Jazz
An in-house Jazz Ensemble, cozy lounge area, and wood-burning fireplace sets the scene for a wintery Monday night at The Roadhouse Café. Dishes like the chicken homard, a lightly breaded and baked chicken breast stuffed with fresh lobster and swiss cheese, will entice guests to return for the live piano bar on Friday and Saturday nights.
Littleneck clams sautéed in garlic, herbs and white wine. It’s not the only item on Grand Cru Wine Bar’s menu, but it’s the kind of dish that has a way of grabbing your attention. On Friday and Saturday nights, enjoy this savory appetizer with a glass of wine, and a side of smooth live jazz music.
Live Music
The Cape’s live music scene isn’t all Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington standards. On Friday and Saturday nights, there’s a dance floor warming up from Falmouth to Orleans, with a little bit of something for everyone.
The Hurricane stirs up classic rock at Joe’s Barley Neck Inn, while funky reggae beats and bluegrass take center stage at Grumpy’s Pub. If you’re trying to catch the game and a great band, Dino’s Sports Bar has the night out you’ve been looking. Between the gourmet food, live music and contemporary art on display, with your just first visit to Harvest Gallery Wine Bar, you’ll be well on your way to being the most cultured friend in your group.
Not quite ready to call the weekend quits? Stop by the Chatham Squire for DJs and live bands on the weekend. On Sunday, live Irish music will transport you to the Emerald Isle and back.
Cape Cod has so much to offer beyond the beach. Share your favorite wintertime things to do with us on our Facebook page with the hashtag #FindYourCape.
