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How to spend 12 hours on Cape Cod
A guide for a quick New England getaway, and news of even quicker train travel.
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Cape Cod is a special place for my family. We go annually in July and have rented the same beach house for a decade. This year, our Cape getaway was a little different but still worth the trip. More on that below.
Also this week, I have info about King Richard’s Faire, top waterfront hotels, and the much-anticipated NextGen Acela.
How we spent 12 hours on Cape Cod
A summer without Cape Cod? Unthinkable. So when scheduling conflicts meant our usual week in Harwich Port couldn’t happen, we planned a day trip instead. Check out the video of our 12-hour escape to the Cape, which included sunbathing at one of the best beaches in America, shopping for penny candy, and savoring lobster rolls by the water.
New England waterfront hotels making a big splash
Few things are as relaxing as a getaway by the water and two New England hotels stand above the rest, according to USA Today readers. Two stays were named among the best waterfront hotels in America: Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham and Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton in Madison, Conn.
Train travel is about to get faster
The much-anticipated NextGen Acela hits the rails Aug. 28. The train, America’s only high-speed rail service, will travel 160 mph along the Northeast Corridor between Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Guests will enjoy upgraded seats, larger bathrooms, a redesigned Cafe Acela, and more.
Travel Tips
- King Richard’s Faire in Carver, named among the best renaissance fairs in America, is taking place Aug. 30 to Oct. 19. The New England Renaissance festival includes live entertainment, food, crafts, costumes, and more.
- Maine’s largest agricultural fair, the Fryeburg Fair, opens Sept. 27 and runs through Oct. 5 in Fryeburg. Festival goers will enjoy rides, food, live entertainment, livestock competitions, and more.
- JetBlue just announced its first-ever service to Florida’s Vero Beach from Boston, beginning Dec. 11.
Deals and Steals
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- Speaking of Amtrak, the company is offering up to 25% off coach class fares on routes nationwide during its national fall travel flash sale. Fares must be booked by Aug. 20 for travel between Sept. 3 and Nov. 13.
- Need a carb fix? Pazza on Porter in East Boston has a midweek pasta deal: $10 Pasta Tuesdays. The deal is good for both dine in and take out and dishes include rigatoni pomodoro, spaghetti with pesto, fusilli alfredo, and more.
- Going to the 15th Annual Boston Jazz Festival Aug. 29-30 and looking to stay in the city? InterContinental Boston will take 20% off room rates for jazz fest attendees.
Discover more travel deals in New England in August.
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I’ll leave you with this photo I took of the Chatham Pier Fish Market in Chatham.
Where have you traveled lately? Please share your photos by sending them to [email protected] and they may be featured in an upcoming Scenic Six newsletter.
Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.
— Kristi
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