The Pheasant
Scallops at the Pheasant. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal Does food taste better in an old red barn? If it’s served by husband-and-wife team Adam and Erica Dunn, the answer is a definitive yes. The Cape-sourced, shareable menu here changes with the seasons, but expect artfully plated dishes like scallop ceviche and oysters with lemon-seaweed mignonette served with a side of five-star hospitality at this hidden gem, which reopened in 2018 under new ownership. And don’t forget to check out the “living wine list” — the small wine shop in the dining room — for a bottle of natural vino to enjoy at your table or back at home. 905 Route 6A, Dennis, MA 02638, pheasantcapecod.com.
Chatham Bars Inn
Thought the king of Cape resorts couldn’t possibly get any better? Think again. To get ready for the post-COVID travel boom, CBI bolstered its private beach with additional sand — about 7,000 cubic yards, to be precise — along with new beach cabanas, lounge chairs, and umbrellas. You’ll also find fresh treatments at the sprawling spa complex (don’t miss the Moroccanoil hydration ritual), the return of live music on Bayview Terrace, and plenty of fun, interactive children’s programs for when the kids tire from leaping in and out of the water — and you tire of watching them. 297 Shore Rd., Chatham, MA 02633, chathambarsinn.com.
Chatham Gables Inn
When you’re ready to escape to the Cape sans beach toys and boogie boards, book a stay at this 170-year-old former sea captain’s home. Overflowing with New England charm, the retreat is open only to guests 16 and over, and that’s just the way we like it. Tuck into a gratis breakfast, made fresh every morning with veggies grown right on the property, in the breezy sunroom; savor a meditative moment on the tree swing in the perennial garden; or just snuggle into the crisp Matouk sheets. If the goal is to break away from the daily grind, there’s no place better to do so. 364 Old Harbor Rd., Chatham, MA 02633, chathamgablesinn.com.
The Island Merchant
Two years after Joe and Beverly Dunn left Washington, DC, for the Cape to open the Island Merchant, they've already expanded to accommodate its loyal following. The restaurant's festive island vibe, nightly live music, and Caribbean-American far—corn chowder with coconut milk and ginger, fish tacos with homemade salsa—routinely entice both the family crowd and mojito-loving barflies. Clued-in patrons stick around for the Dunns' famous foil-wrapped burgers and Key lime pie, served only after 10 p.m. 302 Main St., Hyannis, MA 2601, theislandmerchant.com.
Diane White, the<em>Boston Globe</em> and Laura Shapiro, the<em>Real Paper</em>
White and Shapiro are engaging writers with refreshing viewpoints. MA
Chatham Bars Inn
Chatham Bars Inn Even if you don’t take advantage of the $50,000 (yes, you read that right) “Best-Ever Cape Escape” travel package offered at this iconic seaside resort, you’ll still feel like a million bucks when you book a stay here. Why? Well, let us count the ways. First, there’s the gorgeous private beach with cabanas. Then there’s the luxe accommodations, which range from ocean-view rooms in the historical Main Inn to shingle-style cottages, and the foodie-friendly dining experiences. Cap it all off with a sea-salt scrub at the sumptuous on-site spa, which comes with its own Zen-like pool area, and you’ll be counting the days until you can visit again. 297 Shore Rd., Chatham, MA 02633, chathambarsinn.com.
Hole in One
Who knew brunch in a takeout box could be so sweet? Before escaping to the National Seashore, pick up some much-needed fuel at this restaurant and bakery with locations in Orleans and Eastham, which offers its beloved stacks of cinna- mon-roll pancakes and scallion-cheddar biscuits smothered in sausage gravy to go. Word to the wise: Whatever you get, don’t forget to add a dozen hand-cut doughnuts (including specials like blueberry crum- ble, s’mores, or Reese’s) to your order. 98 MA-6A, Orleans, MA 02653, theholecapecod.com.
Four Seas
Compared to, say, Ben & Jerry's, the list of flavors at this Centerville favorite doesn't seem particularly innovative. But Four Seas, which has been in business since 1934, was the first to come up with such then-brilliant ideas as adding chocolate chips to a vanilla base. They still do homemade chocolate chip, maple walnut, penuche, and fresh strawberry better than anyone around. 360 S. Main St., Centerville, MA 2632, fourseasicecream.com.
Bellezza Day Spa
Chances are you'll enjoy your every minute at the newly relocated and expanded Falmouth Bellezza spa. A complimentary cup of tea or relaxing glass of wine precedes a supersoothing head massage and chic, contemporary cut. Whether you're looking for a simple style or a totally new color, these hair designers pay close attention to your desires before making them a reality. 221 Main St., Falmouth, MA spabellezza.com.
Chillingsworth
If you (or your waistline) can't afford Chillingsworth's seven-course dinner, make straight for its Sunday brunch. The 300-year-old estate serves scrumptious French and American cuisine amid fresh flowers and antique furniture. Chef Nitzi Rabin takes brunch fare to the next level, whipping up Chesapeake crab—cake Benedict, omelets with lobster meat, and scrambled eggs with black truffles. 2449 Main St. (Rte. 6A), Brewster, MA chillingsworth.com.
Respoke
These shoes were made for walking — in only the coolest of places. Former fashion stylist Michael Tonello has repurposed his collection of designer silk scarves into handcrafted espadrilles that are now sold in specialty stores across the country. Snag them right here in P-town at the flagship boutique, where you’ll also find similarly made clothing and accessories. 145 Commercial St., #3, Provincetown, MA 02657, respoke.com.
North Beach Island
There’s definitely a desert-island vibe on this remote stretch of sand, reachable only by boat: Depending on the day or time, you might have the beach to yourself. At other times, expect pockets of locals staking their claim on the shoreline with colorful umbrellas, coolers, and portable grills and playing seaside games like horseshoes or beach bocce. Don’t have a vessel of your own to ferry you there? Beach shuttles are available through Outermost Harbor Marine.
Relax & Renew Day Spa
Five years after opening her quaint, cottagelike spa, owner Andrea Winget has hit her stride, welcoming returning patrons by name and securing exclusive rights to upscale skin-care lines like DDF and Phytomer. Summer residents of the posh Falmouths swear by Relax & Renew's personalized facials, deep-tissue massages, and creative body treatments (try the West Falmouth Wrapture, a detoxifying algae wrap that's perfect for sun-toasted skin). 635 Rte. 28A, West Falmouth, MA 2540, .
The Raw Bar
You get the feeling that the topless mermaid suspended from the ceiling here has probably seen it all. From the well-tanned friends whispering about something from last night to the pastel-draped golfers celebrating the completion of yet another round on the links, everyone at this low-key hangout just seems to be on permanent vacation. Join the party with an infamous rum punch (or two), but beware the boozy cherries: They're soaked in 100-proof rum. 252 Shore Drive, Mashpee, MA 2649, therawbar.com.
The Canteen
Situated in a weathered 200-year-old building, the Canteen’s surfer digs beckon from along Provincetown’s busiest strip. The menu, however, is entirely modern, with inspired takes on seafood staples—think shrimp sliders with lemon tartar sauce, cod bánh mì sandwiches, and vegetarian-friendly mushroom "fish and chips." 225 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA 2657, thecanteenptown.com.