By: JD Conroy
On September 16th a group of American Classic Travelers returned from a 6-day journey to the Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and Boston. We saw so much, and we had a lot of fun. I wanted to share some of our experiences with you! Enjoy reading this Trip Recap!
We are doing this trip again next year!
Call 847-548-3333 or click the button below for more information about how you can join us on our Cape Cod trip in September 2018!
Trip Route
On our first day, we flew into Boston, drove south to Plymouth, and traveled to Hyannis Port. The next few days we made day trips from Hyannis Port to Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and Provincetown. On day four we traveled up to Boston where we stayed for the final two nights of our trip. While staying in Boston we made a trip north to Lexington and Concord.
John F Kennedy Memorial & Cape and Islands Korean War Memorial in Hyannis port
Cape and Islands Korean War Memorial
Hyannis Port Beach
President Kennedy Memorial
Our first stop was in Hyannis Port, the hometown of President John F. Kennedy, to see the John F. Kennedy Memorial. When we stepped off the motorcoach we were welcomed by the cool ocean breeze and views of the beautiful sandy beaches of the Cape.
Dinner at the Optimist Cafe
After enjoying a cookies-and-punch welcome reception at our hotel in Hyannis Port, we journeyed to the Optimist Cafe. The Optimist Cafe is located in the historic home of Captain Howes, a renowned Massachusetts sea captain. Built in 1849, this old home was recently listed on the National Historic Register. After dinner, we heard tales of ghost stories and haunted occurrences that have taken place at the Optimist Cafe over the years (shown above).
Guided Tour of Martha's Vineyard
We spent the second day of our trip on the island of Martha's Vineyard. Known as "Millionaire's Island," Martha's Vineyard has been frequented by the likes of the Clintons, the Obamas, Taylor Swift, Bill Murray, James Taylor, Carly Simon, John Belushi, Larry David, Jackie Kennedy, David Letterman, Walter Cronkite, Spike Lee, Reese Witherspoon, and many more. This island is home to a gorgeous coastline, scenic lighthouses, and charming island towns.
Gingerbread Homes on Martha's Vineyard
318 "Gingerbread Cottages" sit in the town of Oak Bluffs on the island of Martha's Vineyard. This collection of phenomenally well-preserved Methodist camp meeting houses are some of the most adorable homes in America.
Lobster Dinner at the Flying Bridge Restaurant
At the Flying Bridge Restaurant, we dined on the quintessential Cape Cod dinner - clam chowder, fresh lobster, and strawberry shortcake!
Guided Tour of Cape Cod
The sandy beaches of Chatham, MA
Eastham Windmill
Nauset Lighthouse
Chatham Lighthouse
Cape Cod National Seashore
On day three we embarked on a day-long guided tour of Cape Cod's charming villages, the scenic National Seashore, Eastham Windmill, and Cape Cod Lighthouse. We journeyed to land’s end at Provincetown - the site of the pilgrims first landing. While in Provincetown, we took a Dune Tour Excursion Ride along the shoreline of protected lands, and we enjoyed free time for lunch and shopping in the iconic artist's colony of Provincetown.
Dune Buggy Ride
We took a dune buggy ride across the gorgeous seascapes of the Cape while we were in Provincetown.
Dinner and Entertainment at Hotel
CELEBRATING the Centenary of President Kennedy's Birth
Day 3 concluded with a delicious dinner at our hotel. The buffet featured New England Baked Scrod & Sliced Top Round Beef. During dinner, we enjoyed live musical entertainment, and after dinner, we had a birthday cake (shown above) celebrating the 100th birthday of John F. Kennedy.
Guided Tour of Nantucket
Located 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, Nantucket is known for its quaint gray cedar sided homes, charming cobblestone streets, luxurious apparel stores, and its history as the whaling capital of the world. Known as "Billionaires Island," Nantucket is popular vacation destination among the East Coast's richest people and is home to some of the highest property values in America.
Check In and Dinner at Boston Marriott Quincy
We checked into the Boston Mariott Quincy for a 2-night stay. Our stay began with a gourmet dinner featuring a Spinach Salad, seasonal vegetables, Herb Crusted All Natural Chicken Breast – marinated in fresh herbs, served with Port Wine Demi Glaze, whipped red potatoes, and Profiteroles for dessert.
Guided Tour of Boston
Cindy, our local guide, showed us around her hometown of Boston. On our tour, Cindy taught us how to speak "Bahhston" with her "haaard" Boston accent. She took us to Boston's most iconic places: the Old North Church and Freedom Trail, Boston Commons, Beacon Hill, Quincy Market, the Old State House, the USS Constitution, and so much more.
Guided Tour of Lexington & Concord
In the afternoon we relived the first shots of the Revolutionary War on the Lexington Green and learned about the Minute Men as we walked the scenic grounds of Concord.
Dinner at the Chart House Restaurant
The pride of Boston's Long Wharf, the Chart House boasts an excellent location, a delicious menu, modern interior decor, and a rich history. Formerly the John Hancock Counting House, the Chart House is the Long Wharf's oldest surviving structure. Our dinner included a choice of three entrees: Grilled Mahi with lump crab meat and avocado pico de gallo, slow roasted Prime Rib, or Chicken Marsala with wild mushrooms.
John F Kennedy Presidential Library
"The President Kennedy Visits Ireland Exhibit"
At the Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum we learned about the dramatic life and death of our late President John F. Kennedy. The video above shows the "President Kennedy Visits Ireland Exhibit" at the museum.
Jackie Kennedy Exhibit at the Kennedy Presidential Library
The video above shows one of the museum's Jackie Kennedy exhibits.
Flight Home
A special Thanks to Tom and Yankee Line
Thanks to Tom - our steady motorcoach operator!
Thanks for the Memories!
A special thanks to our awesome group of American Classic Travelers! This was definitely one to remember. We hope to travel with you all again soon!