Hotel at a Glance: The Blushing Oyster Bed & Breakfast

The Greek Revival home occupied by The Blushing Oyster Bed & Breakfast dates back to 1843, when it was built by a ship captain and local merchant. Today, the Cape Cod inn in Yarmouth Port is on the National Register of Historic Places. Though it’s been renovated, several details remain intact, including the 100-year-old pine floors, moulding, and fireplaces.

• Wake up to a breakfast that might include stuffed french toast or vegetable quiche with freshly baked scones, muffins, or bread.
• Refreshments: Help yourself to complimentary coffee, tea, or spring water anytime during your stay.
• In-room amenities: Each guest room features different amenities, such as a whirlpool tub, fireplace, clawfoot tub, or antique four-poster bed.
• Head to the beach: Borrow a beach towel and chair from the front desk and head to Bass Hole—otherwise known as Gray’s Beach—just a few blocks away.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Quaint Villages, Protected Beaches, and Miles of Shoreline

In the late 19th century, Cape Cod began to blossom into a summer vacation destination as visitors swapped crowded coastal cities for the sandy shores of eastern Massachusetts. Today, the arm-shaped peninsula encompasses a string of idyllic fishing villages, rolling dunes, and 300 miles of sandy shoreline—and it’s still the place where many East Coasters choose to spend their leisurely summer days. Popular attractions include fresh-seafood restaurants, quaint stores, and bicycle trails, such as the 11-mile Shining Sea Bikeway that wends from North Falmouth to Woods Hole.

But there’s also plenty to do in winter, when the crowds are a lot smaller. On the uppermost tip of the Cape, the free-spirited art colony of Provincetown attracts visitors year-round. This is one of the best places to head for a vibrant nightlife scene—there are cabarets, bars, and lounges aplenty. Pop into the Provincetown Art Association and Museum to check out local artwork, both historical and contemporary. Farther south, the Woods Hole Science Aquarium houses 140 marine animals native to the Northeast and mid-Atlantic region. You might even see marine biologists feeding the seals in the aquarium’s outdoor enclosure.

Yarmouth, located on the mid-Cape, was established by English settlers in the mid-17th century, and historical traces are still visible. Mills dot the countryside, and coastal bluffs are festooned with lighthouses including the privately owned Point Gammon Lighthouse and the Sandy Neck Lighthouse. Waterfront restaurants and upscale boutiques can be found throughout West Yarmouth, and 20 golf courses lie within a 20-minute drive.

Love to travel? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for travel tips, inspiration, and photos from around the world.