With summer in full swing, I thought it would be great to update an original post from 2017 (crazy how quickly time has passed). Five years later, three kids and a pandemic have resulted in a few changes on the Cape, but also I’m in complete mom mode and have more to share with regard to kids’ events and family-friendly dining. Full disclaimer, it’s very much an abridged version considering there are so many different areas of the Cape, but for now I’ll focus on the Harwich/Dennis area with a few surrounding local favorites. And, if you have any places that you love that I haven’t mentioned, please share in the comments section. I’m always looking for new places to check out and visit.

Eat & Drink

Sesuit Harbor Café is the perfect place to get your seafood fix. This BYOB outdoor dining spot is also great for kids.

The Beach Bar at the Ocean House is a must-visit at happy hour along with The Pelham House which has the best rooftop bar and restaurant.

Favorite places to grab a drink and people-watch are The Port (they also have an expanded outdoor bar), Mad Minnow (outdoor seating and Sunday brunch), Three Monkeys, Ten Yen, which has since moved to Orleans, and Perks Coffee Shop & Beer Garden.

If you want a beautiful view then have cocktails or dinner at The Atlantic at Wequesset or The Beach House, at Chatham Bars Inn. Both have beautiful views and make for a great summer night out with a cocktail in hand - I would save both spots for a date night and leave the kids at home (smile). One more to try is the Ocean Edge Beach Bar because the view doesn’t get any better.

Other family-friendly spots include Land Ho, Chapin’s, and Southside Cantina

Local coffee shops include Perks Coffee & Beer Garden (with a great little beer garden and outdoor fire pit). Coffee by day and a fun spot for happy hour with live music at night.

Buckie’s in Dennisport for an on-the-go breakfast sandwich (I highly recommend calling your order in ahead of time, the menu here)

Scribano's Italian Market & Deli for great deli sandwiches (the chicken pesto panini is my favorite) They also have a small, but great, offering of prepared foods. They make their own mozzarella and also have a good selection of imported Italian favorites (pasta, olive oil, and cookies).

Coal fire pizza and wings at Ember is a great spot for families. The outdoor patio has a fire pit and they have live music to entertain the kiddos Wednesday through Saturday.

Two local markets we love, Cape Roots Market & Cafe is the perfect place to pick up the final touches for dinner and their market has a coffee shop with breakfast sandwiches and a deli for beach sandwiches and snacks. I also love Rory’s, which is an organic specialty market. They also have great breakfast options, smoothies, salads, and sandwiches. You can view the entire menu here and order online for a scheduled pick-up.

The JBar is the perfect spot to get your smoothie fix on. They also have a great selection of healthy, vegan-friendly, lunch options too.

Lastly, a local favorite, Sundae School.

Shop

The Grey House offers hostess gifts, housewares, and women’s apparel. The shop is perfectly curated with a range of modern and unique pieces with a nautical flair.

I always love popping into the home decor store Elburne in West Dennis (they recently opened a new shop in Mashpee Commons.

Other favorites include Solis, Dune Jewelry and Haberdash, one of the newest boutiques in town.

Kids

Fun activities for kids include the Cape Cod bike trail, bumper boats, mini-golf, trampolines, go-carts, catching a game with the local baseball team, Harwich Mariners and a visit to the local kite shop, Dr. Gravity’s. Mini golf at Bud’s, kid-friendly fishing excursions with Cap’n Kids.

Rainy Day Activities

The Harwich Public Library has a great kid’s room with toys and fun games. They also have a story time and fun music program on Monday and Friday mornings. You can check out the full events and activities schedule here.

Also great for rainy days include the pirate's museum and children’s museum.

If you have any favorite spots not featured, please share in the comments section. And, feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions at @amodestlife.

Cheers and Happy Summer!

Favorite Spots {Summer 2022}