Welcome to Wellfleet Cape Cod 
Wellfleet - Cape Cod2010 Population: 2,750 |
This Wellfleet, Cape Cod Business Page is Sponsored by
ATLANTIC OAKS CAMP GROUND
Atlantic Oaks is a modern campground with a long list of conveniences which have been custom-tailored to meet the needs of RV’ers. Large, wooded, pull-thru sites are not only equipped with the full hookups which you would expect, but also include cable TV. Amenities include clean modern restrooms, free private hot showers, wireless high speed Internet service, a laundry, and LP gas sales. Our new 5,000 square foot multi-purpose building, shown above, is now open. There's also a playground, store and security gate for the convenience and enjoyment of our guests.
Our campground is ideally situated, in the Town of Eastham, only a half mile from the National Seashore Visitor Center and just twenty miles from Provincetown. Bay and ocean beaches are nearby and the Cape Cod Rail Trail actually touches the back of our camp!
While staying here at Atlantic Oaks, you may choose from many attractions in the area. These include playing in the surf at the National Seashore, swimming in the calm waters of the Cape Cod Bay, or bicycling any portion (or the entire length!) of the renowned Cape Cod Rail Trail.
There are other nearby recreational options; take a whale watch trip from Provincetown, charter a fishing boat or launch your own from Rock or Wellfleet Harbors. Excellent restaurants, gift and antique shops are all close by, along with mini golf, the famous Wellfleet Flea Market and the Cape’s last drive-in movie theater.
3700 Route 6, Eastham, MA
phone: 508-255-1437
map / details
| Elin Hilderbrand would approve of this post Wednesday July 02, 2025 |
| ?At the ferry terminal, Coco begins to understand what going to Nantucket means. Everyone is preppy and wealthy?looking; the clothes are tasteful; there's a lot of navy blue and white.? ? Swan Song
Having a coastal grandmother summer? Here's a closer look at Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard
(Just remember the Perfect Couple is fiction).
Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket offer a classic New England summer vacation. Shingled cottages, seafood shacks, and breezy beach days make it a laidback destination.
Cape Cod has something for everyone, from family-friendly towns like Chatham to artsy enclaves like Provincetown.
Martha's Vineyard feels relaxed but refined, with scenic bike paths, small towns, and a strong local vibe.
Nantucket is the most polished of the three, known for upscale boutiques, cobblestone streets, and postcard-perfect beaches.
This region is great for couples, families, and groups looking for a coastal getaway with charm, character, and plenty of fresh seafood. Read on to learn where to stay, what to do, and how to plan a trip to the Cape and Islands.
Need to know
Booking your stay and activities at least three to six months in advance is advisable, especially for summer weekends and holidays. These coastal communities value their pace and traditions; visitors are encouraged to keep beaches clean and quiet, follow local signage (especially around protected areas), and tip service staff generously.
Be mindful of ticks on trails and sharks in the water, and always use designated swimming areas. Beach access varies. Most of Cape Cod's are public, but may require parking passes. Martha's Vineyard has more private, sticker-only beaches, and Nantucket is a mix, so check before you go. And one more tip: lock your bike, even in the most charming towns.
Languages: English is spoken, but you'll likely hear some unique vernacular from Bostonians and Cape Codders.
Key phrases: ?down the Cape? (traveling to or being on Cape Cod), ?wicked? (used in place of 'very' or 'really'), ?bubbler? (often heard as 'bubblah,' a drinking fountain), ?frappe? (milkshake), and ?scrod? (young Atlantic cod).
Airports: Most people fly into Boston (BOS) and Providence (PVD) airports. There are direct flights from Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Seattle, and many more cities. Travelers will then drive or take the train and/or ferries to final destinations. There are also smaller local airports with mostly seasonal connectivity, including:
Cape Cod: Provincetown (PVC) has seasonal flights to Boston and White Plains, with seaplane service to Boston Harbor and New York Skyport. New Bedford (EWB) and Cape Cod Gateway (HYA) have year-round service to Boston, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. The latter also has seasonal flights to New York, Chicago, Washington DC, and Philadelphia.
Nantucket: There are regularly scheduled flights to Nantucket (ACK) from Boston, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, and New Bedford. There are seasonal services to Chicago, New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Charlotte.
Martha's Vineyard: Martha's Vineyard (MVY) has regular services to Boston, Hyannis, Nantucket, and New Bedford. Seasonal flights extend to New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Charlotte, and Philadelphia.
Transportation: Cape Cod traffic gets busy, especially on weekends. Arriving early or midweek if possible is recommended. Ferries connect the Cape to the Islands, but schedules don't always line up. Be prepared and plan ahead. If you're bringing a car on the ferry, book spots months in advance, or try 6 a.m. or midweek for last-minute chances. Watch for permit-only parking and small lots near beaches.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Cape Cod is September through early November, when the summer crowds thin out but the ocean is still warm. May through August is peak season, with packed beaches and buzzy towns. Winter brings a quiet, residential feel best suited for peaceful retreats, albeit very cold weather. Most businesses are only open from May to October, but residential areas have year-round offerings, especially on Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and Block Island.
Ideal length of stay: Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard all make great long-weekend getaways from Northeast cities. If you have the time, a full week or more lets you settle into the slower pace and ferry-hop around the area.
Signature dishes:
Lobster roll: Served warm with butter or chilled with mayo?there's passionate debate on which is best, so try both.
Clam chowder: Creamy, hearty, and full of tender clams and potatoes.
Fried clams: Whole belly or strips, you'll find them at roadside shacks and sit-down spots alike.
Oysters: Locally harvested and best enjoyed raw with lemon, mignonette, and the sea breeze.
Blueberry pie: Especially good in late summer, when the local berries are at their peak.
Stuffed quahogs (?stuffies?): A local favorite; chopped clams mixed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, baked in the shell.
What to wear: Expect warm days with a relaxed, coastal feel. Pack swimsuits, breezy layers, sandals, and plenty of sun protection. A linen shirt or easy sundress is perfect for lunch or late-day drinks, while smart-casual works well for dinner. Think boat shoes, a light sweater, or a collared shirt. Evenings can get cool by the water, so bring a jacket or wrap. In fall and spring, and especially winter, layers are key.
Hotels
Image courtesy of Chatham Bars Inn
Whether it's a cozy seaside inn, a design-forward boutique hotel, or a historic resort with ocean views, these destinations have it ALL. Wherever you check in, expect local character, scenic surroundings, and easy access to beaches, restaurants, and bike trails.
Cape Cod
Cape Cod offers a wide range of places to stay, from grand seaside resorts to intimate boutique inns. Most are found along the Cape's eastern shore, in or near Chatham. It's the perfect base for beach days, gallery hopping, and exploring the Cape's scenic byways.
Chatham Bars Inn: A Cape Cod classic since 1914, Chatham Bars Inn blends historic charm with Atlantic views. Stay in a cottage by the sea, spend the day lounging on the private beach, and end with oysters and rosé on the veranda at sunset. It's perfectly polished but relaxed.
My perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast credit, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Wequassett Resort and Golf Club: Set on Pleasant Bay, this resort has manicured grounds, multiple pools, and a golf course next door. Refined but family-friendly, with luxe rooms, waterfront dining, and kids' programming that lets adults have an afternoon at the spa.
My Preferred Platinum partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Salt House Inn: This adults-only boutique spot in Provincetown is all about minimalist design and curated touches. With whitewashed walls, vintage coastal décor, and a sun-drenched patio, it feels like staying in a stylish friend's beach house.
Nantucket
Image courtesy of Harbor View Hotel
Nantucket blends classic New England charm with elevated coastal style, from boutique hotels in historic buildings to harbor-view inns. Staying near town offers walkable access to shops, restaurants, and the ferry, while out-of-town options provide a quieter, more residential feel close to beaches and bike trails.
Blue Iris: This chic, 12-room guesthouse downtown showcases bold interiors and an easygoing vibe. Expect curated design details, beach bags, and Turkish towels, plus a courtyard perfect for morning coffee or evening wine. It's intimate and walkable to everything.
White Elephant Nantucket: A Nantucket classic that pairs waterfront views with refined island luxury. Rooms, suites, and cottages are spread across this harborfront property with an on-site spa, lively brunch scene, and lounge chairs lining the lawn.
The Brant: Just outside downtown, this retreat brings a playful, design-forward energy to the island. The atmosphere is social and fun, with lawn games, complimentary bikes, and a beach shuttle. It's the perfect laid-back stay with easy access to town and surf.
My perks include a welcome amenity, complimentary bottle of rosé wine, an upgrade whenever possible, and guaranteed late check-out.
Martha's Vineyard
Image courtesy of The Brant
Martha's Vineyard is home to a mix of charming inns, refined hotels, and cottage-style stays. Each town offers its own distinct feel, from lively Oak Bluffs, to elegant Edgartown, or the ferry hub of Vineyard Haven.
Harbor View Hotel: This iconic stay above Edgertown Harbor feels both timeless and refreshed. The wraparound porch is ideal for sunset cocktails, while rooms balance coastal charm with modern ease. It's steps from the lighthouse, boutique shops, and the sailing scene.
My perks include a $100 food & beverage credit, daily breakfast credit, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Winnetu Oceanside Resort: A short walk from South Beach, Winnetu blends classic resort amenities with a laid-back luxe feel. Spacious suites and private homes make it perfect for families or groups, while firepits, lawn games, and Jeep rentals keep days full and easygoing.
Hob Knob: This intimate 19th-century home-turned-boutique-hotel in Edgartown feels like a cozy, elevated escape. Each room is individually styled and the porch is made for slow mornings with house-made pastries. The spa and thoughtful service round out the experience.
My perks include a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, an upgrade whenever possible, and guaranteed late check-out.
Home rental stays
The best summer rentals can book up 6-12 months out, especially around peak weeks and holidays like July 4th, Labor Day, and school breaks. Flexibility may be limited; most rentals require Saturday-to-Saturday stays, so plan your travel days with that in mind. I having booking access to the platforms below, most of which come with added perks.
Stay HVN: Curated luxury rentals with vetted properties and on-the-ground support teams. A strong pick for upscale stays across coastal New England.
Plum Guide: Stylish homes that meet rigorous quality standards. Think dependable charm in Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard.
Vacasa: A broad range of professionally managed homes, from laid-back beach cottages to high-end hideaways, all with 24/7 guest support.
Cruises
While plenty of New England cruises sail past Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard, few actually stop there. The exception is American Cruise Lines, a small ship line built for coastal cruising.
It's ideal for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace, locally inspired cuisine, and an intimate onboard atmosphere with fewer than 200 guests. Staterooms are spacious and there's no formal dress code. Expect easy access to port towns, onboard enrichment from local experts, and plenty of time to explore on foot.
I can help you book and choose from one of four distinct itineraries around the Cape:
Cape Codder (7 nights, roundtrip Boston): Visit Provincetown, Martha's Vineyard, Newport, and New Bedford for art-filled towns, seaside mansions, and rich maritime history.
New England Islands (7 nights, roundtrip Providence): Explore Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, Block Island's dramatic Mohegan Bluffs, Bristol, Newport, and New Bedford to enjoy coastal views and classic New England charm.
New England Explorer (10 nights, roundtrip Boston): Sail to Acadia National Park and five ports in Maine, plus Gloucester, Newport, and Martha's Vineyard for historic shipyards, coastal landscapes, and old-fashioned lobsterbakes.
Grand New England (14 nights, roundtrip Boston): Explore ports from Maine to Rhode Island and cross Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard for historic harbors, charming seaport towns, and Gilded Age estates.
History and culture
Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard are steeped in a layered and complex history. Long before they became beloved seaside getaways, they were home to the Wampanoag people. They've lived in the region for hundreds of years. On Martha's Vineyard, the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe still resides near the clay cliffs of Aquinnah. It's a sacred site that visitors can respectfully view from an overlook.
The islands also later played pivotal roles in early American maritime history. Nantucket was once the whaling capital of the world. Its cobblestoned streets and saltbox homes are staples with ties to 18th-century sea captains, Quaker settlers, and global trade. At the Nantucket Whaling Museum, visitors can trace this storied legacy while also acknowledging the environmental and human costs of the industry.
Meanwhile, Cape Cod's historic charm is anchored in its shipbuilding towns, clapboard cottages, and lighthouses, many of which date back to colonial times. Provincetown, located at the tip of the Cape, marks the landing site of the Mayflower in 1620, predating Plymouth. Today it thrives as a vibrant, welcoming community known for its artistic spirit and LGBTQ+ pride. Across all three destinations, local traditions like summer agricultural fairs, oyster festivals, and bonfires on the beach persist. The area invites travelers to visit and experience its historical charm, whether for a weekend or summer-long stay.
Cultural celebrations & events
Nantucket Wine and Food Festival (May): Chefs, vintners, and food lovers descend on Nantucket for a weekend of tastings, oceanfront dinners, and culinary conversations.
Provincetown Pride (June): Parades, beach parties, drag shows, and community events in one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly towns in the country.
Juneteenth Jubilee (Martha's Vineyard, June): This island-wide celebration honors African American freedom and culture with live music, educational panels, local vendors, and family programming.
Fourth of July Celebrations (all locations, July 4): Parades, fireworks, and small-town Americana charm, from Edgartown's harborfront show to parades in Chatham and festivities in Oak Bluffs.
Cape Cod Jazz Festival (July to August): Hosted at the Wequassett Resort, this summer series features weekly performances from top jazz musicians.
Wellfleet OysterFest (Cape Cod, October): A fall favorite on the Outer Cape with shucking competitions, shellfish tastings, and art vendors.
A Very Vineyard Holiday (Martha's Vineyard, December): Caroling, shopping strolls, tree lightings, and plenty of hot cocoa as Martha's Vineyard transforms into a winter wonderland, especially in Edgartown.
What to do
Whether it's a beach day, scenic bike rides, or boutique shopping, Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard have no shortage of ways to spend your days.
Cape Cod
Beaches: Relax on miles of public beaches. Mayflower Beach is a calm, family-friendly option on the bayside. Dramatic Atlantic-facing waves can be found at Coast Guard Beach, part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Catch the sunset at Race Point Beach.
Whale watching: Go whale watching from Provincetown, one of the best spots on the East Coast to see humpbacks and minkes.
Hiking and biking: Explore scenic bike trails like the Cape Cod Rail Trail, or hike the rugged Great Island Trail in Wellfleet for secluded shoreline views.
Chatham and Hyannis: Stroll through Chatham to find glassblowing studios, small galleries, and postcard-perfect lighthouse views. Visit the JFK Museum in Hyannis for a dose of local history
Provincetown: Head to 'P-town' for its bold art scene, quirky shops, and lobster rolls with a harbor view.
Nantucket
Beaches: Cliff Beach offers gentle waves and a family-friendly feel, while Surfside Beach is ideal for bodysurfing, long walks, and a breezy day by the sea.
Town of Nantucket: Wander Nantucket Town for cobblestone streets, historic inns, and boutiques that blend timeless charm with modern flair.
Sconset: Head out to Sconset, where rose-covered cottages and quiet beaches deliver major storybook vibes and a slower pace.
History: Snap a photo at Brant Point Lighthouse, one of the oldest in the US, and swing by the Old Mill for a glimpse of America's oldest functioning windmill.
Museum: Dive into island history at the Whaling Museum, where maritime exhibits bring 19th-century Nantucket to life.
Surfing: Catch waves at Cisco Beach, the island's favorite surf spot with a laid-back scene and postcard-worthy views.
Martha's Vineyard
Menemsha Beach: Watch the sunset at Menemsha Beach, a working fishing village known for its easygoing feel and freshly caught seafood from the nearby market.
Museum: Browse the Martha's Vineyard Museum for a thoughtful mix of island history, seasonal art exhibits, and panoramic harbor views.
Oak Bluffs: Meander past the colorful gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs, or head to Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary for birdwatching and quiet coastal trails.
Walking and biking: Walk or bike through the peaceful, tree-lined paths of Correllus State Forest?14 miles of shaded trails that feel a world away from the beach crowds.
Landmarks: Take in the sweeping coastal views from Aquinnah Cliffs and Gay Head Lighthouse, then unwind with a cold beer at Bad Martha's Brewery in Edgartown.
Where to eat
From clam shacks to fine dining, seafood is fresh, local, and at the heart of New England's dining scene. Here are some favorite restaurants across Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard.
Cape Cod
Water Street Kitchen (Woods Hole): Tiny but mighty, this creative spot serves up locally sourced dishes in a cozy harbor setting.
The Pheasant (Dennis): Seasonal, modern New England cooking with a cool, rustic vibe. Feels like dining at a chef friend's chic farmhouse.
Fishermen's View (Sandwich): Seafood so fresh it's often from their own boats. Great canal views, a buzzing raw bar, and casual upscale energy.
The Ocean House Restaurant (Dennis Port): A favorite for a polished night out. The oceanfront setting is hard to beat, with a globally inspired seafood menu.
Mac's Chatham Fish & Lobster (Chatham): Simple, fast, and consistently good, grab a lobster roll and eat outside. It doesn't get more Cape Cod than this.
The Lobster Pot (Provincetown): An icon with a massive menu, bold flavors, and harbor views. This place is constantly packed for a reason.
Nantucket
If you've indeed read any Hilderbrand's books, these spots will absolutely sound familiar.
The Nautilus: Always buzzing, this energetic spot is known for its bold, globally inspired small plates and inventive cocktails.
Galley Beach: With tables right on the sand and front-row seats to the sunset, this is the spot for a cocktail that effortlessly turns into a long, lingering dinner.
Cru: A harbor-front favorite for oysters, lobster rolls, and glasses of chilled rosé. It's laid-back luxury with serious Nantucket polish.
Millie's: Baja-style tacos, breezy beach vibes, and spectacular sunsets make this casual favorite an easy repeat stop.
Bar Yoshi: Sushi with a waterfront view, sake to sip, and a menu that's perfect for something lighter but elevated.
Sandbar at Jetties: Beachside and breezy with tropical cocktails, fresh seafood, and a laid-back vibe that works for families or happy hour.
Martha's Vineyard
Morning Glory Farm (Edgartown): Beloved by both locals and visitors, this farmstand bakery is your spot for fresh muffins, scones, and just-picked produce.
Rosewater Market (Edgartown): A cozy corner café perfect for grabbing a quick breakfast sandwich or lingering over a cappuccino outside.
L'étoile (Edgartown): One of Edgartown's fancier splurge spots with a creative, seasonal menu served in a charming old house and under a romantic tent.
Larson's Fish Market (Menemsha): Grab a lobster roll or steamers from the counter and enjoy dockside dining with harbor views and salty ocean air.
Nomans (Oak Bluffs): Equal parts beer garden and beachy hangout, this is the go-to for live music, picnic tables, and easygoing eats. No reservations, just vibes.
Back Door Donuts (Oak Bluffs): Late-night donuts from an actual back door. Go after 7 pm for warm fritters and people-watching.
Trips to add on
Make it a longer getaway by adding these nearby cities and coastal towns to your trip. They're easy to pair and add even more culture, food, and coastal beauty to your itinerary.
Newport, Rhode Island: Gilded Age mansions, sailing culture, and a sophisticated harbor town where you can tour cliffside estates by day and sip cocktails on the waterfront by night.
Providence, Rhode Island: Creative and compact, Providence is known for its arts scene, riverside walkways, and standout restaurants. Don't miss WaterFire, a local tradition that brings the whole city to life.
Boston, Massachusetts: With its mix of Revolutionary history and world-class dining, stroll the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, catch a Red Sox game, or take a sunset cruise in Boston Harbor.
Montauk, New York: The Hamptons' laid-back cousin, Montauk has rugged beaches, a big surf culture, and seafood shacks worth the trip.
New York City, New York: If you're flying in or out of NYC, spend a few days soaking up the iconic museums, Broadway shows, rooftop bars, and vibrant neighborhoods.
For more information about any of these destinations and hotels, email me at nikki.daniel@fora.travel. And then take me with you.
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| Race Point Reverie Tuesday July 01, 2025 |
| Yesterday, as if in a deliberate act of defiance against the laws of rest and recovery, Sadie and I decided to double down on summer. I had just gotten back from a four-day guy's trip in Wilmington, Vermont?a boozy, meat-heavy, EDM-fueled bacchanal in the Green Mountains that left my liver and my ears tenderized in equal measure. No sooner had I thrown my duffel bag on the floor than Sadie looked at me and said, ?Let's go to the Cape tomorrow.?
I don't know what it is about that woman?maybe it's her Bavarian blood or her general disdain for idle time?but she's got the uncanny ability to snap me out of my post-trip daze and into spontaneous motion. So I nodded, cracked a smile, and said, ?Let's take the Porsche.?
We left Glocester early, the sun still yawning over the treetops, the 1982 black Porsche 911SC humming like a caffeinated wasp. I never tire of that car. Something about driving that machine?its old-world steering, its mechanical honesty?makes the journey feel like a ritual. There's a kind of sacred geometry to it: the flat-six growling behind us, the soft weight of the air thickening as we neared the coast, the rhythmic push and pull of second gear through the back roads of eastern Rhode Island.
Sadie wore sunglasses and a straw hat, sipping iced coffee with her bare feet on the dash like it was her birthright. The Porsche has no cupholders, of course?German cars from that era assumed the driver had better things to do?but we made it work. We always do.
By late morning, we rolled into the outer edges of Provincetown and made our way to Race Point Beach, that endless, sprawling stretch of sand and sky. There's something mythic about Race Point. You feel small there in the best possible way?like a guest at the edge of something older than you'll ever understand. The tide was low, the sun generous but not brutal. Sadie laid out the towels while I unloaded the cooler.
We brought food?actual food, not just chips and fruit like some amateur operation. Cold grilled chicken, crusty rolls from a bakery in Wellfleet, herbed couscous, watermelon, and enough water bottles to irrigate a small village. We stretched out in the heat like contented lizards, swam when we felt like it, and watched the plovers chase each other in a zigzag ballet at the water's edge.
After hours of sun, sand, and the sort of deep conversation that only comes when you've both finally slowed down, we packed up and decided to explore. I'd forgotten how much I love just wandering with Sadie. She's a curious soul, always willing to pull over and chase a curiosity down a sandy path.
First stop: Hatches Harbor. The walk was quiet, contemplative. That marshland has a stillness to it, a hushed beauty. You almost feel like you're intruding on some secret meeting between sky and earth. Sadie took photos, mostly of textures?driftwood, sand ripples, rusted iron peeking from the salt grass. She has a way of noticing things I overlook. It's maddening and endearing all at once.
Then we made our way to the Race Point Lighthouse. It never gets old. The path there feels like it was designed by the universe's greatest minimalist?just dunes, sky, and anticipation. When we reached it, I stood there staring out at the open water, pretending I was a 19th-century mariner wondering if I'd ever make it back home. Sadie, less prone to maritime melodrama, simply leaned against the fence and soaked in the view.
By then, our stomachs were growling like engines, and we headed to Fanizzi's Restaurant in Provincetown for dinner. Fanizzi's is perched right on the water?an unpretentious spot with big windows and a menu that punches above its weight class. We scored a window seat, the tide gently brushing the shore like it was trying not to wake anyone.
I ordered the grilled swordfish with garlic mashed potatoes and a side of roasted vegetables, and Sadie got the baked stuffed shrimp?gargantuan creatures swimming in buttery breadcrumbs and lemon. We split a bottle of cold Sauvignon Blanc and toasted to summer, spontaneity, and the twin miracles of sunscreen and German engineering.
Dessert was a shared slice of key lime pie, which we ate like two thieves, spooning it back and forth while the pink and orange sunset draped itself lazily across the sky.
The drive home was slow and soft. The kind of drive where you don't talk much?not because there's nothing to say, but because silence feels like the right companion. The Porsche purred in the dark like it knew we'd done something right that day.
Back home in Glocester, we kicked off our shoes, poured a couple glasses of water, and made our way out to the dock by our pond. The moon hung low, casting its reflection across the water like a silver brushstroke. Sadie put on some music?Fleetwood Mac, I think?and we just sat there. Two slightly sunburned people with sand still clinging to our ankles, letting the day wash over us.
There's something healing about days like that. You forget the schedules, the call shifts, the endless grind of a profession that sometimes eats you alive. You remember why you work so damn hard. Not for the paychecks or the prestige, but for the Porsche drives, the spontaneous beach trips, the seafood eaten with bare, sun-salted hands?and the quiet dock at home where you sit beside the person who reminds you that life, if nothing else, should be deeply, deeply lived.
Ask ChatGPT |
| Fieldwork Week Four: Squire's Pond Monday June 30, 2025 |
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Charles Heinz, Wellfleet Vista
So there's a painting. It's by Charles Heinz. For a year or so it hung in the lobby of Seaman's Bank in Wellfleet. I fell in love with it. Abe Storer wrote about the painting in the Provincetown Independent. Given its view, I had assumed that it was painting from the bank of Hamblen Island. When I was recently talking with Abe, he said he'd made the same incorrect assumption, and that in fact the painting has been made from the back of Squire's Pond ? where a lot of Wellfleet artists used to paint. So on a rainy Saturday, a group of seven of us set out to see Squire's Pond.
Squire's Pond from the end of Squire's Pond Lane.
Abe had warned me that it had become overgrown. On the town side of the pond, it's basically become a marsh. And on the back side, where Heinz had made the painting, it's been developed ? leaving no clear view without serious trespassing.
My quest aside, Saturday's walk was great for seeing parts of Wellfleet that are obscured in a car. In fact several of us commented that we were seeing the town in a new way ? across low hedges, through stands of trees, and at a speed that allowed us to appreciate the built landscape. For my own part, walking the side streets is helping me better understand the topography of the town ? and broadening my mental map. I'm also collecting more inspiration for new paintings.
In addition to its amazing collection, it's a delight to see the ongoing restoration and growth of the Wellfleet Historical Society Museum.
We concluded our rainy-day walk by visiting the Wellfleet Historical Society Museum. It's a really lovely collection and a visit with David is always a pleasure!
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Fieldwork Saturdays in Wellfleet
Organized by Pete Hocking & AMZehnder Gallery
This summer, we're inviting creative people ? including visual artists, photographers, writers, and others ? to join us for community fieldwork sessions in Wellfleet on Saturday afternoons from 2:30 ? 5 PM. This is not a workshop and there will be no instructor. Spending time in a place, looking deeply, taking notes, and allowing the place to soak into memory allows one to bring meaningful experience into the studio ? and to ultimately work more intuitively. The sessions are also designed to strike up conversation and relationships among Outer Cape artists. You're invited to look, to draw, to paint, to photograph, to take notes, to write ? and especially to connect with other creative people in our incredible community. These sessions are free and you're welcome to join us as your schedule permits. Come for one session or all sessions!
We'll meet at AMZehnder Gallery at 25 Bank Street at 2:30 PM on Saturday and we'll conclude the start of Gallery Night at 5 PM.
Questions? Contact phocking@gmail.com |
Next Wellfleet Cape News Update at 3:30 AM EST
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