visit main street chatham, ma
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Cape Cod towns each has a unique "feel" and historical place within seaside New England culture. Chatham, MA, on the Cape, sits at the "elbow" of Massachusetts. It is surrounded by bays that lead to the Atlantic. Main Street features quaint shops, plenty of great places to eat and many art galleries.
Instructions
1
If driving, park near the rotary on Main Street, which is also Rte 28. It's easier to walk up and down the street than drive. Parking is available on the street (especially during off season) or many public, free lots. Start your visit by walking on the right side on the way "up" (east) Main Street and come back down on the opposite side. This way you won't miss any shops.
2
Stop at Ben Franklin store, an old-fashioned general store that sells everything from water shoes to fabric to salad bowls. This is a great store if you're renting a cottage and forgot to bring dish towels. Prices can be steep, but kids will love browsing the aisles of games and beach toys. Next stop at the information booth to pick up pamphlets about Chatham and the Cape. You can also pick up a list of shops. Stop by Yankee Ingenuity, a unique gift shop that features handmade jewelry, collector items and garden decor. Prices are reasonable, the stock rotates on a regular basis and your purchase supports local artists.
3
Further up Main Street is a small enclave of shops and the Blue Coral restaurant, tucked in the back under trees lit up year round. A few steps in the same direction takes you to Yellow Umbrella books, a new and used bookstore crammed with books on New England, Cape Cod and used paperbacks. Next to Yellow Umbrella is Chatham Squire, a local favorite that offers a full bar, authentic New England cuisine and a loud and lively gathering of Chathamites. Last stop on this side of the street is Monomy Coffee, in a Cape Cod house with picnic tables out front.
4
Cross Main Street and head back in the opposite direction. First stop is Chatham Candy Manor, a must stop for homemade fudge, taffy and hand dipped truffles. Galleries, jewelry and gift shops fill the next block before you get to Marley's Restaurant, next to Wayside Inn. Sit by the fire and enjoy lobster, steak and other fine seafood. You'll walk past a kitchen supply store and a wine store before getting to Chatham Hardware, in which you can find anything you need for your house or cottage.
5
Keep walking back to your starting point and stop by Captain's Table for seafood served on the patio or inside in a casual dining room. Next door is the Life Is Good clothing store which is a great place to buy shirts, pj's or mugs with uplifting sayings. Back toward the bottom of Main Street, near the rotary where you started, be sure to stop into Chatham Penny Candy to fill a bag with gummy bears, tootsie rolls and taffy. Hand dipped ice cream is not to be missed either.
Tips &- Warnings
If you visit off season (before mid June and after Labor Day) you won't have to fight the crowds but some stores may not be open year round.
Be sure to walk off the beaten path a bit. Walk down the side streets next to United Church of Christ and you'll see some of the oldest and most beautiful New England homes tucked away behind gardens and white picket fences. This Church also offers wonderful clambakes on Friday's during the summer and free concerts.
There are more unique clothing and gift stores along Main Street that sell anything but sea shell mirrors and Cape Cod keyrings. You'll find hand dyed shirts, hand made jewelry, one of a kind handbags and pillows, quilts and chair throws that echo the muted tones of the sea and sand and reflect New England sensibility.
Do not park any place designated as "no parking." Chathamites are protective of their privacy and parking is enforced to protect year round residents.
During peak season, strolling up or down Main Street can be like walking along Madison Avenue during Christmas rush. It gets crowded and can be difficult to get into restaurants. Chatham is beautiful anytime of year so take advantage of spring and fall visits.
Tags: Main Street, year round, Chatham Cape, main street chatham, near rotarySource: www.ehow.com
