Let’s Go to Chatham

Looking for the perfect place to vacation this summer? Chatham, Cape Cod, will not disappoint. I have been going to Chatham every summer for the past 20 years, and it will forever be my family’s favorite vacation spot. Not only does Chatham have some of the prettiest beaches on the cape, but it also has the best restaurants, and of course, shops. My perfect day in Chatham consists of laying on the beach all day, coming home to get ready for dinner, and ending with a successful shopping spree on Main Street. Here is a list of some of my absolute must-do’s while in Chatham!

FOOD

The Chatham Squire

This restaurant is always one of our first stops when we get to Chatham. If you like seafood, this is the place for you. The Squire has some of the best lobster and clam chowder around– it's a classic.

Clambake at the Chatham Bars Inn

This is a must for sure. After spending a long day relaxing at the beach, one of my favorite things to do is get dressed up, and go to the CBI clambake. All the food is fresh, and SO delicious. Watch the sunset, enjoy a live band, and grab all the food you can eat. After all, who doesn't love oceanfront dining and all you can eat seafood?

Buffy’s Ice Cream Shop

After dinner, come to Buffy’s for some of the best homemade ice cream. With so many different flavors to choose from and pink sprinkles to top it off, you can't help but love Buffy’s. Not to mention- an ice cream cone from here makes for a great Instagram photo.

Chatham Candy Manor

If you're a chocolate girl like me, treat yourself to some of the best homemade fudge and chocolates you will ever have. My personal favorites are the chocolate covered oreos and homemade nonpareils. The candies are perfect to enjoy after dinner or to snack on while walking around shopping.

BEACHES

Chatham Lighthouse Beach

This beach has become my family’s favorite. The lighthouse has been around since 1808, and brings a little piece of history to the Chatham area. One year, my family had the opportunity to climb to the top, and let me say– the views were pretty amazing. Whether you are sight-seeing from the top of the lighthouse, spending the day relaxing with family and friends, or having a pizza from Carmine’s while watching the sunset, this beach has it all.

PLACES TO STAY

Chatham Bars Inn

This hotel is stunning, and located right on the beach. It offers luxury pools, spas, and restaurants that the whole family will enjoy. It also has some of the best seafood, live music, and oceanfront dining on the cape. Although it’s more on the pricey side, the oceanfront views that this hotel offers cannot be beat.

The Chatham Wayside Inn

This hotel is set right in the heart of downtown Chatham. While staying here you will have to drive to the beach, but all the shops and restaurants are located within walking distance from your hotel room. It is the perfect place to stay to experience all Chatham has to offer.

SHOPPING

Now onto my personal favorite thing about Chatham– the shopping scene. Main Street Chatham has trendy shops and boutiques lined up all down the street. Chatham has all the classic stores any preppy person would love, including Lilly Pulitzer, Southern Tide, and Mahi Gold. However, you can also find contemporary local boutiques, such as Jackie’s, or All Points Beautiful. Other stores include Black Dog, and another local favorite, Mermaids on Maine. Chatham offers stores for everyone’s style and preferences. It is dangerous how many hours I could spend shopping here...

SPORTS

Chatham Anglers Baseball Game

Coming from a huge baseball family, this is always a must for us. If you enjoy watching baseball, spending a night under the lights watching the Chatham A’s play is always a good time.

If you ever are to visit Cape Cod, be sure to stop by Chatham and check out all that this town has to offer. Chatham has the best of both worlds– it has beautiful beaches and a fun downtown to stroll at night. You will never run out of places to see, or things to do, while in Chatham. No other town in the Cape can compare!

Chatham, you are home.

Mairead Hagan