Springtime on Cape Cod

I adore springtime on Cape Cod!  The old saying “April showers brings May flowers” is certainly true this year as we’ve had a rainy spring but sure signs of warmer weather coming can be seen with the greening grass and perennials coming back from last fall.  At  the Captain Freeman Inn,  we are busy planning our spring projects including a new split rail fence for the side yard that will be flanked with climbing roses.   The picture above is of our country garden last year where we grow herbs, lavender, vegetables and flowers. This year we have plans to add a beautiful arbor for our kiwi to climb on and to add more lavender near the fountain.

Our front gardens are alway spectacular, including the colorful hanging baskets. This picture was from two years ago, and we are going to continue with the purple color in hanging baskets.

Always enjoy the Forsythia that is now blooming in our front yard and around Cape Cod- it is a sure sign that summer is not far away.

Spring Festivals

Cape Cod is also known for our fun festivals and the spring ones really are our favorite. Outlined below are the dates not to be missed:

 

Nantucket Daffodil Festival- April 24th-26th

The tiny island welcomes spring on a grand scale, with three million daffodils in bloom and a three-day celebration to show them off in style. Now in its 41st year, the festival includes a family picnic at Children’s Beach, Nantucket Garden Club Daffodil Show, an island-wide scavenger hunt, 5K race, and huge used book sale. The Antique Car (plus tailgate party), Daffy Hat, dog and kids parades keep spring marching in all weekend long.

Cape Cod Maritime Days: May 1- June 6

Celebrating the Maritime heritage of Cape Cod, this month-long celebration is a perfect reminder; now in its 22nd year, of our Cape Cod history.  The event features guided kayak excursions, lighthouse and walking tours, nautical art exhibit, and a maritime history symposium at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History.  Check out this chamber web site for details.

Brewster in Bloom- May 3rd, 4th & 5th

Our quaint town of Brewster has a wonderful spring festival that includes a Bloom Run, closest-to-the-pin contests at Captains Golf Course, self-guided arts and antique tours at local galleries, a band concert and Kid Fest at Drummer Boy Park, and a juried arts and crafts show at Cape Cod Sea Camps. The weekend culminates in the Bloomin’ Parade hosted by the Brewster Inn and Woodshed; this year’s theme is “Honey Bee Good.” Praise bees! The Captain Freeman Inn will have an Open House on Sunday from 2-4 that includes truffle tasting, a tour of the inn and cohosted with  the lovely folks from the Brewster Ponds Coalition who will share information about their great cause. Check out a previous blog for more information about this festival.

The Nantucket Wine and Food Festival- May 15th-19th

 

Rhododendron Festival – May 25th

If you are a “Rhodi” lover this event is not to be missed. The Rhododendron Festival is a beautiful spring event that highlights blooming flowers at the Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, Massachusetts. Every spring, as Cape Cod flowers are in full bloom, visitors enjoy guided demonstrations and learn about caring for rhododendrons. Check out their web site for more information.

 21st Father’s Day Auto Show-  June 21st

The sight of traffic stopped along Main Street is never sweeter than during the annual auto show, featuring rare, antique, classic and muscle cars on proud display. There are kid’s games, prizes, a craft fair, and discounts at local restaurants and shops, but even non-enthusiasts may fall for a vintage convertible or sleek 70s Charger.

How does your garden grow?

Byron and I love to visit local nurseries and garden centers. We are very lucky to have several close by to the inn. When we first started inn keeping almost 16 years ago, my mother, AKA- Nanna was our garden expert. In the spring she always treated for our flowers and plants and I have such fond memories of plant shopping with her every spring. Here are some of our favorite places to visit during your stay at the inn. We always welcome guests storing their new plants in our back garden, near a watering hose, until you make your trek back home.

Hyannis Country Garden- Hyannis

This extraordinary resource is one of the largest gardening resource in New England. They specialize in water gardening and koi ponds.

Soares Flower Garden Nursery- Falmouth

Terry and Reg Soares have been helping gardeners for years with their  gardening knowledge, carrying personalities and beloved, beautiful nursery, which is tucked into a shady enclave off of Sandwich Road in Falmouth. They offer perennials, annuals, vegetables and

Crocker Nurseries- Brewster

Crocker Nursery has been providing quality plants and trees to Cape Codders for over 45 years. Known for their extensive selection of scrubs, trees, evergreens and roses- plus they always have a wonderful selection of your favorite perennial and annual flowers.

The Farm- Orleans

A gardener’s delight found down a dirt road in Orleans.  Very well prices and quality plants, family owned and friendly service.

Bayberry Gardens- Truro

Recognizing that gardening on Cape Cod creates slightly different gardening models, the knowledgeable staff at Bayberry Gardens help gardeners navigate the challengers of sandier soils and relentless winds. They love to recommend plants that have a higher likelihood to thrive and grow on Cape Cod.

Agway of Cape Cod- Orleans, Dennis and Chatham

We buy most of our plants and trees (and Harrison’s food and toys) from this wonderful resource. They are family owned and full of delightful employees that are both knowledgeable and helpful.

Come Stay with Us

Spring has sprung on Cape Cod and it’s a perfect time to book your stay at the Captain Freeman Inn. Our rooms have been totally renovated and include luxurious linens and turkish towels along with new room sprays and creams from the Boston General Store. We have also been busy bees nurturing some African Violets that will be included on your welcoming tray as our gift to you.

Come stay with us and see why we were voted #7 best Bed and Breakfast in the country by Trip Adviser. Check out a previous blog for details.

Check out all of our rooms and availably along with our new Concierge page which is filled with information about what to do during your stay on Cape Cod.

Experience our delicious breakfast and afternoon teas.

Our homemade raspberry jam is always a crowd pleaser!