Where to go now that you know where you
want to go - By Armand Audette
Choosing
Cape Cod as a vacation destination was a
great decision. You must , however, now
determine what part of the Cape to visit
and where to stay. Our 65 miles have
distinct "sections," each with
its own special features: The Upper Cape
(closest to the bridges), the Mid-Cape
and the Lower or Outer Cape. Even though,
technically, the Lower Cape is farther
North than the Upper Cape, it is easy to
remember the terms if you think of Cape
Cod as your arm raised over your head.  Your
lower arm may be higher than your upper
arm but you can still remember the
difference. (Illustrated using an actual
picture of my arm!)
 PLEASE
NOTE: Some people are trying to divide
Cape Cod into four sections: Upper, Mid,
Lower and Outer. If you hear these
distinctions, the Lower Cape is then
meant to refer to the "elbow"
region of the cape, while the Outer Cape
refers to the forearm, wrist and hand. To
most people, however, the terms
"Lower" and "Outer"
Cape are synonymous.
The
Upper Cape was settled first (if you
don't count the Pilgrims pre-Plymouth
landing in Provincetown, circa 1620). On
the Upper Cape you will find many
historic houses and classic architecture.
The beaches are found on Cape Cod Bay and
Nantucket Sound.
The
Mid-Cape is the most populated part of
the Cape. Our only city, Hyannis, is
located there. Visitors who do not want
to be without the urban influences of
malls, neon and night life should plan to
stay there. Mid-Cape beaches are found on
Nantucket Sound and Cape Cod Bay.
The
Lower Cape is the most remote and least
populated part of Cape Cod. It is also
the narrowest and is surrounded by water.
Lower Cape beaches are found on the
Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod Bay and at the
numerous crystal clear fresh water ponds
located throughout. These ponds were
formed by huge chunks of ice left by our
last passing glacier.
The
Great Beach, running from Chatham to
Provincetown, faces the Atlantic and is
truly the best beach on the Cape. It
inspired President Kennedy to form the
Cape Cod National Seashore Project here
on the Lower Cape and not in the Mid-Cape
area where he had his own summer home. It
is the only place to go if you are a
lover of waves. Standing on the shore,
beneath towering dune cliffs, one gets a
special feeling watching the sun rise out
of the ocean, knowing that beyond the
horizon lies Portugal. The North Atlantic
is known for its violent storms and these
produce some of the most majestic
breakers here on the Outer Cape.
Surfboards and their owners are seen
trying to harness that power year 'round
here.
 Because
of The National Seashore, there are no
motels on the ocean. Some motels may be
found by the bay or on Nantucket Sound in
other towns, but most of their guests end
up commuting to the Atlantic Ocean
beaches just the same.
The
Lower Cape has been described as what the
rest of Cape Cod used to look like.
Quaint little villages, local fishing
boats and an abundance of undeveloped
land in its natural state wait for you to
explore.
The
Lower Cape is a hiker's haven, a
bird-watcher's bonanza and a
city-dweller's oasis. The main motto here
is....Life's a Beach!
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