by Charlotte Bellamy

Created on: October 06, 2008

Cape Cod and its islands are quite unlike any other part of America I have come across. Here it matters not your age, your wealth, your upbringing or your preferences to life choices. No one seems to care if you haven't had Botox to iron out the wrinkles, and in Provincetown, no one takes a second glance at your chosen life partner! Cape Cod struck me fair and square as a part of America fully accepting of each individual for whom they are, not what they feel they should be. Whew, that's an opening statement for this article; so I like the place? No, I actually fell in love with it during a one week vacation this September (2008).

Now it is worth noting that this article is a reflection on the Cape out of high season. (High season runs from mid June throughLabour Day early in September). As such there was no queuing to get onto or off the Cape via the Sagamore bridge, parking permits for beaches were not required and the population of the island was nearer is island resident number of 230,000 rather than the half a million that it swells to during its peak in July & August. A number of business's had already closed for the year, and the weather was a little unpredictable, but the positives far outweighed the negatives in my opinion. If you have no kids, or they are below school age, make the most of the ability to explore this gem without the crowds that populate in the peak season.

The biggest decisions to make regarding your vacation on the cape are probably; where you would like to stay, and the type of accommodation you would like to stay in and what to do during your visit.

WHERE TO STAY

The Cape is divided into four distinctive areas; Upper, Middle and Lower and Outer. Take some time to digest the descriptions of these areas, as they are not where you may initially imagine! For example the upper Cape is actually the area attached to the mainland, not the most northerly point on the Cape as you may think. The middle is the area adjacent to the upper. The Lower Cape is the area around the Cape's elbow, with everything above that considered the outer.

Any number of small villages and towns populate the Cape. Each offers its own individual charm or offering of facilities. Worthy of note for their charm are Chatham, Wellfleet, Orleans, Brewster and
Eastham, in addition, these all have great beaches for small children. Looking for a little more action? Try
Provincetown right at the tip of the outer cape. A favourite amongst artists, this town offers a bustling

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