Remember that part in the movie Legally Blonde when Elle Woods is checking in at Harvard University and she asks where her social events calendar is? “Social events. You know mixers, formals, clam bakes, trips to the Cape.” This throwaway line is probably forgotten by most, but memorable when you are lucky enough to be planning a trip to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. 

Though Cape Cod is mostly associated with the warmer summer months spent sun tanning on the beach or cooling off in the cold Atlantic surf, an often overlooked time of the year to return to Cape Cod is during the fall season. Locals call Fall on the Cape their second summer as the tourists have finally left and they get to enjoy the Cape for all it has to offer. If you also prefer to avoid the summer crowds and opt for a just as lovely, less crowded time to visit, consider a fall wellness trip to Cape Cod. 

Location, Location, Location

When booking my fall visit to Cape Code, I was lucky enough to be invited to stay at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club. Located on the Lower Cape in the charming town of Brewster, which is known for its art scene and laid-back charm, Ocean Edge is the crown jewel of Cape Cod. 

Covering 429 acres, the resort has two sides: the Mansion and the Villages. The Mansion is a part of the Historic Hotels of America and is a AAA Four-Diamond resort. With access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, Nickerson State Park, and a private beach that is part of the Brewster Flats, Ocean Edge is a great place to call home during your stay on Cape Cod.

Dining

If you are traveling to Cape Cod, you are going to want to get your fill of fresh seafood and fall-themed cocktails. If you are staying at Ocean Edge, I recommend ordering up a cocktail at the Roscommon Room or Bayzo’s and enjoying some sips on the Ocean Terrace for sunset. During my stay, we were able to try one of the many fall-themed cocktails and mocktails on the menu. One in particular was an apple cider mixed with cranberry juice and vodka. It is then finished off with a cinnamon stick and a honey-coated rim topped with a sprinkling of ground cinnamon. It basically is like fall in a glass. Chilly? Curl up by the outdoor firepits. I also was able to try a fall-themed mocktail that was full of fall flavors including fresh ginger and pear. 

While staying on the property, you can choose from a variety of restaurants including Bayzo’s Pub, a speakeasy-esque old-fashioned pub serving as the ultimate spot for flavorful bar cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Then there is the cozy Roscommon Room, inspired in design by County Roscommon, Ireland, and then of course there is Linx Tavern on The Villages side of the resort near the resort’s golf course.

If you want to dine on some Cape Cod classics, order up a bowl of clam chowder or lobster bisque at Bayzo’s Pub or the fish and chips and a lobster roll at Linx Tavern. In my opinion, Linx Tavern has the best fish and chips. I highly recommend ordering a plate. If you are looking for other options, try the George Bank scallops at Roscommon Room and the beef filet mignon. Oh and if you have a sweet tooth, order the salted caramel blondie sundae at Bayzo’s Pub. It is so good, you will not want to share it!

Looking for some other options off-property? Try the Brewster Fish House, which is a great spot for lunch, or make reservations at La Bella Vita. A few of my favorites were Bella’s red sangria, the arancini, the chicken parmesan, and the chocolate molten lava cake. Seriously – order them all.

If you are traveling with a group for a bachelor/bachelorette party, a family reunion, or a wedding, book a stay in a multi-bedroom villa at The Mansion and partake in a private dining experience.” Part of the brand new Luxury Villa Experiences menu of exclusive offerings available to The Mansion’s Presidential Bay Collection guests. You can choose from a private chef experience, a champagne tasting and food pairing, or a private oyster experience. There are also wellness options available like a private sound bath. 

During my fall wellness getaway, I was able to experience a champagne and oyster tasting. If you are a fan of oysters, then you are in luck because these oysters are caught fresh from Brewster oyster farmers straight from Cape Cod Bay, conveniently located right outside your front door.

Fall Wellness on the Cape

Although Cape Cod is the most popular spot in the summer, there is still plenty to do during the fall season. 

Admire Art

The town of Brewster is known for its art scene, so if art is your thing, be sure to stop by the local art galleries. You can also see some art without having to leave Ocean Edge. The newest art collection at the resort is the Brewster Flats Gallery. The gallery is curated by Brewster local, Steven Koppel, and captures the Brewster Flats in their astounding beauty throughout the entire year. Fun fact: The Brewster Flats are the largest tidal flats in North America spanning 12,000 scenic acres. 

Beach Time

One of the best things about booking a stay at the Ocean Edge is that as a guest, you will have access to a beautiful, private beach where you can walk, run, or bike. Cape Cod Bay sometimes recedes up to 1-2 miles out during low tide, which creates a super expansive beach area for you to explore. Low tides are also a great opportunity to look for sea shells. Be sure to ask about daily group activities like yoga classes right on the beach. You can also ask the front desk for a fat bike to cruise around the Brewster Flats.

Biking Around Brewster

If you really enjoy bike riding, grab a cruiser bike from the bike shed and bike around Brewster. This charming quaint New England town is sprinkled with art galleries, beloved bookstores, and mom-and-pop shops. Some stops worth noting are the Brewster Book Store and the Brewster General Store. While you are biking around Brewster, do not forget to take in the fall leaves as they put on a seasonal show of brilliant bold colors as golden yellows, outstanding oranges, and radiant reds dance in the light of the fall sunshine.

If you really want to immerse yourself in Mother Nature, hop on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 25-mile scenic path that runs through the entire Cape. The trail is also super simple to access, as it is directly accessible from the resort. This is also a great way to witness the epic beauty of the fall foliage. You can also access Nickerson State Park via the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which provides a variety of biking, hiking, and walking trails on 1,900 gorgeous acres.

Book a Spa Appointment at the Beach House Spa

If you want to enjoy some self-care, then book some spa time at the Beach House Spa. Located on the property, the Beach House Spa offers a variety of spa services amidst a tranquil setting. From facials to signature massages with CBD enhancements, the Beach House Spa is perfect for bachelorette parties, solo treatments, or weddings.

Try a Floating Sound Bath

Start the day in full zen mode with a floating sound bath. Head over to the Bayside indoor heated pool and grab an individual air mattress float. Get comfy and relax as the sound bath instructor uses sound frequency and vibration to access expanded states of consciousness and foster a balanced nervous system. Plus, sound waves travel much quicker through water, so you can really immerse yourself in the zen-ful vibes and reach that relaxed state of mind.

Visit the Nauset Beach and Lighthouse

Who said the beach is just for summer? Take a drive and head to the Nauset Lighthouse and Beach, which is also the Cape Cod National Seashore. This quintessential New England lighthouse is picture-perfect like a postcard and makes for a great photo opp. While you are there, take a closer look. Does the lighthouse look familiar? There is a reason. It is the lighthouse that is featured on the bags of Cape Cod potato chips. Grab a bag before your drive to the lighthouse and strike a pose before enjoying a little snack. While there, you can also head down to the beach, which is a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. You may also see some sea lions frolicking in the sea surf and riding the waves so have your camera ready.

Fall Weather in Cape Cod

Fall weather in Cape Cod can be blue skies and sunny or chilly with clouds and morning mist. During my stay, we had amazing temperatures during the day in the low 70s, but the nights were still chilly and got down to the 50s. I recommend packing shorts, some pants like leggings or jeans, and definitely some T-shirts to wear during the day and light sweaters to wear at night. It is Cape Cod sweater season after all!

Fall Trips to the Cape

The next time you think of booking a fall wellness getaway, consider a trip to the Cape. Cape Cod is an idyllic spot to stay at and enjoy during one of the most beautiful times of the year. There is nothing quite like fall in the Cape.

Be sure to follow Ocean Edge Resort for more fall adventures.