The Beach Times
There’s More Here Than Just Cape Cod
Posted by Kinlin Grover | Thursday, February 15, 2018
While Cape Cod is eastern Massachusetts' top attraction, and with good reason, areas off The Cape that are worth checking out if you're in the region. Much like on Cape Cod, there is always something happening or somewhere to visit during the summer, so if you want to change things up a little bit, cross the Bourne Bridge and do some exploring. You could even choose to rent a vacation property off Cape, in Onset, Marion, or Mattapoisett and commute whenever you want to visit the beaches, trails, and atmosphere that Cape Cod has to offer.
Events and Activities in Onset Village 
When the weather in Onset Village warms up, it can only mean one thing: the Summer of Love Concert Series. The series runs Wednesday nights between the end of June and the end of August, bringing regional and national acts through the area. Every concert takes place at the Onset Band Shell and shows are free and family friendly, ensuring that concert-goers of all ages have a good time.
If you’d like a little more adventure, consider taking one of the canal cruises through the area. These cruises leave from Onset Town Pier near Onset Beach and run through the waterway under both Sagamore Bridge and Bourne Bridge, all the way to Cape Cod Bay. You'll see Scusset Beach Fish Pier, the Vertical Lift Railroad Bridge, and the Sandwich Boat Basin along the way.
Since 1992, the Onset Blues Festival has been a fixture in the area. The festival, which runs in early August, attracts some significant players in the blues music scene. It also has food and drink vendors, in addition to shopping opportunities. A good time is had by all at this festival, so make sure you get your tickets early if you plan to attend.
Slow Things Down in Marion
Just south of Marion’s town centre is Silvershell Beach. This beach isn’t very big, and there is a private resort nearby, but it provides outstanding views of Sippican Harbor. If the beaches of Cape Cod are too busy for your liking, give Marion a try for a quieter experience.
When shopping for souvenirs, Dean Ross Home is worth a stop. The house is home to all kinds of unique gift ideas, with many of the items available sharing a nautical theme. A number of other stores and shops are in the area around Dean Ross Home, so this area provides a pleasant, small-town retail experience.
Spend Some Time in Mattapoisett
No matter where you're staying in the area, Old Rochester Farmers Market in Mattapoisett is something you must experience. Between early December and the end of April, the winter market runs twice a month on Saturdays. The summer market runs every Tuesday from early June until late October. Both markets feature local produce, crafts, meats, and live entertainment and take place at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School.
Shellfishing is a favorite pastime in Mattapoisett and is worth trying if you’re in the area. Before heading out, make sure you know which areas are restricted and have the proper permits in place. Keep in mind that you’ll have to jump through some hoops and apply in-person if you’re not a local resident. Taking the time to get your permit will give you the chance to grab some of the world’s best seafood, however, so it’s well worth the effort.
The middle of July brings Harbor Days to Mattapoisett, courtesy of the Mattapoisett Lions Club. The two-day festival is held at Shipyard Park and features an artisan market, food vendors, live entertainment and a raffle draw. This is a fun, family-friendly event that provides a full weekend of entertainment. If you're lucky, you might catch a fish fry or lobster-eating opportunity while you're there.
Just Beyond Cape Cod
Your Cape Cod holiday doesn’t have to be spent entirely on the Cape because the surrounding towns provide a similar, yet somewhat different, experience.
Each of these towns in under 20 minutes from Bourne, so you won't spend the entire day driving from place to place. After all, you're here to relax on Cape Cod and any time spent travelling and not soaking up the sun, enjoying the food, and partaking in the festive atmosphere of this fantastic area is a waste.
Cape Cod Kinlin Grover Vacation Rentals Marion Mattapoisett Offcape Onset Rentals Rochester Summer Vacation