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The response to our first-ever Best of Cape Cod awards was overwhelming. Now for the moment you have been waiting for: The results. Listed in the following pages are the winners of 140 categories, including dining, shopping, beauty, entertainment and destinations. Sprinkled amongst the winners are 14 Editors’ Picks spotlighting a few unique businesses, services and organizations we felt should get some recognition. Join us as we celebrate the many deserving winners.
Editors’ Pick…
BEST SURF SHOP
Pump House Surf Shop
Owners Matt Rivers and his wife Jamie, both native Cape Codders, embody the surfing lifestyle. At the Pump House, which looks just like an island surf shack, they offer rentals, repairs, lessons and all sorts of boards, clothing and accessories. Matt learned to surf from his father, who was one of the original Cape Cod surfers of the ‘60s, and the couple continue to surf whenever they are able. In fact, during those months when you can’t surf in Cape waters, the couple jets to far-flung places where you can hang ten.
9 Cranberry Highway, Orleans
508-240-2226
www.pumphousesurf.com
Editors’ Pick…
BEST FUDGE
Provincetown Fudge Factory
There are a lot of good fudge shops on Cape Cod, but we like the Fudge Factory. It makes small batches using fresh dairy and cools ‘em in traditional copper spots before hand paddling them right before your eyes. Oh yeah, and for 28 years, their creamy fudge has been a fan fave on Commercial.
210 Commercial Street, Provincetown, 508-487-2850,
www.ptownfudge.com
Editors’ Pick…
BEST EATING CONTEST
Guapo’s
Feelin’ hot, hot, hot? You will when you take on the Fire Jafe Challenge. The intrepid must consume a fire-sauce-laden burrito in less than 5 minutes, and to boot, not drink a beverage of any kind for another 5 minutes afterward. The hot sauce will make your eyes water and your nose run. It ain’t pretty, but hey, you’ll be part of an exclusive club! Make sure there is a cerveza within reach when the stop watch beeps.
239 Underpass Road, Brewster 508-896-3338
www.elguapostaqueria.com
Editors’ Pick…
BEST MUSEUM TRAIL
Sandwich's Thornton W. Burgess Museum, Sandwich Glass Museum, and Heritage Museums and Gardens
History abounds in this quaint village. Start your day at the Glass Museum watching hourly demonstrations of glassblowing and learning about the life and labor of glass makers in the 19th Century. Then head over to Heritage Museums and Gardens to see antique automobiles at the J.K. Lilly III Antique Automobile Museum, Elmer and Cleon Crowell’s bird carvings at the history museum, the carousel and folk art collection at the art museum, and the Old East Windmill. End your day at the Thornton Burgess Museum, housed in the Deacon Eldred house on historic Shawme Pond. It features a variety of memorabilia from the famed children’s author and native son and his famous characters, including Peter Rabbit, Reddy Fox, and Jimmy Skunk.
Heritage Museums & Gardens,
67 Grove Street, 508-888-3300
www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org
Thornton W. Burgess Museum, 4 Water Street, 508-888-6870
www.thorntonburgess.org
Sandwich Glass Museum, 129 Main Street, 508-888-0251
www.sandwichglassmuseum.org.
Editors’ Pick…
BEST INSTRUCTORS TO ROCK YOUR CORE
Strength & Clarity Pilates Studio
By 9 am, a class full of visitors at the Boatslip have worked up a burn that is making them forget about their hangovers. All thanks to Sean Edwards and his talented staff at Strength & Clarity, who teach a morning Pilates class there in addition to small classes throughout the day in their own little studio, which is equipped with state-of-the-art TRX suspension machines, Resistaballs, and Bodyblades.
145 Commercial Street, Provincetown 508-413-9133
www.strengthnclaritypilates.com
Editors’ Pick…
BEST Ice Cream FLavorLobster Ice Cream,
Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium
Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. The rich buttery ice cream, nicely complements the bits of frozen lobster. In fact, the store regularly sells between 15 and 20 two-and-a-half gallon buckets over the summer to customers who need their fix. The flavor, which originated in the Bar Harbor shop but transitioned comfortably to this location, has been around for more than 10 years.
209 Main Street, Falmouth, 508-548-7878,
www.benandbills.com
Editors’ Pick…
PUTT-PUTT CHALLENGE
Cape Escapes
If you are not in for a pirate theme or huge African fauna, we suggest hopping over to this hidden gem. It just has a classic charm in its nautical setting, with two wooden boats, lighthouses, and an array of buoys. There is a challenging two-story hole (#7), as well as one that goes under the main waterfall (#5) and one that goes by the Japanese koi pond (#17). Anticipation surely mounts during the round as you approach the mysterious 18th-hole water hazard.
14 Canal Road, Orleans 508-240-1791, www.capeescapeadventures.com
Editors’ Pick…
BEST STOP-OVER
Kingman Yacht Center
Cape Cod’s largest full-service marina, this is the boaters’ destination on the eastern shore of Buzzards Bay. Located in scenic, sheltered Red Brook Harbor, it offers slips and moorings for seasonal and transient guests. Meander on up to the Chart Room for a classic seafood dinner or just grab an Adirondack chair outside on the crushed oyster shells with all the other Nantucket Red-wearin’ folk under the waning sun and enjoy a beverage.
1 Shipyard Lane, Cataumet
(Latitude 41° 40’ 36” Longitude -70° 37’ 0”),
508-563-7136, www.kingmanyachtcenter.com
Editors’ Pick…
BEST BEANS
Nirvana Coffee Company
Grab a cup of “good karma” in a coffee shop named Nirvana. This fair-trade, organic African dark roast is a regular brew here, along with their wholesome house specialty, so you’ll always have a chance to experience an awakening treat and customize it however you like. The staff at this hole-in-the-wall java joint, as pleasant as the smells of the fresh roasted beans, are experts on all the brews and coffee combos, so don’t hesitate to ask for a special concoction or about the seven bags of worldly beans that you can take home. 3206 Main Street, Barnstable Village, 508-744-6983
Editors’ Pick…
BEST Place to start a journey to nature
Goose Hummock
Goose Hummock won’t be able to provide you with the Popeye muscles you might need to reel in the striper that strikes your fishing line, but for the rest of your outdoor adventure needs, they’ve got it covered. Boating, fishing, and hunting supplies? Check. Kayak rentals, lessons, and tours? Check.
A full-day fishing adventure? You got it. The shop is named after the tiny island inlet near Nauset Marsh, to where countless amounts of geese used to flock. Don’t wait
until the end of the summer to
hitch up a kayak and take it out through the Cape Cod waters.
Route 6A, Orleans508-255-0455 (kayak tours and lessons, 508-255-2620),
www.goose.com www.goosemarine.com
Editors’ Pick…
BEST REINVENTION OF EARTHLY RESOURCES
Scargo Pottery
Each with their own niche, the four owners and sisters—Mary Peabody, Tina, Kim and Sarah Holl—and fifth artist Meden Parker sculpt a variety of whimsical pottery pieces in all shapes and forms, resulting in a unique elemental appeal. Firing each piece in a gas reduction kiln at close to 2400 degrees causes the unique color variation. Best part? You can watch the whole process! While exploring the indoor and outdoor studios full of large sculptures, outdoor ornaments, bird baths and feeders, wall tiles, vases and dinnerware, families are welcome to observe and learn how the artists make their own clay and glazes, and watch as they work their magic on the wheel. 30 Dr. Lords Road, Dennis, 508-385-3894, www.scargopottery.com
Editors’ Pick…
BEST PLACE TO OVERWHELM YOUR SENSES
Atlantic Spice
Company
When you walk in this
prettied-up warehouse, you’re
blasted with a cornucopia of
beautiful scents. More confusion ensues when you realize how many gourmet dinners you are going to have to make in the subsequent evenings with the dizzying array of spices you just bought. Atlantic sources spices for around 90 percent of the restaurants in the area. Even some Boston companies like Harpoon Brewery, which used orange peel and a pumpkin spice for their season brews, work closely with the popular wholesaler.
2 Shore Road, Truro, 800-316-7965,
www.atlanticspice.com
Editors’ Pick…
BEST HANDMADE LEATHER GOODS
Four Winds Leather Shop
Few places boast such a dizzying array of Native American craftsmanship. The husband and wife team of Tom and Teodora Ficca have been making handmade leather goods and other Native American crafts in this location for 14 years. Tom mainly carves knives, belts, mandellas (Native American clan shields), drums, quivers, and an occasional pair of sandals. Teodora stitches dresses, pocketbooks, and dream catchers.
5130 Route 6, Eastham, 508-240-7998
Editors’ Pick…
BEST DRAG SHOW
Varla Jean Merman
The Provincetown crowd is ruthless. If you don’t have the look, the pipes, the comedic timing, and the numerous over-the-top costume changes that they’ve come to expect in a live show, you’ll get booed off on opening night. But Varla Jean Merman, aka Jeff Roberson, can do no wrong in this neck of the woods. In fact, Merman’s talents are so sought after that she is currently performing in the off-Broadway production of Lucky Guy. Please don’t forget us when you become a star, Varla!
Appears August 4 through September 17 at the Art House at 241 Commercial Street, Provincetown, 508-487-9222,
www.varlaonline.com
Reader's Picks
FOOD & DRINK
Family Restaurant
Chapin’s
Dennis
Date Spot
Wequasset Resort
Harwich
Lunch Spot
Corner Store
Chatham
Delicatessen
Lambert’s Rainbow Fruit Company
Centerville
Sandwich Shop
Mercantile
Dennis
Sunday Brunch
Old Yarmouth Inn
Yarmouth
Coffee Shop
Hot Chocolate Sparrow
Orleans
Italian
Alberto’s
Hyannis
Chinese
Tiki Port
Hyannis
Thai
Bangkok Cuisine
Dennis, Falmouth
Hyannis, Orleans
Sushi
Inaho
Yarmouth
Outdoor Dining
Baxter’s
Hyannis
Late-Night Hangout
Chatham Squire
Chatham
Steak
Pate’s
Chatham
Chowder
Captain Parker’s
Yarmouth
Wine List
Café Trevi
Mashpee
Buca’s Tuscan Roadhouse
Harwich
Bakery
Pain D’Avignon
Hyannis
Burger
Red Nun
Chatham
Pizza
Sweet Tomatoes
Osterville, Yarmouth, Chatham
Ice Cream
Four Seas
Centerville
Sports Bar
Dino’s
Mashpee
Irish Pub
Liam McGuire’s
Falmouth
Mexican
Sam Diego’s
Hyannis
Seafood
Cooke’s
Hyannis, Mashpee, Orleans
Lobster Roll
Raw Bar
Mashpee
Fried Clams
Kreme & Kone
Dennis
Dessert
Cape Cod Lollicakes
Marstons Mills
Cocktail Bar
Embargo
Hyannis
Appetizers
Ocean House
Dennis
Soups
Pain D’Avignon
Hyannis
Ribs and Barbeque
DJ’s Family Sports Pub
Hyannis
Marconi Beach BBQ
Wellfleet
Hot Wings
DJ’s Family Sports Pub
Hyannis
Raw Bar
Naked Oyster
Hyannis
Margaritas
Sam Diego’s
Hyannis
Martinis
Embargo
Hyannis
Fish ‘n Chips
Seafood Sam’s
Falmouth, Sandwich, Yarmouth
Tapas
Embargo
Hyannis
Bagels
Cape Cod Bagels
Falmouth
Breakfast
Grumpy’s
Dennis
Donuts
Hole in One
Orleans, Eastham
Waitstaff
Not Your Average Joe’s
Hyannis
Chef
Island Merchant
Hyannis
Bartenders
The Dolphin
Barnstable Village
Scenic View
Ocean House
Dennis
Beer Selection (Restaurant or Pub)
British Beer Company
Sandwich, Falmouth, Hyannis
Beer Selection (Liquor Store)
Luke’s Liquors
Yarmouth, Brewster, Dennis, Harwich,
Hyannis
Juice Bar
Common Ground
Hyannis
Restaurant for Kids
Arnold’s
Eastham
Place for Ladies’ Night Out
Anejo
Falmouth
Place for Men’s Night Out
Land Ho!
Orleans
Ambience
Ocean House
Dennis
Day Spa
Solstice
Hyannis
Facial
Epiphany Skin Spa
Sandwich
Wax
Solstice
Hyannis
Manicure
La Sirena Hair Lounge
Orleans
Pedicure
Solstice
Hyannis
Massage
Chatham Bars Inn
Chatham
Eyebrow Shaping
Jamila’s Natural Beauty
Osterville
Hair Colorist
Salon Justine
Dennis
Hair Cut (women)
Cosmetique
Hyannis
Hair Cut (men)
Illusions
Mashpee
Make-up Counter/Selection
Macy’s
Hyannis
Chiropractor
Lowey Chiropractic Health Center
Orleans
Lewis Bay
Hyannisport
Orthodontist
Warren Woods
Sandwich
Cosmetic Surgery Office
Mark Fater
Hyannis
Fitness Center/Gym
Fitness 500
Hyannis
Tennis Club
Mid-Cape Racquet and Health Club
Yarmouth
Pilates Studio
Joe’s Place True Pilates
Dennis
Martial Arts Studio
The Dungeon
Yarmouth
Yoga Studio
Power Yoga of Cape Cod
Harwich
Reception Venue (large)
Wequasset Resort
Harwich
Reception Venue (intimate)
Popponessett Inn
Mashpee
Invitations
Lady Slipper
Yarmouth
Splash Stationers
Sandwich
Golf Course (public)
Cranberry Valley
Harwich
Golf Course (private)
Eastward Ho
Chatham
Performing Arts Venue
Cotuit Center for the Arts
Cotuit
Place for Kids’ Parties
Ryan Family Amusements
Buzzards Bay, Hyannis, Yarmouth
Cape Cod Children’s Museum
Brewster
Place to Spend the Night
Dan’l Webster Inn
Sandwich
Radio Station
WCOD
Hyannis
WCAI
Woods Hole
Cape Country
Hyannis
Local Radio Personality
Dan Mahoney
Gift Shop
Oceana
Orleans
Gourmet Food Shop
Brown Jug
Sandwich
Wine Shop
Orleans Wine and Spirits
Orleans
Produce Selection
Phoenix Fruit
Orleans
Jewelry Store
Robert Guertin
Sandwich
Shopping Center
Mashpee Commons
Mashpee
Book Store
Barnes & Noble
Hyannis
Women’s Clothing
Puritan
Hyannis
Beachwear
Nelly’s Suits You Swimwear
Hyannis, Chatham
Lingerie
Bedroom I’s
Osterville
Baubles and Beads
Plum Porch
Marstons Mills
Women’s Specialty Shoe Store
The Shoe Salon
Mashpee, Osterville, Chatham
Men’s Clothing
Puritan
Hyannis
Consignment Shop
Consigning Women
Harwich
Vintage Clothing Shop
Plush and Plunder
Hyannis
Fitness Wear
Olympia Sports
Harwich, Hyannis, Mashpee,
Falmouth, Orleans, Dennis
Florist
Kelly’s Flowers
Wellfleet
East Sandwich Flower and Gift Shop
Sandwich
Art Gallery
Narrowland
Chatham
Children’s Clothing
Pocket Full of Posies
Osterville
Music Store
Instant Karma
Orleans
Candy Store
Chatham Candy Manor
Chatham
Toys & Hobbies
Red Balloon Toy Shop
Orleans, Mashpee
Pet Specialty Store
Hot Diggity
Mashpee
Dry Cleaner
Spartan
Hyannis
Sporting Goods
Butlerwww.butlersportinggoods.com
Hyannis
Department Store
Macy’s
Hyannis
Teens’ Clothing
Mass. Bay
Hyannis
Winter Gear
Puritan
Hyannis
Stationery Shop
Mayflower Shop
Chatham
Cookware Shop
Cook Shop
Brewster
Golf Store
Pro Shop at the Captain’s Golf Course
Brewster
Bike Store
Bike Zone
Hyannis
Bath and Body Shop
Sativa
Harwich
Outdoor Adventure
EMS
Hyannis
Organic Grocer
Trader Joe’s
Hyannis
Prepared Meals-To-Go
Ring Brothers
Dennis
Fish Market
Chatham Fish & Lobster
Chatham, Dennis
Nutrition Center
Cape Cod Nutrition Corner
Hyannis
Cleaning Services
Kate’s Capers
Orleans
Marine Supplies
West Marine
Falmouth, Hyannis
Daycare
Sunflower School
Yarmouth
Limo Service
KON
Osterville
Antique Shop
Antique Center of Cape Cod
Dennis
Garden Shop
Agway of Cape Cod
Chatham, Orleans, Dennis
Rug Store
Claire Murray
West Barnstable, Mashpee,
Chatham Osterville
RPM Carpets
Harwich
Kitchen Accessories
Utilities
Provincetown
Furniture Store
Barbo’s
Hyannis
Home Accessories
Snow’s Home and Garden
Orleans
Local Hardware Store
Bradford’s Ace Hardware
Hyannis
Lighting Shop
Ford-Diamond Electric Supply
Yarmouth
Framer
Marjon Print Shop
Hyannis
Tile Store
Cape Cod Tileworks
Chatham
Outdoor Grills
Breakaway
Centerville, Mashpee, Dennis
Outdoor Furnishings
Paine’s Patio
Pocasset
Appliance Store
KAM
Hyannis
Electronics Store
Nantucket Sound
Hyannis
Pool and Hot Tub Store
Arctic Spas
Harwich
Wedding Dress Shop
Chantilly’s
Hyannis
Sposabella
Hyannis
Tux Shop
Mr. Perry’s
Hyannis
Chace Couture
Mashpee
Occasion Cakes
Tea Shoppe
Mashpee
