🐚 Bombshell History. Bagel Hound Buzz. Beach Chair Drama.

_{Together with}

🌊 Good Morning, Lower Cape

The gulls are gossiping.
Someone’s already staked out Skaket with a solo beach chair.
And yes—ramen is an acceptable breakfast.

Memorial Day weekend is here.
So is your fresh, locally sourced, salt-air-sprinkled edition of Celebrate Lower Cape.

This week:

🍜 A ramen spot in Brewster that could rival Tokyo
🦀 Horseshoe crab beach walks (with a side of science)
🥯 The return of bagels—in a retro A&W, no less
💣 And a town that took enemy fire during World War I

Whether you're year-round or just back on the Cape, this issue brings the vibes.

Scroll slow. Savor the season.
Let the long weekend begin.

Let’s dive in.

🌊 Cape Cod Luxury Listing Spotlight

Sponsored by Radtke & Associates — where local meets legit

32 Areys Lane, Orleans
💰 $4,295,000 | 🛏️ 3 Beds | 🛁 4 Baths
📍 Arey’s Pond | 🚤 Private Deepwater Dock

At the end of a quiet lane in Orleans,
this exceptional waterfront property offers something increasingly rare on the Cape:
a private deepwater dock with direct access to Pleasant Bay and the Atlantic beyond.
No marina. No slips. Just open water—and complete ownership.

From the water, 32 Areys Lane feels like a legacy home.
Classic cedar shingles. A commanding yet understated presence.
It’s the kind of property that stays in a family for generations.

🪵 Inside the Home:
• Wide-plank fir floors throughout
• Three fieldstone fireplaces, including one in the screened-in porch
• A chef’s kitchen equipped with Wolf & Sub-Zero
• Light-filled living spaces with serene pond views
• Impeccable finishes designed for quiet, timeless living

Every element speaks to Cape Cod elegance—crafted with restraint, built to last.
This isn’t a home that tries to impress. It simply does.

Step outside, and the lifestyle speaks for itself.
Your boat is already docked.
Sunrise coffee. Afternoon sails.
Evenings by the fire as the water turns silver.

📞 Private showings by appointment only
📞 Text or call Arthur Radtke at (774) 209-6032

☕️✨ THE TASTY OPENINGS THAT HAVE US DROOLING

If there's one thing the Lower Cape knows how to do, it's welcome summer with a fresh-brewed bang. This week, we’re diving fork-first into the newest spots serving big flavor and even bigger vibes.

☕️ Three Fins Coffee House (Chatham)
Here’s one for the Cape Cod history books — they turned a swimming pool into a coffeehouse lounge. The former Chatham Health & Swim Club is now home to Three Fins, and the sunken pool area? That’s the comfiest corner to sip your house-roasted mocha while pretending you're in a Parisian café — if that café had sea air, croissants filled with handmade chocolate, and locals whispering “Have you tried the cacao class yet?” You didn’t hear it from us, but a tasting series is coming soon...

🍜 Ukiyo (Brewster)
Ukiyo isn’t just a meal — it’s a moment. Picture steam rising off a bowl of miso ramen while light spills through the window. Chef Chris Rugg (yes, the guy from Mac’s) is behind the counter with his family, slinging noodle bowls that blend Japanese soul and Cape charm. It's tiny. It's buzzy. It's wildly good. One bite and you’re in Tokyo meets Brewster.

🥯 Bagel Hound (Harwich)
Okay, Harwich — this is not a drill. Outer Cape’s favorite bagel crew has claimed their new year-round den in the former A&W on Route 28. These bagels? They’re chewy, golden, and baked with love — and named after the founders’ dog, no less. The Bagel Hound is officially open by Memorial Day weekend, and rumor has it the Everything + Smoked Trout Spread is a spiritual experience.

🦞 Cap’t Cass (Orleans)
If you've been missing fried clams served with harbor views and a breeze off the water, you're not alone. This 1950s clam shack is coming back — thanks to new local stewards who know better than to mess with a classic. Sit-down or take-out, and yes, it’s still a pilgrimage-worthy summer stop.

🌮 Codo Mexican Kitchen (Chatham)
Bright walls, open windows, salt in your hair, margarita in hand — Codo is Chatham’s new Baja-inspired joint that practically demands you show up straight from the beach. Tacos, burritos, nachos — all kissed by coastal air and full of flavor.

🥬 J. Bar (Chatham)
Smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices, and plant-based wraps with a side of “I feel great already.” The Harwich favorite J. Bar just opened a new outpost in Chatham — same mission, same colorful goodness, new crew of converts wandering around town asking for acai like it’s a sacred word.

“Scoops for Shannon & Maggie” 🍦 | Sunday, May 25

This Sunday in East Orleans, you can honor two local heroes and help families in need—one cone at a time.

Smitty’s Homemade Ice Cream (210 Main St.) is serving half-price cones all day for a heartfelt cause: a fundraiser for All Moms Are Heroes, a nonprofit founded in memory of Shannon and Maggie Hubbard—a mother and daughter tragically lost in a house fire last year.

💗 The mission: Provide preschool and childcare scholarships to local working families caught in the “missing middle”—those who don’t qualify for assistance but still struggle to afford care.

🕙 The day begins at 10 AM with a community memorial walk through East Orleans, followed by a full day of sweet scoops and shared stories.

/

It’s a simple way to give back—and a reminder that, in our community, every mom is a hero.

The man behind the magic at Stony Brook Field

If you hit a Brewster Whitecaps game this summer, keep an eye out for Luke Dillon. He’s not swinging a bat or throwing pitches—but he’s the reason the team feels like family.

As team president, Luke is the spark behind the scenes. This year, he helped launch the Cape League’s first-ever mascot, the lovable baseball-headed goofball named “Cappy” (pictured above!). Even better? Luke ran a naming contest with local school kids, turning a team mascot into a community moment.

But his passion doesn’t stop there. Every summer, Luke champions the Whitecaps’ free and low-cost kids’ clinics, making sure baseball is accessible to every child, no matter what. Scholarships? Covered. Smiles? Guaranteed.

A former college ballplayer and proud Brewster local, Luke’s love for the game is only matched by his love for the town.

So next time you’re at Stony Brook Field, look for the guy rallying the crowd, organizing a first pitch for a hometown hero, or handing out high-fives with Cappy. That’s Luke—playing MVP in the heart of Brewster. ⚾️💙

From beachcomber walks to high-society galas, student art shows to faerie door workshops — this week is classic Lower Cape: creative, coastal, and full of local charm. Whether you’re making weekend plans or filling a quiet Tuesday afternoon, there’s something below with your name on it.

Thursday, May 22

• Senior Arts Night (Monomoy High) – Student artists showcase their work for the community – a wonderful evening to support local youth art (grandparents welcome!). ⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM | 📍 Monomoy Regional High School, Harwich

• Nature Screen: “Plants Behaving Badly – Orchids” – Enjoy a fascinating orchid documentary in a comfortable setting – a calm, educational nature film screening. ⏰ 11:30 AM | 📍 Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Brewster

• Resident Birds of Cape Cod – Art Exhibit – A tranquil exhibit of Joan Flahive’s bird paintings inspired by local wildlife. Drop in at your leisure for a dose of art and nature. ⏰ Ongoing (daily) | 📍 Naturescape Gallery, Orleans

• Shoreline Beachcombers Walk (w/ Tor Hansen) – Join naturalist Tor Hansen for a relaxed beachcombing stroll along the shore, learning about coastal critters as you go. ⏰ 4:00 PM | 📍 Eldredge Public Library, Chatham (meet-up)

• Crescendo 2025 Gala @ Wychmere Beach Club – Cape Symphony’s annual gala featuring cocktails, dinner, auctions, and live music. A glamorous night out supporting local arts in the community. ⏰ 5:00 PM | 📍 Wychmere Beach Club, Harwich Port

Friday, May 23

• Guild of Chatham Painters Exhibit – Browse an impressive exhibit of works by the Guild of Chatham Painters – a relaxing dose of local fine art. ⏰ All Day (10:00 AM–4:00 PM) | 📍 Guild of Chatham Painters, Chatham

• Spring Bird Migration Field Class – Early morning guided birdwatching with expert Peter Trull – a treat for bird lovers to catch spring migrants in their habitat. ⏰ 8:00–10:00 AM | 📍 Bell’s Neck Conservation Lands, Harwich

• Forest Bathing Walk – A gentle, meditative walk through the woods to promote mindfulness and wellbeing amid Cape Cod’s natural beauty. ⏰ 10:30 AM–12:00 PM | 📍 Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Brewster

• Jewelry Bingo Night – An upbeat twist on the classic game: play bingo for fun jewelry prizes! A low-key social evening popular with the 55+ crowd. ⏰ 6:30–8:00 PM | 📍 Harwich Community Center (100 Oak St.

Saturday, May 24

• By the Bay Fine Art & Craft Show (Day 1) – Kick off Memorial Day weekend at this open-air craft fair featuring Cape Cod artisans. Perfect for a leisurely stroll to find handmade treasures. ⏰ All Day | 📍 Drummer Boy Park, Brewster

• Morris Island Horseshoe Crab Hike – Take a guided high-tide walk at Morris Island to witness horseshoe crabs gathering to mate — a springtime Cape Cod marvel. Learn about these ancient “living fossils” and enjoy scenic shoreline views along the way.
  ⏰ 10:00 AM–Noon | 📍 Morris Island, Chatham (meet at refuge entrance) | 💵 $15 | 👟 2.5-mile walk on trail & sand

Sunday, May 25

• Memorial Day Weekend Art & Craft Show (Day 2) – If you missed it Saturday, the open-air artisan fair continues! Browse local artists’ booths for unique crafts and artwork. ⏰ All Day | 📍 Drummer Boy Park, Brewster

• Extended Falconry at Wequassett – Experience the ancient art of falconry up close. Trained hawks and falcons perform in a beautiful resort setting – a fascinating and elegant wildlife demonstration. ⏰ 2:00–3:30 PM | 📍 Wequassett Resort, Harwich

• Sunday Guided Nature Walk – A slow-paced, naturalist-led walk through scenic Cape habitats. Family-friendly and perfect for nature lovers of any age to enjoy the outdoors together. ⏰ 12:00 PM | 📍 Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Brewster

Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day)

• Memorial Day Ceremonies

  Orleans at 10:00 AM kicks off with a waterfront tribute at Town Cove, followed by a walk to the Village Green. Coast Guard Master Chief Jeff Smith will speak, with music by Nauset Regional High School Band & Chorus. Police, Fire, and American Legion Post 308 will take part. (Moved from Veterans Park due to construction.)

  Chatham at 10:00 AM gathers at the World War Memorial on the front lawn of the Community Center (702 Main St). Expect heartfelt readings, music, and local veteran tributes. Moves indoors if it rains.

  Brewster at 12:00 PM hosts its ceremony at the Council on Aging (1673 Main St) with remarks from town leaders and Brig. Gen. Martin Lucenti. Brewster’s VFW, Scouts, Police & Fire lead the Honor Guard. Nauset Middle School Band & Chorus will perform.

• Baby’s First Year – New parents (and doting grandparents) come together in this casual support group to share milestones, tips, and laughs. Hosted by educator Ali Burns. ⏰ 10:30–11:30 AM | 📍 Snow Library, Orleans

• Cape Cod Trivia Night – Test your knowledge at a lively trivia contest hosted by Cape Cod Trivia. Enjoy dinner and drinks with friends; prizes for the top teams! ⏰ 8:00–9:00 PM | 📍 The Barley Neck Inn, Orleans 

Tuesday, May 27

• Cozy Murder Mystery Club – Love whodunits? Join fellow mystery lovers to chat about favorite cozy mystery novels and authors in a relaxed setting. ⏰ 5:30 PM | 📍 Brewster Ladies’ Library

• Sumi-e Brush Painting Workshop (Day 1) – Try your hand at Japanese ink brush painting. This beginner-friendly class is meditative, creative, and perfect for anyone interested in learning a new art form. ⏰ 1:00–3:00 PM | 📍 Creative Arts Center, Chatham

• Orleans Elks Bingo – Enjoy a classic community bingo night with neighbors. Simple fun, small prizes, and plenty of camaraderie. ⏰ 6:30 PM | 📍 Orleans Elks Lodge

• 4th Tuesday Book Klatch – Join fellow bookworms for a casual book discussion over coffee. (This month’s read: Tom Lake by Ann Patchett.) ⏰ 6:30–7:30 PM | 📍 Brooks Free Library, Harwich

Wednesday, May 28

• DIY Faerie Portal Workshop – Tap into some Cape Cod whimsy by crafting your own miniature “faerie door”! This creative workshop at a local natural goods shop provides materials (bark, shells, moss) to make a tiny portal for garden fairies. Kids and imaginative adults welcome. ⏰ Ongoing drop-in sessions throughout the day | 📍 Mother Crewe Naturals, Harwich

• Aging Gracefully & Well (Session 2) – An interactive wellness program for seniors focused on staying active, healthy, and engaged as we age. This week’s topic: strategies for staying socially connected. ⏰ 10:30 AM–12:00 PM | 📍 Eldredge Public Library, Chatham

• Knit Lit Social – A cozy meet-up for knitters who love books. Bring your knitting project and enjoy lively conversation about your latest reads as you stitch. ⏰ 12:30–2:30 PM | 📍 Brooks Free Library, Harwich

• “Dip & Paint” Night – Unwind with an early-evening painting session (supplies and snacks provided!). A guided art activity that’s perfect for friends, beginners, and families to enjoy together. ⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM | 📍 Harwich Community Center

☕ Silver & Spry: This Week at the COAs

From Tai Chi in Orleans to book clubs in Brewster, the Council on Aging scene is alive with learning, laughter, and a little shrimp fettuccine. Here’s what’s brewing across the Lower Cape COAs this week.

🦅 ORLEANS COA — 150 Rock Harbor Rd, Orleans | ☎️ 508-255-6333

Bird nerds, don’t miss Peter Trull’s Birds of Paradox talk on Thursday, May 22 at 2 PM — it’s free, fascinating, and fills up fast. Hungry? Swing by the Comfort Kitchen on Friday, May 23 at 12 PM for Tuscan shrimp fettuccine and dessert ($8). Also on Friday: free 1-on-1 tech help appointments. Looking ahead to Wednesday, May 28, you’ve got Tai Chi in the morning (8:30 AM) and a MyChart health portal workshop at 2 PM to help you take control of your medical info.

☕ HARWICH COA — 100 Oak St, Harwich | ☎️ 508-430-7550

Thinking of giving back? The Volunteer Afternoon Tea on Thursday, May 22 at 2 PM is a cozy way to connect. Then on Friday, May 23, join the Women’s Breakfast at 9:30 AM for good food and a meaningful talk. Stick around for Cribbage Social at 1 PM. On Wednesday, May 28, book a spot for the Footcare Clinic ($50) or free elder law consults (1–4 PM) — both by appointment only.

🌿 CHATHAM COA — 193 Stony Hill Rd, Chatham | ☎️ 508-945-5190

This week’s theme? Reiki and relaxation. Sessions run Thursday, May 22 (10 AM–12 PM) and again Wednesday, May 28 (1–3 PM) — a peaceful reset at no cost. There’s also Bingo & Cards on Friday, May 23 from 11 AM to 3:30 PM, and if you're a homeowner, the Tax Work-Off Program Orientation on Wednesday, May 28 at 11 AM is worth checking out.

📚 BREWSTER COA — 1673 Main St, Brewster | ☎️ 508-896-2737

Ease into the week with Chair Yoga on Thursday, May 22 at 2:30 PM — it's the start of a 4-week series ($35). If books are more your thing, drop by the Bookworm Club at Brewster Ladies’ Library on Friday, May 23 at 11 AM. And on Wednesday, May 28, get serious about your future with a Financial Literacy Workshop at 1:30 PM — free and helpful.

There’s something about May air that makes music hit different. Maybe it’s the first night you sit outside without a hoodie, or maybe it’s the way the Squire shakes with live drums you feel in your bones.

🎤 The Marvelous Wonderettes (Harwich – Cape Cod Theater Company)
📅 May 23–June 7 | Fri & Sat at 7 PM, Sun at 2 PM
🎟️ $32 Adults · $30 Seniors · $21 Under 21
Four girls. One prom. Dozens of ’50s & ’60s hits. This retro musical is a full-on joy ride — and yes, you’ll leave singing “Lollipop.”

📝 Every Brilliant Thing (Brewster – Cape Rep Theatre)
📅 Fri, May 23 | 7:30–9 PM · 🎟️ $40 | $25 (Under 25)
One man. One handwritten list of life’s joys. A soul-lifting, funny, heart-cracking play you’ll want to talk about after.

🎧 Memorial Day at the Squire (Chatham – 487 Main St)
Thu, May 23: JO & CO 9:30 PM, DJ Johnny Quest 10 PM
Fri, May 24: Adam Lufkin Trio 10 PM, DJ Johnny Quest 10 PM
Sat, May 25: Just Like That Band 9:30 PM, DJ PJ 10 PM
The Squire doesn’t do quiet. Live bands, late DJs, summer chaos. You’ve been warned — and invited.

🎸 Power Load – AC/DC Tribute (Orleans – Hog Island Beer Co.)
📅 Fri, May 23 | 6–9 PM
Golden hour. Cold beer. Power chords. Food truck tacos. Dogs. Kids. Pure Cape energy under the string lights.

🎶 Chandler Travis Pop-Up (Orleans Community Center)
📅 Sat, May 24 | 1–2 PM
Free outdoor concert from local legend Chandler Travis, thanks to the Orleans Cultural District. BYO lawn chair.

🎬 Mamma Mia! Sing-Along (Chatham – South Chatham Library)
📅 Thu, May 22 | 5:30 PM
Pizza Shark slice + ABBA on-screen = chaos in the best way. Free movie, raffle prizes, and aisle dancing encouraged.

🎶 Evening of Music: Natalia Bonfini & Rafael Caires (Chatham – Chatham Bars Inn)
📅 Thu, May 24 | 7:30–9 PM
🎟️ Free for guests · Limited public seating
Blues, soul, and seaside elegance. This powerhouse duo brings velvet vocals and smooth guitar to one of Chatham’s most stunning backdrops. A classy night out, Cape Cod style.

🎹 Richard Amir in Concert (Orleans – Snow Library)
📅 Fri, May 24 | 2–3 PM
🎟️ Free
An hour of soothing piano and heartfelt storytelling from local favorite Richard Amir. Nostalgic, rich in culture, and the perfect mellow interlude for your Friday afternoon.

🎸 Jeff Lowe Band @ Barley Neck
📅Sun, May 26 | 9–11 PM
Wrap the weekend with Cape Cod’s own Jeff Lowe Band — rock, blues, Americana, and a dance floor that won’t quit.

☀️ This Week’s Forecast: Feels, Not Just Fahrenheit

🌧 Thu, May 22 – Let It Pour
52° / 49° · 90% humidity · E 24 mph
Stormy, soaked, and unapologetic. A day to stay in and let the rain run the show.

🌥 Fri, May 23 – Gray That Works
56° / 49° · 85% humidity · W 15 mph
A functional gray—clean, focused, and good for ticking things off quietly.

☁️ Sat, May 24 – Calm Without Color
57° / 49° · 74% humidity · W 11 mph
Muted skies, easy rhythm. It’s an errands-and-fleece-layers kind of day.

⛅ Sun, May 25 – A Little Promise
59° / 51° · 78% humidity · NW 9 mph
Not quite sunny, but close enough. Stretch your legs and let the day lead.

☀️ Mon, May 26 – Pure Cape Gold
63° / 53° · 79% humidity · NW 6 mph
Crisp air, clear skies—Cape Cod at its cleanest. You’ll want to be out all day.

🌤 Tue, May 27 – The Quiet Shift
64° / 54° · 81% humidity · SSW 11 mph
Starts smooth, ends soft. Use the light early, coast through the rest.

🌦 Wed, May 28 – Slow Showers
62° / 55° · 86% humidity · SE 11 mph
A damp start gives way to stillness. Best enjoyed without an agenda.

🎉 Know Someone Who’d Love This? Send it Their Way

🧭 Until Next Tide

That’s a wrap on your Memorial Day edition — brewed with local beans, dipped in ocean salt, and wrapped in a seagull’s side-eye.

Whether you're chasing ducklings, ramen steam, or the last parking spot at Nauset, remember this:
☀️ Summer doesn’t start on a calendar — it starts with a feeling.
And on the Lower Cape, that feeling? It’s already here.

See you out there.
On the docks, in the dunes, maybe in line for bagels.
We’ll bring the vibes — you bring the sunscreen.

Catch you next week,
— Arthur

P.S. Trivia Time Reveal 🧐

🎯 Answer: Orleans!
In July 1918, a German U-boat surfaced off the coast and fired at a tugboat and some barges — making Orleans the only place in the continental U.S. to be shelled during World War I.
Locals watched from the dunes, stunned as history literally blew in with the tide.
Cape Cod: never dull, always legendary.