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🐚 Lower Cape’s Back Porch Buzz: Local Eats, Summer Bands & Stories Worth Sharing (July 10–16)

Author

Arthur Radtke
July 10, 2025

Together with

Good evening, neighbor!

Sorry for the delay—yes, we were running behind last week too. What can we say? Sometimes the Lower Cape has its own rhythm, and honestly, so do we. But you can bet we’ve packed this week’s roundup with everything worth your time.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

  • Step inside Eastham’s Collins Cottages and imagine your own Cape Cod story.

  • Sample the local favorites—from smash burgers at The Knack to comfort food at Pates.

  • Roll up your sleeves for Brewster Conservation Day or relax with the Harwich Town Band under the summer sky.

  • Step inside—Real Gardens, Real Neighbors: Lower Cape’s Hydrangea Fest Opens Its Gates.

  • Get the scoop on Orleans’ newest affordable homes, plus guided walks through Harwich’s hidden history.

  • And as always, the best local events, music, and finds from every corner of the Lower Cape.

Go ahead—dive in, pick your favorites, and make this week yours. The Lower Cape is buzzing, and it’s all right here.

-Art

Where in Chatham can you witness a real-life “Cape Cod feeding frenzy”—with hungry seals, crowds of camera-toting tourists, and local fishermen hauling in the day’s catch, all packed together in a wild summer spectacle?

Find the answer—and the best time to go—at the end of this week’s newsletter!

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Nostalgia Meets Opportunity: Collins Cottages on Town Cove

Some places on Cape Cod just feel like they were always meant to be here. The Collins Cottages on Town Cove—seven vintage, shingle-sided hideaways from the 1920s and ‘40s—capture everything we love about Eastham’s storied shoreline.

Imagine waking up to the sound of gulls and the scent of salt in the air, stepping onto original wood floors that have known decades of sandy feet and laughter. These are the kinds of cottages where summer traditions run deep, stories are passed from porch to porch, and neighbors become lifelong friends. Every fieldstone fireplace, every sun-soaked porch, every well-loved board game table tells its own piece of Cape history.

But what truly sets these cottages apart?

  • 400 feet of private sandy beach stretch out just for residents—no crowds, just the peaceful hush of the cove.

  • Deeded boat slips and a private dock mean your paddleboard, kayak, or skiff is always ready for adventure, just steps from your door.

  • Every cottage is year-round ready—enjoy crackling fires in winter, golden sunsets in fall, and all the breezy comfort of summer with new septic and thoughtful upgrades wrapped up in weathered wood and blooming hydrangeas.

It’s rare for these homes to hit the market—many families hold onto them for generations. As one neighbor put it: “There’s something about waking up to Town Cove that just makes you want to stay.”

This summer, you have a chance to step inside this slice of Eastham’s heart.
Open House — Sunday, July 13 | 11am–2pm
150 Old State Highway, Eastham

Take a stroll, listen for the snap of a screen door, and picture your own Cape Cod story unfolding right here. The cottages won’t wait. When they’re gone, they’re gone for good. We’ll save you a spot on the porch.

The Real Cape Cod Table: Pull Up a Chair

Looking for a meal that feels like Cape Cod—unfiltered, local, and absolutely unforgettable? You won’t find these places in glossy ads, but you’ll hear about them from every friend who “knows a spot.” Around here, the best tables are handed down by word of mouth, and every dish comes with a side of local color.

This week, we’ve got two of the Cape’s standouts:
– The Knack, where burgers, lobster rolls, and onion rings are just the start, and every picnic table is fair game for new friends and old stories.
– Pates in Chatham, where comfort food gets a Cape twist—think prime rib, killer cocktails, and a dining room that always feels like Saturday night.

So skip the tourist traps and taste the real Cape. These are the places you’ll end up recommending, even if you kinda want to keep them secret.

Where are you eating tonight?

The Knack (Orleans)

5 MA-6A, Orleans, MA 02653

Why is The Knack always buzzing? Because it’s not just another roadside stand—this is pure Cape Cod summer on a tray.

What sets it apart:
You can practically taste the vacation in the air: fresh salt, sunscreen, laughter. Locals swear by The Knack’s legendary onion rings, crackly golden and peppery, never soggy—so good people order an extra batch for the car ride home. Their smash burgers are the stuff of townie and tourist legend—sizzling, caramelized edges, and creative toppings like fried pickles, spicy mayo, or the crowd-favorite classic American cheese and bacon.

Craving seafood? The lobster roll is a full-on Cape classic: heaps of sweet, chilled claw meat with just a kiss of lemony mayo, always served on a buttery toasted split-top bun. And their fried fish sandwich is made with locally caught whitefish, crisp outside and flaky inside—skip the fancy plating, this is best eaten outdoors with a cold soda and sandy feet.

Bring your vegetarian friend: They’ll thank you for the house-made veggie burger, which actually has flavor and bite—nothing from a freezer here. And the creamy, old-school milkshakes (try the chocolate-peanut butter or strawberry) are so thick you’ll need a spoon.

The scene:
Picnic tables, dogs napping underfoot, groups of friends swapping stories after a swim at Skaket Beach. The staff keeps things moving with a smile, even when the line stretches out to the street. Pro tip: Go early or mid-afternoon to avoid the dinner crush.

Quick details that might make you go tonight:

  • Open late for summer evenings—nothing beats sunset fries.

  • Extra parking is tucked in back (locals’ secret!).

  • Credit cards accepted, kid-friendly, and the patio is dog-welcoming.

  • Everything’s made to order—this isn’t fast food, but it’s worth the wait.

Ready for a Cape Cod classic you’ll be thinking about all year?
See the full menu and hours at The Knack

Pates Restaurant (Chatham)

1260 Main St, Chatham, MA 02633

Why do people plan their week around dinner at Pates? Because it’s not just a meal—it’s a Cape Cod experience.

What makes Pates a destination:
First, the energy: from the minute you walk in, you’re hit with that post-beach, “let’s celebrate” vibe. This is where birthday toasts and spontaneous reunions happen side by side with big family dinners. Pates has a rare talent for blending old-school Chatham with new energy—the wood-paneled dining room has been restored to a cozy, lively glow, and there’s always a hum of laughter coming from the bar.

Starters you’ll talk about:

  • The Tuna Cones—tiny sesame cones filled with super-fresh tuna, wasabi cream, and scallion—are the signature order.

  • The Peking Duck Tacos surprise everyone: soft tortillas, sweet-savory duck, crisp veggies, hoisin drizzle.

Don’t miss:

  • Prime Rib: Served perfectly medium rare, thick-cut, with house au jus and a baked potato that’s basically a meal by itself.

  • Seafood Pan Roast: A rich, creamy stew bubbling with lobster, shrimp, scallops, and mussels. It changes with the day’s catch, so ask what’s in the mix.

  • Street Corn Gnocchi: Pillowy gnocchi tossed with sweet corn, chili, cotija, and lime—unexpected and super satisfying.

Behind the bar:
Martinis come extra cold with hand-stuffed blue cheese olives (if you see Sam, let her make you one). There’s an impressive wine list, plenty of local brews, and bartenders who know their regulars and their cocktails by heart.

Why it’s worth going out tonight:

  • Live music some nights, always a lively crowd.

  • Reservations are a must in season—plan ahead!

  • Special dietary needs? The staff is actually on it (nuts, gluten, vegetarian—all called out on the menu).

  • The dining room glows in the evening—perfect for an occasion or just a long-overdue night out.

It’s the kind of place where you walk out with a happy buzz, a full belly, and a new favorite Cape memory.

🌱 Spotlight: Brewster Conservation Trust—Guardians of Brewster’s Wild Heart

Ask around Brewster, and you’ll hear it: there’s something different in our air and water. Maybe it’s the kettle ponds, the old woods, or the way the light filters through a stand of oaks. But none of it’s an accident—it’s the work of community, generations deep, rolling up sleeves to keep Brewster wild and thriving.

Why Conservation Matters Here

Brewster’s not just another pretty corner of the Cape—it’s a patchwork of rare pine barrens, wildflower meadows, salt marshes, and hidden trails. The Brewster Conservation Trust (BCT) is the quiet force behind much of that. Every acre they protect is a promise: clean water for our ponds, safe passage for box turtles, pollinators in our gardens, and room for everyone to explore.

Local Roots, Lasting Impact

BCT doesn’t do conservation from a distance—it’s neighbors helping neighbors. From monitoring turtle crossings and restoring pollinator pathways, to stewarding trails and organizing community clean-ups, they’re out there—often side by side with volunteers, students, and curious kids.

Citizen Science in Action:
Ever seen a neighbor with a notebook and a sunhat, counting turtles or wildflowers? That’s BCT’s Citizen Scientist Project—real science, right in our backyards.

Land for All:
From the John Hay Writing Studio to family-friendly walks, BCT makes sure conserved land isn’t just preserved—it’s lived in and loved.

Brewster Conservation Day: Where It All Comes Together

And if you’ve ever wanted to see Brewster’s conservation magic up close, Brewster Conservation Day is the place.

Mark your calendar:
Saturday, July 12, 2025
9:30 AM–1:30 PM | Sea Camps Bay Property (Rain or Shine!)

This year’s theme:
TREES! Superheroes of the Natural World

Cape Cod’s favorite conservation fair is now bigger and greener than ever—with a brand-new venue and fresh features for all ages. Here’s what’s in store:

  • 40+ exhibitors sharing wildlife, science, and hands-on conservation you can try at home

  • Live wildlife and up-close experiences with the creatures that make Brewster wild

  • Kids’ Creativity Zone—brand new for 2025!

  • Live music from Paul Kehoe and Washashore Music students

  • Expert speakers like Russell Norton (Barnstable County Horticulture & Agriculture)

  • ALL FREE!

Brewster Conservation Day is where neighbors come together, swap stories, and share what’s working—whether you’re planting native trees, restoring a garden, or just picking up tips for your own backyard.

Get Involved—Every Little Bit Helps

The work never ends. If you care about clean ponds, wildlife crossings, or keeping Brewster beautiful, BCT wants you on the team. Volunteer, join a trail walk, become a citizen scientist, or just stop by and ask questions.

To learn more, volunteer, or support Brewster’s wild spaces:
brewsterconservationtrust.org
36 Red Top Rd., Brewster

Let’s keep Brewster wild, beautiful, and resilient—together. Got a favorite conservation story or trail? Let us know and you might be featured next!

Real Gardens, Real Neighbors—Lower Cape’s Hydrangea Fest Opens Its Gates

For ten days every July, some of the most beautiful—and rarely seen—gardens in Brewster, Chatham, Harwich, and Orleans are open for all to enjoy, each with its own story and a local cause behind the blooms.

“The gardens are each so unique, and the homeowners’ pride shows in every border and bloom,” says the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society, the group behind many Brewster and Orleans stops. Brewster hosts tours at 81 Maple Lane and 27 Marble Road (July 15–16), while Orleans opens the gates at 100 Gibson Road and 4 Driftwood Lane (July 18–19), all benefitting local charities.

In Chatham, the renowned Chatham Garden Club offers a Friday tradition on July 18—five gardens in one day, including 149 Harding Lane and Whidah Road, with all proceeds going to support local causes. “It’s an honor to share what we’ve nurtured with the community,” club members say. These tours ($10 for all five, cash at the door) have become a highlight for locals and returning visitors alike.

Harwich gardens, like 20 Walton Road and the Sunday finale at 2 Meredith Way (Whelden Memorial Library, July 20), are celebrated for being welcoming and accessible—wheelchair-friendly and designed with pollinators in mind. Proceeds from the Bank Street and Beach Road gardens (July 12, 10am–2pm) support the Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary, ensuring every visit gives back to Harwich itself.

“We invite everyone to see what we’ve grown and, more importantly, to help local nonprofits thrive,” organizers note in the festival guide. Each $5 ticket is paid directly at the garden gate and supports a different organization, from the Challenger Club to the Hospital Auxiliary and beyond.

Bring cash, check the schedule, and expect to meet garden owners eager to swap advice or tell you which hydrangea has survived the toughest Cape winter. This is a chance to see the Lower Cape at its best—blooming, generous, and rooted in community.

Full details and a map of every open garden: capecodhydrangeafest.com

🎶 Harwich Town Band: Fifty Summers and Still Counting

On a warm evening in early July, Brooks Park fills with the hum of expectation.

Folding chairs claim familiar patches of lawn. Children dart between tree trunks. In the fading gold of the day, the Harwich Town Band assembles—proof that some things, happily, resist change.

Fifty years ago, the band’s inaugural performance was hardly grand: just a handful of neighbors, a haywagon in the Independence Day parade, and a quiet faith that music could stitch together a small Cape town. The audience was sparse, but the intention clear—community, in its purest sense, needs a soundtrack.

Half a century later, the faces have changed, but the ritual endures. Nearly sixty musicians now, drawn from ten Cape towns, spill across the stage—some reading notes in the last glow of dusk, others grinning at old friends in the audience. The band is too large for the stage, but nobody seems to mind.

On July 1, Mark Kelleher, standing before the crowd, named it “Harwich Town Band Day.” The applause was both for the music and the memory—how many Tuesday nights have families wandered down to the park, picnic baskets in tow, letting a Sousa march or Broadway tune mingle with the crickets? How many children have grown up under these summer stars, measuring the season by the band’s return?

Peter de Bakker, a mainstay in the clarinet section, credits not just the conductors and players, but the spirit that draws them back year after year—a belief that art, offered freely, enriches the everyday. For the band and its listeners, the tradition isn’t nostalgia; it’s renewal.

After the last note, fireworks bloom over Allen Harbor and the crowd lingers. In Harwich, the band isn’t just background music, but the pulse of summer itself—a gentle reminder that, sometimes, the simplest gatherings become the glue of a community.

Tuesday nights in Brooks Park, all summer long. No ticket required—just the willingness to listen, and, perhaps, to remember.

🏡 A New Chapter for Orleans: Affordable Housing on Main Street

After years of waiting, Orleans is turning a new page—and for dozens of local families, the story just got a little brighter.

This summer, the Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) is putting the final touches on 14 brand-new affordable rental units at 107 Main Street, right where the old Masonic Lodge once stood. When applications opened in June, the message was clear: the need is real. Sixty applications poured in on day one alone.

“Orleans has really been on this pursuit of allowing housing… It’s pretty cool,” — Alisa Magnotta, HAC CEO

What’s happening?

  • 12 apartments for households earning up to 80% of the area median income

  • 2 deeply affordable homes for those earning less than 30% AMI

  • 70% reserved for locals—people who live, work, or send their kids to Orleans schools

For years, Orleans has fallen short of state affordable housing goals while Cape Cod rents have soared. This project is a promise kept—a place for local workers, families, and seniors who might otherwise be priced out.

“I would expect a pretty huge application pool.”
— David Quinn, local housing official

How does it work?
The apartments will be filled by lottery after the application deadline on July 31. Move-ins are expected by November 1, just as autumn returns to Main Street.

Why it matters

Because a thriving Orleans isn’t just about beautiful beaches—it’s about the people who call this place home, in every season. It’s about teachers, cashiers, grandparents, and kids having a real chance to stay and build their lives here.

Want to apply or know someone who should?

  • Applications are free and open until July 31

  • Visit HAC’s website or stop by 107 Main Street for info

Let’s spread the word: Orleans is building a future where everyone has a place at the table.

🚶‍♂️ Step Into Harwich’s Past: Summer Walking Tours

In Harwich, history isn’t just background noise—it’s alive in the crack of a gravestone, the sway of an old porch, the stories neighbors trade as they stroll.

This July and August, the Harwich Historical Society invites you to join that conversation. Whether you follow historian Duncan Berry among sea captains in Pine Grove Cemetery (July 12), or walk the shaded heart of Harwich Center with Paul Doane (July 19), each step reveals a layer of Cape Cod rarely seen from the car window.

There’s Bathsheba Chase, the coffee heiress resting in West Harwich Baptist Church cemetery (also July 19), and the drama of the Lantern Tour that night, when Revolutionary ghosts flicker to life under lamplight in East Harwich Union Cemetery.

And come August 9, Berry’s Captains Row tour charts a course through the seafaring fortunes that built this town.

Tickets are $10, registration required through Harwich Historical Society. For anyone who believes every street has a story, these walks are your invitation.

Wake up with the birds, meet a shark or two, chat with bestselling authors, and chase live music as the sun goes down.
Food trucks, art fairs, porch concerts, and secret garden tours—every day is packed, every corner buzzing.

Kids, foodies, music lovers, and explorers—there’s something here with your name on it.

Summer’s wide open. Dive in and see where the week takes you.

Thursday, July 10

Friday, July 11

Saturday, July 12

Sunday, July 13

Monday, July 14

Tuesday, July 15

Wednesday, July 16

🎶Pick your vibe

Chill out with acoustic sets in a beer garden, catch award-winning voices in historic churches, rock out to Cape classics, or dance under the stars with friends new and old.

Summer’s at its peak. The only question is—where will you hear your next favorite song?

Cape Mood: Your Week, Your Move (July 10–16)

Thu, July 10 – Fog & Full Moon Feels
Rain clears out, but thick fog settles in. Skip the late drive and light a candle at home—tonight’s for movies or a good board game. If the clouds part, catch the full moon glowing over the marshes. Snap a photo if you see it—share it with us!
(65° low, 91% rain early, NNE breeze)

Fri, July 11 – Cozy & Cloudy
Clouds stick around, but rain won’t bother you. Take a long walk downtown or hunt for a new coffee spot—Main Street’s calling. Pro tip: local bookstores are extra cozy on gray days.
(75°/65°, 9% rain, NE wind)

Sat, July 12 – Weekend, Wrapped in Clouds
Still overcast, breezy enough for kites on the beach. Grab fresh bread at the farmers market, then hit a gallery or try a new lunch spot. Great day for family games or a Cape Cod museum adventure.
(72°/64°, 16% rain, ESE wind)

Sun, July 13 – Sun Breaks Through
Morning clouds, but sun arrives after lunch—plan a picnic or take the kids for ice cream. Hit the bike trail before dinner or stake out a sunset spot at your favorite beach. This is the “get outside” day of the week.
(73°/66°, 10% rain, ESE wind)

Mon, July 14 – Summer Returns
Sun’s back, breeze is up, and the water’s finally warming (check the bay: 71°). Grab the SPF—UV index is 9. It’s a top day for kayaking, a beach walk, or a sunset sail if you’re lucky enough to have a boaty friend.
(76°/68°, 18% rain, SSE wind, UV 9/11)

Tue, July 15 – Classic Cape Beach Day
Warmer, brighter, and the water’s just right. This is the day to plan a beach meet-up, break out the paddleboards, or hit up Sundae School for an after-dinner cone. Don’t forget a hat—it’s peak sun.
(79°/70°, 16% rain, SSW wind)

Wed, July 16 – Hot & Humid, but Still Cape
Warmest day of the stretch—81° by afternoon. Hydrate, pack extra snacks, and plan for a late swim. Evening brings a chance of showers, so bring your stuff inside before bed. If the sky’s clear, moonrise is at 11:20 pm—late-night walk, anyone?
(81°/70°, 15% day, 30% night rain, SSW wind)

Local Lowdown:

  • Best days for the beach: Sun–Wed

  • Fog alert: Thursday night—watch those corners if you must drive

  • Full moon: Thursday—send us your best moon pics!

  • Top ice cream night: Tuesday—vote for your favorite spot

  • Sunburn alert: UV up to 9—lotion up, even when it’s cloudy

Bottom line:
The clouds will test your patience, but Cape summer wins out. Try something new, share your adventures, and tell us how you made the most of the week. #CapeMood

🧭 Until Next Tide

What will you dive into next on the Lower Cape? Maybe it’s checking out Collins Cottages, sampling fries at The Knack, catching live music in Harwich, or joining a neighbor for a local walk. The energy is all around—right here, right now.

Don’t just read about it. Step into it. Say yes to something new, introduce yourself, or share a favorite spot with someone else. The Lower Cape isn’t just a backdrop—it’s yours to experience, every day.

So go make this week a good one. And if you find something worth sharing, let us know—your story might be next.

—Art

P.S.
And now for the reveal…
It’s B) Chatham Fish Pier 🦭🐟🛥️! The next time you’re in Chatham, head to the pier at 3 PM. Seals, fishermen, and a crowd of amazed onlookers—it’s a Cape Cod spectacle you have to see to believe. Snap a photo and let everyone know you were part of the action!

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