Thinking about planning a Cape Cod Vacation? Think Spring! When you think of taking a Cape Cod vacation you think of summer, right? You have good reason to – our beaches, seafood, shopping and people are some of the best in the country! We love having you here during the height of the season, but experienced tourists and locals alike know that the spring can be one of the best times to come and visit. Here are some reasons why: 1.) Smaller Crowds Ask anyone that visits us here on Cape Cod what the most frustrating part of their trip is and they almost always answer traffic, especially coming on and off the Cape…UGH!! Everyone has their own theories on how to avoid it but let’s face it in the middle of August it is unavoidable. Well, getting around Cape Cod in the spring is a piece of cake, and even better is that by the first weekend in May, almost all restaurants, resorts and attractions are open. If you want to spend an extra weekend with your special someone or the family, May and early June are great times to do it! 2.) Spring Festivals There’s way more to Cape Cod than beaches! Everybody knows about our summer traditions like huge fourth of July fireworks and celebrations, Carnival Week in Provincetown, concerts at the Cape Cod Melody Tent and catching the stars of tomorrow at the Cape Cod Baseball League games. But did you know that there are awesome festivals in the spring as well? Events like the Toast of Harwich, the Chatham Spring Fling and the Figawi Charity Ball and race all happen in May. At the Toast of Harwich you can sample food from Harwich’s best restaurants, sample wines from around the world and listen to live music. The Chatham Spring Fling is a similar event, but with a uniquely Chatham feel. The Cape Rep Theatre also starts it’s spring schedule so why not make one of the first weekends in May a cultural and culinary adventure? Going to these events will make you feel like a local, and you get to experience something you can’t do in the summer! 3.) It’s a Great Time to Run, Bike or Hike. The spring is a great time to be outside – especially on Cape Cod. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, it simply can’t be beat. In May, it’s usually warm enough to run or bike outdoors in shorts, but cool enough that you won’t risk getting heatstroke or dehydrated. Plan a trip to come down and take some time exploring the Cape’s great biking, hiking and running trails. Many runners and bicyclists make the mistake of thinking that Cape Cod is endlessly flat. On the contrary, we actually have some of the hilliest terrain in the region, and biking the National Seashore’s trails (especially in the Provincelands in Provincetown) can prove to be a challenging endeavor. May also plays host to several road races. Plan an “active vacation” around spending a weekend exploring Cape Cod’s trails or a road race, and spend dinnertime enjoying a restaurant serving local, organic food from one of our many farms. 4.) You Can Get Up Close with Nature Here on Cape Cod, we’re equally closely tied to the land and sea. Without the cranberry bogs that dot the Cape, and Truro’s little known history with turnips, the earliest Native American and English settlers would never have stayed around to give us the region we have now. The spring is an important time for the whales, a time during which some return to the region and when others leave. The endangered North Atlantic right whale leaves the waters around Cape Cod the first weekend in May every year, making it a great time to come down, book a trip on a whale watch and catch these majestic creatures. However this year the whales are on the move a bit early and up to 85 have been spotted in the Bay already this year! It is a great time to get up close with some of the most amazing creatures on earth. Other attractions, like botanical gardens such as the Pilgrim Monument and Museum in Provincetown and the Heritage Museum and Gardens in Sandwich are just now starting to open their doors meaning you can wander through, climb to the top and enjoy the views with no crowds! 5.) The Deals are Great It’s easy to take a Cape Cod vacation on a budget in the springtime. Many resorts don’t start charging peak season rates until Memorial Day, meaning you can get a great value on your stay if you come in the Spring! . Even a lot of regular vacationers don’t know that a good number of their favorite restaurants from the canal to Provincetown stay open year round, and that almost all of them have off-season menus, pricing and specials. Visiting in the Spring, you blend the best of both worlds – some of the nice weather you look forward to in the summer, with the value you’d get if you visited in the winter. ]]>
Water Damage & Your Home
It’s many homeowners’ worst fear to come home to a water disaster in their home. Water damage can cost thousands to repair and will include a lengthy process in order to adhere to safety standards, potentially disrupting your home life for weeks. In this article we’ll give you tips on how to avoid water damage and what to do when you discover it.
Water damage vs. flood damage
Many people are unaware of the difference between water damage and flood damage. Water damage can occur when you have plumbing issues such as a leaking pipe or overflowing bath tub. Flood damage, on the other hand, is defined by FEMA as an “overflow of inland or tidal waters, unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters,” or even mudflow. Flood damage tends to be the more costly and the more dangerous of the two, as it puts home inhabitants at serious health risk. Part of the stipulation in differing between the two types of damage is insurance coverage; water damage is often covered by homeowner’s insurance whereas flood damage is not.Avoiding water damage
To avoid costly and time-consuming repairs, follow these steps to prevent water damage from occurring in your home:- Keep your gutters clean to avoid backups and drainage issues
- divert rain water away from your house with downspouts
- Disconnect hoses and turn off their water supply when temperatures drop to freezing overnight
- Don’t leave water using appliances running while you are away from home for extended periods of time
- Keep up with maintenance on your dishwasher, washing machine, toilets, and tubs
- Turn off your water main when you go away on vacations
- Check the water pressure to your home. High water pressure can be nice in the shower, but pressures too high can cause your plumbing to fail
- Check regularly for leaks. Some water damage may go unnoticed for weeks or months, which subjects you to another danger: mold
What to do if you have water damage in your home
If it’s too late for prevention and you’ve discovered water damage in your home there are several steps you’ll need to take to ensure the safety of your home.- Turn off electronics in the affected area. If possible switch off power to whole the whole section of your home at the circuit breaker. This first step is to ensure your own safety. Once you’ve turned off power to all potentially dangerous electronics, you can move on to the next step.
- Remove electronics and other perishable items from the area. If you remove the items soon enough you might be able to salvage them by drying them out.
- Soak up the bulk of the water. You can do this the old fashion way by using towels and buckets. Or you can use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to suck up the water from rugs, carpets, and other surfaces.
- Dry the area completely. To avoid mold, use fans and a dehumidifier to fully dry out the area.
- Disinfect. Spray the area to remove any bacteria that may have accumulated due to moisture.
- Contact the professionals. A contractor will be able to tell you the full extent of the damage and whether any serious repairs will need to me made.
Cleaning With Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a solvent and is found in the first aid section of the local pharmacy. The definition of solvent is able to dissolve other substances. With this being said, rubbing alcohol seems like a fantastic ingredient for a household disinfectant. This solvent has quite a hard smell so be sure the area you are working in is well ventilated. This product is also an extremely flammable liquid and should not be used to clean a hot space, such as your oven or interior of the hot clothing dryer. Basic disinfectant can be made using one part water to one part rubbing alcohol. Put this in a spray bottle and get cleaning. Be sure to get spray doorknobs and light switches as well as sinks and faucets. You will notice the clean shine once you use this mixture. If you are going to disinfect your keyboard or mouse, do not use one part water, use straight alcohol. This will dry so quickly that there is not worry of water damage to your electronic components. Another fantastic use for running alcohol is cleaning your sponge in the kitchen. Soak the sponge in rubbing alcohol for 10 minutes and rinse clean. There are a few other household tricks that rubbing alcohol can tackle. If you have fingerprints or streaks of any kind on your stainless steel, wipe it clean with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or soft cloth. If you have hairspray on your sink, counter top or floor in the bathroom, grab another cotton ball and wipe it clean. If you find a stain on your microfiber furniture, spray, wait 10 minutes and wipe clean with a white cloth, in order to avoid color transformation onto the furniture. You will be so impressed with the quick, painless effort of this solvent]]>
Fun Family Activities on Cape Cod
Fee: Free Phone: 508-896-3913 Address: Brewster Ladies’ Library, 1822 Main Street, Brewster, MA Website: www.brewsterladieslibrary.org The Mashpee Recreation Department will be hosting their Annual Easter Egg Hunt at 2 pm on Saturday March 26th. The Easter Egg Hunt will take place at the Mashpee Community Park (across from town hall). Kids must bring their own basket. Fee: Free Address: Mashpee Community Park, Great Neck Road North, Mashpee, MA Website: www.mashpeerec.com If you love bird watching this event is for you! “Watch the reclusive Woodcock put on a show.” The American Woodcock struts, spirals into the sky, hovers whirring and twittering, then zigzags down to where he started and then begins again all with the goal of impressing the female Woodcock. Come watch the reclusive bird make a spectacle of himself during his twilight dance at Long Pasture. The event will begin with a brief slideshow and then walk out to the field for this special, live performance. Register online: www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/program-catalog#program:sanctuary=28:program_code=42728 Fee: Members $7, non-members $9 Phone: 508-362-7475 Address: Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, 345 Bone Hill Road, Barnstable Do you like to read about the history of our area? How about a book signing and discussion with Edward Lodi? Lodi is the author of “Massasoit’s Town Sowams in Pokanoket, Its History, Legends and Traditions”. Come to the Snow Library at 67 Main Street, Orleans on Wednesday March 30 at 4:00 p.m. to hear the author talk about his latest book. In the 1620s a warm friendship developed between Massasoit, sachem of the Wampanoags and the Pilgrim Edward Winslow. In a brief booklet published in 1904 Virginia Baker wrote of that friendship and of the two visits Winslow made from Plymouth to the sachem’s home in what is now Warren, Rhode Island. Edward Lodi has reprinted Baker’s well-researched booklet and added material of his own focusing on the dangers faced by Massasoit and the Pilgrims caught up in the fierce struggle for survival in early New England. Edward Lodi welcomes questions during and after his talk and a book signing follows. Fee: Free Phone: 508-240-3760 Address: Snow Library, 67 Main Street Orleans MA Website: www.snowlibrary.org The Cape Cod community is a very special place and always has so many family friendly events happening from Falmouth to Provincetown. We hope that you will enjoy some of them with your family!]]>
City's Quality of Life
The State of American Well-Being: 2015 Community Rankings annually weighs each City’s quality of life in five categories– purpose, social, financial, community and physical–to determine the happiest and healthiest places in America.Choose to live in one of the 10 cities for overall well-being! Guess what our very own Town of Barnstable is number five on the list! Soak in the sun on some of the Cape’s best beaches, like Craigville Beach and smell the salt air as the sea breezes sail in through the harbors. Take a scenic drive down Route 6A or visit the Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary. Take in some history and visit the Kennedy Museum and the US Coast Guard Museum. Barnstable is the largest community on Cape Cod and in 2010 had a population of just over 45,000. The Town of Barnstable is made up of several villages including Hyannis, Centerville and Osterville. To the north of Barnstable lie the dunes of Sandy Neck along Barnstable Harbor shines Sandy Neck Light. The central part of the town is dominated by the pines and oaks around Wequaquet Lake. The south is where the bulk of the population lives, many along the beaches of Centerville and Hyannis Harbors. When it comes time to choose where you would like to live full time or part time, wouldn’t you want to live in one of the top 5 cities for overall well-being in the US?! Let the staff at Foran Realty help you find the home of your dreams in one of the happiest and healthiest areas in the country! Here are the top 10 cities for overall well-being:
- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, Florida (Pat Foran’s favorite vacation spot!!!)
- Salinas, California
- North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, Florida
- Fort Collins, Colorado
- Town of Barnstable, Massachusetts
- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, California
- Boulder, Colorado
- Charlottesville, Virginia
- Anchorage, Alaska
- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, California
Valentine's Day History
Valentinus. Several stories were invented for the various Valentines that belonged to February 14. A popular account of Saint Valentine of Rome states that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were being persecuted under the Roman Empire. According to the legend, during his time in prison, he healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius. An embellishment later added to this story states that before Saint Valentine’s execution he wrote her a letter and signed it “Your Valentine” as a farewell. Saint Valentine’s Day is an official feast day in the Anglican Community as well as in the Lutheran Church. The Eastern Orthodox Church also celebrates Saint Valentine’s Day, however it is celebrated on July 6 and July 30 in order to pay homage to the Roman leader Saint Valentine, and the latter date in honor of Heiromartyr Valentine, the Bishop of Interamna (modern Terni). A heiromartyr is defined in Wikipedia as a bishop or priest that has died for his beliefs. How did Valentine’s Day then become associated with hearts, flowers and love? The day was first associated with romantic love by Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages when courtly love began to flourish. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering candies and sending greeting cards or “Valentines”. In Europe, Saint Valentine’s Keys are given to lovers as a romantic symbol and acts as an invitation to “unlock the heart” of the one that gave it to you. They are also given to children and are said to ward of epilepsy (also called Saint Valentine’s Malady). Valentine’s Day symbols commonly used today the heart outline, doves, and a winged Cupid. Handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards dating back to the 19th century. So whether you are giving a hand written note or a greeting card, don’t forget the flowers! Valentine’s Day falls on Sunday this year, so how about bringing your Valentine to the Cape for a weekend getaway…Don’t forget to call Pat Foran at Foran Realty to go look at some homes that could become your very own Summer Cape Cod getaway! Now that would make a great Valentine! ]]>
Winter Storms , Extreme Cold & Your Home
While the danger from winter storms varies across the country, nearly all Americans, regardless of where they live, are likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point in their lives. Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. The winds are almost always a factor here on Cape Cod. One of the primary concerns is the winter weather’s ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes. Before The Storm: To prepare for a winter storm you should do the following:
- Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
- Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways.
- Sand to improve traction.
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
- Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
- Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
- Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
- A NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts alerts and warnings directly from the NWS for all hazards. You may also sign up in advance to receive notifications from your local emergency services.
- Download FEMA’s Be Smart. Know Your Alerts and Warnings for a summary of notifications at:www.ready.gov/prepare. Free smart phone apps, such as those available from FEMA and the American Red Cross, provide information about finding shelters, providing first aid, and seeking assistance for recovery.
- Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
- Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
Winterize Your Home
- Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
- Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
- Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.
- Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
- All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.
- Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
- Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
- Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
- Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow – or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
- If your home loses power or heat for more than a few hours or if you do not have adequate supplies to stay warm in your home overnight, you may want to go to a designated public shelter if you can get there safely. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (e.g., SHELTER20472)
- Bring any personal items that you would need to spend the night (such as toiletries, medicines). Take precautions when traveling to the shelter. Dress warmly in layers, wear boots, mittens, and a hat.
- Continue to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.
Learn From Every Storm
Restock your emergency supplies to be ready in case another storm hits. What happens if you aren’t available during the storm? Be sure that you have someone watching out for your home. You want someone reputable that can be entrusted to make sure your home is ready. Pat Foran is an accredited member of the National Home Watch Association. Call today before the next storm hits! Information gathered from http://www.ready.gov]]>Summer Rentals!
This home on Horsefoot Path in Dennis is a very short walk to Mayflower beach and has a waterview. Enjoy the family room on lower level. This great family home is on Old Hills Rd in Dennis. It is in a quiet charming area with a peaceful walk to the village. It is a short distance to Mayflower beach, close to Dennis Village, golf & restaurants. There is also a great home right on Main Street in Dennis. It is a spacious 4 bedroom home. The walk to the beach is only 3/10 of a mile to private beach on bay (Dr Lords Beach). Princess Beach at Scargo Lake is a close distance. Only a short drive to Dennis Village, restaurants, & golf courses! No matter how big or small your group is, whether you want to be close to Main Street or on the beach. Foran Realty has rental homes for you from Truro to Yarmouth. Call us today at 508-385-9114 and tell us what your need for your family this summer. We have the rental home that is perfect for you! ]]>
Traveling Checklist
the house is booked and it is time to travel? What should you bring with you? We have compiled a packing and traveling checklist for you to make your travels a little easier. Whether you are traveling for the holidays or traveling to see us next summer….we hope this is helpful! For the Drive For the Beach -Bottled water -Sunscreen -Snacks -Lip Balm -Books for you and the kids -Boogie Boards/Rafts (As long as you’re not driving) -Beach Chairs -Maps/GPS -Beach Umbrella -DVD Player & DVDs -Beach Towels -Sketch Pads -Fishing Rods -Pens/Pencils -Tackle Box -Extra set of car keys -Cooler -Flashlight with Batteries -Beach toys -Tire Gauge -Hats Clothes Health and Medicine -Swim trunks/Swim suits -Motion Sickness Medicine -Undies -Insect Repellent -Shorts/Pants -Hydrocortisone Cream -T-shirts -Prescription Medications -Socks & Shoes -Tylenol/Motrin – Beach Cover ups -Bandaids -Sweatshirts for cooler nights Toiletries -Moisturizer -Deodorant -Shower Gel -Comb or Brush -Makeup -Shampoo/Conditioner -Toothpaste -Hairbands -Razors and Shaving Cream -Toothpaste and Toothbrush -Soap -Aloe -Hairdryer We hope that you find this list to be helpful! Never fear…If you are vacationing on Cape Cod you are never too far from a grocery store or neighborhood market to buy anything you may have forgotten! We hope that you will be spending your summer vacation with us on beautiful Cape Cod this year! ]]>
Creating A Responsible Environment for the Cape & Islands
Creating A Responsible Environment for the Cape & Islands (CARE) What is it? CARE for the Cape & Islands™ was founded in 2012 as the Cape and Islands’ first “travelers’ philanthropy initiative”. CARE’s mission is to encourage, support, and create opportunities for visitors to donate their “time, talent, and treasure” to help preserve and protect the very things they travel here to see and enjoy: exquisite natural beauty, plant and wildlife habitats, Cape & Islands culture and history. Why Cape Cod and the Islands? Cape Cod and the Islands’ scenic beauty and pristine coastline are enjoyed and appreciated by millions of visitors each year, presenting a need to protect its unique qualities. This program will enable us to help sustain the region’s fragile ecosystem, the culture and the heritage that draw visitors and residents to vacation, work and live. Ultimately, CARE for the Cape & Islands™ is seeking to tap into the travelers’ growing interest in and support of eco-tourism and green-travel as well as their philanthropic inclinations to help us to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Cape & Islands as a national treasure and travel destination. How does it work? CARE for the Cape & Islands educates and facilitates relationships among travelers, businesses, local organizations, environmental initiatives, and residents. Working closely with those involved in the travel industry, CARE is able to create opportunities for travelers to contribute to local efforts to promote long-term environmental conservation and cultural heritage preservation. Visit their website at http://careforthecapeandislands.org/# to learn about the pilot project completed in 2012 and so much more. Who are we? Jill Talladay received her M.A. in Tourism Administration with a concentration in Sustainable Destination Management from The George Washington University and the Philip W. Ogilive award for highest academic achievement in 2011. Most recently she has been working as an independent consultant who advises for-profit business and non-profit organizations in New England on the promotion of special travel and tourism projects, community-relations development and sustainability. She has helped organizations like the Yarmouth Area Chamber of Commerce, Eventful Connections, Tourism Cares, Cape & Islands Whale Trail and a variety of events in the region establish community partnerships, raise funds for grants and scholarships, generate consumer awareness, increase membership and to incorporate sustainable practices into their business. Beyond her paid work, Jill is a committed volunteer and has served on numerous boards including as president and scholarship chair for Cape Cod Hospitality Marketing Association, Philanthropy Day of Cape Cod, Cape Cod Travel Industry Symposium and as founder and president of Single Volunteers of Cape Cod. She is passionate about using green practices and works hard to educate her friends as well as the public on simple steps they may take to make a difference on a daily basis. Please visit the website to learn about the ongoing projects, funding and the reasons why this organization has become such a passion for Jill. http://careforthecapeandislands.org/about-us/]]>