If you love the great outdoors, Chatham is the place to visit. This Cape Cod town is home to beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. Chatham also boasts a lighthouse, which is a popular landmark. You can also visit the Chatham Railroad Museum, which exhibits model trains in a historic depot. Nearby, you can find the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, which offers a haven for migratory birds.
Nature trails
Chatham-Kent is home to more than 55 nature trails, including trails in Rondeau Park, Ontario’s second-oldest Provincial Park. Trails in the park include Clear Creek Forest, which features winding water, and the South Lakeshore Trail, which features views of open water and local wood sculptures. Hikers can also join groups like WalkCK, which explores local history. The Friends of Rondeau Park also offers night Owl Prowls.
Another popular hike is the Duck Harbor Road Loop, a 3.5-mile loop in the Cape Cod National Seashore. The loop offers beautiful views of the Cape Cod Bay. Nearby is the 18th century smallpox cemetery and the Kettle Hole Wetland, which is a certified vernal pool. Both are free to explore, so be sure to bring a picnic lunch. For an added bonus, you can ride a bicycle along the Bike Trail.
The County of Chatham also has municipally operated walking trails. The county operates a half-mile compacted trail in Bear Creek, a quarter-mile paved track in Chapel Hill, and a one-mile gravel trail in Siler City. Compacted trails are usually made of a combination of dirt and gravel that has been tamped down.
Another excellent choice for nature lovers is Monomoy Wildlife Refuge. It’s an expansive refuge with numerous habitats for a variety of wildlife. It has a 1.4-mile nature trail and a visitor center. The hours of operation vary, but you’re likely to see animals year-round. It’s a great place to see dolphins and whales, and you can also find horseshoe crabs and piping plover nesting sites.
If you’re looking for a broader range of trails, the Flook Trail is a great choice. This 1700-meter trail takes you to a three-hectare Carolinian woodlot. It was planted by students at the Harwich Raleigh Public School and is maintained by the Flook family. There’s also the Heritage Tree Trail, which features over a dozen different types of trees. Both trails are accessible from the downtown core, mainly along Elgin and Elizabeth streets.
Lighthouses
Two lighthouses stand in Chatham, Massachusetts. The Chatham Lighthouse, which was built in 1808, is one of two on Cape Cod. It is 40 feet tall and has twin wooden towers, positioned about 70 feet apart. They are situated on a bluff. Until 1923, the Chatham Lights were known as the Twin Lights.
In Chatham, almost every street ends at a beach. You can explore this area by taking a stroll along Shore Rd, which leads to the water. The water is inviting, as is the white sand. However, be prepared for a few men in grey suits, who stay farther south in the town. While this may seem like a small town, there are plenty of fun things to do in Chatham.
The Chatham Lighthouse was built in 1808. It used to be called the Twin Lights because of the fact that it had two wooden towers before it was rebuilt in 1877 with cast iron rings. Eventually, one of the towers was relocated to Eastham and became the Nauset Light.
The Monomoy Point Lighthouse, located on the south shore of Monomoy Island, is also worth a visit. The lighthouse is a historic landmark that led seamen through strong currents. Visitors can walk through the lighthouse, but access is limited during the summer. If you have the time, consider going to the lighthouse during guided tours.
The Race Point Lighthouse grounds are free to explore. You can also donate to help maintain the lighthouse. Another exciting lighthouse to visit is Long Point Light Station, which is at the very tip of Cape Cod.
Art galleries
Art galleries in Chatham are a great place to see art from the region. The Nickerson Art Gallery is located in an historic downtown building, just steps from the beach. The gallery showcases both local and national artists and craftspeople. Visitors can also find a number of fine restaurants and retail shops nearby.
Bike rentals
There are several bike rental options in Chatham, Massachusetts. For example, Chatham Hood Bikes offers bike rentals and repairs in downtown Chatham. The company also offers free delivery if you rent bikes for two or more people. It has two locations: 55B Enterprise Drive and 400 Main Street. This is a great option for people who don’t want to deal with bike transport and the high overhead costs of downtown.
Another option for bike rentals is Mike’s Bike Trail Rentals, which operates out of a trailer at Cape Cod Adventure Golf. The location is right off the Rail Trail and has plenty of parking. While the inventory isn’t quite as large as other locations, you’ll be able to find basic bikes to ride around town.
Chatham is located less than a quarter mile from the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which is ideal for biking. From here, you can enjoy a leisurely ride downtown or head out on the trail to explore the town and Cape Cod. The Cape Cod Rail Trail stretches from Yarmouth to Wellfleet and offers a variety of landscapes. Afterward, you can reward yourself with two keepsake water bottles and dinner for two at ‘The Goose’.
Restaurants
There are many fine dining options for visitors to Chatham, Massachusetts. The town’s Main Street is a great place to start your search. You’ll find a variety of options here, including locally owned eateries. Locals enjoy eating here, too, and there’s no need to leave town to enjoy a quality meal.
The Impudent Oyster is a charming, rustic, yet refined Chatham restaurant that boasts an inventive menu. One of its signature dishes is Devils on Horseback, served on toast points with a lemon herb sauce. Other popular items include sole and crab francaise, as well as more adventurous fare like Panang red curry.
The Chatham Fish and Chips is another family-owned place to eat. They use locally sourced ingredients to create their dishes, and you can even watch the process yourself. The outdoor patio is dog-friendly, which is another perk! They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is great for families, and the atmosphere is casual and friendly.
Despite the town’s small size, there’s no shortage of good places to eat in Chatham. Some of the more popular restaurants are: Nickerson’s Fish Pier Cafe, New England Pizza, and the Malitas family’s restaurant. If you’re in the mood for pizza, a local favorite is Carmine’s Pizza. You can also find some fantastic options for pizza delivery in Chatham, including New England Pizza at Knots Landing.
For lunch, you can visit the Chatham Village Café & Bakery. You’ll find fresh baked goods here and have a variety of choices for dessert. The cafe serves breakfast as well, including a wide range of sandwiches and pastries. You can also buy fresh bread, donuts, and even pies at this location.
