A time-worn fishing village tucked away in a protected harbour and populated by whitewashed little houses, Chatham is a delight, representing the best of what Cape Cod has to offer.
In a nutshell
It sits on the 'elbow' of the Cape, between Nantucket Sound and the open Atlantic. In the afternoons, watch the deep-sea fishermen returning in their small boats with the day's catch, then sample it in one of the many little restaurants.
Stroll Main Street, wandering in and out of its charming emporia - no-one can resist the allure of Chatham Candy Manor, a glorious old sweet shop. Explore Atwood House and Museum, once the 18th-century pile of a sea captain. Local beaches include Harding, which has lifeguards, and Chatham Light (you have to visit the lighthouse before you're allowed to relax on the beach, though). Stretching for 9 miles south of the village is the 2,700-acre Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, home to an amazing variety of birds, deer and seals.
Eats & drinks
Make a reservation to sample the day's catch in The Impudent Oyster, just off Main Street. There are wonderful views of Pleasant Bay from 28 Atlantic.
Getting there
Chatham is 90 miles from Boston - a drive of approx 2 hours.