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Discovering Cape Cod

© Rowena Carr-Allinson

Cape Cod, like Martha's Vineyard and other legendary parts of Massachusetts, conjures up images of sophisticated New Yorkers escaping to their quaint interior-magazine-worthy New England homes. Weekends full of Dawson's Creek views, glistening yachts in chic marinas, Banana Republic khakis and cotton t-shirts worn by picture perfect blonde children...

Investigating, we drove up from Boston to the Cape to see what the famous peninsula and islands had to offer off-season. A whirlwind trip to do Cape Cod in three days.

The Beechwood Inn Our home for a few nights was to be the Beechwood Inn in Barnstable. Highly recommended, the Inn boasts top rating by the AAA, and is Cape Cod Life magazine's winner for "Best B&B - Mid Cape" as well as Yankee Magazine's "Editor's Choice."

Innkeepers Ken and Debbie Traugot make you feel instantly welcome. Helpful and informative, whatever you need - they have made it their business to know all about the area: from sightseeing expeditions to the best food to be had in the neighboring restaurants. Always best to trust locals rather than follow your nose...

Ken and Debbie used to belong to the hectic corporate world of Citicorp but decided to jack it all in for a different lifestyle. All they wanted was their own 'peanut stand' as opposed to slaving away for a big corporation. The couple are well travelled and have no doubt visited a place near you, which makes for an instant ice-breaker and easy conversation.

Ken, who's been around the world from Bombay to Rome, from London to Cairo and in no less than 44 states, is full of enthusiasm and bonhomie. As you sit down to enjoy your tea and home-made cookies, he tells tales of guests from all over. He reminisces about visitors from China, Germany, Poland and Brazilian ballerinas...

To add to the homely feeling the Traugots have several fluffy Golden Retrievers. Having met Fortune, Wonder and latest addition, Bravo, while sitting in the front room enjoying the food and the chat, I had to restrain myself from helping with the dishes. I felt so much at home, it seemed right to head into the kitchen and pull on the marigolds.

The best time to visit the Cape, they say, is around April/May and September/October in order to get the best weather and to avoid the crowds.

The Beechwood Inn doesn't cater for kids under 12 and prides itself on its quiet, romantic rustic charm making it an ideal all year destination for honeymooners and couples in search of some quality time.