As fun as beaches, ice cream, shopping, and first-class restaurants are, some visitors may want to get a peek into another part of the Cape. Whatever your interests, there are plenty of fascinating and enjoyable tours to partake in. Here are some of the best tours to take part in on the Cape!
- Ghost Hunter Tours of Barnstable Village: On Monday and Friday nights, starting at 7 pm, April 18 through November 15, interested parties can walk on the spooky side of Barnstable Village. This walking tour starts at the Old Jail next to the US Coast Guard Heritage Museum and goes for about 3 hours throughout Barnstable Village. There is parking available at the Old Jail.
Attendees are encouraged to bring not only their cameras but also a digital/analog voice recorder, as well as an adventurous spirit (no pun intended). The tour is led by professional ghost hunters. Not only will participants hear haunted tales along the way, but also get the chance to explore a known haunted cemetery and stop by Crocker Tavern, the Barnstable Courthouse, and other spots known to host ghostly spires.
In the cemetery, participants will learn how to do EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon also known as “recording the voices of the dead”), and they will also get to use sensory equipment to “detect” paranormal activity.
The tour is $20 for adults, $10 for kids ages 8-12, and FREE for kids 8 and under. Private tours are also available for groups of 4 or more and a non-refundable deposit of $10/person is required. To reserve space or get more information, call 508-771-2725.
- Ecotours with Yankee Fishing: Starting this summer, Yankee Deep Sea Fishing (well-known for their fishing excursions) will be starting ecotours on Sundays and Mondays (weather permitting) from 2pm-4pm. The tours leave out of Saquatucket Harbor (next to Brax Landing) and will take guests out to Monomoy Island and Stage Harbor. There will be a naturalist aboard to narrate the tours and the tours may be of particular interest to birdwatchers since they pass by Monomoy. The tours will also pass by some of the fish traps and guests will be told how the traps work and about the ecosystem.
Captain Clem Kacergis added that not only are the ecotours new, but so is the boat (the Yankee II). The new boat has an upper deck for sunbathing and picnics and fits about 60-65 people comfortably (although it is certified for 84). So the new tours will be held on an enjoyable new craft.
The ecotours will be $30/person. There is a ticket booth at the harbor which is operated daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Reservations are recommended and can be made in person at the ticket booth or by calling 508-432-9626 or 508-432-2345.
- Hyannis Kennedy Legacy Trail: The Kennedys and their connection to Cape Cod is well-established. Interested parties who want to learn more about the impact the Kennedys have had on the Cape can take the self-guided walking tour (1.6 miles in one direction and about 1 ½ hours long with an additional 35 minutes needed to walk back to the beginning). The tour takes guests past fascinating sites in Hyannis that have informational signs posted to read (they also have QR codes that will narrate the signs and give extra information). During the peak summer season, a free trolley is available that will take guests back to the beginning (helpful during the hot, dog days of summer!).
- Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tours: For those who want to learn about how their favorite libations are made, there are plenty of tours to suit your interests on the Cape. For more information on Cape Cod Beer, First Crush Winery, Truro Vineyards, Cape Cod Winery, Cisco Brewers, and Offshore Ale Company, click here.
- Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory Tour: And what goes best with tasty drinks? Chips! So head on out to the Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory in Hyannis, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, for a FREE self-guided tour. Pick up some of the world-renowned chips at the end of the tour to take home!
- Art’s Dune Tours, Provincetown: One of the most engaging tours on Cape Cod, Art’s Dune Tours take guests out into the iconic Province Lands to see some of the most beautiful natural sights on Cape Cod. Interested parties can go out during one of the many times offered by Art’s or even book a group tour. Art’s is also available for special events. For more information about reservations, click here.
- Whale Watching: There are different boats that leave from different towns depending on where you are staying, so don’t feel limited by where you are! All the tours go to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary which is renowned for whale sightings. For more cruises, click here.
- Cape Cod Scenic Tours, Dennis: Offering several different wonderful sightseeing tours on a 13 passenger coach that operates rain or shine, these tours are a fun way to spend a day taking in the sights of Cape Cod and learning about their significance. Visit the website to make a reservation! The tours include a catered picnic and are 7 to 8 hours long. Call 1-800-722-1806 or 1-508-394-2221 or e-mail info@capecodscenictours.comfor more information.
There is certainly something for everyone on the Cape, so pick what suits you best (or try out a couple of the tours because they are all quite worthwhile!).
ARTICLE | 05/21/2014 - 10:00AM | BY MATILDA BROWN
You just might see (or hear) a ghost near the country's oldest wooden jail in Barnstable Village during the spooky and informative ghost hunter tour. Maggie Kulbokas photo.
