There are so many things to do and places to see on Cape Cod and Falmouth,  it’s hard to pick and choose with our limited time.  The Waquoit Bay Reserve was a place that we would constantly drive by and wonder what it was all about.  Earlier this year we finally stopped and checked it out.  What a wonderful spot.  Below is a more information which may interest you and entice you to pull into those gates.

Waquoit Bay Reserve 

Located at the old Sargent Estate in East Falmouth, the Waquoit Bay Reserve visitor center is housed in the c.1880 mansion, which sits atop a 30 foot bluff at the head of Waquoit Bay. The property provides a contrast between a Victorian home and the natural bay landscape. Participants will discover the history of this former summer estate while touring the buildings and grounds of the Waquoit Bay Reserve. The tour includes views from the bluff of Waquoit Bay, South Cape Beach and Martha’s Vineyard and will reveal why this valuable waterfront mansion sat vacant for almost 50 years. Stories about the estate’s former owners, and of the determined group of local citizens that worked to save the property from development more than 20 years ago, will be woven into the walk. 

Today, the estate is part of the Massachusetts State Park system or DCR, and is also one of 28 National Estuarine Research Reserves around the country supported by NOAA. Participants will find out how the buildings are used today and about plans being developed to up-date the structures and grounds to better serve the mission of the Reserve as well as about on-going research involving local, national, and international scientists who conduct their research within the bay. Tour starts at the Reserve Visitor Center- 149 Waquoit Highway (Rt.28), Waquoit, MA. www.waquoitbayreserve.org .

We opened for the season on April 30th.  It was wonderful to start off the the season with returning guests.   The weather was perfect for relaxing, reading and catching up on past events.  A day of stormy seas made for great shelling the next day! Its seems that many things are springing to life on Cape Cod.  The Falmouth Museums on the Green is getting ready for the new season.  Below is information regarding their opening and may be of interest to many coming this summer and fall.  I hope you find this information useful.

The Falmouth Historical Society and the Museums on the Green, 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, will open for the summer and fall public visitation season on Tuesday, May 22^nd. The Museums will be open Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. Admission is $5 for adults.  Children under 12 are free. Members of the Historical Society, and of Highfield Hall, will receive complimentary tours of the Museums on the Green as well as Highfield Hall.

The Museums feature the 1730 Conant House, which includes exhibits on Falmouth’s maritime and whaling past; Falmouth-born author, Katharine Lee Bates, writer of (among other things) “America the Beautiful”; and other rotating exhibits. Exhibits for the season include “Curiosities of Falmouth” and “Presidential Politics and Women’s Suffrage.”

The 1790 Dr. Francis Wicks House showcases a Federal-period house demonstrating how a post-Revolutionary War-era doctor would have lived. (Guided tours of the Wicks House are required.)  The Hallett Barn Visitor’s Center has rotating exhibit spaces, includingFalmouth’s role in the Civil War.

The first week, all admissions will be no charge.  And, all through the season, any resident ofFalmouthwill be admitted at no charge on Fridays.

For more information, call the Historical Society at 508-548-4857 or log onto the website: www.falmouthhistoricalsociety.org.

Jerry is the quiet part of Baileys By the Sea.  Occasionally seen, rarely heard, so this picture give a better idea of the true Jerry!  A good Canadian which  means he was born on skates – hockey!  He came to college in the US on a full hockey scholarship (where he met me – another story).  Played pro/semi pro for a year after college & then went back to school to get 2 other degrees. But,  his love of hockey continued – and he continued to play in various leagues.  He coached a High School hockey team and brought them to their 1st state title!  Even after 2 hip replacements, he continued to play (although not as often & definitively not as fast!)  In March, he went to Ontario and played in a tournament with many of his college buddies.  They ended up winning the tournament even though they lost their 2nd game!  Hockey has been part of our lives for many years. Playing a team sport has helped shape him into the individual that he is – although, he is NOT as mild mannered on the ice!  Great picture of the “ol guys!  Jerry is on the bottom row, far right.

One of our favorite things to do year round is bike, walk, rollerblade or run on the Shining Sea Bikeway. This is a comfortably paved path which extends from Woods Hole to North Falmouth – approximately 11 miles! It passes through cranberry bogs, nature preserves and the Great Sippewissett Marsh, into wooded areas and along the shoreline. There a benches along the way to relax & take in the views. The many parking areas mean you can pick & choose where you want to start. It’s an easy bike ride from Baileys to different sections of the bikeway so do some each day!

Come enjoy the spring on Cape Cod. May has discounted rates that make it hard to say no. June, with flowers blooming & the sea air warming. Come mid-week & receive a special rate.
For those who plan ahead – September is often described as the best time on Cape Cod. Quieter, water still warm enough for swimming, and plenty to do. Mid-week special rate. October is perfect for seeing all that Falmouth & Cape Cod have to offer – even better is that the rates are the discounted!
For all special rates, please contact Baileys by the Sea at info@baileysbythesea.com. They will also be posted on our Facebook page. We look forward to having you experience the hospitality of Baileys!

2012!  Its time to think & plan ahead.   Our winter project in underway.  This year it is the wood floors on the porch,  kitchen & office area.  For those who have been to the B&B – you know what large space this is!  It will take me until opening to clean all that floor dust!  But,  they will be beautiful again & it’s great to have to do them.  That means they get lots of wear & tear.  It’s also time to book for those busy summer times.  How about the July 4th!  Front row seat for the fireworks !  A Memorial day getaway? Perfect for those who want a quieter getaway!

Fall is a special time on Cape Cod and we would love more of you to enjoy this beautiful time of year.  If you go to our Facebook page & “like” us, we will take 5% off your stay.  Please mention the Facebook promotion when making you reservation!   We hope you will come & enjoy this special time of year on Cape Cod & at Baileys.

Why not think ahead to next year & the 4th of July.  Falmouth’s 4th of July fireworks display is in the top 10 & you could have a front seat. This years display was spectacular!   The weather was clear with no wind – couldn’t have been better.   The only thing to make it better would be to have you here to enjoy them.  Why not consider a different 4th & bring the family & friends to enjoy the festivities of the 4th with the tranquility of an ocean side setting!

Hurricane Irene was downgraded to a tropical storm just before it arrived at Baileys door.  We were very lucky compared to other areas that Irene visited.  We had wind gusts of 65-70 mph & a very angry sea.  A special bond was made with our adventurous guests as we rode out the storm.  I did take some videos during the storm and can be found of our Facebook page.  Now I must get back to washing windows so that our fantastic views can be seen through spotless windows!

Barely a cloud in the sky.  The wind which has been so strong the last couple of days is quiet.   Hard to believe “Irene” is heading our way!  Hopefully it will be another “Earl”  which was a major flop as a storm last year.