There is something special about New England. From the hulking pine trees to the craggy cliffs, and the charming predilection of its natives to ignore the letter "R." New England is proud of its rich history but willing to embrace today and approaches life in a direct, no nonsense way.
It is the perfect backdrop for Ocean Edge Resort.
Ocean Edge is a sprawling resort in the sleepy town of Brewster, mid-way down the Cape. It began its life as a private mansion with a storied past that reveals itself in dozens of old photographs and memorabilia displayed throughout the mansion. You can’t help but feel the history in every creak of the floorboard and down every wood-paneled hallway.
But against this rich history has grown a resort that offers a wide variety of accommodations and every modern amenity.
I recently had the pleasure of spending a weekend at Ocean Edge. I stayed on the “Mansion” side, where you will find deluxe hotel-style accommodations, as well as luxurious two and three bedroom villas in the recently renovated Presidential Bay Collection. Just across the street, you’ll find more affordable one, two and three bedroom villas in the “Villages.” Though the Villages don’t provide access to the Ocean Edge beach, they are closer to golf, fitness, bike rentals and the large Arbor pool and Shark Bah. A complimentary shuttle to the ocean beach, kitchenettes in the villas and access to all the wonderful things Ocean Edge offers makes the Villages an excellent family option.
Just for fun, this morning, I began a list of all of the things a family could do during a week’s vacation at Ocean Edge. When I got to fifty, I realized I was getting carried away… so here are my top ten favorites:
Take a bike ride… to a chocolate shop. I know, you go to the Cape for the beach and the lobster, but trust me, rent a bright blue Ocean Edge bike and head out on the Cape Cod Bike & Rail Trail towards Orleans. This is a gorgeous, easy ride that lets you hop off the trail at the Chocolate Sparrow for a well-deserved treat.
Watch a movie under the stars. Hearken back to the days of the drive-in and treat your kids to a movie under the stars at the Arbor Pool.
Play a round of golf and lunch at Linx Tavern. Ocean Edge boasts the Cape’s only Nicklaus Design golf course and it looks beautiful. I say “looks” because truth is, I don’t play golf… but I love lunch! The clam and corn fritters at Linx Tavern are a don’t miss and the seafood Cobb salad was perfect.
Walk out onto the Flats. Ocean Edge is on the bay side of Cape Cod. That means no waves and warm water. It also means that during low tide, you can walk out into the bay and on the flats for what feels like forever. It is magical.
Dine Al Fresco. Adjacent to the Mansion you will find Ocean Terrace, a restaurant and bar that will transport you to a far away Caribbean resort with its panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay and a wonderful menu with something for just about everyone. I would eat their halibut and sip a signature summer blueberry lemonade every single day until fall if I could.
Have a pint. Bayzo’s Pub is everything an English pub should be. Dark and intimate with a piano and four TV’s set to whatever sporting event is happening. Bayzo’s Pub is also the best place to learn the story of the local “bayzos” that inspired the Ocean Edge logo.
Shop. I don’t travel to shop, but Brewster features an eclectic collection of stores that are a perfect place to while away a few hours. Don’t miss Ocean Edge’s own She Sells, a perfectly curated collection of beach inspired goodies and garments.
SUP. Not as in “what’s up” as in Stand Up Paddleboarding. The lovely team from SUPfari Adventures sets up shop right on the Ocean Edge beach and can get you up and paddling in no time. Already an accomplished paddler? They will challenge you with SUP yoga or adventurous excursions.
Play croquet on the front lawn. Break out your knickers and play a round of croquet on the grand front lawn of the mansion. Okay, so knicker’s are not necessary, but croquet is a fun family game that is super easy to learn and way more fun to play than you think it will be!
Eat s’mores on the beach. Once a week, the Ocean Edge team will light up a beach fire and you, and the kids, can roast marshmallows until your heart’s content. And isn’t that the perfect way to close out a family vacation?
***
The author of this article was a guest of Ocean Edge for two-nights this spring. Accommodations, certain meals and activities were complementary for the purpose of facilitating the preparation of this article.
