Fall Colors 2014 in Woods Hole

#10:  Ride the Shining Sea Bike Path

Before moving here, I had no idea of the splendor of riding a dedicated bike path, past beaches, lagoons, bird sanctuaries.. all without a car in sight.  Falmouth’s Shining Sea Bike Path is a national treasure, especially as the fall colors bloom.  Add the cool air, and it is the perfect time to explore Falmouth by bike.  The bike path is 11 miles long, starting in Woods Hole and ending in North Falmouth.

#9: Sit a Spell

The ferry horn blows in the distance.  The blue heron explores the shoreline, leaves tumble in the wind, a water bug sends ripples over the perfect reflection.  You slow down, listen, and true relaxation sets in.

#8. Walk to the Light House

Nobska Light is know as one of the most beautiful lighthouses in America,  and it’s a short walk from the center of Woods Hole.  Wander up here on a clear day and you can see Menemsha, Martha’s Vineyard, Falmouth Heights, even Tarpaulin Cove if you know where to look.  Ferry boats pass in the distance, white clouds race overhead.  Lie on the cool grass and imagine you’re in your own personal  “Christina’s World.”

#7. Go Antiquing

I live for antique shops filled with clutter — old wooden boats, glass balls, ships anchors, crooked oars and wicker chairs.  Here, treasures unknown await — a racy deck of playing cards, old letters, signs for businesses that no longer exist.  Upper Cape Cod has a nice collection of these hideaways, plus an excellent yard sale scene.  When you come to the Woods Hole Inn, I will share my secret sources with you, crafting an itinerary that includes a scenic drive and plenty of Cape Cod memorabilia.

#6. See the Sunrise over the Harbor

Sure, anyone can walk around our charming marina any old time of day, but if you really want to see it at it’s VERY best?  Sunrise!  Every day this amazing show goes on and most people are still in bed.  Not you!  I tipped you off, now just get up and see it:)  You can thank me later.

#5. Walk an Empty Beach

Fall colors bloom on the beach with the deep blue of the ocean setting off the autumn leaf peepers display.  Long walks searching for seaglass and shells are in your future.   I recommend Nobska Beach, Stoney Beach, Wood Neck Beach, Surf Drive or Chappaquoit but there are many others within an easy drive of here.  You will not run out of beaches to explore while staying in Falmouth — there are over 70 of them!

#4. Eat a Romantic Meal on the waterfront

In the fall, the waterfront places fire up the wood stoves and these summer porches become the most delightful and romantic dining destinations.  Try the Landfall, the Captain Kidd, Fishmonger, Phusion or the new Quicks Hole Tavern.  There is a waterfront table with an incredible sunset view of the fall colors waiting for you in Woods Hole.  Yum!

#3. Paint a Picture

Bundle up, grab your paints and find the perfect vista to paint. Oh that Cape Cod light!  Just sitting on the dock of the bay, watching the time roll away.  Add the fall colors?  Perfect.

#2. Enjoy a Hearty Breakfast

Guests of the Woods Hole Inn enjoy a great spread of all you can eat treats like mini quiches, bread puddings, croissants, fresh cut fruit, Greek yoghurt, home made granola and lots of piping hot coffee.  Who doesn’t want to start the day with a great breakfast?  You will need it with all the activities we have planned for you.

#1. Daytrip to Martha’s Vineyard

From the Woods Hole Inn, you just walk across the street to hop on the ferry to visit Martha’s Vineyard. As the ferry pulls away from the slip, look back over the village of Woods Hole for the view above.  The 45 minute ferry ride is part of the fun, with a great outdoor deck plus hot cocoa and beer inside.

Passenger tickets are $16 per person round trip.  You arrive in Vineyard Haven where there are shops, bookstores and great restaurants to explore.  Parking is tricky in Woods Hole, but as a guest of the inn we will take care of all that for you.   It makes day tripping to the Vineyard delightfully easy.

That’s it, my TOP TEN.  Hope to see you soon in Woods Hole!  The fall colors await.