Recreation Cape Cod Overnight Trip

Going on our annual trip to Cape Cod was both familiar and different this year. Though we returned to the Irish Village, the hotel itself had moved since our last visit. Even though the rooms, pool and dining room were different – bigger and better – what remained the same was the warm and friendly staff who greeted us like old friends.

We arrived at the Cape Saturday morning; it was cool but clear and sunny. After a delicious lunch, we headed off to the beach to see the ocean. Some people walked out on the boardwalk to get a closer look – we saw a sand bar, some fish and lots of seagulls overhead. Other folks collected seashells as we watched the seagulls dropping shells to the pavement in order to extract their food.

Then we headed off to the new Irish Village to check in. We loved the rooms with separate sitting areas and the new, huge pool. After a relaxing swim, we got ready for dinner. Mmmmm….the food was great. We enjoyed everything from corned beef and cabbage to seafood Newburg and then spent the evening dancing and socializing with friends. The Black Velvet Band played Irish music and we danced our hearts out. We even met some new friends and enjoyed dancing with them. We headed off to bed, exhausted but very happy.

After a big breakfast on Sunday morning, we headed back to the beach for a last look. We met a local couple who told us if you walk the boardwalk three times, it would be a mile, but we settled on just once. Then off to another trip highlight – souvenir shopping. We had a blast at Christmas Tree Shop and Wings and brought back lots of great stuff. We ended at our traditional lunch stop – Cooke’s Seafood, for a delightful seafood lunch. The owner remembered us and brought us all a complimentary dish of ice-cream.

As we do on each trip, chaperones asked each person what their favorite part of the trip was. The beach, dinner, dancing and shopping were the most popular answers. The other thing several people said was that they just enjoyed going away and spending time doing fun things with their friends. Full and happy, we settled in for the ride home, sharing stories and making plans to return again next year.

About the Author: Eileen Ganong

Eileen has managed residential programs, worked as staffing coordinator, presented staff trainings, qualified families for Shared Living/AFC placements, been instrumental in designing new program models and has participated in developing an array of services within the Family Support and Recreation program she currently directs.