Let it Flow

I am just getting back to work after a week on Cape Cod. The trip combined a workshop on meditation with vacation. The workshop took place Monday - Friday 9am until noon which leaves plenty of time for R&R. This away could not have come at a better moment. I was tired of thinking, tired of planning, tired of writing and tired of working. I needed to take a break.

During our trip we relaxed on the grounds of the inn, hit the beach, walked around the Audubon Society in Wellfleet as well as other trails in the area. We biked, ate well and truly enjoyed time away. This post serves to offer up my thoughts on what I believe to be a great place to stay on Cape Cod. More on our other activities in different posts.

When was the last time you took some time off? If it’s been a while it’s time, if it hasn’t been awhile, it’s still time! Whether or not you live near Cape Cod, the Nauset House Inn in Orleans is a wonderful place to visit. This was our 5th time staying at the inn and we will continue to stay there for as long as we choose to visit the Cape!

The inn was originally built as a farmhouse back in 1810 and still has much of that charm. When you enter the house, it’s as if you are entering into an old family home.

THE INN
The Nauset House Inn is the place to be for a quiet, relaxing, no frills, no worry overnight, weekend or week long getaway. The inn is family owned, John and Cindy are husband and wife and Diane is the mother. They have owned and managed the inn for 25 years and are still extremely hands on and involved in all operations. They are wonderful people, as are the rest of the staff.

While pets are not allowed by guests, there are two family dogs that you will often see on the grounds - Wylie and Ginger (Ginger is below). Both playful, little and well behaved.

As soon as you walk in you are greeted at the small check in desk (no computers at this inn!) with a smile, hug or handshake depending on how long you’ve been coming to stay at the inn.

Once you get past the check in desk you enter the large, welcoming living room, a perfect setting to read the morning paper (provided by the inn) for reading on a rainy day or for sharing stories with the innkeepers and other guests. Around 5:30 each evening they offer wine, cheese/dip and crackers in this space.

Breakfast officially begins at 8am, but if you’re an early bird coffee is served here in the living room starting at 7. There is truly no rush to be anywhere when you stay here.

BREAKFAST
Breakfast is simple and delicious (and included in the price of the room). You’ll always find fresh juice, scrambled eggs, yogurt/granola and fresh fruit and a side of bacon on the menu board. In addition they offer a daily “Special”. Either a specialty omelet, pancakes (we had blueberry and they were delicious!) or waffles. Not to forget the homemade muffins, breads and scones served while you wait for the main course! These are not your typical muffins. Flavors like oatmeal-butterscotch, Orange-vanilla and lemon-poppy seed, have your mouth watering all day long. If you have dietary restrictions, simply let them know in advance and they will make adjustments.

Breakfast is served daily from 8am to 9:30am in a quaint dining area that includes 2 long tables, a large non-working fireplace, wood beams and lots of windows offering a fresh Cape breeze.

THE GROUNDS
After breakfast you can head to the beach (Nauset beach is just 1/2 mile down the road) or sit in one of the many sitting areas around the inn. Whether the living room, the back yard, the patio off the kitchen or the conservatory, you will be surrounded by peaceful sounds (and a few bugs, so bring bug spray!).

The inn is located on the beach road to Nauset beach. A 1/2 mile walk or bike ride will allow you to avoid the parking fee. There are plenty of bike racks at the beach to lock your bike and the inn has space in the shed for bike storage during your stay. The inn provides beach chairs and towels to borrow in case you forget yours. In the same shed is a guest refrigerator for beverages and snacks. It’s a pretty honest place and we have never had bikes or food stolen!

Rooms, Fees, and other things.
The inn has 14 rooms ranging in price from $70 to $175 (including breakfast). The rooms are in the main house, the carriage house (separate building) or the small cottage out back. For more information on rooms and rates click here.

We stayed in the Strawberry Room (again!) located on the 1st floor. At $90 a night this is a great value! A spacious, comfortable room with queen bed has a shared bath, though we almost never wait for the bathroom. The innkeepers and staff keep the place clean and provide comfortable robes for those guests in rooms with shared baths.

There are rooms with private bath and rooms are all different sizes, from the tiny 1 person, twin bed Johnny Jump Up to more luxurious rooms with balconies overlooking the yard.

The inn does not allow pets (of guests) or children under 12 years of age. There is plenty of parking.

The inn is located in Orleans close to the beach, the town center, spas, fitness centers, ice cream, the bike trail, delicious restaurants (both casual and more upscale) and the innkeepers/staff are happy to make dinner recommendations and reservations for you. I have never stayed at a hotel or inn that had such attentive staff and friendly guests.

I could go on and on about the stained glass windows, the artwork and more but I will leave some up to your imagination. I love this place. Michael loves this place. I look forward to our annual visit. In the middle of a busy Cape Cod season, time spent at the Nauset House Inn feels like I’m miles away from home.

The inn is open from April through October and it’s not too late for a reservation. Give them a call and spend a night or two or seven! The Nauset House Inn is what relaxation is all about.

Thank you John, Cindy and Diane!

To Contact:
Nauset House Inn
143 Beach Road
Orleans, MA (Cape Cod)
508.255.2195
info@nausethouseinn.com

Tags: Daily Wellness Tips, Travel/Vacations //