Cape Cod Travel Books for your Summer 2024 Vacation

Contributing Author: Autumn Hassett, Executive Director, Cotuit Library 5/6/24

With a plethora of Cape Cod Travel Books out there, here are a few off-the-beaten-path books to assist you in planning your summer 2024 vacation to Cape Cod and the Islands.

Some Off-the-Beaten-Path Cape Cod Travel Books

1. “It Happened on Cape Cod” by Shawnie M. Kelley

   This book walks you through the rich history of each Cape Cod town and many of the villages. Whichever bridge you cross, you’re only minutes from Sandwich Glass, established in 1825 by Deming Jarves, of Boston’s New England Glass Company. Sandwich was selected due to the soil and abundance of timber, and ended up becoming the most successful town on Cape with more than 500 people employed in the 1800s. You can visit the Sandwich Glass Museum today, established in the 1920s by the Sandwich Historical Society, which has live glass-blowing shows, and thousands of glass artifacts.

   Flip to the chapter on Orleans, and you’ll find a recommendation to drive along scenic Route 6A to Route 6, and make a stop in Rock Harbor. Rock Harbor is known for fishing and ethereal sunsets. One thing that may surprise you is that there was a battle fought in Rock Harbor during the War of 1812. Despite the lack of evidence seen in Rock Harbor today, you can stand on the shoreline and imagine what life was like for early Americans.

   “It Happened on Cape Cod” is one of the most all encompassing Cape Cod travel books for history buffs and folks looking for something unique to visit on Cape Cod.

2. “Cape Cod Libraries” by Gerree Hogan

   If your stay greets you with a rainy day or if you find yourself needing a break from the sun, you’ll want to pick up a copy of this unique book. Cape Cod Travel Book includes 38 libraries to visit on the Cape and Islands, and 35 of them are part of the CLAMS network. CLAMS library cards are free to Massachusetts residents and most libraries will allow you to obtain a free card with a valid form of ID, regardless of where you call home.

   Each library has a different history and story to tell, from the large libraries like Falmouth Main Library and Mashpee Library, the quaint gingerbread house-style of South Dennis Library, the breath of fresh air children’s room at the Cotuit Library, and even the ship-holding library in Provincetown – each library is different and free to use and peruse for all patrons. Be sure to mark your calendars for the 150th anniversary celebration of the Cotuit Library this summer. The Cotuit Library was founded in 1874 as the Cotuit Lyceum Society and Lucy Gibbons Morse was instrumental in supporting the library. Cotuit has plenty of activities and programming for all ages this summer.

   

3. “Sand and Soil” by C.L. Fornari

   The natural landscape of Cape Cod is unlike any other and C.L. Fornari captures the beauty of the area in her book “Sand and Soil”, which is a unique Cape Cod travel book. Not only can you learn about specific plants native to the area, but Fornari shares her favorite public gardens, nurseries, and horticultural celebrations including The Wildflower Garden and Pollinator Path at Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Highfield Hall, and Spohr Gardens.

   Want to meet the legendary Fornari in person? The Cotuit Library is hosting the annual Private Spaces and Gardens of Cotuit, with an elevated experience to attend a lecture by C.L. Fornari on Wednesday, June 19th with the Private Spaces and Gardens of Cotuit tour.

4. “Coastal Kitchen: Nourishing Seafood Recipes for Everyday Cooking” by Jenny Shea Rawn is the perfect accompaniment for summer cooking. Rawn shares the perfect Cape Cod menu for your vacation, including her go-to fish markets for the best fresh fish and shellfish around. The Cape is home to an incredible restaurant scene, but there’s nothing like preparing your own cuisine.

All of these Cape Cod Travel Books are available within the CLAMS library network, so be sure to stop by a library on your trip to Cape Cod this summer.

Contributing author, Autumn Hassett, is the Executive Director of the Cotuit Library. Unlike many other libraries, the Cotuit Library is an independent 501(c)(3) organization and raises approximately 50% of the operating budget each year through donations, fundraising, and grants. You can learn more about the 150th anniversary of the Cotuit Library at https://www.cotuitlibrary.org/