How to Win the Battle of the Beach Umbrellas!

Ahhh summer in New England the beautiful beaches, sandy shores from Maine to the Cape. The thought of a day at the beach is good for the soul. Packing your cooler with cold ice and drinks, making sandwiches, packing the best snack to munch on. Getting your beach chairs, blanket and towels ready to go. All so easy, until if comes to the umbrella.

If you're like me, you've had battles with several beach umbrellas and lost most of them  to the hearty New England breezes or gales.

Umbrella away!

I have had umbrellas dug deep into the beach sand and anchored down by everything from rocks to coolers to my chair, and time after time watched the umbrella turn inside out and take flight across the beach to an unsuspecting beach goer as I yell "look out!"

I've had a few of other people's umbrellas come flying into our setup and seen the horrified look of it's owner as they hope that no one gets impaled.

My final battle

The last battle I had with our umbrella was at Hampton Beach after the 4th of July. It was a very windy day, so I dug down as deep as I could, shoved rocks around the pole to hold it down, tied a rope around it and tied it to our 50 pound cooler. I spent the better part of the day holding the pole with one hand and trying to eat a sub with the other. Not fun.

I lost

Even after all this preparation the umbrella went sailing away as soon as I got up to stroll the beach. Goodbye umbrella, hello cabana.

I told this story to Brian Bell off air and he suggested I buy the umbrella that he has had for a couple of years the Cool Cabana. Brian told me he will never use a beach umbrella again and will only use the Cool Cabana because it never goes sailing, is bigger than a regular umbrella, is easy to put up and has sand bags so it will never go sailing or turn inside out.

That's all I needed to hear!

So, I bought one online and now will never go back to the old umbrella again. It's fantastic, easy to put up, spacious and most importantly I don't have to hold the pole when I'm having a snack!

[time-restricted show="2022-06-28T18:02:00.000Z" hide="2022-07-05T10:00:00.000Z"]Will you be in Cape Cod this fourth of July weekend?[/time-restricted][time-restricted show="2022-07-05T09:00:00.000Z"]Are you spending some time in Cape Cod this summer?[/time-restricted] We are so lucky to have such a beautiful place in Massachusetts to spend these lovely summer days.

From absolutely stunning beaches to unique coastal shops, to the local restaurants, Cape Cod is truly one of a kind. We have made you a summer list of some must-try places in Cape Cod you may not know about. Whether you have a sweet tooth, a need for some beachy décor, or the urge to eat two pounds of fried clams, we have you covered!

Whether you are spending time in Dennis, or Chatham, all the way to Wellfleet and Province town, there is something for everyone. Please enjoy our list of our favorite hidden gems of Cape Cod.

284 Paine's Creek Rd, Brewster, MA 02631

If you guys have not been to Kate's in Brewster, it is a MUST TRY of the summer!

They are known for their delicious fried seafood and incredible ice cream flavors. Seriously, they have every flavor you can imagine.

View website HERE.

Off Weston Woods Road, Harwich, MA

This lavender farm is a real life slice of heaven, and a MUST SEE on Cape Cod this summer. With rolling fields of lavender, handmade lavender products, and plants for sale, this place is truly serene.

View website HERE.

When you visit, be sure to walk the grounds and take a stop by the fairy gardens. It is a truly magical place!

2022 Main St, Chatham, MA 02633

Delicious pies baked fresh daily! With both fruit pies, and savory pies, there is something here for everyone. There is NOTHING like a Strawberry Rhubarb pie from Marion's...nothing! We recommend adding a frozen pie to your order to save for a rainy day.

View website HERE.

11 Shore Rd, North Truro, MA 02652

A gorgeous family-owned winery perched between the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay with a tasting room in an 1830s farmhouse. You can enjoy a wine tasting and take a free guided tour of the vineyard and winery. This is easily one of the most scenic wineries in Massachusetts.

View website HERE.

281 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657

Originally opened in 1973, The Penney Patch has become one of Provincetown's most adored family traditions. They are known for their fudge, salt water taffy, and all sorts of old time candy!

View website HERE.

Kate Gould Park: 500 Main St, Chatham, MA 02633

Every year, local artists come together for the annual Chatham Art in The Park Project. Each artist creates a wale unique to each artists style and medium. These are displayed June-August, and available for auction! From stained glass wales and beach resin wales, to painted sunset wales, it is truly amazing to see!

Check out the artist behind this gorgeous wale, Emily Hutchinson! Visit her website HERE.

5 Cottage St, Orleans, MA 02653

Delicious Muffins, pastries, sandwiches, soups, breads, cakes, desserts, prepared dinners.

View website HERE.

4580 US-6, Eastham, MA 02642

While you are picking up one of their award winning lobster rolls, stop by the market for some ready made chowders, and entrees!

View website HERE.

799 Main St, Dennis, MA 02638

Delicious food, and even better atmosphere! Scargo Cafe is a staple of Dennis, MA.

View website HERE.

1935 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631

Delicious fudge, penny candy, salt water taffy and great Cape Cod finds! They are known for selling oil lamps & parts.

View website HERE.

2 Dr Lords Rd, Dennis, MA 02638

The home of the original Cape Cod bracelet designed by John Carey, it is still made on the premises by his son in law!

Visit website HERE.

85 Taunton Ave, Dennis, MA 02638

Lovely patio with a raw bar, great mudslides and live music on select nights!

View website HERE.

91 Commercial St, Wellfleet, MA 02667

This seafood shack is picture perfect with delicious seafood and incredible ocean views.

View website HERE.

276 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657

Right in the heart of P-town, this shop is a sea shell lovers dream!

View website HERE.

1993 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631

If you have not yet experienced a summer night out at this popular Cape Cod watering hole, you are missing out. Grab your pals and get ready for a night of dancing, live music, and lots of fun. Be sure to get there early to avoid lines on busy summer weekends!

View website HERE.

223 MA-6A, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675

Established in 1696, The Old Yarmouth in offers a casual, relaxed setting with classic American food. They have even have a beautiful patio!

View website HERE.

1134 Main St, Chatham, MA 02633

Not a beach day? This is the perfect place to go for some unique beach finds.

View website HERE.

38 Main Street and, MA-6A, Orleans, MA 02653

Genuine Cape Code hangout offering seafood classics and a pub like atmosphere!

View website HERE.

210 Main St, East Orleans, MA 02643

Homemade Ice Cream in Orleans, on the way to Nauset Beach.

View website HERE.

606 MA-28, Harwich Port, MA 02646

Sundaw School has been around since 1976, and they are still making homemade ice cream daily!

View website HERE.

5 Old Colony Way, Orleans, MA 02653

The Chocolate Sparrow started as a simple candy shop in 1989 and have since started making fine chocolate, and importing coffee from around the world! Their unique coffee drinks and delicious fudge have become famous around the region.

View website HERE.

527 Main St, Harwich, MA 02645

First Crush Winery offers wine tastings, wine by the glass, wine slushys, cheese plates, and sales. This winery also has beautiful views!

View website HERE.

601 Main St, Dennis, MA 02638

Dennis shop with curated one of a kind vintage finds, antiques & local art.

411 Main St, Dennis Port, MA 02639

First opened in 1982, Stage Shop Candy upholds their tradition of homemade high quality candies, chocolates, and confections!

View webiste HERE.

705 MA-28, Harwich Port, MA 02646

A gorgeous waterfront dining spot, and a great spot for a mudslide.

View website HERE.

4 Oxbow Rd, East Falmouth, MA 02536

Less than three miles from the ocean, Cape Cod Winery is a place of relaxation! With over nine varieties of wine, sip and savor the flavors of Cape Cod under their gorgeous outdoor tent.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CAPE COD WINERY WINE HERE.

View website HERE.

487 Main St, Chatham, MA 02633

Most of you Cape Cod lovers, have absolutely been to the Squire for either a crazy night out with friends, a cup of legendary clam chowder, or BOTH! I thought I would add this on here just in case you are one of the few who have not yet experienced the magic of The Chatham Squire.

View website HERE.

1120 Cahoon Hollow Rd, Wellfleet, MA 02667

Another extremely popular Cape Cod destination, but an amazing spot nevertheless. Located in beautiful Wellfleet, this epic beach restaurant has some of the best views in Cape Cod, and is home to one of the best beaches!

View website HERE.

541 MA-28, Harwich Port, MA 02646

Wonderful drinks, live music, and great foot! This has become a Cape Cod hot spot, and the perfect place to go out with friends!

View website HERE.