I admit it. I am a sucker for a grand old New England inn on the beach. Even when it’s 30 degrees outside!  Or —  more accurately — especially when it’s 30 degrees outside.  There’s just something about walking along a desolate beach, looking out at the slate grey water, and  then stepping inside a cozy inn to warm up by the fire with an Irish coffee.  Add in the festive holiday decorations at this time of year, and I’m  sold!  

My husband and I just got back from a wonderful post-Christmas escape at the Chatham Bars Inn, on Cape Cod, and I am ready to make my reservations for next year.  Since this was a romantic getaway without the kids, and winter rates are MUCH more affordable than in high season, we splurged on a cottage with a cozy king bed and a gas fireplace rather than one of the smaller rooms in the main inn (which we’ve also enjoyed before).  

 

We strolled through Chatham checking out the post-Christmas sales, took a bracing walk on the beach, and indulged in a decadent dinner at a restaurant we’ve never been able to get into in the busy summer season – the Impudent Oyster.  We enjoyed the traditional New England Christmas decorations (multiple trees, miles of pine garland, and adorable centerpieces that included both beach sand and cranberries), and we “oohed and aahed” over the gingerbread village and model train. The next morning, we lingered over brunch in the inn’s main dining room, looking out over the ocean, before checking out and heading home. 

All told, it was not much more than a 24-hour getaway, but it was a great break from the holiday hustle and bustle, and a perfect opportunity to re-charge our batteries for the New Year 🙂