Dennis, Massachusetts
Dennis, Massachusetts makes an ideal setting for a Cape Cod vacation. Once part of Yarmouth, the town separated in 1798, naming itself after Josiah Dennis, a local minister in Yarmouth for over 30 years. Today, Dennis (which encompasses the communities of Dennisport, East, West, and South Dennis) has embraced the 21st century in a grand way. The streets are lined with upscale boutiques and restaurants catering to every taste bud. If getting active is your idea of a great vacation, a day's itinerary can include beach combing, fishing, sailing, golf, parasailing, bicycling, hiking, shopping, sight-seeing, and any number of outdoor pursuits.Dennis has more than a dozen beaches that border salt water and two freshwater beaches open to visitors. Chapin Beach on Cape Cod Bay is a favorite of families with small children due to the calm waves and shallow waters. West Dennis Beach is a ½ mile long beach located on the Sound. The tricky waves make swimming problematic, but bring out surfers in droves. More beach time can be found at Scargo Beach, located around Scargo Lake.
Birding enthusiasts will want to check out Monomoy Island. Located about 8 miles off of neighboring Chatham's shore, the island is home to every bird species native to New England. The island is on the Atlantic Flyway, and has received avian species from as far away as Brazil and the Arctic. A whopping 10,000 shore birds and 20,000 gulls have been sighted on the island in a single day. Notable species include yellowlegs, oyster catchers, prairie warblers, and eiders. The island is also home to a healthy population of white tailed deer and harbor seals who spend their winters here. Throughout the year, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History arranges tours of the island, either single day or overnight excursions.
Dennis can serve as a jumping off point to other Cape Cod attractions. Cyclists can ride the 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail, which extends from Dennis to Wellfleet, and visitors can watch a baseball game at Red Wilson Stadium, home of the Dennis-Yarmouth Red Sox. No matter what kind of outdoor entertainment you are looking for, Dennis is sure to be an accommodating host.
