Beauty of Cape Cod Sponsor is: CarTech Plus

Beauty of Cape Cod - Restaurant Spotlight:

What’s new: Ukiyo recently opened at 2628 Main Street in Brewster, transforming the former home of Fare and Just Kitchen into a charming family-run eatery

What they serve: Specializing in rice bowls, ramen soups, and inventive noodle dishes, the menu blends traditional Japanese flavors with a personal, modern twist

Why it shines: The owner and chef, Chris Rugg, brings serious culinary experience—from Mac’s Seafood to Drifters and Governor Bradford—making this a restaurant to watch. The shop even features rotating daily or weekly specials to keep things fresh

Nestled at 2628 Main Street, Ukiyo is a cozy, family-run Japanese-inspired café that just opened its doors this summer.

Chef-owner Chris Rugg brings his culinary chops from local favorites (think Drifters and Governor Bradford), serving up delicious rice bowls, ramen soups, and ever-changing specials with flair.

Whether you're craving comfort food with an inventive twist or something new and flavorful, Ukiyo’s warm, welcoming vibe will make it a family favorite.

Why did the lobster refuse to share its beauty secrets?

Because it didn't want anyone else to outshine Cape Cod!

Daily Free Movies at Chatham Orpheum Theater

When & Where: Every day in August, including August 13–20, around 9:30 AM, Chatham Orpheum Theater
What: Family-friendly movies, free admission, first-come, first-served. Doors open ~9 AM

Mud Kitchen (Cape Cod Museum of Natural History)

When & Where: Weekdays thru August 29, including Wednesday, August 13 (10 AM–2:30 PM)
What: Mud play for kids—dig tunnels, mix mud pies, build bridges—outdoors and delightfully messy! Free with museum admission.

Yarmouth Sand Sculpture Trail

When & Where: All of August; explore at your own pace during August 13–20
What: Follow a trail through Yarmouth to enjoy 33 imaginative sand sculptures crafted by artist Sean Fitzpatrick—free and outdoors!

Carousel of Light (Falmouth)

When & Where: Daily in August, 11 AM to dusk, at Mullen-Hall Elementary School, Falmouth
What: Charming wooden carousel—20 horses + 2 wheelchair-accessible chariots (one even blows bubbles!). $4 per ride or $25 for a 10-ride punch card

Harbor Light Illumination Concert & Night Market (Falmouth)

When & Where: Saturday, August 16 (also on Aug 9 & 23), 6 PM–9 PM, at Falmouth Harbor Band Shell
What: Live music, artisan goods, food stalls, crafts, all “pay-what-you-can”—a fun, inclusive evening for families and friends

The Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in South Wellfleet invites families to enjoy an immersive outdoor adventure surrounded by Cape Cod’s stunning coastal landscapes.

This 1,100-acre preserve, managed by Mass Audubon, features five miles of hiking trails winding through salt marshes, pine forests, and the scenic shoreline of Wellfleet Harbor.

Many trails are accessible and sensory-friendly, making them perfect for visitors of all ages.

Birdwatchers will find plenty to admire, as over 300 bird species, including ospreys and herons, frequent the area.

The nature center enriches each visit with hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that highlight the region's diverse ecosystems.

Throughout August, programs like Seashore Ramble, Turtle Prowl, and Early Bird Walk offer engaging ways for families to learn about wildlife and Cape Cod’s natural wonders.

Experience the sanctuary’s unique blend of tranquility, recreation, and discovery.

Cape Cod is grappling with a Level 2 drought as of August 2025, spotlighting the region’s climate vulnerability.

Despite these environmental pressures, the local real estate market remains strong, with January’s median single-family home price rising 7.2% to $745,000.

However, fewer than 115 homes are listed below this median, raising affordability concerns for many.

Complicating matters, a severe late-season nor’easter in May brought flooding to towns like Plymouth and left more than 15,000 residents without power.

These back-to-back weather disruptions underscore Cape Cod’s susceptibility to extreme conditions.

Looking ahead, strong property demand is expected to continue, though rising interest rates and economic shifts could influence market trends.

Through it all, Cape Cod’s natural allure and resilient community spirit continue to draw both residents and visitors.

Volunteers recently united at Cape Cod Organic Farm in Barnstable to harvest fresh kale, chard, and collard greens, sharing the bounty with food pantries and community fridges across Cape Cod.

Gleaning, the collection of surplus crops after the main harvest, was key to the event and helped ensure that families in need receive wholesome, local produce.

Spearheaded by the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension’s Nutrition and Food Access Program and supported by dedicated locals, the initiative also involved the Harwich Health Department, who shared creative recipes to inspire healthy eating.

Fresh greens were freely available at the People’s Fridge in the Harwich Community Center, making nutritious options accessible to all.

These ongoing efforts highlight the power of community action in tackling food insecurity, minimizing waste, and nurturing the unique spirit of Cape Cod.

Explore the Cape Cod Rail Trail by renting bikes for a scenic and active way to see the beauty of Cape Cod.