In Our Summer 2020 Issue

It’s amazing how some terms can transform from new to stale faster than day-old bread. “The new normal” and “these unprecedented times” have become so worn out already that they often produce a weary eye roll. In this very unique Cape Cod summer, the chance to get out and experience this place from a different perspective just may produce a far more welcome cliché: “A silver lining.”

Summer on Cape Cod provides a spectrum of experiences. For the visitor, it’s often indulging in the beauty that nature brings and enjoying the experiences that the local artisans chefs and merchants offer. For many of the residents, it’s a fast-paced, exhilarating but small window of opportunity in which their yearly wages are made whole. Because of this, many of the Cape’s finer qualities can and often do go overlooked by us in the summer months. New experiences pass us by. No matter how strange the circumstances, perhaps this summer it is possible for some of us to rediscover the splendor of what’s in front of us.

Tom Dott shares his moments of appreciation for the Cape’s allure which, as an innkeeper, are normally all too infrequent. He usually has his head down during the summer months, so now, he and his partner Ali make the most of the pause button. Ordering take-out is merely a starting point. Where you enjoy your meal is entirely up to you, and Tom found some great spots to indulge in a feast for the eyes and the soul.

Also, Michelle Koch introduces us to someone who is one of those people that humble us with their actions. There don’t seem to be enough hours in the day to allow Dr. Benjamin Chung of Orleans to accomplish all that he does. The dentist-farmer (or is it farmer-dentist?) continues to find new ways of helping others, as you’ll see.

Another tireless worker, Jeni Wheeler, has persevered to help feed hundreds of people several times a week at the Faith Family Kitchen in Hyannis. Susan Fernald details how Wheeler and her staff of volunteers not only build up the health of some of the most vulnerable Cape Codders, but their self-esteem as well.

New experiences are waiting for all of us, and this is also true at home. Go out into your yard and look at all those weeds. There’s a good chance that some of them will make a great relish for your next hot dog. Becca Miller explains what to look for and how to do it. It is delicious! Veronica Worthington shows us how easy it is to make a batch of refreshing gazpacho in her latest installment of Farmgirl Confidential.

This year, the summer crowds may not be as large as usual on the Cape. This is an opportunity to reconnect with nature and support our neighbors. Let’s make an effort to take the long way. Take that left-hand turn (even on Route 28) just because it’s there. Uncover new roads and be open to where they may lead. Go to the places – both natural and commercial – that you’d normally avoid because of the summer crowds. Play “tourist.” You know you’ll be glad you did.

Enjoy!

Larry