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Fun in the Sun at The Ocean Edge ResortBy Denise A. ManningI had forgotten just how special Cape Cod is. There isn’t another place quite like it in the world. It has the Atlantic Ocean, Nantucket Sound, and the large Cape Cod Bay. These waters and its geography provide an excellent variety of environs in which to spend a weekend, a vacation, or a season. Unfortunately, I am not the only one who knows this. Every weekend, traffic abounds on the routes to and from this Massachusetts oasis. Despite this, the “Cape” is well worth the drive, especially if you are staying at The Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster.
This newly renovated resort is divided into 2 distinct
areas. The beautifully restored Victorian mansion is the anchor for the seaside
property situated on the north side of route 6A, a two lane picturesque
road.
What to do
A long bike ride on the Cape Cod Rail Trail is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Others may prefer to join the croquet match on the mansion’s upper lawn. At the beginning of each week, Ocean Edge publishes a schedule of events. The offerings include activities like aqua fitness, kayaking, bocce, scavenger hunts and kite flying. If you need some adult time without the kids, the Edgeventures Camp is a formal program for children ages 4-12. Each day has a special focus and runs from 8:00-1:00. In the evenings, there are often movie nights and themed events. Of course, if you really can’t find something that appeals, the rest of Cape Cod awaits. The Resort’s concierge has many helpful suggestions and will make arrangements for you. Where to eat
Over by the golf course, the Linx Tavern offers a very traditional country club menu for lunch and dinner. They also serve a continental breakfast for folks eager to get out on the greens early. The Reef Café overlooks a pool and is far more relaxed. Enjoying a leisurely lunch as a family after a hard morning of swimming is a pleasant way to spend the early afternoon. The Ocean Edge Resort is a wonderful retreat for the entire family. Try it! You will enjoy all it and Cape Cod have to offer. For more information: |
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Brewster is located 1/2 of the way out, in the crux of the
Cape’s elbow. The town itself is a typical New England village with quaint white
houses and churches adorned with beautiful gardens. The local government has
been careful to limit and control the amount and location of development.
The
Ocean Edge Resort, just east of the town has been careful as well.
Attached to the mansion are “wings” that offer
extra large hotel type rooms that can easily accommodate small families. An option is a 2 or 3 bedroom villa that is equipped with a
full kitchen as well as a washer and dryer. South of route 6A is a cluster of
villas arranged around the resort’s 18-hole golf course. Regardless of where you
decide to stay, the regular shuttle service makes all the amenities easily
available to the guests. Anything one needs or wants is close by and quickly
accessible. This vacation “colony” eases the stresses sometimes associated with
getting away.
The beach at Ocean Edge
is a haven for small children. At low tide, the tidal pools extend for almost a
mile and are teeming with many varieties of marine life. As the tide comes in,
the warm water and gentle surf are welcoming to even the most timid swimmers. If you aren’t up for building a sandcastle, the crabbing is
outstanding and a worthy endeavor for kids of all ages. Chairs, towels, and
umbrellas are located on the walkway down to the beach. If you need assistance with your heavy load, the staff is very willing to
help. If your family prefers a pool, there are 6 available. 
For the more active folks, there is an extensive t
ennis
program which offers lessons and round robins for adults and children of all
abilities. The courts are well maintained and set amidst lush gardens and
manicured lawns. Golf is another very popular
activity at The Ocean Edge. Kids were taking lessons, practicing on the
driving range and playing 18 holes with their parents. Dale Morrison, head golf pro, is a talented teacher. He and his patient staff create a positive environment where
all family members feel welcome. In the span of 45 minutes, Dale had everyone in
our group lesson swinging with more precision and power than we had imagined possible.
The resort has 4 different dining options. A children’s
menu is available at each and includes those old standbys like chicken fingers
and grilled cheese. The Ocean Grille, located in the mansion, is the most
formal of the restaurants and has magnificent views of the grounds and the
ocean. There is a breakfast buffet each morning that is quick and easy and sure
to please everyone. The dinner menu showcases seafood but also includes
interesting beef and chicken options. Desserts are well worth the calories.
Be
sure to order the deep fried snickers that is decadent beyond belief. Just next to The Ocean Grille is Bayzo’s Pub.
Deep leather sofas, wing back chairs, and exposed brick make this a great place
to relax while listening to live piano music. There are several large screened
televisions and a pool table as well. I thoroughly
enjoyed the fish and chips, but the steak was excellent as well. Bayzo’s also
supplies lunch on the beach. As you grab your towels and head out towards the
sand, put in your order. Although basic food, a picnic lunch delivered to the
beach consisting of a sandwich, chips, cookie, and a drink seems like an
indulgence. Everyone gets what he wants and no one has to make it, pack it in
ice and lug it down along with the rest of your stuff.