Cape Cod's Addition to the Kitchen: Farmers Markets

Locavore, in case you are like the NEVR team and have not heard this word before it is a growing term that gives definition to a new group of eaters. Locavore’s are not vegetarians or vegans but people who are ready to throw aside the pesticides and GMO’s and opt for nothing less than locally grown farm to table.  As chefs go back to basics they hope to leave a smaller eco-footprint than importing and keep their dishes packed with nutrients which is why Farmers Markets are in growing demand.

As we drove down Route 28 on Tuesday the crisp sweetness of kettle corn stopped us in our tracks and we could not help but pull over to the Chatham Farmers Market. With rambunctious red tomatoes, glistening blueberries and even some refreshing ginger beer from Farmer Willies

to quench our thirst we sampled each stands newest flavor and even got to speak with some of Cape Cods local farmers.

Chef Lisa, owner of Chef Lisa’s Home Grown Gourmet, is a private chef who had us hooked with her new watermelon gazpacho which tied in the perfect amount of playful sweetness with delicate spice. This creative culinary expert plans her menus around what is ripe and growing in each season whether that be Zucchini, summer squash or tomatoes. This true farm to table experience leads to an ever changing mouth-watering display that incorporates whichever harvest happens to be in abundance from the farm stands that were surrounding us.

Drooling over the organic salted caramel ice cream pops from The Local Scoop, Foss Farms famous tomato sauce and the dressing from the Paul Newman’s of Cape Cod, DD’s Dressing, we truly understood why this farm to table movement was spreading with such clout.   

We are not sure whether it was Chef Lisa’s delicious gluten free oatmeal chocolate chunk cookies, or Allen Farms savory basil, but whatever it was our team is going back next week for our local addition to the kitchen.

 Don’t forget to live like a local with our friends at various Farmers Markets Cape-wide, including Chatham, Harwich, Orleans, Wellfleet and more!

For more information on Chef Lisa’s Home Grown Gourmet services visit her website and don’t forget to check out the New England Vacation Rentals mobile App for special discounts on her food baskets!

Say yes to New England and Cape Cod!

Memories are Made in Our Homes. 

Cape Cod's Very Own Fenway Park

Kevin Youkilis, Mark Teixeira and Jason Varitek, do these MLB players sound familiar? Before these prominent players were drafted into the major leagues, they had to start somewhere and that somewhere was the Cape Cod Baseball League.

On the surface any Cape league game may seem like a player’s summer hobby.  When you look a little deeper, however, you will notice the vigilant recruiters jotting down stats, packed stands that line the field and fan’s beach chairs that have made themselves permanent for the             summer season.

These 10 Cape Cod teams  including the Harwich Mariners, Chatham A’s and the Orleans firebirds are bursting with talent from all over the country. Each day as the brilliant sunset comes to an end and those bursting field lights turn on for another night of 8 innings we can’t help but feel as though we are watching from the Green Monster in Fenway Park. What is blindingly exhilarating, besides the hot dogs that are grilled to perfection, is the fact that soon enough we will be seeing these young players on our very own major league teams. Whether these players join the Red Sox, Yankees or Braves, they are the future of the MLB and we get to watch them every night for free thanks to the     Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.

While attending the games with friends makes for the perfect summer evening, our New England Vacation Rentals team wanted to dig a little deeper and see what these future hall of famers were really all about. What better way to do that then sit in on one of the Chatham A’s camp clinics. As we pulled up to Chatham’s Veterans Field it was impossible to ignore the light-hearted energy encompassing these normally competitive players.  With players AJ Puckett and Daniel Castano pitched under hand to the spirited campers it was hard to not want to join in on the fun. As Cameron Stone and Garret Williams took a water break they loved speaking about the welcoming host families they are grateful to live with this summer and rave about the friendly atmosphere they have become a part of here on the Cape.

Both the Cape Cod Baseball League games and each teams clinics are the perfect way to get involved with the local scene over here on Cape Cod.  These action packed games will leave you wanting more from these future MLB stars so check out the CCBL Schedule for the next game!

Say Yes to New England and Live Like a Local With Us, New England Vacation Rentals. 

Check out our Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for more fun shots of the Cape Cod Baseball League

Hydrangea Heaven

We have all heard the saying anything is good in moderation, however, when it comes to Hydrangeas, our Cape Cod gardens surrender to excess. Cape Cod is a Hydrangea treasure trove and lucky for us July has these maritime flowers at the peak of their bloom. Year after year the cloud-like blooms bring about magnificent blues, pinks and whites. As Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival sweeps across the Cape we decided to bring our green thumbs 
to work to celebrate what may just be Cape Cod’s crown jewel flower.

While pruning and propagation may not be our strong suit it has not stopped us from clipping some hydrangeas to spruce up our office. From the perfect bouquet, centerpiece and even hair accessory the hydrangeas vibrancy creates an atmosphere that mimic our ocean-side homes. No Cape Cod garden would be complete without these powdery puffs of personality. Every flower has its own character and these brilliant pops of blue, pink and white encompass the guilty pleasure that is Cape’s simple lifestyle.

These works of floral perfection create a balance between playful and elegant aesthetics, unique to Cape Cod. With salty hair and sun kissed skin enjoy one of the Cape’s colorful characteristics and let the Hydrangea Festival garden gods help. Tours of gardens, workshops and more are featured at this year’s festival so do not miss your chance to saunter through backdrops of blue hydrangeas, feel inspired in the Tranquility Gardens and get lost in the secret gardens of Cape Cod.

Find your green thumb this vacation.

Say Yes to Cape Cod and Make Memories in Our Homes!

http://www.capecodchamber.org/hydrangea-fest 

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Little Victories on the Cape Cod Rail Trail

While some nasty crashes led to premature conclusions for the international cyclists participating in the Tour de France, here on the Cape you don’t need the winning yellow jersey to get out there. With the Tour de France kicking off earlier this week we thought what better locally loved activity to discuss but cycling.

Although sprinting up the hazardous mountains of France with hundreds of cyclists on your tail sounds just great, cycling on the cape is a bit different. The ocean breeze, warming sun and quaint towns helps all of us here on the Cape slow things down and that’s exactly how we go about our cycling. With over 22 miles of paved, undisturbed track the Cape Cod Rail Trail travels from Dennis through Brewster and even over to Wellfleet.

Earlier this week a member of our NEVR Team, Joanne, rented bikes for herself and friends who celebrated their victory with Bloody Mary’s and Goombays at the Beachcomber in

Wellfleet-- close to the Trails end. Simple triumphs like this are what make life taste so good, and the drinks definitely don’t hurt either. It is thru that the art of happiness is perfectly imperfect; however, the one proven fact is that these little moments are worth enjoying.

Jimmy Ponte, our friend down at Chatham Hood Bikes, spoke to us earlier about the benefits of cycling. With both mentally and physically rejuvenating qualities, Jimmy says he most enjoys making families and his bike renters happy. So if you find yourself daydreaming of the Tour de France while pedaling past ponds, open fields and spectacular views on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, trust us we won’t tell! 

Find your happiness and let Cape Cod help!  Visit Chatham Hood Bikes for bike rentals and tune ups and ask for Jimmy. Also check out Essential Rentals for  reliable rentals on everything from bikes to beach chairs.  

Say Yes to New England and Cape Cod!!
Memories Are Made In Our Homes.  Enjoy your stay! NewEnglandVacationRentals.com

Photo taken by Chatham Hood Bikes

A Fourth of July State of Mind

   What is the one thing on everyone’s mind this week? The 4^th of July, of course. With Independence Day on every Cape Cod goers’ mind it is no surprise that everyone is clearing their schedules for the big weekend to come. This star-spangled excitement has started to envelop Cape Cod so get your American Flag ready.

As route 6 backs up we can expect a crowded and eventful weekend. When thinking of 4^th of July barbecues, beach and fireworks immediately come to our minds and these joyous traditions are strong rooted here on the Cape. The Chatham 4^th of July parade, one of our long standing traditions, goes above and beyond with floats from our favorite local restaurants, retailers, marching bands and more.

Naturally we asked our team members and friends what they plan to do this 4^th of July and received answers including shopping in Provincetown, Whale Watching and even filling our cooler up and heading to the National Seashore. However, what we all had in common was the Fireworks! Cape Cod is renowned for its firework extravaganzas that light up the coastal skies. Whether you are lathering up sun screen on the 559.6 miles of pristine coastline, cooking up some fresh lobsters and creamy butter or checking out the bustling parades, Cape Cod is the place to be.

Make your Independence Day-dreams a reality this summer with NEVR. For a list of times and locations of fireworks, parades and more holiday events for July 4^th, 2015 download our App, New England Vacation Rentals, from the app store and feast your eyes on our twitter and Instagram account with updates on what the locals have in store!

LiveLike a Local this 4th of July with the NEVR Team