Fall Getaway: Mahoney's

After driving all day on Friday from Philadelphia to Cape Cod, we weren't really up for a fancy dinner out. So we decided to cook (Anne graciously let us stay at her grandparents' house).

Or rather, Anne and I drank margaritas while Topher cooked for us (isn't he wonderful?!). That evening we enjoyed seared scallops, sautéed Brussels sprouts, and spaghetti squash. Afterwards we curled up in the living room with mugs of hot chocolate with amaretto (a great way to warm up).

The next evening we were a little more rested (after our morning at the spa) and ready for something festive. Leave it to my husband to find the fanciest restaurant in Cape Cod that's still open in the off season. :)

What I Ate:

• Proscuitto-wrapped scallops
• Atlantic steaming bowl: classic bouillabaisse with shrimp, scallops, squid, haddock, littleneck clams, and mussels in a tomato saffron broth served over angel hair pasta
• Pear, Ginger, & Cranberry Crisp: Fresh pear, ginger, & dried cranberries crowned with a toasted pecan, oatmeal, and brown sugar strudel served warm with vanilla ice cream
• ... and to drink: a Cape Cod martini and a limoncello

The Scoop:

Mahoney's Atlantic Bar & Grill is located at 28 Main Street, Orleans, MA. They generally do not take reservations except for parties of 12 or more. They are open seven days a week, 5-9pm.

Fall Getaway: The Chatham Squire

On our first full day in Cape Cod, my husband surprised me and my friend Anne with a morning at the spa: pedicures and massages! Afterwards we were so relaxed that we would have been perfectly content to go back to the house and take a nap. But we didn't.

Instead we took a walk on the beach, and when we finally couldn't stand the biting wind anymore, we walked through Chatham, MA. Chatham's Main Street is lined with adorable shops: jewelry and stationery stores, kitchen gadgets and housewares stores, and even a Life Is Good store. It's exactly what you would picture in your mind if you heard "quaint New England town."

For lunch we found a tavern on Main Street that appeared to be popular with both tourists and locals alike. Their menu featured everything from fish & chips, crab cakes, and calamari, to a roast beef sandwich, cheeseburger, and chicken fingers. We opted for the seafood.

What I Ate:

• 1/2 dozen raw native oysters on the half shell
• Lobster bisque: Rich sherry cream soup with lobster meat & brandy - perfect for a chilly late fall afternoon
• Sam Adams Octoberfest beer - ditto

The Scoop:

The Chatham Squire is located at 487 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633. Contact the dining room at (508)945-0945 for info on reservations and hours.