Chatham

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Welcome to Chatham

THINGS TO SEE
PLACES TO EAT
PLACES TO STAY
WHERE TO DOCK

IT’S HARD TO IMAGINE A BOATING DESTINATION WITH MORE TO OFFER THAN CHATHAM. AFTER ALL, THIS TOWN ON THE ELBOW OF CAPE COD FEATURES TWO VERY DIFFERENT HARBORS, MILES OF WHITE-SAND BEACHES, AMAZING SCENERY AND WILDLIFE, GREAT FISHING AND A CHARMING VILLAGE CENTER. IT’S NO WONDER, THEN, THAT MANY CONSIDER CHATHAM TO BE THE ULTIMATE CAPE COD EXPERIENCE, CAUSING ITS YEAR-ROUND POPULATION OF SLIGHTLY MORE THAN 6,000 TO SWELL TO NEARLY 30,000 IN SUMMER.

Facing the open Atlantic to the east and Nantucket Sound to the southwest, Chatham’s constantly changing shoreline has put piloting and seamanship to the test since Europeans first settled the area in the 1660s. Captain George Eldridge and his son “George W.” were famous Chatham natives whose mastery of the area’s tricky shoals and currents gave rise to the indispensible yellow “Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book,” which is still published by their descendants.

NAUTICAL ROOTS:

During the Age of Sail, Chatham thrived as a whaling, fishing and trading port. As the town prospered, local merchants and captains built themselves well-founded homes and shops with simple, classic New England lines, many of them finished off with red- or white-cedar shingles that weathered beautifully in the salt air. These 18th- and 19th-century buildings still grace the close-packed area between Mill Pond and Chatham Harbor, and the townspeople have taken great pains to preserve them. The Old Chatham Village Historic District, centered on Main and School streets, is now considered the finest example of a classic Cape Cod town.

With all that sand and shoreline, Chatham boasts a number of famous beaches, most of them public, some with limited parking and fees for use. It is also the jumping-off point for visits to the Monomoy Island National Wildlife Refuge, considered one of the best birding areas in New England. The barrier island is also famous for its colonies of gray and harbor seals, whose populations have exploded—much to the dismay of local fishermen—in recent years. A number of local tour boats offer trips to the refuge and seal-watch cruises.

TWIN HARBORS:

The town’s location provides it with two distinct harbors: Chatham Harbor, to the east and homeport to most of the local fishing fleet, has ready (but not always easy) access to the open Atlantic and peaceful, scenic Pleasant Bay. To the south, near Monomoy Island, is Stage Harbor, home to most facilities for visiting boaters and offering a safer point of entry.

As a boater, it’s important to understand the difference between the two harbors. Beginning in 2007, a series of violent winter storms have dramatically altered the coastline off Chatham, leaving Chatham Harbor increasingly exposed to the Atlantic and making it a risky proposition for small boats. The channel is well marked, but makes some tricky turns and is often bombarded by unnerving breakers (the Coast Guard posts warning flags at Chatham Light when inlet conditions are considered dangerous). Indeed, the harbormaster’s office advises boaters to avoid the harbor or seek local knowledge before entering.

On the plus side, Chatham Harbor does provide access to beautiful Pleasant Bay, where boating facilities are available at Ryders Cove Boatyard and farther north at Nauset Marine East in Orleans. Be sure to keep an eye on your depthsounder and pay attention to the channel markers when navigating the bay.

While Chatham lacks a true dock-and-dine restaurant, the Wequassett Inn, which sits on a quiet cove on the Harwich side of Pleasant Bay, maintains guest moorings where boaters can tie up and hop a launch to the inn for dinner or drinks. The Wequassett also makes kayaks, powerboats and small sailboats available to its guests.

BREAK TIME:

Boaters who study recent satellite maps and charts of Pleasant Bay will no doubt notice the presence of a break in the barrier beach between Chatham and Nauset inlets. While it may be tempting to access the bay and harbor through this “new” inlet, it is not advised without local knowledge. Powerful currents and steep ocean swells can make for a treacherous passage at best..

SETTING THE STAGE:

Boaters heading in or out of Chatham’s Stage Harbor, on the other hand, have the barrier island of Monomoy to protect them from the open Atlantic. Situated 4 miles from Wychmere Harbor in Harwich Port, Stage’s sheltered waters are home to several marinas and transient facilities, limited anchoring space (with permission from the harbormaster) and access to Chatham’s downtown. However, pay attention to the strong cross currents at the entrance to the harbor.

From Stage Harbor, boaters wishing to access the Atlantic side of the Cape must travel around Monomoy, a distance of roughly seven miles. Smaller boats may be able to take the shortcut through the recently reopened “Southway”—a break between Monomoy and South Beach—but this channel is not officially marked.

To reach Main Street from Stage Harbor—the center of village activity—shallow-draft vessels and dinghies can pick their way up Oyster Pond River and into Oyster Pond. The village is a short walk from the landing on the pond’s eastern shore. On the west side of the Oyster Pond River are 2 marinas that offer transient accommodations.


Transient accommodations are available at
Outermost Harbor Marine.

North of Stage Island, in the main harbor, are 2 more marinas and some town landings. From there, the channel flows north into the privately marked Mitchell River and under a bridge with 8′ of vertical clearance. The bridge is opened by the harbormaster for mooring owners only. At the north end of Little Mill Pond is a town landing close to the village center.

Yet another option for boats under 35′ is Outermost Harbor Marine, reachable via a winding channel that branches off to the east just before the Stage Harbor inlet. Outermost has transient slips and moorings, and is just a short stroll or bike ride from Main Street.

VILLAGE DELIGHTS:

The word “charming” seems to have been invented for Chatham Village, where you’ll find shops selling everything from local artwork and jewelry to ice cream, baked goods and toys. Cozy restaurants and pubs such as the Squire and the Red Nun see a steady stream of traffic, while pleasant bed-and-breakfasts and inns welcome those who wish to spend the night ashore.

Speaking of inns, no story on Chatham would be complete without a mention of the opulent Chatham Bars Inn, which celebrated its 100th year of existence in 2014. The sprawling facility comprises a large, shingled main building, several cottages, a private beach and immaculate grounds, all overlooking Chatham Inlet, North Beach and the mighty Atlantic beyond. The inn also maintains its own fleet of boats that is uses to take guests on fishing, sailing and seal-watching excursions, as well as trips to Nantucket.

It’s quite a place, but then again so is Chatham as a whole.

GETTING THERE
Chatham Harbor

Chatham Harbor Chart

It’s important to understand the difference between Chatham Harbor and Stage Harbor. Beginning in 2007, a series of violent winter storms have dramatically altered the coastline off Chatham, leaving the former increasingly exposed to the Atlantic and making it a risky proposition for small boats. The channel is well marked, but makes some tricky turns and is often bombarded by unnerving breakers (the Coast Guard posts warning flags at Chatham Light when inlet conditions are considered dangerous). Indeed, the harbormaster’s office advises boaters to avoid the harbor or seek local knowledge before entering.

On the plus side, Chatham Harbor does provide access to beautiful and well-protected Pleasant Bay. Be sure to keep an eye on your depthsounder and pay attention to the channel markers when navigating this body of water, especially if your boat draws more than 3’.

Boaters who study recent (2014) satellite maps and charts of Pleasant Bay will no doubt notice the presence of a break in the barrier beach between Chatham and Nauset inlets. While it may be tempting to access the bay and harbor through this “new” inlet, it is not advised without local knowledge. Powerful currents and steep ocean swells can make for a treacherous passage at best.

Stage Harbor

Stage Harbor Chart

Boaters heading in or out of Chatham’s Stage Harbor, on the other hand, have the barrier island of Monomoy to protect them from the open Atlantic. Situated 4 miles east of Wychmere Harbor in Harwich Port, Stage’s sheltered waters are home to several marinas and transient facilities, limited anchoring space (with permission from the harbormaster) and access to Chatham’s downtown. However, be ready for strong cross-currents at the entrance to the harbor.

To reach Main Street from Stage Harbor, shallow-draft vessels and dinghies can pick their way up Oyster Pond River and into Oyster Pond. The village is a short walk from the landing on the pond’s eastern shore. On the west side of the Oyster Pond River are 2 marinas that offer transient accommodations.

North of Stage Island, in the main harbor, are 2 more marinas and some town landings. From there, the channel flows north into the privately marked Mitchell River and under a bridge with 8’ of vertical clearance. The bridge is opened by the harbormaster for mooring owners only. At the north end of Little Mill Pond is a town landing close to the village center.

Yet another option for boats under 35’ is Outermost Harbor Marine, reachable via a winding channel that branches off to the east just before the Stage Harbor inlet.

Harbormaster

Moorings, Dockage & Service Stage Harbor:

  • Oyster River Boatyard (508) 945-0736: Slips and moorings, WiFi service, hauling and launching, sales and service, marine store, ice, water and gas.

  • Chatham Yacht Basin (508) 945-0728: Slips and moorings, repairs, launch and haul-out, water and gas.
  • Stage Harbor Marine (508) 945-1860: Transient slips and moorings, launch ramp, repairs, gas and diesel.
  • Outermost Harbor Marine (508) 945-2030: Seasonal and transient slips, rack valet storage and moorings, as well as launch service, dinghy dock, marine store and gas. Outermost also hosts trips to Monomoy and sportfishing charters.

Chatham Harbor:

  • Ryders Cove Boat Yard (508) 945-1064: On Ryders Cove off Pleasant Bay. Transient slips, moorings for boats up to 28’, rack storage, launch service, repair and fuel dock. There is also a public launch ramp nearby.

Launch Ramps

Oyster River ramp. Photo/New England Boating

  • Mitchell River (Stage Harbor): Public ramp on Bridge Street with limited parking. Steep at low tide.
  • Oyster River: Off Barn Island Rd., this ramp is a busy ramp used by commercial shellfishermen. Parking is limited and the ramp’s shallow slope may prevent launch and hailing at extreme high tide.
  • Ryders Cove (Pleasant Bay): Public ramp adjacent to the boatyard at the end of Ryders Cove Road; requires permit for non-residents. No on-site parking, but extended parking available at Old Comers Road.
  • Commercial ramps are available at Oyster River Boat Yard and Stage Harbor Marine.

Boat, Kayak & Paddleboard Rental

  • Chatham Kayak Co. (508) 241-5389: Powerboat, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals and lessons on Oyster Pond River.
  • Adventure Chatham (800) 809-1750: Kayak, SUP and bike rentals. Lessons too.

Where to Eat

  • Chatham Squire (508) 945-0945: Favorite local watering hole offering popular pub food, Italian dishes and seafood, a full bar and sing-along entertainment not to be missed.
  • DelMar Bistro (508) 945-9988: Wide selection of delicately prepared seafood, pasta and wood-fired pizza.
  • Red Nun Bar & Grill (508) 348-0469: Popular stop for nachos, chili, burgers, steaks, seafood and cold beer.
  • Impudent Oyster (508) 945-3545: Seafood specialties with a refined flair.
  • Wequassett Inn (508) 432-5400: Officially in Harwich, the Wequassett represents the only restaurant in the Chatham area that can be directly accessed by water. Guests can anchor or grab a mooring in Pleasant Bay then take a launch or dinghy to the inn’s dock.
  • Wild Goose Tavern at the Chatham Wayside Inn (508) 945-5590: Elegant seafood and other specialty dishes.
  • Chatham Bars Inn Resort (508) 945-0096: Fine dining in an elegant setting overlooking Chatham Inlet.
  • Chatham Fish Pier Market (508) 945-3474: Fresh seafood prepared right at the fish pier on Aunt Lydia’s Cove. Also serves sushi.

Things to See & Do

  • Atwood House Museum (508) 945-2493: Learn about the history and culture of Chatham and vicinity via exhibits, art, artifacts, archives and places of historical interest.
  • Outermost Adventures (508) 945-5858: Seal and birding cruises out of Outermost Harbors Marine, just south of Chatham Light.
  • Rip Ryder (508) 945-5450: Water taxi service to South Beach and Monomoy. Popular among birders, photographers and fishermen.
  • Chatham Water Tours (508) 432-5895: Private charters and guided seal and nature tours.
  • Beachcomber Tours (508) 945-5265: Based at the Commercial Fish Pier; offers transportation to North Beach, seal tours and customized trips for birders.

General Information

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HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

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18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests