Chatham (Massachusetts)

Chatham  is at the "elbow" of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, and includes the villages of North Chatham, South Chatham and West Chatham. Its beautiful beaches, harbors, coastal scenes and its interesting village shops make it a popular day-trip destination as well as a top-notch vacation area.

In 2007 Chatham was recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations.

By car
From Route 6 take Exit 11; go left off the ramp onto Route 137 South; go straight through one set of lights (by car dealership); go straight (actually a right dogleg) at the four way stop at Queen Anne Rd. ( The Corner Store on corner); continue to the Route 28 intersection (the road will end). Turning right (west) will bring you into the South Chatham neighborhood, while turning left (east) will lead you through Chatham's Main Street (the local name for Route 28). Driving straight (or more precisely, left and then an immediate right up a driveway) brings you to Chatham's Tourist Information Center, sponsored by the local chamber of commerce. This is an excellent first stop, as the Center's volunteers can provide local context and suggestions.

Get around
Remember that traffic is heavy on summer weekends. If leaving on Sunday, try to avoid mid-day.

Baseball
Chatham is home to one of the Cape Cod Baseball League teams, the Anglers (formerly A's). CCBL is recognized nationally as one of the best collegiate summer baseball leagues in the country. Every year numerous athletes are drafted by Major League Baseball, and each summer, fans can get acquainted with the future stars at Veterans' Field. If you like baseball, you will love the pure experience of the finest amateur baseball available anywhere.

Events

 * Chatham Band, 15 Chatham Bars Ave (Kate Gould Park). On summer Friday nights from before the 4th of July to the Friday before Labor Day, the Town Band plays a concert in the park. They start at 8:00 PM and they last about an hour and a half. Bring a chair and a blanket. This is something your little ones would definitely enjoy.
 * Chatham Band, 15 Chatham Bars Ave (Kate Gould Park). On summer Friday nights from before the 4th of July to the Friday before Labor Day, the Town Band plays a concert in the park. They start at 8:00 PM and they last about an hour and a half. Bring a chair and a blanket. This is something your little ones would definitely enjoy.

Buy
Main St. Chatham is host to many small and distinctive shops. The best time to visit is late May/early June or September when the crowds have left. There is always plenty of free parking, but make sure to park within the lines because the police are notorious for ticketing naive tourists.



Go next
Allow lots of time on Sunday's if heading to Boston or anywhere else in New England.