Happy Monday, friends!
We’re in our very favorite place this week…Nantucket 😉 .
I thought it would be fun to start recapping and sharing this trip with you guys in progress, so today, I have all the pics and details from the first part…Chatham, Massachusetts on Cape Cod.
Back in the spring, we realized that our scheduled summer vacation would need to be rebooked again (for the fourth time…we had it booked for summer 2020, fall 2020, summer 2021 and now, summer 2022…my travel agent is so tired of moving it 😉 ) so, we decided to head back up to Nantucket because…we want to visit as much as we can until we can just live there part-time. #easydecision
On Monday, we woke up and headed off to DFW…
…we had JUST left the airport about 9 hours earlier picking Smith up from his trip with my parents and now, we were back!
We boarded our flight to Boston, landed, grabbed our rental car and then drove right over to the most delicious lunch ever…
…Yankee Lobster in Boston. Oh my word. We’re still talking about this lunch. The food was AMAZING! This place literally sits on the pier right by the water where they catch everything fresh. We sat outside and basically…
…tried everything! The lobster roll, fries, clam chowder and crab cake were all in front of us and they were all DELICIOUS! This was such a good stop!
After lunch, we got into the car and drove the 2-ish hours to the beautiful town of Chatham in Cape Cod. Chatham is one of my parents’ favorite cities that they visit often, but it had been years since I had been there.
We stayed two nights at the amazing Chatham Bars Inn (seriously, we LOVED it!). Here are the Evens checking out the cool boats in the lobby. The resort sits right on the ocean and has a main hotel and dining area with restaurants and outdoor patio seating but then is surrounded by cottages. I really can’t fathom better property than this.
A few pics from inside the main hotel…
…that New England decor speaks to my heart 😉 .
This room had a giant fireplace with games and a bar…it was such a family-friendly spot!
We stayed in a two room cottage right here on the beach (next to the pool), so it was the perfect spot for the Shulls!
These are pics from our balcony.
Inside, we had plenty of room for everyone.
The front of our cottage faced the main hotel (the back of our cottage faced the ocean)
Awwwww! We were so happy to be there!
We arrived later in the afternoon, so we checked in and spent the rest of the day exploring the property (it’s pretty massive). The hotel offers so many walking paths and trails but they also offer bikes for both the land and the beach too! We explored and checked everything out before landing back in…
…the big game room area where we all got a drink, sat by the fire and played games…
I love my almost teenager so much!!
We had dinner reservations that night at the hotel’s restaurant, but before, we wanted to take some great family pics…
#nailedit
It was a great start to our vacation!
The next day, we left to explore Chatham…
…still nailing those family photos. Sigh.
Chatham is SO ADORABLE!!! It gives me major McKinney, TX vibes but you know…on the ocean in beautiful Cape Cod.
We checked out all the cute little streets in the downtown area, shopped, ate candy from the candy store and just had the best time.
Ashby and Mades had the city map and helped ups figure out where we were going 🙂 .
For lunch, we drove up the way a minute to eat at…
…Mac’s Chatham Fish & Lobster! We had heard so many great things about the delicious food at Mac’s BUT we also heard they had an amazing g-free menu. #woohoo
We sat outside and enjoyed the weather at Mac’s.
Hi, my name is Shay and I will order a lobster roll every single time.
We had the BEST time! Look at K eating a g-free cheeseburger and fries! Whoop! Whoop!
After lunch, we headed back into town to finish looking around…
…we love an art or craft fair.
We also love a candy store.
Madeley took this pic. Hahaha!
After we were finished exploring Chatham, we headed back to the hotel to hit…
…the beach! We had so much fun and saw SO MANY SEALS out at the beach.
We stopped at the beach cafe and enjoyed some lobster nachos before heading back inside. Andrew and I decided these were the BEST NACHOS we’ve ever had in our entire lives!
We got dressed and then it was time to head to dinner…
…they’re always so cooperative for pictures.
That’s better 🙂 !
I bet you’re wondering how we were still hungry…well, vacationing makes us hungry. You too? We had reservations at Pate’s and loved every bite!
That wraps up PART ONE from our Cape Cod Vacation! I’ve gotta go now…PART 3 is still in progress! Stay tuned today on Instagram for more from Nantucket! I’ll see you back here tomorrow!
Alexis Murrell says
You have me wanting to replicate this exact day- it looks perfect!!
Jill Peller says
You have mentioned that you get motion sickness. Does flying or being on cruise ships ever bother you? If so, how to combat that?
Mix and Match Mama says
Flying bothers me about a quarter of the time, so yes, that’s frequently a problem. I’ve only ever been sick on one cruise ship (which was terrible), but that’s it!
Erika Slaughter says
Oh my goodness, girl! Your kids are cute, but please give me ALL THE FOOD PICS! hahahaha! That food looks AMAZING!
Elspeth says
Look so beautiful and fun!!! So glad you guys got away!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Sarah says
Aww!! So fun! Thanks for sharing! I was curious if you order a cocktail with every meal, or just sometimes? And how often are you working out this trip? Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
On this trip, I’ve been having one with every meal…agh! I’ve also worked out almost every day too 🙂 . It’s all moderation for me!
Sarah says
I love that so much!! ? how long are you usually working out for on vacation?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh about an hour! Just like at home!
Sarah says
Also!! Do you ever have two drinks? Or usually stick to one? Thanks!! You help me find balance ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh girl, you’re too sweet! Yes, sometimes, I will have more than one!
Nicole says
I want to know how Shay does drinking, haha! Is that weird?! Do you and Andrew ever have a drink out by the beach or pool too?
Mix and Match Mama says
Sure! I was trying to think how to answer, but this just made me laugh!
Abby says
Love that your family photos look like mine! New England architecture is for me too, the photos make me want to go right now. What have you heard about sharks in the water? I’ve read they have sharks there, but I don’t know if it’s overblown. If you get the chance, the lobster nacho recipe would be nice to try. It’s great that K has g-free options while travelling.
Sheaffer Sims says
I’m with Erika! Yes, the kids are precious….but I wouldn’t mind some sort of art show made up of only chowder and lobster roll pics. 😉
Kris says
So happy to see these pics! We went to Cape Cod 2 summers in a row because my son played summer baseball there. Chatham was one of our favorites. And the Chatham Bars Inn is so amazing! Cannot wait to go back after seeing this. Thank you for sharing!
Kelly says
So fun! We are headed to New England in August and this is making me so excited:). I have never wanted a lobster roll more!
Joanne says
I just love Chatham! I practically grew up on Cape and love so many of the little towns up and down the shore.
Kimberly says
“my travel agent is so tired of moving it” I am so confused. Aren’t you a travel agent and own your own agency? This makes about as much sense as the “flood.” Anyone who works or worked in insurance knows flood is rising water. Love, your fellow State Farm agent.
Mix and Match Mama says
1. I am my own travel agent, I was saying that tongue and cheek. I’m super tired of moving my own vacation around instead of just going on it ;). Annnnnd…it rained in my house. A flood is totally rising water, but trust me, when the State Farm adjusters were out at my house after it rained, they called it a “flood” too. Tearing my house back to the studs wasn’t a small claim…trust me…I know 😉 . Your comments are always so…interesting.
Laci says
What a beautiful area to vacation!
Lauren says
I am loving following along here and on IG! So excited to travel with my family again. What type of rental car do you usually get? I personally don’t care for mini vans in our home life… I’m hoping to avoid them when I travel with my growing family too, but hoping there are options. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
We rented a car that is similar to the one we have a home. It is a Ford Expedition (extended version)…something like that! It has three rows.
Carolyn says
A random question…you mentioned a crafty project for the girls a few weeks ago on Pinterest. Could you tell me the name of it? Also, I will be in McKinney in a couple of weeks.,,what’s your favorite restaurant? Thanks so much!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! Anywhere on the square is amazing! My faves are The Yard, Cadillac Pizza Pub, Spoons, Harvest and Rick’s (just to name a few!). I believe those crafty projects can be found here: https://mixandmatchmama.com/2021/06/amazon-lately-from-mexico/
Alison says
It all looks so lovely!! Cape Cod is on my girls trip list. 🙂
Anneka says
It looks so beautiful and fun. I’ve loved New England the 2 times I’ve visited, but I’ve never been to Cape Cod. I also love the pictures of your 4. They’re so precious. -signed another mom of 4.
Mary H says
Fun trip and beautiful area! How cool is the weather there? Is everything pretty open after Covid and are masks required? I’ve been to Cape Cod for a wedding-such a gorgeous setting!
Mix and Match Mama says
The weather has been more humid than I remember in years past. In fact, many of the local people keep talking about the humidity too. It’s mid-70s (to low 70s), not hot at all. So far, no masks unless you’re on public transportation (like the buses or ferries). It’s great to be here!
Mer says
We ate at Mac’s on our last Chatham vacay. I would’ve flipped if I saw your crew! Haha!
I would also recommend the Wequassett as a great place to stay in the area. We got married there and it’s just beautiful. But Chatham Bars is incredible, too!
Glad you had fun!
Keri M says
I agree about waquasett! Amazing! Cbi is for visitors- waquasett is for locals
Holly Speratos says
How fo deal with cross-contamination concerns for Kensington when you are traveling/eating out? It is so stressful to me for my 17 year old.
Mix and Match Mama says
We do a lot of research in advance, ask a lot of questions when we get there and she orders very simple things (salads, steaks, grilled chicken). We didn’t stumble on any of these g-free places…we researched that before we went! We always want to make sure to keep K’s diet in mind!
Kelly Henderson says
Smith on his tip toes reminds me of my kids when our son (14) was shorter than our daughter (17). She thoroughly enjoyed her growth spurt when she was much taller than him. Well he’s passed us all now and towers over her. Tell Smith, it’s coming, He will be taller than K sooner than he knows.
Jo Marie says
My family was just up there a few weeks ago in Falmouth since my son played in the Cape Cod baseball league with Falmouth. We got to tour Martha’s Vineyard, Provincetown, Hyannis, and Falmouth. It is absolutely beautiful there! My son said that the lobster rolls were AMAZING!!! Enjoy the rest of your vacation!
Sally Lockwood says
In Boston please have dinner at Ostra. It is so good. We ate there every chance we got and were never disappointed. Please go and have a fan dinner for me!!
Leslie S says
Wish your travel agency planned trips to NE!! Taking notes to plan my trip next year ?
Beth Valenta says
Love the good feels from there! Such a cute town. I am a lobster roll girl too and can’t wait to hit Boston in a few weeks.
Sara says
LOVING all of your travel posts! Do you think it is highly possible you will have property in Nantucket one day once the kids are older? Another quick question—do your kids shop on vacation/request to buy little things here and there when you’re out at the shops? Just curious now that they’re getting older what that looks like! ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! I think it’s basically a given 🙂 . And yes, they get little things here and there, but they really don’t ask for much.
Susie M says
This looks like a beautiful trip! But what stands out to me is how great Ashby’s arm looks! So happy she’s doing so well!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you!!
Sara says
You look just like your mom in that first picture with the mask on!
Nades says
How do you get your kids to enjoy just walking around town shopping and eating? We were just on a vacation to Maine from Texas, and my kids wanted no part of shopping and walking around small towns. They wanted beach, hiking, parks, etc-things more a kids’ speed. What is your trick?
Mix and Match Mama says
Hmmmmm…I guess we have a good balance of all of it? Also, it’s what they’ve always done on vacation, so they are just used to it?
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Love this!! You’re making me want to visit Cape Cod!!
Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts
Kacey says
AHHHHH this makes me so happy!! Chatham is one of my favorite little Cape towns too! And I was at CBI just a couple of days before you arrived. It’s such a beautiful resort. Did you walk down the street and see the house with the hydrangea walkway?! It leads from the street all the way up to their front door. So charming. I’m lucky to live just an hour and a half drive away!
nancy k says
I have lived just outside of Boston my whole life so the Cape is old news for me. I have very mixed feelings about it…I can take it or leave it really .But, it was fun to see Chatham through a totally different lens. Gosh, you sure consumed a lot of fish and crustaceans! And I do admit that Chatham Bars in is spectacular.
Jen says
HI- thanks for the recommendation on the lobster nachos! You weren’t my lying! Staying at CBI before heading to ACK (not stalking you! Lol!!) and wow those nachos were trouble!!! Enjoy the rest of your vacay!
Mix and Match Mama says
YAY!!!!!!! I’m so happy you enjoyed them too!!!
grace says
Hi! Love hearing about your vacations!
Did you take the high-speed passenger ferry to Nantucket or bring your rental car on the regular ferry? Do you feel it’s useful to have a car in Nantucket or no? Was it rocky on the ferry or pretty smooth?
Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ve done it all and we did it both ways this trip. I do not think you necessarily need a car in Nantucket at all. I think the ferry is pretty smooth. This year, both times we took it, it didn’t bother me!
Mary C says
I live in boston and had to google yankee lobster. Thanks for the recommendation haha.
You mentioned that you do a lot of research on restaurants before you travel. Wondering if you can blog about this, any websites you use to research or tips you have. I am GF also and finding restaurants when I travel is definitely a challenge:)
Mix and Match Mama says
I hope you try it and love it too!!! And yes, that can totally be a post idea!
Megan says
I’d be curious to hear how all of the different New England vacations rank in your opinion. We just got back from Portland, ME and Newport, RI so I’m wondering where they rank with Cape Cod and Nantucket!
Lizzie says
this looks like the very best time!! I really want to take our kids to cape cod! me and my hubby are heading to Nantucket in the fall and I cannot wait! do you recommend the steamship authority or the hi-line cruise or does it not matter LOL – thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
If you’re not taking a car across, I totally recommend Hy-Line!
Teresa Simpson says
Loved to here about your trip to Martha’s Vineyard.. you have a beautiful family.
My name is Teresa and I will be there in Hyannis stayin with my fiance.
We just saw news about active covid case there.. We are a little concern. We have been vaccinated.
We are celebrating my 53rd bday. IVE NEVER BEEN AND I’m Excited.
Any other tips? We are planning to Check out lots of restaurants..like the Lobster Pot.. Pepes Wharf.. Fisherman View. What beaches did you go too and were there lots of people on the beaches? I am concerned about covid.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have more posts coming up with more ideas for you!
Penny says
So glad I found your posts. I’m in Texas & planning to go to CC after Labor Day – no car…..hoping transportation will be good enough for me to get around. AND COVID STAY AWAY!
Lourdes says
I live in New Mexico now but I miss Nantucket and Martas so .much .next year for sure thank you for the great memories.
Dianne says
We’re planning a trip to Cape Cod soon and wonder the name of the beach cafe where you enjoyed lobster nachos??
Mix and Match Mama says
It was at our hotel! The Chatham Bars Inn!
Martha Marino says
I so enjoyed the lovely family photos and great information about where you stayed and visited. I too love everything Boston, the Cape, Nantucket amd Martha’s Vineyard! Thank you!
Dyan Anderson says
We are leaving on September 24 returning October 1 and will be staying in Dennis Port on Cape Cod. Do we need to make dinner reservations ahead of time? Also, any tips for this coastal town?
Love the details and the pictures you have posted. Taking notes right now!
Will the fall foliage be changing at this time?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! I would absolutely make any and all dinner reservations in advance! Enjoy!!