The BEST Places to Read a Book on the Cape

Few things beat cozying up on the couch beneath a soft throw with a book in hand – but when cabin fever sets in, we occasionally crave a change of scenery.

Sure, there are plenty of beaches, but those are decidedly a one-season affair.

So where should Cape bookworms go to turn some serious pages? We bookmarked a few indoor and outdoor destinations which inspire contemplation and have just the right atmosphere for bibliophiles.

First, here are some indoor spots.

Libraries

Seem too obvious? Don’t judge a book by its cover.

It’s sad, but not all libraries are created equal. Some are drafty, some smell funny. Others have chairs which are too rigid and don’t encourage long, fruitful sessions when you have a real page-turner on your hands.

There are some Cape libraries however which break that mold. The Centerville Public Library, with its hidden nooks in the stacks and open space reading rooms, is an ideal location. The library has intricate paneling, two working fireplaces and upholstered armchairs you can really get settled into.

Other spacious libraries which encourage longer stays:
– Upper Cape: Bourne Public Library, Mashpee Public Library
– Mid-Cape: Sturgis Library, West Yarmouth Library
– Lower/Outer Cape: Provincetown Public Library

Coffee Shops

The Sunbird Kitchen in Orleans is as warm as its name suggests. The avian-inspired café has comfortable seating in a relaxed space with an upbeat vibe. You can warm up with a latte or, if hunger strikes, grab brunch – the Brioche French Toast is recommended.

In Brewster, the Snowy Owl Coffee House is a terrific spot to hang out and read while sipping a cup of their signature brew. The interior, comprised of 200-year-old reclaimed barn boards, is free of pretensions and the staff is friendly. The owners envision the Owl as a gathering spot for the community and it is very family friendly.

Another such spot, this time in the Upper Cape, is Cataumet’s (Bourne’s) Daily Brew. This small village coffee shop has tempting smoothies, baked goods and sandwiches with an upstairs lounge space. A former antique shop, the space is decorated humorously with old Cape memorabilia.

The Green Lotus on Main Street in Hyannis is homey and welcoming. A comfortable settee, flanked by tall reading lamps, occupies one wall of the cozy dining room. When you’re ready for a break, the menu is comprised of delicious and healthy plant-based fare and imaginative beverages. Order an espresso or Macchiato Italiano and settle in for a long read.

Outdoors

Is the weather outside the opposite of frightful? Need some fresh air? Here are some peaceful outdoor reading ideas that are sure to help you soak in both the latest bit of fiction and the very real combination of sunshine and ocean breezes the Cape is known for.

The Beach

…But which beach? Most of them can get pretty crowded and noisy, which is not exactly ideal for reading unless you have a knack for tuning out the world without a pair of noise-cancelling headphones.

Once again, we’ve scoured the Cape for you to pick out our favorite sandy spots for a nice, quiet sit-down.

First, we’ve got two words for you: Kettle Ponds. In the trafficked towns of the Lower Cape, these peaceful, ice age-made ponds are perfect for reading with bouts of swimming in between chapters. Try Long Pond in Wellfleet, Snow Pond in Truro, Bakers Pond Beach in Orleans and Wiley Park in Eastham.

Another oft-ignored locale is situated on some of the warmest oceanside areas on Cape Cod: Monument Beach. This Bourne beach is nestled away near railroad tracks on one of the more quiet corners in the area. Ice cream and tennis courts are in walking distance if you feel the need to stretch.

South Cape Beach State Park in Mashpee is a bit more populated but equally tranquil. The bends and small hills of sand here ensure you can always find your own prime real estate for the classic beach-towel-and-umbrella approach. Glance over the bookbinding to spot small shorebirds run enthusiastically up and down the shoreline, occasionally pecking up some food and suddenly taking flight when a person walks too close.

In a Boat

Not everyone can sustain a lifestyle whereby they can own their own yacht, and we don’t suggest operating heavy, expensive machinery while trying to catch up on that novel you’ve been putting off. But the beauty of the Cape’s seaside industry is that you can always find an affordable rental or buy a small craft, especially out of season. Try one of these at least once, and you’ll quickly… sea… the benefits of reading on a boat.

-Kayaks – Whether you rent or buy them, kayaks are ideal for getting to some of the more remote corners of the Cape. If you like absolute silence when you read, pack up the book in a waterproof bag and head over to the Bass River in Dennis-Yarmouth, where you’ll find salty inlets to pull into and spend a while.

-Rentals – The mid-Cape is especially full of rental options for skippers who can manage small crafts, from catboats to inboards. Definitely a more expensive option – but worth it if you’ve ever dreamed of reading Moby Dick while floating along Nantucket Sound.