Anne LeClaire
On a cold winter afternoon, few things beat cozying up in your own home on a couch beneath a soft throw, book in hand, but when cabin fever sets in we occasionally crave a change of scenery. Limited by winds and chill factor – beach chairs no longer appeal – there are still many inviting spaces on the Cape in which to read.
Libraries, with their reading rooms and hidden nooks in the stacks, are a natural destination for book lovers and the Cape is fortunate to have many wonderful resources in every town. The Centerville Public Library is such a place. “Warm Up With A Good Book” proclaims their Facebook page and it’is easy to see why patrons are drawn there. Beautifully paneled, the library has two working fireplaces flanked by upholstered armchairs. And did we mention the coffee machine? Just the spot to nestle in.
Coffee shops offer another option. The Sunbird Cape Cod café in Orleans is as warm as its name suggests. The 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 – or other tasty options from the menu of soups and sandwiches.
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’s family friendly.
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 and when you’re ready for a break, the menu is comprised of delicious plant-based fare and imaginative beverages. Order an espresso or Macchiato Italiano and settle in for a long read.
The Starbucks tucked away in the front corner of the East Harwich Stop and Shop has comfortable seating and you can not only catch sight of other book lovers but occasionally of novels in mid-creation. Cape author Lisa Genova, laptop in hand, is a regular.
For a more luxurious outing, try the South Lounge at the Chatham Bars Inn. The lounge and adjacent Library are located off the Inn’s main lobby. Sink into one of the roomy armchairs by the fireplace and tuck into a Jane Austin or Henry James novel or the latest of the Neapolitan novels by Elena Ferrante. Add a cup of tea or glass of sherry and the experience is complete.
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– By Anne LeClaire
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