When it comes to America’s seashore, the briny, maritime history of Cape Cod dates back to when the Pilgrims first stepped ashore in 1620. While historic charm is as impossible to avoid here as the saintly-looking seagulls and vintage, shingled cottages, there’s one resort that embraces its celebrated surroundings like none other.

Stay:
The family-owned Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club is difficult to miss with its convenient location right off historic Route 6A and impressive mansion which dates back to 1912. Almost equally as important is the expansive Mansion Front Lawn that features a croquet course and is an ideal place for a scenic destination wedding ceremony beneath the 150 year-old linden tree.

When it comes to accommodating wedding guests, there are three options varying in price, but not in perks. While the façades of Ocean Edge’s guest wings and Presidential Bay Collection Villas aren’t as overtly impressive as the mansion’s, their interiors don’t disappoint. Both the guest wing rooms and villas were recently renovated and feature textured wallpapers, luxurious linens, plantation shutters and charming details like bathrooms with hexagonal-tile floors. For groups, the two-to-three bedroom villas are a steal even during high season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and come with complimentary concierge service and a fully-stocked kitchen. 

Across the street from the mansion you’ll find the Villages, comprised of one-to-three bedroom villas. Villages’ guests don’t have access to the resort’s private Bay Pines Beach, but daily shuttles to nearby Crosby Landing Beach are a strong alternative. Villages’ guests are also closer to the resort’s Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, expansive Member Sports Club and the scenic Cape Cod Bike and Rail Trail.

Play:

Treasure Hunting – Spend an afternoon navigating the picturesque homes converted into antique shops before swinging by the Brewster Scoop for a frozen treat.

Brewster Herring Run – Every May next to Stony Brook Grist Mill, thousands of herring make their way upstream to spawn. The little fish leaping will make you rethink your daily struggles.

Nautical Happenings – Explore Blueberry Pond via one of Ocean Edge’s kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, or get up early to experience the famous Brewster Flats. At low tide, the Cape Cod Bay recedes up to a mile, allowing an up-close encounter with the ocean floor. The Beach Walk and Brewster Oyster Farm Experience is an interesting inside-look at the area’s iconic oyster farming tradition.

Eat:

Ocean Terrace – Situated at the heart of Ocean Edge Resort, this is a popular spot for sunset dinners overlooking Cape Cod Bay. Be sure to order a Bayzo’s Brew, named after the resort’s basement bar and produced by local micro-brew experts, Cape Cod Beer.

Bramble Inn & Restaurant – Located within a white-faced farmhouse built in 1861, this eatery is bursting at the seams with charm. The restaurant features daily dessert specials and has special touches like different vintage china in each room. The perfect spot for a romantic night out for two.

Chillingsworth – What appears on the outside to be a quaint cottage is actually one of the Cape’s most iconic restaurants. Once a favorite of icon Julia Child, chef-owner Nitzi Rabin has been cooking up French-inspired cuisine here for over three decades. Treat your guests to an intimate rehearsal dinner they won’t soon forget. 

After visiting Cape Cod, you and your destination wedding guests will quickly understand why this place made our cut as an American Coastal Classic. Thankfully, this historic destination strives to uphold its past as much as it promotes its surely-bright future.

Photos courtesy of (in order of appearance): Courtney Cox (1st, 2nd & 4th) and Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club (3rd & 5th)

This article first appeared in Destination I Do’s Fall/Winter 2015 issue. You can order a copy here.