Massachusetts Resort Named Among The Best Waterfront Hotels
There is something peaceful about staying in accommodations that are right on the water. USA Today recently listed the ten best waterfront hotels in the country, and a Massachusetts resort was named.
“Each of these 10 U.S. waterfront properties sets the scene for a memorable and relaxing vacation,” they state.
In addition to this Massachusetts destination making the list, New England faired very well here, claiming two out of ten spots. Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle, New Hampshire, ranked fifth. If you drive about 145 miles south down Interstate 95, cross over the Sagamore Bridge, and then cruise down route 6, you will arrive at the Massachusetts property that was named one of the best waterfront hotels in the country.
Chatham Bars Inn – Chatham, MA
Take a slight right off Exit 11 on Route 6 along Cape Cod, and you will be minutes away from the Chatham Bars Inn. They call their address 297 Shore Road, “Cape Cod’s most beautiful address.” This resort first opened its doors in 1914. The Main Inn, Cottages, and Spa Suites perch quietly along a quarter mile of private sandy beaches.
There’s a spacious (and gated) pool with a pool bar for guests only. One of the restaurants also opens directly into this space. Then, walk through a short and picturesque Cape Cod path to arrive at the cabanas along the beach. Here, you will occasionally spot a whale. More frequently, however, you will find a sea of seals relaxing along the cove waters.
“Imagine waking up to a seaside breeze, a fishing fleet leaving for work, and a crimson sun rising over seals relaxing on the sandbars,” The Chatham Bars Inn says. In addition, The Chatham Bars Inn is close enough to the downtown area, where you will find a wide range of restaurants and stores. If you can pull yourself away from the pristine property, that is.
Lastly, if you are really feeling adventurous, the Chatham Anglers of the Cape Cod baseball league play their home games a few short miles away.
Massachusetts Lighthouse Named One Of The Most Beautiful In The World
What do Porto, Portugal, Crete, Greece, and Scituate, Massachusetts have in common? They all have historic lighthouses. In fact, in Trips To Discover’s recent guide, they named Old Scituate Light, along Massachusetts’ south shore one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world.
The 1800’s
This landmark dates back to the year 1810. “Congress voted to build a lighthouse at the harbor, and the light made of split granite blocks with a house attached and was activated the following year (1811),” Trips To Discover explains. It was the 11th lighthouse in the United States upon completion. It cost $4,000. Shortly after, Captain Simeon Bates, his wife and nine children lived at the house. Bates was the first keep of this lighthouse.
“Because mariners complained that the light could not be seen from far enough away to make proper heading adjustments, the U.S. Government added fifteen feet in height to the tower in 1827, mortaring red brick on top of the granite blocks,” Scituate’s Historical Society explains.
The 1900’s
The town of Scituate acquired the lighthouse from the government in 1916 for $1,000. Fourteen years later, a new lantern room was built at the top. 1994 marked one of the most memorable events in Old Scituate Light’s history as it was relit, making it visible from the sea for the first time in 134 years. Three years prior, it had been relit to be seen on land only.
Present Day
Old Scituate Light is a very popular south shore attraction. Every day people can be seen taking pictures of this lighthouse. Select dates are released each year that detail when it will be open to the public. Walkways along the water’s edge surround it for guests to explore the area. One of this destination’s most notable elements is the attached cottage. That remains a private residence that is the lightkeeper’s cottage.
While many tourists travel to the south shore of Massachusetts for the beaches and boating, stopping by one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world is also a site worth seeing.
Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.
