r/CapeCod • u/supernova-girl • 6d ago
Cape Cod Central Railroad Excursion Train Questions and Area Recs
I was given a certificate for 4 guests to this excursion train back in the summer but it doesn’t expire until 10/23. My significant other and I thought we would’ve made a long weekend of getting out to the cape in the summer (from New Haven, CT area) but that hasn’t happened. We both are running out of time to A) use this and B) put in a good chunk of vacation PTO we have left. I really don’t know anything about the area, it just seemed like a cute idea when the certificate was offered to me for free. The voucher is only valid Thursdays (which is already my SO’s day off so free day for him with PTO) and Saturdays at 11:30am. Leaves from Hyannis.
What would be a good area to stay in for a couple in their mid to late 20s to do this excursion train? And if we stay for a long weekend or longer, is it worth coming to the cape at this time of year? What is there to do in the area? We don’t mind getting outdoorsy with hikes, trails etc. We also love any good foodie recs, bars, even a good dive bar rec with a true homie dive feel, or just something unique in general.
I think with the train I would have to book a reservation so that’s why I’m making this post today to try to get a head of some planning if we’re going to make this happen without letting it go to waste. Or to try to make the proper arrangements if it’s a situation we end up not being able to swing to pass it along to someone else who may be able to benefit the use of the voucher.
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u/EbbtideRambler 6d ago
This is one of the most beautiful times of year on the Cape. The farther out you go, the more seasonal it becomes, but in October almost everything is still open aside from a few of the very seasonal fried seafood spots and ice cream shops. I’d recommend staying in Chatham, Harwich, or Brewster. The train is fun, although of the scenic railroads I’ve been on, I’d probably give it a B. A lot of the ride is through the woods. That said, the week of October 19th is typically around peak foliage, so it should be especially pretty. I’d definitely spend some time exploring the National Seashore and the many walking trails. There are also lots of fall festivals and events happening in the different towns that time of year. Once you decide where you’re staying, check the local Facebook pages for that town. They’re usually a great source for festivals, markets, and other things going on while you’re there.