Captain Linnell House chowder

For those of you who do not know us that well, the Captain Linnell House in Orleans, MA, is a special place for us. We were married there back in 2001 and go every year for our anniversary. This year when I opened the menu, at the top was Clam Chowder and the menu claimed it was the best. Upon arrival of their clam chowder, I received a wonderful aroma. It was nicely presented, with chives on top. No oyster crackers, but with their rolls, one does not need crackers. The chowder had a great consistency, not too thick, just the perfect creaminess. It tasted great and I was truly impressed. My biggest complaint would be the amount of clams. I would have been looking for more, but other than that, this may be the best (it is only our second entry, but it was good). The Captain Linnell House is not the type of place to go just for a bowl of chowder as it is a romantic sea captain's home, but if you are looking for good chowder and a nice meal, it is a great choice.

Abigail Helen

Once again, I fear breaking the rules of blogging. Either I do not post anything for a long, long time and lose the readership we have (we are hoping to get some clam chowder again soon) or I write something personal. I have decided to write something personal this time though. Many of you have asked to be kept in the loop in regards to the birth of our first child. Well, on April 14th, Abigail Helen was born, 6 1/2 weeks early. I am pleased to annouce that mom and Abigail are doing great. Thank you to all of you who have called and asked and kept us in your thoughts and prayers. We look forward to seeing you all soon.

In Search of the Best Clam Chowder

Here in Chatham, Massachusetts, it's pronounced "chowdah," but however you pronounce it, one thing is for sure - tourists and locals alike are constantly on the prowl for the best bowl around. Join us as we embark on our own mission to find the tastiest- then go try for yourself when you visit us on your next Cape Cod vacation.

Our first stop...the infamous Chatham Squire. A favorite New England eatery and bar, those seeking comfort food in a casual setting will find it here. Chock full of clams and tender potatoes, the Squire's chowdah recipe didn't disappoint. The pepper flavor, while not too strong, was distinct, and the clams were cooked to perfection. Our only complaint? Perhaps it could have been a bit thicker in consistency, but for those who don't like their chowdah too creamy, this could be the chowdah for you. On the Captain's House scale of 1 to 5 captains wheels, we rate it a glowing 4.5 wheels.

AAA Awards Four Diamond to Captain's House Inn

On March 31st, at a ceremony in Boston, Mass., the Captain's House Inn of Chatham received its 2008 AAA four-diamond award. The Captain's House Inn has received this prestigious award for 22 consecutive years.

Spring Fever in Chatham Mass.

Now that daylights savings has started, we all can't help but feel a bit eager for spring to finally arrive. After months of crackling fires, snow storms, and mittens, we are delighted to see crocuses and daffodils poking through the earth and every so often get a scent of that fresh springtime smell that promises lazy days of eating ice cream and lounging on the beach to come. While the signs of spring make their debut in March, it is April when we really feel that spring has arrived at the Captain's House Inn. Shops and restaurants that had closed for the winter start to open their doors, winter wool jackets are exchanged for lighter spring attire, and there is always the optimistic driver cruising around with the top down despite a bit of a chill still lingering in the air. April is a wonderful time to visit the Cape - the crowds haven't quite arrived, so the sparsely populated beaches are perfect for a secluded stroll and roads are free of congestion for leisurely drives along the beautiful Old King's Highway. Plus, our winter rates are still in effect and if you stay mid-week, you can save even more by taking advantage of our April mid-week special. We hope you will join us in welcoming spring and enjoying the Cape during this beautiful time of year.

Aspiring Innkeeper?

Many of you have asked about how we started in the inn business and have mentioned your own curiosity about becoming an innkeeper yourself. A great way to find out would be to take a course. On March 15 & 16 at the Isaiah Hall Inn in Dennis, MA (here on Cape Cod), Carol and Tom Edmondson will be conducting a course called "Innkeeping from the Innside". Although we ourselves have not taken the course, we think it is a great way to find out some of the truths about innkeeping. If you are unable to make this one, they will have another one May 4th and 5th at the Candleberry Inn in Brewster. We purchased our first property from Carol and Tom and they really know the business. You can check out their website www.innseminars.com or call them at 508.237.1617 for more information. Let them know we sent you!

New Romantic Packages at the Captain's House Inn

In addition to our popular Elopement Package, we developed two new packages after recognizing a lot of honeymooners and soon-to-be-parents vacationing at the Captain's House Inn. Keep in mind you don't have to be expecting a baby or taking your first honeymoon to take advantage of these packages.

Looking for the perfect place to get in one last romantic trip before your baby makes three (or more)? Check out our newly designed Babymoon Package featuring everything you and your partner need to relax and unwind. Included in the package is a couples massage at Sol Spa (prenatal for pregnant women) in Chatham, ice cream sundae desserts, and a keepsake Goodnight Cape Cod book for the baby, among other special extras.

For honeymooners, two of our interns, Becca and Serena, designed a Honeymoon Package to celebrate your marriage. They've included everything from massages to champagne to chocolate dipped strawberries to a gift basket and roses to make your trip extra romantic.

And, when you book either of these packages, receive a discount on any additional nights you add (15% in the winter and 5% in the summer).