Captain's House Inn

Wayside Inn Chowder

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:00:00 +0000

It feels like ages since we've blogged about our quest to find the perfect chowder. It is a busy summer here on the Cape and while we've managed to get out and sample more chowder, we haven't squeezed in time to write about our findings. But the wait is worth it because we found what is, in our opinion, the best chowder to date. Practically in our own backyard, the Wild Goose Tavern at the Wayside Inn in downtown Chatham serves its chowder chock full of perfectly cooked clams, potatoes that aren't mushy, and plenty of flavor. The consistency is spot on too - not at all watery, but not so thick as to warrant a food coma after slurping down a bowl. So far, the Wild Goose Tavern has our vote for the best chowder around. But we're not quite done yet...

Captain's House Inn, Chatham, MA

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:47:00 +0000

The Captain's House Inn was recently highlighted in an article in the Boston Globe. Click here to read the full review.

Impudent Oyster Chowder

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Fri, 23 May 2008 22:18:00 +0000

The Impudent Oyster is a landmark in Chatham – the ambiance is bustling and the tables are always full and hard to come by in the summer. The reason? Certainly people aren’t flocking here for the décor which is minimal and somewhat rustic. They come for the food which is consistently outstanding and draws customers back, sometimes multiple times during their vacation. With this in mind, we decided a sample of their chowder, or, as they call it “Yesterday’s Quahog Chowder,” was a must. We were surprised to find that while certainly tasty, this was not at the top of our list. The clams and potatoes were plentiful and the consistency was a bit on the creamier side, but we felt it was lacking a bit in the flavor department. With a bit of doctoring up with some salt and pepper, we did enjoy the chowder and do recommend it, particularly since the atmosphere lends itself to the chowder and beer image we all have in our minds.

Chatham Bars Inn Chowder

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Fri, 23 May 2008 22:00:00 +0000

While one typically envisions their clam chowder dining experience as casually slurping down a bowl with a pint of beer and perhaps the Red Sox game broadcasting on the bar’s TV, we couldn’t complain about the water views and fine china that accompanied our bowl of chowder at the Chatham Bars Inn. This was certainly the most different chowder we have sampled so far. Rather than spoonfuls of chunky potatoes and tender clams, the Chatham Bars Inn version was more of a purée than chowder. Though far from what we expected, the flavors were fantastic while perhaps a bit salty for some. Sometimes, it’s best not to mess with a classic, but we think the Chatham Bars Inn did a fine job of putting a gourmet spin on a New England tradition.

Roo Bar Chowder

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Fri, 23 May 2008 21:33:00 +0000

One might think that with a new baby our search for the perfect chowder would be put on the back burner. However, we are trying to expose Abigail to our favorite pastime of dining out well before she is actually able to enjoy anything off the menu. So, while she downed a few ounces of formula, we downed a couple cups of chowder. The Roo Bar's version is on the creamier side, but not "stick to your spoon (and ultimately your gut)" thick. While we would have preferred a few more clams, the ones that were there were cooked well and there were plenty of potatoes for a those who prefer a heartier bisque. Overall, we enjoyed the flavors, but personally prefer our chowder a little less creamy and a little more clammy!

Captain Linnell House chowder

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Sat, 03 May 2008 11:25:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:00:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:48:00 +0000

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.

AAA Awards Four Diamond to Captain's House Inn

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:09:00 +0000

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.

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:16:00 +0000

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?

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 21:09:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 21:27:00 +0000

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).

Winter on the Cape Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:30:00 +0000

Thanks for the kind words about our site. We are glad you like it.

As far as other casual restaurants in Chatham there are a few others we love. Downtown, the Chatham Squire is open seven days a week. They are open for lunch and dinner, have Karaoke on Tuesday nights and live entertainment usually every Friday and Saturday. The Roobar is our favorite place for a lighter meal. Although they have great sounding entrees, we usually end up going there to split an appetizer, salad, and one of their delicious pizzas. In the area, the Beacon Room and Joe’s Bar and Grille in Orleans and the Circadia Bistro in Harwich are great casual choices.

If you are looking to stroll around, the downtown area is about ½ mile from the inn. You can also head through one of the nicest residential areas in Chatham to Scatteree Beach. There you can see Chatham’s newest beach break and some of the camps on North Beach that are being destroyed by mother nature. We also love heading to Chatham Lighthouse beach, the Monomoy Wildlife Sanctuary, and to the beaches along the Nantucket Sound for a peaceful stroll.

We hope this helps and that we get to see you soon. Let us know if you have any other questions.

How we started?

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:58:00 +0000

In response to our first comment, we figured this blog should be our story. Although most “blog experts” will tell you that you shouldn’t blog about yourself, we guess that at least one reader has an interest.

In college, Jill studied Entrepreneurial Studies and Marketing at Babson University, Wellesley MA, and James studied Hospitality Administration at Boston University. James spent four plus years at the Boston Harbor Hotel, with jobs as the Front Office Manager, Conference Services Manager and as a bellman. Unhappy with the corporate world and a strong desire to own our own business, we left the corporate world and purchased the Carriage House Inn (also located in Chatham) in 2003. Although we were (and still are) young, we figured that if we failed miserably we could sell the property and start over again in the corporate world. Using information gained in our studies and from the corporate world, we were able to triple the yearly occupancy in two years. Now knowing that we wanted this as a career, we looked for ways to get bigger. In June 2006, we were able to purchase the Captains House Inn and sell the Carriage House Inn and we couldn’t be happier that we did.

We are really glad that we had a corporate background that helped in the inn business. Many people think of the running an inn and think that it is just meeting people and telling them about the area. While a lot of it is, there is a lot of work that goes behind a successful property. Knowing a little bit about everything (maintenance, cooking, housekeeping, accounting, marketing, etc) really helps. We are also glad we started young (you need a lot of energy) and small. Starting small helped us understand the inn business better, showed our bank that we can do it and made us realize that this is what we want to do.

I will work on a blog about how to start your own search soon. But in the meantime, if you have any questions, we do not profess to be experts, but we have some experience.

Winter on the Cape

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 21:25:00 +0000

The first day of winter comes on December 22nd. While many of you may be thinking about a vacation to the Caribbean, the Captain's House Inn is a great place to come for a winter getaway. Only a 90 minute drive from Boston or Providence, Chatham is a great place to get a way from it all. Here at the Captain's House Inn, you can snuggle by a fire in room reading your favorite book. Our DVD collection seems to be growing by the day, a great way to relax. Maybe you'd enjoy a glass of your favorite wine in your whirlpool bath. Our chef is creating wonderful seasonal breakfasts and special afternoon teas for the months of December and February. Our rates during the winter month are a great deal and even better when you take advantage of our midweek specials.

There are also great things to do around the Cape. The summertime traffic is gone and the parking lots at the beaches are empty. There is something so peaceful about walking a beach that you have all to yourself, seeing the frozen waves or more stars than you can count. Maybe you like birdwatching...there are some birds that make the Cape their winter home. Did you have trouble getting into the Impudent Oyster or Buca's the last time you were here? Tables are much more readily available. You will also find some great deals at many of the restaurants. Most towns take advantage of the month of December and have wonderful strolls and festivities for the holidays and New Year's. Chatham's Holiday Inn Tour and First Night Festivities topped off with a great fireworks display over Oyster Pond should not be missed.

So, if you are looking for a get away from the stresses of the everyday world, think about the Cape, and think about the Captain's House Inn.

The start

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:45:00 +0000

We are about to start a new frontier at the Captain's House Inn..our very own blog. We hope to be able to keep you current on things here at the Captain's House Inn and around Chatham and Cape Cod and give you recipes, insite on being an innkeeper and lots more. We would love to hear from you on your thoughts and comments of what you like and don't like about our blog. Happy reading!!