Chatham MA

Chatham is a small town of roughly 24 square miles that sits precariously on the elbow of the Cape. It is infused with many harbors, inlets and creeks that make it particularly vulnerable to the awesome storms that can pound the area. It is estimated that one-half of the shipwrecks that have occurred in the Atlantic have happened in this vicinity.

In fair weather, Chatham is a beautiful spot that was inhabited by Native Americans for 10,000 years before being obtained by white settlers in 1656. It was then incorporated in 1712. The area was, at first, agricultural but eventually a majority of the population turned to fishing for living, a livelihood that is still robust today. In the early afternoon, the fishing fleet comes in from the sea and attracts large crowds of residents and visitors who enjoy the hustle of the days catch being offloaded. Cod, lobster, haddock and a variety of seafood are shipped to New York and Boston or sold locally in markets or restaurants.

There are numerous beaches at which to spend an afternoon, ranging from Harding’s Beach, which can be crowded, to North Beach, a short ferry ride away, which is small and less populated. Numerous establishments rent sailboats or skiffs, and others rent bicycles or inline skates for those who want to stay on dry land.

The Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge consists of 2500 acres of land and encompasses the Monomoy Islands. These islands were once part of the mainland until a 1958 storm separated a nine-mile stretch of land, which was then split into two islands by a storm in 1978. These islands are a stopping point for many migratory birds of both the sea and land variety, making it a popular spot for bird watchers.

Be sure to make time for a trip to Chatham Light, one of the few remaining working lighthouses in the area. After a day on the beach, you can head back into town for a play presented by either of the town’s two theater groups, an art class or an exhibit at the Creative Arts Center, or a summer band concert, which can attract thousands on any given night and offers a dance floor for cutting a rug to the music.

Chatham is an elegant resort town without being ostentatious. It offers plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy, making it a great place for a family vacation.