Destination :: Cape Cod Cape Cod is a truly unique destination. It’s amazing the amount of things to do in such a small place. It has yet to be destroyed with overdevelopment, save for certain areas inland that have evolved into strip mall central. But for anyone who hops on 6A and makes the trip toward Provincetown, once they slow down, relax, and enjoy, they will learn to appreciate the Cape as one of the most special places in the world. Unfortunately, many people do know this; therefore the Cape can become somewhat overcrowded during the peak summer months. This does also mean that there is rarely a shortage of jobs and you are practically guaranteed a constantly busy summer. Some practical stuff to know: Climate: Average temperatures between May and October are roughly between 16°C and 24°C (quite similar to home really) with relatively low rainfall levels. Time Difference: 5 hours behind our time. Getting Around: Getting around the Cape is fairly simple; there are ample buses and trains to take you where you want to go. Cape Cod is also a cyclists paradise so why not rent a bicycle for the summer to keep you out of traffic and out in the fresh air? Cape Cod and the Islands have an improved and expanding network of relatively flat and paved bike trails. A pair of scenic bike paths runs on both sides of the Cape Cod Canal. The following websites can help to navigate the rest of the island: www.insidecapecod.com aaccessmaps.com www.capecodweb.com www.capecodtransit.org Cape Cod Sea Links: Ferries from the Mainland Capt. John Boats Bay State Cruises Boston Harbor Cruises Ferries from the Islands Freedom Cruise Lines (to Harwich Port from Nantucket) Hy-Line Cruises (to Hyannis from Nantucket and Oak Bluffs, MV) Island Queen (to Falmouth from Oak Bluffs, MV) Patriot Party Boats (to Falmouth from Oak Bluffs, MV) Pied Piper (to Falmouth from Edgartown, MV) Steamship Authority (to Hyannis from Nantucket; to Woods Hole from Oak Bluffs, MV and Vineyard Haven, MV) For more general info on Cape Cod visit: o www.capecodchamber.org o www.capecodtoday.com o www.smartguide.org o www.capecodvisit.com o www.capecodtravel.com o www.capecodtravelguide.com Where to live: As the whole Cape area is a bustling tourist hub, finding accommodation may be somewhat difficult. Arriving early will help but the following websites should be assist you also. www.capecodrental.com www.capecodvacation.com www.midcaperentals.com www.capecodcottagerentals.com www.usahostels.org (for temporary accommodation) www.dennisseashores.com (for temporary accommodation) Sometimes your employers can help to arrange accommodation for you so be sure to check out for both jobs and accommodation before you go. Where to work: Finding jobs in the bustling towns of the Cape should not be too much trouble during the summer months. As a popular J1 destination though, remember that there will be many other Irish students applying for the same jobs as you – be aware of the competition that you will face! The following websites should help in your quest: www.capecodemployer.com www.capecodworks.com www.allcapecod.com www.capecodrestaurants.com Where to go, What to see and do: With the possible exception of a mountain range, Cape Cod has it all: Pilgrim history, incredible natural beauty, working windmills and cranberry bogs, a benevolent yet interesting climate, a paradise for artists, golfers and birdwatchers. It is a place of magnificent beaches, crystal kettle ponds and myriad estuaries to explore in a kayak or canoe. It is a peninsula of biking trails, hiking trails, museums, and exciting theatre productions. It is a place to feed seals, to watch a breaching whale and to learn about maritime history. It is a place for families, for couples, for people, for you…to relax, kick off your shoes, wiggle your toes, breathe in some sea air, and enjoy your today. The island of Martha's Vineyard is most worthy of in-depth exploration, so linger there. Its historic towns, fine museums, wildlife sanctuaries, golf courses, unparalleled beaches and laid-back lifestyle are only a few miles offshore but seem worlds apart. Much of the charm of Nantucket is associated with its historic sights, museums and attractions, its cobble stoned main street, small lanes and byways, yet it is Nantucket's superlative beaches—all open to the public—and conservation lands, accessible to the public for biking, hiking, bird watching and nature walks, that provide testament to the island's natural beauty. Stop by the Cape Cod Canal and watch the fishermen catch stripers and breed tales of the activity. Cruise down a bit to Sandwich and explore the beach with its impressive dunes. Enjoy all of the antique shops along the way. Just peel your eyes, and stop everywhere. When you have a beach need, turn left and you'll find it. It proves difficult at times as much of the land is privately owned, but that’s part of the fun of exploring. Keep up this same path, and go all the way to Provincetown. You can't really go wrong on the Cape; it is too well catered to tourists.