Kennedy cachet, to-die-for seafood and trademark seaside charm are par for the course on Cape Cod and the nearby islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Merely meeting where generations of presidents and captains of industry have sailed, golfed and worn lobster bibs infuse the visitor with a sense of potential for greatness. From the historic lighthouses dotting its 560 miles of seacoast to the iconic accents of its "year-roundahs," Cape Cod and its islands immerse each attendee in an atmosphere set apart from the world, yet supremely conducive to concentration and creativity.
"No one accidentally finds themselves on Martha’s Vineyard," as Nancy Gardella, executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, puts it.
The same goes for the Cape Cod peninsula and the island of Nantucket. Although you can drive across the canal via bridges to the flexing arm-shaped peninsula jutting from the coast of Massachusetts into the Atlantic, the only ways to journey to the islands are by boat from Woods Hole Steamship Authority or by plane.
There are no standard convention centers here, but a collection of resorts and hotels retaining unique character while providing every modern amenity. This also keeps meetings small, focused and memorable.
By convening on the Cape, planners choose to steep their events in the atmosphere of one of the most distinctive, charismatic and inspiring destinations in the world.
Cape Cod
Cape Cod, which is also Barnstable County, was transected by a canal in 1914. The peninsula includes both the mainland side and the rest of the peninsula, or arm, which juts to the south and curves around to the north. The cape enjoys a small-town feel throughout. Barnstable, the largest of its 15 communities, has a population of just under 50,000.
Although its reputation as a playground for the upper crust might indicate a steep price tag, the cape offers surprisingly high seasonal value. The weather is mild nine months out of the year, leaving half the calendar both pleasant and free of tourists.
"I think value is key, especially during spring and fall," says Patti Lloyd, vice president of sales at the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. "Cape Cod has so much to offer, all with easy access via two major airports and one regional airport."
Lloyd says highlights include Cape Cod’s variety of properties, excellent seafood and 40-plus golf courses. The cape also boasts 115 beaches and a variety of opportunities to fish, sail and view wildlife in its protected natural areas.
"Creative Cape Cod excursions and activities include unique opportunities for groups of 10 to 200," Lloyd says. "Take a sunset cruise, serve hors d’oeuvres along with a good measure of awe on a seal-watching cruise, or enjoy a typical Cape Cod clambake as you’re watching the sunset on Cape Cod Bay."
Meeting space on Cape Cod is often synonymous with ocean views, beachfront locations and tempting resort amenities. The top options include the recently renovated Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis; Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort and Conference Center, which is undergoing a guest room renovation; the recently renovated Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club; Cape Codder Resort and Spa; historic Chatham Bars Inn, which recently unveiled a $1.7 million sport fishing yacht available for group charters; Red Jacket Beach Resort & Spa; and the recently renovated Wequassett Resort and Golf Club.
For an event with true local flavor, dozens of off-site venues welcome private bookings. Options include Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth; The Regatta restaurant in Cotuit, housed in a 1790 mansion; and Cape Cod Central Railroad, traveling between Hyannis and the Cape Cod Canal.
Nantucket
Nantucket is a 48-square-mile island, registered in its entirety as a National Historic District, set in the midst of Nantucket Sound. Originally a bustling whaling port, the island has been carefully preserved in both its historical context and its natural integrity; nearly 40 percent of its land is preserved by conservation laws. Boutique shops, seafood restaurants, museums and nature activities abound. Nantucket can accommodate groups as large as 250.
To get to Nantucket, visitors can take one of two high-speed, one-hour ferries or a quick flight from Hyannis, New Bedford or Boston, or, seasonally, from New York.
"Being an island 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, yet easily accessible, makes Nantucket a definite one-of-a-kind location," says Lawrel Strauch Spera, public relations and marketing manager at the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce. "Nantucket’s living history and charm, combined with its seclusion and beauty, is the ideal environment for successful meetings."
What the island’s meeting hotels lack in size, they make up for with atmosphere. Favorites include Nantucket Inn, the White Elephant and the historic Jared Coffin House.
Planners can take advantage of this one-of-a-kind island’s character by hosting an event in a signature Nantucket location, such as the Nantucket Whaling Museum, The Jetties beachside restaurant and Bartlett’s Farm.
"Planners enjoy the uniqueness and beauty of the island, the span of services available, the variety of downtime activities and the ease of getting attendees around, since most things are centrally located," Spera says.
Martha’s Vineyard
The island neighboring Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, was in the international spotlight in August as the First Family’s chosen summer vacation spot. No doubt the Obamas enjoyed the 88-square-mile island’s beautiful beaches, boating opportunities, historic lighthouses and six picturesque towns as much as visitors have since the late 1800s.
The island’s mild climate makes it a wonderful spot for meetings year-round, and it is truly a unique meetings destination just a short trip from Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., and Providence.
"Martha’s Vineyard offers bustling port towns and stunning rural landscapes," says Gardella of the Martha’s Vineyard COC. "It combines the features of the best getaway possible—easy to access, but leaving visitors with the impression that they’ve really been someplace special. As there are no chain stores, malls or fast food drive-throughs, the experience includes world-class farm- and sea-to-table dining, one-of-a-kind shopping in boutiques and art galleries, golfing on courses along the Atlantic, miles of unfettered coastlines, bicycle and hiking trails, and abundant water-related sports and activities."
Top properties include Harbor View Hotel, Mansion House Inn, Lambert’s Cove Inn and Winnetu Oceanside Resort.
