The Journal
Cape Cod & NH Lakes Region travel guides
Beaches, restaurants, trails and seasons around Dennis Port and Hermit Lake, written by the family that hosts there.
Start here
Travel Guide · Cape Cod
Our Favorite Cape Cod Beaches (and a Few You Probably Haven't Heard Of)
We've been going to these beaches our whole lives. Here are the ones we actually go to, not just the famous ones everyone talks about.
Oct 24, 2026 (updated) · 12 min read
Read the guideLocal Tips
Where We Actually Eat in Dennis
Every guest asks us for restaurant recommendations. Here's the list we send them, with our honest opinions on each place.
10 minCape CodRead
Travel Guide
Planning Your Cape Cod Vacation: The Complete Dennis Port Guide
Everything you need to know about planning a Cape Cod trip, from the best beaches and restaurants to seasonal tips and day trip ideas.
13 minCape CodReadTravel Guide
Planning Your New Hampshire Ski Vacation: A Lakes Region Guide
Everything you need to know about skiing in New Hampshire's Lakes Region, from choosing the right resort to planning a winter getaway.
16 minLakes RegionRead
More articles

Seasonal
When to Come for Fall Colors (and What to Do When You're Here)
Fall at the lake is incredible. Here's when to come and what to do.
11 minLakes RegionReadTravel Guide
What to Do on Cape Cod When the Kids Are Done with the Beach
The beach is great, but kids get bored. Here's what else there is to do.
13 minCape CodRead
Travel Guide
Four Seasons in New Hampshire's Lakes Region: What to Expect Each Season
From summer swimming to fall foliage to winter skiing, here's what the Lakes Region offers throughout the year—and when we think is the best time to visit.
11 minLakes RegionRead
Travel Guide
Booking Direct: How Airbnb & Vrbo Service Fees Work
Guests often ask why they'd book a house on its own website instead of on Airbnb. Here's how platform service fees work, and how to compare a direct booking fairly.
9 minCape Cod & Lakes RegionRead
Seasonal
Cape Cod in the Off-Season: Why Fall and Winter in Dennis Are Worth the Trip
Everyone asks us about July and August. But September through the winter is when the Cape belongs to you—warm water, empty beaches, and no traffic.
11 minCape CodRead
Travel Guide
Where to Stay in Dennis, MA: Dennis Port vs. West Dennis vs. Dennis Village
Dennis is one town with five villages and two coastlines, and where you stay shapes your whole vacation. Here's our honest breakdown of each village and who it's right for.
11 minCape CodRead
Travel Guide
Summer on a Quiet New Hampshire Lake: A Lakes Region Guide Beyond Winnipesaukee
You don't have to fight the Weirs Beach crowds to have a great Lakes Region summer. Here's how we do it from a quiet lake—and how to dip into the busy stuff only when you want to.
11 minLakes RegionRead
Travel Guide
Two Easy Weekend Getaways from Boston: Cape Cod Beach House or NH Lake House
Both of our destinations are about 90 minutes from Boston in opposite directions—one to the ocean, one to a lake. Here's how to pick, and how to make a two-night weekend actually work.
10 minCape Cod & Lakes RegionRead
Local Tips
Fishing Hermit Lake, NH: A Practical Guide for Guests
Rod in the car for your Sanbornton trip? Here's what to actually expect fishing a quiet central New Hampshire lake—species, seasons, licensing, and how it's different from fishing a big lake like Winnipesaukee.
9 minLakes RegionRead