Answer: When you’re in a town called Sandwich (Massachusetts) as the Discover Small Town America Tour was earlier in the Summer. More on this later…

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We set off to explore the Upper Cape towns of Bourne, Falmouth and – of course – Sandwich. Our tour guide for the day was our wonderful friend Alice, a native “Cape Codder” living in North Falmouth (pronounced “Fal-muth”). The town (population approximately 30,000) is a picturesque place that combines bucolic countryside views and vistas with a vibrant and very walkable village center.

The weather was spectacular and Alice took us on a walk near her beautiful home to a local marina called Fiddler’s Cove. This place is a classic New England boating venue.

Having worked up a good appetite, we decided it was time for lunch. Alice had a special place in mind and drove us on some gorgeous backroads (only a local would know) to a seafood lover’s nirvana – The Lobster Trap. Located in the Town of Bourne (population 19,754), The Lobster Trap is a fish market and fried seafood joint located on the Pocasset River in Monument Beach.

From a healthy choice standpoint, some of us chose our meals wisely. Others (Rorie, Rorie, Rorie), not so much. “Anybody here order the fried clam roll with a massive side of fries?” She insisted it was just the perfect balance of protein and vegetables.

The Lobster Trap has plenty of indoor searing but limited, and prized, outside tables. We scored one with a direct view of the water.

After a great visit with our buddy Alice, and a scrumptious lunch, we headed off to another iconic Cape Cod town: Sandwich (population 20,675).

Sandwich is the oldest town on the Cape. It was first settled by Europeans in 1637 and named for the seaport of Sandwich, Kent, England. It is home to a historic grist mill, and boasts an amazing collection of architecturally significant homes.

Even its town hall is stunning.

The Hoxie House – a classic saltbox style – is one of the oldest houses on the Cape (Circa 1637)

Dexter’s Mill is located on the historic town square of Sandwich. It’s one of the oldest water mill sites existing in the US and has Plymouth Colony Records dating back to 1640.

The architecture that can be seen in the area around the mill is just beautiful.

We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these charming, Upper Cape towns. It was truly a “secret sauce” kind of day: visiting a great friend, eating great food and seeing great sights! As we were leaving the Cape we drove by a “show stopper” view. Bart slammed on his brakes and Rorie took this spectacular shot of a massive cumulous cloud floating over a lake. Looked like a Dali-style painting. An amazing end to a wonderful day.

Stay tuned for the Tour’s next road report from the Lower Cape towns of Brewster, Chatham and Orleans.