Between two kids, two part-time jobs, and all of life’s other adventures, it can be hard to getaway even during the winter months.
New for me and my sanity this year, I have committed to at least one off-island adventure each month.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a day or a weekend or even a half day. I am doing something different, and most likely making my family join me.
So with this goal in mind, chances are there will be some overnight hotel stays. I’ve stayed at a number of hotels in Falmouth in the past, but decided to try something new for January’s excursion.
Sea Crest Beach Hotel – Islander Rate
We booked a night at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel, since it’s now a sister hotel to the Vineyard’s own Harbor View Hotel. The bonus is that there is a $79 Islander price for rooms — whoohoo!
Our off-Island adventure consisted of a little retail therapy, for me, and a trip to the New England Aquarium, for the family, with a night spent in Falmouth. We booked our room at the Sea Crest, bought our tickets for the aquarium online and off we went.
I love how easy it is to get to Boston this time of year. The aquarium is one of the best places for kids big and small. To watch sea horses and an octopus, and chase the super popular Myrtle the turtle all around the three story tank — it’s so much fun.
The different penguins can thaw anyone’s winter heart and melt away any blues. Watching your one-year-old come almost face to face with a clown fish and scream Nemo with such joy — memories to last a life time. I loved it all.
After our underwater sea creature adventure, we meandered the streets of Boston for a while, and then hopped back in the car to head back to Falmouth to continue our adventure.
Dining On Cape Cod
The Sea Crest does have a restaurant, Reds which has a great menu and is kid friendly and looks great. However, I felt like taking a chance on dining out someplace random in Falmouth. Actually North Falmouth to be exact, since that’s where the Sea Crest is located.
North Falmouth is uncharted territory for me. I know nothing about it.
Doing a little research in the car, I found a place called the Silver Lounge which was a couple miles away from the hotel. We decided to go for it. Once again – – it’s an adventure, the unknown.
The Silver Lounge
Aptly named, the Silver Lounge has been serving the Cape since 1938. It is a classic Cape restaurant. Lots of wood and vintage charm. There’s even an old caboose from a train that’s been added on to dine in. Of course we had to eat in there, the kids were over the moon.
The Silver Lounge had a lot of traditional Cape dishes, including the nightly special which was baked Scrod with Uncle Bill’s special cheese sauce. I had to get that just to be in the moment and get full experience. Also, there was even a piano player in the main dining room.
They threw in a little house salad and of course a baked potato. FYI — they had a great beer and wine list and great deals on martinis. I wish I had taken pictures of the Silver Lounge inside.
We all had a really good time at the Silver Lounge. The food was fine, but the experience on whole made it a hoot. I really felt like I was on this fun little winter Cape Cod adventure. We didn’t know where we were eating, and we hadn’t even been to the hotel yet.
Where You Should Stay In Falmouth
Now it was late and we were ready to head to the Sea Crest. Easy to find, it’s actually right on the beach.
Lots of parking, a gorgeous, bright lobby, and friendly staff, I immediately liked the place. On our way to the room, we had to check out the pool.
What a pool it is! It’s a big beautiful saline pool. There’s also a children’s pool (serious bonus) and a hot tub. Visiting the pool was another key component to this staycation plan.
I knew the kids would love swimming in the pool. Soon as I saw it, I realized that would be where we spent the next morning after breakfast. It was more than I expected.
Our room was beautiful. Since it’s winter, we actually had an water view. We looked right out at Buzzard’s Bay. Another bonus was that you could use a pack and play from the hotel. No need to pack one — I liked that.
Since it was a Friday night, we had to keep the fun going. So, we had to get drinks at Red’s. Loved having the restaurant right there. Once again good drink menu — gotta love the Cape!
Also, the food menu is really quite impressive. I need to try Red’s Artisan “Mac n Cheese” Cave Aged Gruyere, 3-year-old Vermont Cheddar, Grana Padano, Roquefort cheeses and the Hand Cut Pasta “Cioppino” Calamari, Mussels, Littlenecks and Shrimp with Saffron Tomato Broth. Yum!
In the summer, there’s a Red’s takeout window, so you can bring food to the beach or to the pool since both options are right there for you. I love that. Why don’t we have that here on the Vineyard somewhere?
How fun to be away for the night, feeling so far away but yet so close in reality? To add to it, friends from the Vineyard were also staying at the Sea Crest.
After a little mini late night party and watching a little Ice Age — the cartoon — it was off to bed. Another round of memories made. Who doesn’t love the uninhibited giggles that seem to happen in hotel rooms!
Rising early, we headed to The Ocean View Room where you could get breakfast. The whole room overlooks the beautiful Old Silver Beach. A sea of windows, you could see the outline of Rhode Island. It just so happened to be a beautiful sunny morning.
Breakfast was amazing. There was a lot to choose from. Since I was somewhat on vacation, I opted for the thick cut cinnamon french toast with berries and threw on a little whipped cream for good measure.We all really enjoyed our breakfast and of course the view.
However, the kids just wanted to hit the pool, and that’s what we did. For hours! Four adults and four children, we laughed and swam and were just plain silly. For a moment, we forgot we were in New England. The palm trees helped too.
It was so great for the soul. The baby pool was an added bonus since all the kids are under four.
Sadly, it was time for us to check out and head home. I think all of us left feeling like there was a new place for us to stay in North Falmouth. After staying at the Sea Crest, I feel a little bit spoiled.
If you’re not heading someplace warm for winter break this month, you may want to check on a room for a night or two at the Sea Crest. A pool day can really satisfy kids. Also, my daughter has asked me to go back almost everyday since we went.
Thanks for reading On Point. You can learn more about the Sea Crest Beach Hotel, including seasonal specials on Facebook or visit Sea Crest website. Don’t forget to ask about the Islander rate.
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