When the Mayflower landed with the Pilgrims at the tip of the Cape in 1620, little did they know that they would be paving a honeymoon trail for newlyweds for centuries to come.

Cape Cod promises something for everyone, but for honeymooners it offers the perfect romantic escape – with plenty to do. If you’re a gourmet, this slice of New England means delicious cuisine. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, it is nirvana with deep harbors, open waters and friendly shorelines offering boating, sailing, windsurfing, deep sea and sport fishing.

Sandwich - often referred to as the "Pearl of Cape Cod," is the oldest town on the Cape and houses what may be the most interesting bed and breakfast you may ever visit. Two distinctive properties comprise The Belfry Inne and Bistro. The Village House, an 1882 Victorian Manor House once owned by successful clothing merchant George Drew, was purchased in 1902 by the Fall River Catholic Diocese as a rectory and was used as such until Christopher Wilson purchased it in 1993. Today, it has seven bedrooms with private baths: some with whirlpools and fireplaces.

Built in 1882 and commissioned by the Drew family the Painted Lady is a classic, featuring multiple gables, a windowed turret, and a welcoming entry boasting the best of Victorian décor.

The Painted Lady Café is housed on the first floor and nine cozy rooms abound with classic New England touches enhanced by modern amenities such as flat screen TV’s, private bathrooms, gas fire places, and ultra massage tubs.

Next door, however, the piece de resistance is the Abbey. Built in 1900 as a Roman Catholic Church, it was "desanctified" and transformed into an inn with six fabulous bedrooms suites each distinctly decorated and named for the days of God's creation: Monday through Saturday. (On the seventh day, he rested, thus, there is no Sunday suite, Wilson happily explains). Some of the beds have been fashioned out of original pews and each room features a gas fireplace, ultra massage whirlpools for two and balconies.

The upstairs was added when Wilson created the B&B. Downstairs, in what used to be the church, is now the bistro with tables topped by cloth, china and candles. Live piano music, fireplaces and stunning decor are enhanced by beautiful (and inevitable) stained glass windows. Wilson created the Abbey as a place to "rest, relax and renew."

Located in the heart of Sandwich Village amid sea captains' homes and charming tree-lined streets is the beautiful Dan'l Webster Inn and Spa. Originally built in 1692, the inn has served as a parsonage, patriot headquarters and inn.
Purchased in 1980 by the present owners, the Catania family, the historic inn is well-known for its robust hospitality, fine food and comfortable amenities. There are 48 richly furnished guestrooms, reflecting traditional New England charm.

The award-winning restaurant sprawls through four dining rooms, dishing up delicious -- and copious -- food in a very classy atmosphere. Ask to sit in the Atrium. The atmosphere is less colonial, but the view of the garden is great. The Tavern serves lighter, less expensive fare. For information visit Attractions, such as the Sandwich Glass Museum, Dexter Grist Mill and Thornton Burgess Museum are located nearby and are worth a visit.

For information about Cape Cod visit www.capecodchamber.org.

www.belfryinn.com.

www.danlwebsterinn.com.