Belfry Inne and Bistro- A Cape Cod Bed And Breakfast Treasure

Happy Thanskgiving From The Belfry Inne & Bistro

2010-11-24T12:44:00.000-05:00

A friend recently passed along a story regarding a whale ** entangled in some fishing lines and related lesson learned by the divers who saved the whale…and it made me think of “Notes From Geritol Beach” written by my friend Mary T. Wilkinson.

As you enter the space called the Belfry Bistro, the former church, I have the notes framed on the wall hung above what was once the holy font. Today it reminded me of such an important lesson. I have always asked of everyone who enters the space, The Belfry…to unburden themselves…for me it’s a lesson of gratitude. So I say thank you.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Life is great!

Notes from Geritol Beach

By: Mary T. Wilkinson, 1981

“Today I watched a young man comb the sand with a metal detector. Maybe he found a few coins or a bit of jewelry. He missed the smile I tried to offer, the changing cloud formations, the soaring gulls, the tide ebbing and the splendor of nature’s wonders. Some people go through life so burdened they miss the magnificent adventure of living.”

Please take a moment to unburden yourself as you enter this space.

Write down your worries and dispose of them during your brief stay.

Yours,

Christopher Wilson

**http://articles.sfgate.com/2005-12-14/news/17403910_1_humpback-crab-pots-whale

and ending comment from the author...

"May you, and all those you love, be so blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by people who

will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you. And, may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude."

Fun Things to do on Your Cape Cod Getaway!

2010-07-27T13:55:00.002-04:00

The summer season is in full throttle, and Cape Cod is full of attractions to make your stay at the Belfry well worth the trip. Just down the street from the Belfry Inne are The Heritage Museums and Gardens, a must-see if you're in town.

"Heritage Museums & Gardens celebrates American art and history in four buildings offering both seasonal exhibitions and exhibitions of the museum's permanent collections.

The J.K. Lilly III Antique Automobile Museum showcases the museum's extensive collection of American antique automobiles.
The American History Museum has galleries for seasonal exhibitions as well as exhibits featuring American military miniatures and firearms, and the bird carvings of Elmer and Cleon Crowell.
The Art Museum features the museum's hand carved carousel, as well as a seasonal exhibition space and the Folk Art Gallery."

And what would a trip to the Cape be without going on a whale watch?! Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises, the Mid-Cape's only whale watch guarantees a wildlife experience you'll never forget! With guaranteed whale sightings, you can't miss out on this experience.

"Our state-of-the-art jet-powered boat is the fastest and most whale-friendly vesse lof her kind in the northeast. Whether you choose to relax within her climate-controlled cabins or on the spacious sundecks, the M/V Whale Watcher will quickly carry you across the waters of Cape Cod Bay to your destination - the whales!"

Fun Things to do on Cape Cod in the summer.

2010-07-08T20:07:00.000-04:00

We want to make sure that all our guest at the Belfry Inne & Bistro and the Painted Lady have a fantastic time on Cape Cod this summer. Call us at 508-888-8550 or email info@belfryinn.com if you need help planning your next day on the Cape.

Here is a list of fun things to do on Cape Cod this summer:

1) Go whale watching in Hyannis.
2) Cape Cod Canal Bike Ride or Walk
3) Jump off the Boardwalk in Sandwich, MA
4) Take the Island Queen to Martha's Vineyard for the day.
5) Go to the Beachcomber in Wellfleet.
6) Take the kids to the Drive-in theater in North Eastham, MA.
7) Climb the Pilgrim Monument tower in Provincetown (P-Town).
8) Explore a beach on Cape Cod.
9) Walk the world famous gardens at the Heritage Museum and Gardens.
10) See a concert at the Cape Cod Melody Tent.
11) Attend a Wine tasting at the Truro Vineyards in Truro, MA.
12) Learn about the Pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation.

Or you can just relax on Town Neck beach in Sandwich, on the deck at the Painted Lady Cafe, Drink wine and sip cocktails on the patio at the Belfry Bistro or sleep in late in one of our guestrooms at the Belfry Inne. You don't always have to be doing something!

Call Chris Wilson the owner of the Belfry Inne & Bistro or any of our friendly staff if you have any questions about planning you day on the Cape.

Nantucket Wild Gourmet and Smokehouse: This Week's Buy Fresh Buy Local Feature

2010-06-15T15:06:00.001-04:00

This week, the Belfry Bistro's executive chef, Daniel Kenney, will be creating a dish feautring delicious smoked salmon from Nantucket Wild Gourmet & Smokehouse! Sold locally at the Sandwich Farmer's Market, this smoked salmon will be sure to create a memorable dish. According to their website, the NWG "is the home of probably the world's best Real Wild Alaskan Cold-Smoked Salmon. We've mastered the ancient craft of smoking seafood in the traditional manner of the Irish and Scottish experts - hand made slowly in small batches, visually controlled and taste-tested every step of the way to acheive the perfect subtle balance of salt and smoke as well as a delicate taste and texture that will truly tantalize your palate."

Conratulations to The Belfry Inne and Bistro's Own, Jaafar Chbarbi!

2010-06-15T14:07:00.000-04:00

Over the past 16 years, The Belfry Inne & Bistro has proudly sponsored four individuals through the legal process to U.S. citizenship. We are excited to announce our fifth sponsee, Jaafar Chbarbi! Jaafar, a native of Morocco, came to the Belfry Inne just over a year ago with his wife and two children, having previously worked in California for world-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck. Since his arrival, Jaafar has proven to be one of our most invaluable employees, and has brought with him a truly unsurpassed level of excellence and professionalism. Having lived in the U.S. for the last fifteen years, Jaafar was finally able to swear in as a citizen last week! So next time you visit the Belfry Inne & Bistro or the Painted Lady Cafe, be sure to congratulate Jaafar for a job well done!

Buy Fresh, Buy Local, at The Belfry Inne

2010-06-09T13:25:00.001-04:00

The Belfry Bistro and the Painted Lady pride ourselves on serving the freshest, most local food we can possibly find, so it comes with no surprise that we are proud members of Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod. This organization is devoted to advocating the support of local and organic farmer's markets across the Cape. Each week Chef Daniel Kenney chooses a specific farm in the area to utilize one of their products in our dishes. This week's choice was Allen Farms of Westport, MA, whose pea sprouts were used in all of our mixed green salads.

Local News, Featuring the Belfry Inne!

2010-06-09T12:38:00.002-04:00

The Belfry Inne & Bistro has been garnering attention from Boston winers, diners, and over-nighters alike, and we'd love to share with you some of the reviews they wrote!

Holy Nights

Fall asleep in church, without guilt

Did you ever dream of falling asleep in church without feeling guilty about it? Here's your chance. The Belfry Inne and Bistro offers accommodations in a converted Catholic church. Original beams and archways poke into the odd-shaped guest rooms, some of whose windows are stained glass and whose beds are made, in part, of wood from the original church pews.

The 1872 mansion beside the Belfry Inne, which also has guest rooms, was built for the owner of a clothing and provision store who sold it in 1920 to the Diocese of Fall River to be used as a rectory.

MySecretBoston.com "leads you to the secrets of the city (and surrounding areas), and the favorite people, places and things as recommended by residents and visitors, like a great dish at a family-run restaurant, a killer drink, an amazing deal, or a landmark or historic site you never knew existed."

Get the link to the article, here.

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Red White Boston is a blog dedicated to finding the libational gems of the Boston area. Community events, parties and tastings have all been promoted on Red White, and the Belfry Inne was lucky enough to be featured this past week. Check out their review, here

Join us in Celebrating Cape Cod Quahog Day!

2010-05-25T15:50:00.004-04:00

With the second annual Cape Cod Quahog Day less than a month away, the The Belfry Inne & Bistro is offering a special package just for the occasion!

Enjoy a 2-night stay in one of our 21 rooms, each of which has something unique and special to offer apart from the others.
Experience a historic tour of the Village of Sandwich (which includes tickets to the Heritage Museum and the Sandwich Glass Museum), followed by a complimentary lunch at the Painted Lady Cafe, one of our two dining establishments on the premises.
For dinner, join us at the Belfry Bistro and enjoy a 3-course meal for two, prepared by renowned chef, Daniel Kenney. You'll also receive tickets to the Cape Museum of Natural History and Provincetown Lighthouse Beach, or, take a kayak tour of the estuaries.
Enjoy a full breakfast each morning, served at the Bistro.

Quahog Day will take place on Monday, June 21st at the Sandwich Boardwalk.

"Once again, the Cape's official Quahog (aptly named 'Doug') will come out of hiding for the 'Quahog Prognostication'. Speaking the secret bi-valve language, he will give word to the Secretary General of Quahog Republic on how many weeks of Cape Cod beach weather will lie ahead. The fun and offbeat ceremony will be followed by live music from Black Wampum, a local band which sings about (yes, we kid you not!) quahogs, and a Quahog Day bash at nearby Hemisphere in Sandwich."

Please refer to our website for rates

For your entertainment, here is a video of last year's inaugural Quahog Prognostication!

Historic Cape Cod Bay and the Cape Cod Canal…Relish the History

2010-05-06T12:42:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Cape Cod! The first sight everyone who “enters” the Cape is the Cape Cod Canal. It’s a beautiful sunny day and as we walk on the Canal smelling the sea salt, gazing at the passing craft the simple pleasure of taking time is actually exhilarating for this Belfry Inne & Bistro innkeeper. Take the time to take in the sights and history of Cape Cod Canal while visiting Cape Cod. Check out the live cam! www.telecamsystems.com/capecodcanal

History
The historical significance of the canal to connect Cape Cod Bay with Buzzards Bay to save the expense and danger of rounding the Cape was the impetus of this mammoth project. As early as 1623 the idea was considered to connect the trade route from east to west. After many unsuccessful surveys 1791, 1803, 1818, 1824-1830 and 1860 none came to fruition. Finally in 1909 construction began under the direction of the Boston, Cape Cod and New York Canal Company. It was officially completed in 1916. Presently maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers the canal stretches some seven miles with width of 540 feet and current depth of approximately 35 feet. http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/ccc/education/canalbridges.htm

Cape Cod Visitor Center
Some things in life are free and this has to be one of the best! The center introduces visitors to the history, features and operation of the canal. A 46 seat theater showing continuous presentations of the history as well as real time radar and maritime control. The center is open from May through October and admission is FREE. www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/ccc/.../recreation.htm

Take in a Picnic/Bike Trail/Joggers Paradise/Dog Walkers Heaven
Just a step away from the Visitor center is a grassy knoll perfect to place ones beach chair to share the canal activity while sipping your favorite beverage and picnic snacks! Be sure and Stop by the Painted Lady to pick up lunch for the day. Both sides of the canal feature a wide service road with minimal grades it is ideal for beginner to casual cyclists. In addition the road provides access for fishing, in line skating or just to walk. There are parking lots on either end and many places to rest along the way. http://www.capecodbikeguide.com/canal.asp

After a long day of talking in all the Cape Cod beauty join us at the Belfry Inne & Bistro for dinner starting at 5 :00 PM.

Belfry Inne & Bistro Innkeeper

Cape Cod Bed and Breakfast is Animals' Guardian Angel

2010-05-01T11:14:00.002-04:00

On May 1st, join the Belfry Inne and Bistro, the Gallery Gourmet and the MSPCA as they combine forces to
help animals that have been left behind, abused, or turned in because their owners can no longer care for them . "A Prelude to a Furry Affair" will start with light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments and guests are invited to mingle about as they preview the auction items. Some auction items will be available for purchase during this event. Afterward, join The Belfry Inne & Bistro or The Painted Lady for dinner - show your ticket and $5.00 of every $20.00 spent will go the MSPCA*.

Date:       5/1/2010
Address:     Gallery Gourmet, 598 Route 6A, East Sandwich, MA 02537
Location:     Sandwich, MA
Hours:     6.00 pm - 7.30 pm
Cost/Cover:     Tickets are $15.00 per person and can be purchased at Gallery Gourmet or Cape Cod Animal Care & Adoption Center, Centerville, 508.775.0940
Web Page:     Event Web Page
Contact Info:     For ticket or event information contact Jacqui Kingsbury at 508-888-3633. For dinner information at the Belfry Inne & Bistro or The Painted Lady contact them directly at 508.888.8550.

Innkeeper
Belfry Inne & Bistro