This week’s issue was supposed to beat your morning coffee... but we hit a brief detour somewhere between donut burgers and beach sticker fine print. (Our inbox needed a lifeguard.)

But just like that rogue beach chair you forgot to tie down — we’ve finally landed.

And trust us, it’s a good one. 🏖️

From shark flags to samba skewers, All-Star games to algae-free ponds, we’ve got the full lineup: local eats, real estate truths, live music, tick tips, and events that make summer here feel like summer here.

So go ahead, refill that iced coffee, kick off your flip-flops, and dive into this week’s neighbor-approved roundup.

Because even when we’re running late, we’re still all Cape.
Let’s get into it 👇

—Arthur & the Celebrate Mid Cape crew

Sponsored by Radtke and Associates

You bought the place when it made sense — a smart investment, a way to build something for later. And for years, your Mid-Cape rental pulled its weight. Covered expenses. Paid a little extra. Maybe even funded a few winters in Florida.

But lately?

It’s feeling heavier than it should.

The tenant texts. The off-season repairs. The endless back-and-forth with cleaners, handymen, booking platforms. You’re not burned out… but you’re close. And deep down, you’re wondering:

Is it still worth it?

All across Barnstable, Dennis, and Yarmouth, longtime owners are starting to reevaluate. Folks who’ve been at this 10, 20, even 30 years are quietly stepping back — not because they have to, but because they’re ready to live differently.

For some, that means simplifying.
For others, it’s freeing up equity for family, travel, or just breathing room.

Whatever your reason, it’s okay to admit:
You’re ready for a change.

Mid-Cape is short on inventory — especially clean, well-located rentals with a solid history. Buyers are looking. Investors are still active. And younger families want in before rates jump again.

If your place is in decent shape and has the bones for year-round or seasonal living, it’s likely more valuable now than it’s ever been.

But it’s not just about what it’s worth.
It’s about what you’re ready for.

Some owners sell off-market, privately, without a single showing.
Some do a leaseback and stay for one last season.
Some roll proceeds into easier investments, or even help the kids buy their first home.

This isn’t about walking away.
It’s about moving forward — with purpose, and on your timeline.

That Cape rental may have served you well — built memories, built wealth — but if it’s starting to feel more like a burden than a blessing, you’re not alone. And you're not wrong to listen to that feeling.

Whether you’re six months from a decision or just starting to wonder “what if,” you don’t need to figure it all out at once. You just need the right info, a little clarity, and someone who gets what you’re navigating — without the pressure.

When the time feels right, I’m here to help you think it through.

Not with a pitch.
With a plan that works for you.

—

📞 Arthur Radtke | (774) 209-6032

Cape League All‑Star Game | Saturday, July 19
Red Wilson Field, South Dennis

You could drive past Red Wilson Field a hundred times and never know what it holds. Just another schoolyard diamond, tucked between the pines, behind Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High. But ask anyone who’s lived here long enough — the real ones — and they’ll tell you: this place has seen things.

This Saturday, it will again.

Because the Cape Cod Baseball League All‑Star Game is coming home to Y‑D. And if you’ve ever squinted through salt-stung eyes as a wooden bat cracked under an orange sky, you already know — this isn’t just baseball. It’s a Cape rite of passage.

This field doesn’t have lights. Doesn’t need ’em. The sun sets late in July, and folks here still know how to read a sky.

Five of our own — kids wearing Y‑D Red Sox jerseys with quiet swagger and cleats full of sandy dirt — will suit up with the league’s best.

They’ll play not just for scouts — but for host moms, neighbors, and the guy who runs the sausage cart and still calls everyone “chief.”

🕥 Gates open at 11:45 a.m. for the Fan Fest & Autographs.
🎯 Home Run Derby starts at 2:30 p.m.
⚾ First pitch at 4:05 p.m.

Tickets are $10; kids under 12 get in free.

And yes, donut burgers are back at the Y‑D concession stand. Don’t think. Just bite.

You don’t need to love baseball to love this game.

Because it’s about the Cape. Not the Cape in the postcards, but the one with old dogs tied to bleachers, fog rolling over left field, and someone’s grandmother leading a “Let’s Go Red Sox!” chant by the fifth inning.

It’s about sidewalk chalk, bug spray, fried onions, and a place where a kid in a too-big cap can ask a future MLB star to sign their glove — and actually get a yes.

It’s about belonging.

📍 Red Wilson Field, South Dennis
🕥 Gates Open: 11:45 a.m.
🎯 Home Run Derby: 2:30 p.m.
⚾ First Pitch: 4:05 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: $10 (kids 12 & under free)
🪑 Bring your own chair — or make friends with someone who brought extra.

Come for the ballgame. Stay for the donut burger.
And leave with your heart a little more Cape-shaped.

Summer’s in full swing, and if you’ve driven anywhere near the coast lately, you know the scene: cars circling beach lots by mid-morning, red flags snapping in the breeze, and families hauling coolers down ADA mats before the sun’s too high. It’s Cape beach season — beautiful, busy, and full of small details that make or break your day.

Here’s your local’s field guide for navigating the week ahead at Barnstable, Dennis, and Yarmouth beaches.

In Barnstable, prime beaches like Craigville, Covell’s, and Kalmus have been filling up as early as 10:15 AM on sunny days. And once the lots are full, they’re full — no circling back, no waiting curbside.

Your best move? Use the town’s real-time parking tool, updated every 15 minutes, before you leave the driveway. Save this link now:
🔗 townofbarnstable.us/Departments/Recreation/Parking

In Dennis and Yarmouth, there’s no live update yet, but locals know to favor smaller or less-trafficked spots — think Cold Storage, Bass Hole, or Sea Street Beach — if you’re heading out late.

And remember: after 3:45 PM, most beaches are quieter and some towns drop the daily fee. It’s the locals’ golden hour.

Town beach permits are required and strictly enforced — and yes, the sticker checkers are out.

In Barnstable, resident beach stickers run $60 (just $15 if you’re over 60). Day-trippers can pay $25–$30 at staffed lots like Craigville and Covell’s. Some beaches are free after 3:45 PM, but that can vary.

In Dennis, it’s $60 for residents, $30/day for visitors, with kiosks at most lots. Note: no parking is allowed after 8 PM in beach lots.

Yarmouth charges $35 for seasonal stickers and $20–$25/day depending on the day. After 4 PM, most beaches are free to enter, unless posted otherwise.

No matter your town, keep that sticker visible on your windshield. Parking tickets start at $50 and they will check.

From Seagull Beach to Mayflower, lifeguards are now fully staffed — on duty daily from 9 AM to 4:30 or 5 PM, depending on conditions.

You’ll find coverage this week at:

Smaller beaches like Bayview in Dennis or Veterans in Barnstable may not be staffed. When in doubt, call the beach department or check the town’s official site.

Recent great white shark detections have been confirmed off the southern coast — especially near Craigville, West Dennis, and South Village Beach. These are not just rumors; they’re tracked and verified by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy using tagged shark data.

When activity is high, beaches raise red or purple flags, limit swimming to waist-deep, or temporarily close the water altogether. If you see seabirds diving or seals nearby, get out — those are shark magnets.

The best way to stay updated? Download the Sharktivity app or check:
🔗 atlanticwhiteshark.org/sharktivity-app

Lifeguards have clear protocols, from drone alerts to public tip lines — follow their lead.

Accessibility on Cape beaches is improving, but it still varies by location.

If you or someone in your group needs wheelchair access, Craigville, Corporation, and Seagull Beaches all offer ADA beach mats and floating water-access chairs. Mayflower and West Dennis have mats, but no chairs.

Check in at the staff kiosk or lifeguard stand when you arrive — these resources are first-come, first-served and usually available until late afternoon.

You can find updated ADA details on town websites:
Barnstable ➝ Beaches & Parking Info
Dennis ➝ Beach Rules
Yarmouth ➝ Yarmouth Beaches

Timing is everything. If you want a stress-free day, aim to arrive by 9 AM, or swing in after 3:45 PM when the tide turns, parking opens up, and the heat softens.

Bring bug spray — greenheads are out in the marshy spots, especially late afternoon. Pack your own trash bag, as barrels are overflowing. And skip the floaties if you plan to wade out deep — town rules restrict them to waist-deep water only, even for adults.

Cape summer doesn’t last forever. Whether you’re catching a breeze at Kalmus or chasing kids across the sand at Mayflower, a little local know-how goes a long way. Bookmark your town’s beach page, check the flags, and claim your spot early.

West Nile confirmed. Ticks are thriving. Here’s how to stay safe without missing the good stuff.

By July, the Cape turns into a sunlit playground — but not just for us. The mosquitoes are back. So are the ticks. And they’re loving the same beaches, bogs, and brush trails we do.

This week, Barnstable County confirmed the season’s first West Nile Virus–positive mosquito samples. The Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project reported the finding in its July 16 update and has since started targeted larvicide and spraying in Yarmouth and Dennis. That includes stormwater basins in Hyannis and wetland zones near conservation land in Dennis.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports a noticeable spike in nymph-stage deer ticks — the smallest and easiest to miss, but also the most likely to carry Lyme disease, babesiosis, or anaplasmosis. These are the same ticks we brush past on wooded trails, in tall grass behind the house, or during a barefoot dash to a backyard hammock.

And if you’ve noticed more folks checking ankles at the trailhead or swapping hiking plans for patio brunches — now you know why.

🧪 New this year: Barnstable County's Tick Testing Program
Found a tick? You can mail it in or drop it off to get it tested for free. Results include which pathogens (if any) the tick was carrying. It’s peace of mind, and it can speed up treatment decisions.

For exact maps and updates, visit:
🌐 capecodmosquitocontrol.com →

If you’d like to opt out of mosquito spraying, towns require written notice in advance — details are posted on their websites.

Yes, we’re surrounded by beaches. But also by cranberry bogs, cedar swamps, and overgrown garden edges where these pests love to hang out. A little prep goes a long way — and it doesn’t have to ruin your week.

So spray up, roll down your socks, and enjoy the good stuff.

Because here on the Mid Cape, we don’t let the bugs win — we just pack smart.

Want a printable reminder for the fridge or mudroom? Just reply to this email and we’ll send it over. Stay safe out there.

Blue Skies, Murky Waters & the Summer Ritual of Reading the Signs

At Mystic Lake, just after sunrise, everything feels right.
The water is glass. A kid tosses a tennis ball for a leashed lab who knows today is different. A week ago, there were signs: No pets. No swimming. Cyanobacteria detected.
Now? Those signs are gone.

This week, Barnstable finally gave the green light on some of our most beloved ponds. Mystic Lake (Marstons Mills), Crystal Lake (Osterville), and Shubael Pond are officially back in play — for people and their dogs.

It’s been a weird few weeks. Algae blooms have kept families off the docks and dogs off the shoreline. But these cleared results? They feel like a turning point. A quiet invitation to towel off a kayak, pack juice boxes and Goldfish, and spend the day lakeside.

But not so fast — not everywhere.

Two ponds are still under Public Health Advisory, meaning no swimming and no pets allowed — no exceptions:

These waters still show elevated levels of cyanobacteria — the blue-green algae that looks like pond scum but packs a punch. According to Massachusetts health experts, it can cause rashes, stomach cramps, and worse. For dogs, it’s even more serious. A few laps of toxic water can be deadly.

Another spot to note: Long Pond in Centerville is under a Pet Advisory. Humans can swim — dogs, not yet.

💻 For weekly updates:
📍 Barnstable’s Official Cyanobacteria Monitoring
🗺️ APCC’s Real-Time BloomWatch Map

On Cape Cod, pond days are sacred. They’re where scraped knees get rinsed and memories float. So it matters — this dance with data, these Tuesday updates, the quiet celebration when the tape comes off the signpost.

Let’s stay alert. Let the water tell us what’s safe. Let’s swim smart.
And when we finally get the all-clear? Let’s cannonball like we mean it.

Two Hidden Gems Serving Big, Bold Flavor

The Cape has its staples — chowder, fried clams, lobster rolls. But step off the beaten path and you’ll find a different kind of comfort food: bold, soulful, unforgettable.

This week, we’re spotlighting two standout spots bringing global flavor to the Mid Cape — one tucked inside a Route 28 hotel, the other serving sizzling skewers with a side of samba.

These aren’t just solid alternatives — they’ve earned loyal followings from locals who know where to go when they’re craving something real.

Let’s dig in.

Where skewers keep coming and the Cape goes full samba.
📍 680 Main Street, Hyannis | braziliangrill.com

Brazilian Grill isn’t just dinner — it’s a ritual. Since 2000, this family-run spot has been Main Street’s answer to maximum flavor with zero pretense. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, one thing is guaranteed: you won’t leave hungry.

Here’s how it works: flip your coaster to green, and the meat parade begins. Gauchos in uniform roam with sizzling skewers of sirloin, pork, lamb chops, and chicken wrapped in bacon, slicing it straight onto your plate. When you need a breather? Flip to red and they’ll pause — no judgment.

But it’s not just a meat-fest. The salad bar is legendary, loaded with Brazilian comfort food like feijoada, cassava fries, collard greens, hearts of palm, and marinated veggies. And yes — the grilled pineapple deserves its own fan club. It’s dusted with cinnamon, kissed by flame, and absolutely non-negotiable.

Inside, the vibe is cozy, wood-lined, and warmly lit — a cross between your favorite uncle’s dining room and a São Paulo steakhouse. You’ll spot locals, tourists, birthday groups, and quiet Tuesday night diners all sharing the same satisfied grin.

Flip your card early and often — you’ll thank yourself later.

A quiet hotel entrance hides one of the Cape’s boldest kitchens.
📍 476 MA-28, West Yarmouth (inside Aiden by Best Western) | kesharindianrestaurant.com

Blink and you’ll miss it — but locals know better. Keshar may be tucked inside a Route 28 hotel, but it’s become a word-of-mouth favorite for those craving real Indian food, full stop. It’s not fusion. It’s not toned down. It’s the real thing, served with polish and heart.

Owners Rupali and Amit, both chefs from Pune, India, bring a clear point of view: bold flavors, traditional recipes, and no shortcuts. The butter chicken is slow-simmered and soul-warming. The lamb biryani? Aromatic, complex, and served with cooling raita. And the samosa chaat hits every flavor note — crunchy, spicy, tangy, and just sweet enough.

The dining room is quietly chic: brushed brass, warm lights, and soft music, making it just upscale enough for date night, but still casual enough for takeout in flip-flops. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a spice-lover from way back, the menu delivers — including plenty of vegetarian and halal options.

Fair warning: their idea of “medium” spice is not Cape Cod mild. But that’s the beauty of it.

Ask for mild if you’re unsure — and don’t skip the kheer for dessert.

From hydrangeas and historic walks to circus flips and cornhole showdowns, this week brings the best of Cape life.

Wake up with a 5K in Osterville, wind down with wine and art in Cotuit, or catch SpongeBob and fierce female film leads after dark.

Whether you're beach-bound, garden-hopping, or just here for the good eats—there’s something local waiting for you.

Let’s get into it 👇

From brewery beats and sunset folk to cumbia, classic rock, and Irish sessions, this week’s stacked with sound.

Friday’s smooth, with jazz in Dennis and Fleetwood Mac tributes in Hyannis. Saturday rocks, from Trombone Shorty to Dead-inspired jams. Sunday slows it down with steel drums and gospel jazz.

Midweek brings lawn concerts, open mics, and drumming classes—music everywhere, every night.

Let the rhythm find you ⬇️

Summer’s in session. This week swings from breezy perfection to sticky gusts, with a Sunday shakeup and a Thursday twist. Here's how it plays out:

Fri 7/18
78°/61° | Sun + clouds, N 11 mph
Dry and breezy—best day all week to get things done.
Night: Clear, cool. Sleep with windows open.

Sat 7/19
79°/70° | Full sun, SSW 13 mph
Beach-ready and backyard-perfect.
Night: Clouds roll in. Muggy creeps back.

Sun 7/20
80°/66° | AM storms (60%), gusty SSW
Fast-moving thunder early, then gray and sticky.
Night: Lingering rumbles, then clearing late.

Mon 7/21
74°/63° | Sunny, N 12 mph
Fresh air returns. Ideal for dog walks, lawn chairs, or recovery.
Night: Calm and cool. Porch night approved.

Tue 7/22
72°/63° | Mostly sunny, NNE 8 mph
Picture-perfect Cape Tuesday. Book + beach = win.
Night: Clear skies. Zero drama.

Wed 7/23
76°/68° | Sun + clouds, SW 13 mph
Breezy but dry—good sailing weather.
Night: A few clouds. Quiet night.

Thu 7/24
78°/72° | Windy, PM clouds, SW 19 mph
Morning’s nice, but rain may crash the evening.
Night: Showers likely (50%). Muggy, restless.

📍Cape Tip: Sunrise is edging back (5:28 AM by Thu). Sunset still generous at 8:06 PM—but blink and you’ll miss July.

Got a weather superstition or storm snack ritual? Hit reply—we might include it next week.

Maybe you’re up before the greenheads, flip-flops in one hand and iced coffee in the other. Maybe you’re dodging beach stickers, chasing jazz sets, or just trying to remember if the mosquito truck passed your street yet. Whatever your pace — this week, the Cape is humming.

We’ll be back soon with more events, eats, and updates (and we promise to hit send before your morning brew next time). But before you dive back into your beach bag or grill prep…

Hit reply and tell us:
– What local place or person always deserves a shoutout?
– What you loved (or skipped) this week
– Or what tiny moment made you think, “Yep… this is why I live here.”

We read every note like it’s a message in a bottle. Seriously. You know us — small team, big heart, deeply local.

'Til next time — keep your beach chair handy, your bug spray close, and your stories coming.

—Arthur Radtke & the Celebrate Mid Cape crew
📍Neighbors first. Newsletter second.