Ship's Knees Inn

We’ve been returning to Ship’s Knees Inn for 48 years, ever since our honeymoon, and recently spent four days there. The 1820 sea captain’s home has 16 rooms, with a nice mix of historic character and modern comfort. Denise and Pete Butcher make the place feel welcoming and family-like, which helps explain why first-time guests become regulars. It’s a great place to recharge in the fresh sea air. Nauset Beach is only about a quarter-mile away, an easy five-minute walk that also saves the $35 daily parking charge. The inn lends beach chairs, too. We enjoyed the homemade buffet breakfasts, courtyard fire pit, and biking on the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Catching an Orleans Firebirds game and getting lobster rolls at Cap’t Cass are part of the fun. It feels like a second home.

We first came for the beach, but the breakfast is what will bring us back. We’ve tried some amazing bakeries around the area, and Ships Knees beats them all. Everything was thoughtfully set up for a relaxing, worry-free stay. Thanks to Ships Knees for a wonderful visit.

This was my second visit, and I’ve stayed in two different petite queen rooms. Both were clean, charming, and comfortable for one person, with modern, pleasant bathrooms. Breakfast is generous, and they have both regular and decaf coffee. The decaf is especially good. There’s a hammock under a tree in the yard, too. Nauset Beach is a short walk away. I went down one evening to watch the moonrise, which was spectacular, and could just faintly make out the Milky Way. The beach is one of the most beautiful and peaceful I’ve seen, at least after Labor Day. I can’t say what it’s like in peak summer. My first stay was six nights in early September; this time I’m here for four nights in mid-October, the last weekend of their season. The Outermost Roots and Blues festival is happening right down the street Saturday and Sunday, so the location is ideal. Festival parking is only in town, with a free shuttle, and people pay top dollar to park nearby. I can’t say enough about the Inn or Peter, the owner. I’ll keep coming back.

We had a comfortable, relaxing stay, with very little noise and everything we needed. The rooms were clean, and Peter and Denise were warm and attentive. Denise’s breakfasts are much more than coffee and muffins, you’ll be glad you got up for them. The beach is an easy walk away, and the stay was a great value. Can’t wait to return.