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Future of the Sagamore Bridge Christmas Tree Shop is Known – the Windmill Stays!!

It was a major bummer when the Christmas Tree Shops announced that they were closing all locations. The Christmas Tree Shops were a part of the fabric of Massachusetts for…

Heavy traffic approaching the Sagamore Bridge and Cape Cod, Massachusetts
(Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

It was a major bummer when the Christmas Tree Shops announced that they were closing all locations. The Christmas Tree Shops were a part of the fabric of Massachusetts for years. I'd have to guess that millions and millions of cars have seen the big windmill at the Christmas Tree Shop while approaching the Sagamore Bridge, many just before starting their Cape Cod family vacation. When I lived on Cape Cod I used to love seeing that windmill because it meant that I was almost home. And now a new business is about to make that space it's home... and the windmill gets to stay!

TULP Outdoor will be opening in the location with a projected opening date of March 1st. TULP Outdoor is a family-owned company which will sell high-quality European outdoor furniture and accessories. And what caught the new tenant's eye? That special windmill! The family that owns TULP is from the Netherlands, which is "windmill country." So if you, like me, dreaded the day you drive to Cape Cod via the ol' Sagamore and notice a void where the CTS windmill used to be - dread be gone - the windmill will be waiting there for you, as always, to welcome you to the Cape.

TULP signed an initial lease on the building which will run through Spring and Summer. An extension will be considered and discussed at that time. TULP has its headquarters and a warehouse in Carver, Mass. If you're curious what kind of furniture and accessories you can get at TULP Outdoor, here's their website.

So now we've established that you're heading to Cape Cod... and that the windmill will be saying "hello" as you cruise on by... now how about some great places to hit while you're on Cape Cod so you can feel fancy and free?!?

If you want to feel fancy on Cape Cod, here are some great places to dress up, spend a little bit more money than usual, and feel totally bougie while doing it.

Cape Cod has golden beaches and a rich maritime history. It's no surprise that this Massachusetts haven has become a sought-after vacation destination for many. But for those with a penchant for the finer things in life, Cape Cod offers some truly luxurious experiences. Whether you’re hoping to dine in opulence, sip cocktails in style, or shop in the chicest of boutiques, Cape Cod has it all!

History Of Cape Cod

From the early 20th century, Cape Cod transformed from a simple maritime and farming community to a hub for the American elite. Celebrities, politicians, and industrial magnates started flocking to its shores. Of course they began building summer cottages that would make any architectural digest cover. (Think of the Kennedy Compound!) This influx of affluence painted Cape Cod with a brush of opulence, a legacy that endures to this day.

Fast forward to the present, and Cape Cod remains a haven for those seeking a touch of extravagance. Strolling through the quaint villages, you can't help but feel the historic allure that makes it a beloved vacation spot. The region’s cobblestone streets whisper tales of old money. The pristine beaches echo with laughter from glamorous 1920s beach parties.

Why Feeling Fancy Is Fun On Cape Cod

Sometimes, it's worth loosening the purse strings a little to elevate the Cape Cod experience. Dine at an upscale restaurant where gourmet dishes are served with panoramic ocean views. Or perhaps enjoy a cocktail at an elite bar. The sheer joy of dressing up, stepping out, and feeling fancy for the evening is an experience in itself.

Ayla Brown and Rob Bellamy at a table eating oysters

My husband and I love going to the Cape. Ordering oysters makes us feel fancy, but luckily there are some places on the Cape that have Happy Hour Oyster specials! (This photo was taken when I was very pregnant so I ordered oysters Rockefeller).

To vacation on Cape Cod is to be part of a tradition—a tradition of seeking the best, of appreciating beauty, and of indulging in life's finer pleasures. It's a reminder that sometimes, it's more than okay to be bougie, to celebrate life’s little luxuries, and to revel in the rich tapestry of experiences that this magnificent peninsula offers.

So, the next time you're planning a trip, remember that Cape Cod awaits, ready to wrap you in its luxurious embrace. And trust me, it's worth every penny.

Here's 7 Places To Be Bougie On Cape Cod!

1. Chatham Bars Inn

297 Shore Rd, Chatham, MA
www.chathambarsinn.com
Located in Chatham, this historic resort provides an unmatched coastal luxury experience. The oceanfront property boasts a private beach, a spa, golf, and a choice of elegant dining experiences. One could easily argue that it’s not just one of the best places on the Cape, but in the country. The Stars restaurant, with its gourmet dishes crafted from local ingredients, offers not just a meal but an experience.

Ayla Brown standing in front of Chatham Bars Inn

This is the place that my now husband took me to after he proposed. We celebrated with drinks outside at their beach restaurant. This is THE place to go on Cape Cod.

2. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club

2173 MA-28, Harwich, MA
www.wequassett.com
Another gem located in Chatham, this Five-Star luxury resort overlooks the serene Pleasant Bay. Beyond the lavish accommodations and the award-winning golf course, it's home to Twenty-Eight Atlantic, Cape Cod’s only Five-Star restaurant, offering panoramic ocean views alongside its meticulously prepared dishes.

3. The Captain's House Inn

369 Old Harbor Rd, Chatham, MA
www.captainshouseinn.com
A nod to the region's history, this 1839 Greek revival mansion in Chatham is the epitome of elegance. The rooms are luxuriously appointed, the gardens are pristine, and the afternoon high tea experience takes you back to a bygone era of sophistication.

4. Ceraldi

15 Kendrick Ave, Wellfleet, MA
www.ceraldicapecod.com/
Situated in Wellfleet, Ceraldi offers a seven-course, farm-to-table, ever-changing menu that showcases the bounty of Cape Cod. The intimate waterside setting and the art of the culinary journey here is all about sophisticated, authentic Cape Cod dining.

524 Main St, Dennis, MA
www.borsarigallery.com
For those wanting to indulge in a shopping spree, Borsari Gallery in Dennis Village is a must-visit. This isn't your average art gallery. It’s a vibrant collection of eclectic pieces, from contemporary art to vintage treasures, all showcased in a beautifully restored 1850s Cape building.

6. The Ocean House

425 Old Wharf Road, Dennis Port, MA
www.oceanhouserestaurant.com
Located in Dennis, The Ocean House is where the cocktail culture meets Cape Cod charm. The bartenders are mixologists, crafting signature drinks that are both innovative and classic. It's the perfect place to start or end a bougie night on the Cape.

7. Hot Chocolate Sparrow

5 Old Colony Way, Orleans, MA
www.hotchocolatesparrow.com
This might be a surprise to some, but no visit to Cape Cod is complete without tasting some sweet treats. While it's an espresso bar, candy shop, and ice cream parlor all in one, what makes the Sparrow standout in Orleans is its upscale take on confections and its chic, rustic interiors.

Jackson Blue has been on Boston airwaves for over 20 years. He is a foodie family person with a passion for having fun forever. Jackson likes to write about food, restaurants, Massachusetts and Boston happenings.