When you live in Cape Cod, you are subjected to the heaps of tourists that come piling in every summer who are rude, cranky and have an attitude. Don't get me wrong, I have met some wonderful and polite tourists. Although, most of the time they tend to rub you the wrong way. This tiny island gets 5.23 million tourists every summer. Who can blame them? When you live on an island filled with beaches, ice cream shops and cute boutiques... its a tourist haven. However, some tourists need to learn a few things while visiting this little paradise...
1. The Rotary
This circle shaped road is called a rotary. Yes, I am aware that people have these in other states. But 50% of tourists do not know how to drive on this. I have seen accidents happen every 4th of July weekend because tourists cut people off or they simply don't understand how it works. It's frustrating to us locals that the driving gets worse every year. Just a PSA to tourists, go slow and ride on the outside of the rotary!
2. Mashpee Commons
Ah yes, Mashpee Commons...a outdoor shopping center where you can buy anything from toys for your pup to new shoes and grab some lunch along the way. Every summer this place is packed! Sometimes tourists think just because this shopping center is outside that they can walk in the middle of the street and expect cars to stop (like the women above). I get it, you're excited...but please look both ways before crossing the street.
3. Tipping
Now this goes for any tourist spot, but especially Cape Cod. Locals most of the time work or pick up a summer job where tourists flock (ex. seafood restaurants). So we get our fair share of business in the summer. Now most of the locals that work in these places are teenagers...and as the stereotype goes: we're poor (well, most of us). So a nice tip is appreciated. Especially with the 10,000 questions we get about every kind of fish and the 10 minutes it takes to make up your mind on what you want to order. Having worked in 2 different seafood joints, tipping is occasional but a nice surprise. Just know that Cape Cod is a zoo in the summertime and usually we are not appreciated as servers (or any other restaurant). Be kind, tip your server.
4. Beach Etiquette
Yes that's a thing here. When you visit one of Cape Cods wonderful beaches, they tend to be overcrowded! When you're laying on the beach soaking up the sun, please remember these rules that are widely recognized:
1. Don't shake out your beach towel if theirs other people around. Sand goes everywhere and it's just rude to everyone else when you get a face full of sand.
2. Don't set up your towel right next to someone at the beach. We all love our "personal space", and when you align your towel right next to other people, it's creepy and rude. Yes, the beaches are crowded...but walk down the beach for a minute. You're sure to find a space!
3. If you have screaming kids...quiet them down please. Yes we are outside but people come to the beach to relax and get tan. If your kid is having a tantrum then please take them to the car. We get so annoyed and it's rude to the other people around you. No, i;m not asking for the beach to be silent...but if your child is noticeably upset and you're letting them "calm down on their own"...just don't.
4. Please for the love of God don't cut the line to the ice cream truck. I get it, you're hot and hungry and will do anything to get ice cream in your mouth. But if you cut the line that's just disrespectful to everyone.
5. When you finally get to order your ice cream, don't take 10 mins to order. Yes, there are many options (and sometimes I can't even chose) - but please make up your mind before you order. It saves time and frustration for everyone!
Now you know the Cape Cod etiquette rules! Go have fun on your next vacation!
