The “secret” amazing time to visit Cape Cod has become so well embraced, it’s earned it’s own moniker. Second Summer is what the locals call the weeks after Labor Day, when the crowds are down but the fun is still top notch.

I’m here to share a more on the QT season, one I happen to adore. I’ve even given it a moniker, but let’s keep it between us.

I call it Capetober; the month when, to my view, Cape Cod truly shines.

There’s a kind of magical feel across the Cape these autumn weeks, because it’s when the locals become tourists with more time on their hands and more access to the offerings of the Cape and the tourists become locals with a quieter, more relaxed vibe anywhere they should choose to go.

Sure, the air is crisper, but there’s something about a sweater, the sun and the beach. Yes, the sun sets earlier and rises later, but that means catching a beautiful sunset before you’re wiped out and sleeping in, yet still seeing an ocean sunrise.

And oh, the places one can go. Pack your cozy hoodie and your bathing suit: the weather can be anything from beach-day balmy to cool fall cozy; both are delightful. And be ready to catch some sun and waves, nosh on Cape Cod classics and get all kinds of cultural experiences.

Active fun: Capetober means moving without getting too hot, and the Cape is wide open with active opportunity. You’ll find not one but three super safe spots to pedal or walk, including the Cape Cod Canal in Bourne, where you can ride or walk seven miles back and forth on either side of the Canal. You’ll see ships and leisure boats pass through, fishermen hauling in stripers and Massachusetts Maritime students training to keep our seas and shores safe. You may even see the famed railroad bridge go up and down for the train. There’s free parking on either end and lots of little spots in which to dine.

There’s also the Cape Cod Rail trail and in Falmouth the Shining Sea Trail. Both are perfect for short or long rides or walks.

To really amp up the active, fall is a great time to spend a day at the Adventure Park at Heritage Gardens & Museum (https://myadventurepark.com/location/sandwich-ma/). Long known for its beautiful gardens and interesting museum, not everyone knows it also has a fun adventure park.

The aerial ropes course and zip lines feature seven zip lines, 60 challenge elements, seven tree top trails and four levels of challenge, making it doable and fun for just about every age.

Hiring a guide to train you and take you through experiences you never imagined you’d take on fits the Second Summer vibe; why not try something new when we are all more chill?

There’s plenty of food on site and other fun games, so make it a day. And in Sandwich where it’s located you’ll also find a fun and quaint downtown, a beautiful beach boardwalk to meander down and some pretty fabulous food.

All about the beach: Capetober beach time means putting on that cozy sweater and soaking it all in on long walks with less competition for seaglass (you might even score a coveted blue piece or two), fresh air and always a surprise summerish day.

At Marconi Beach you’ll almost always have surfers to watch, and the dunes make a spectacular backdrop for an autumn beach day picnic. (Warm drinks in your Yeti this time).

There you can make your beach day even more fun by spending time at the Chatham Marconi RCA-Wireless Museum (https://www.chathammarconi.org/), before or after, where you can learn all about the man the beach is named for – Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi, who led the creation of the communications system that helped us in the big wars.

Located in Chatham, a quick drive from that beach, the building was once the busiest ship-to-shore station in the United States and a significant military installation during World War II. The beach and the museum are a perfect blend for a Cape Cod Day.

Rest your head well: Hotels are easier to access this time of year, including the famed Ocean Edge Resort (https://www.oceanedge.com/) where you have the beach, the Rail Trail, golf and all the other Cape fun within steps, and the lovely Pelham House Resort (https://www.pelhamhouseresort.com/) an oceanfront resort with outstanding service and amazing food on site. Sit at their pool area overlooking the sea and you’ll never want to leave.

For something truly unique, stay at AutoCamp Cape Cod (https://autocamp.com/location/cape-cod/). Your home for you stay will be an Airstream camper jazzed up to be just right: posh and comfortable while still old-school campish, You can sit around your own fire pit, mingle with other guests and just savor a stay that is an experience in itself. It’s special, and special for all ages.

Taste the Cape: Lobster rolls, full-belly clams, soft serve ice cream and salt water taffy are all Cape Cod flavors you must experience on each visit.

But there’s more, and now with more of a chance of getting in. From mom and pop diners to famed seafood spots, choices are endless and everywhere is still open.

This year, do stop at Mom & Pop’s Burgers in Chatham (https://www.momandpopschatham.com/) said by most locals to serve the best burgers on the Cape. It’s casual and comfortable, and the burgers live up to the rep. Grab a frappe too; it’s a Bay State must.

Should you head to Provincetown, check out Ocean193 (https://www.ocean193.com/) for an amazing al fresco dining experience. Fresh seafood off the boat, unique and locally inspired cocktails and a setting that screams “Insta-worthy,” you’ll be glad to get a seat this time of year. It all tastes extra good in Capetober.

Capetober brings the chance for a crowd-lite stay at the Ocean Edge Resort. (Photo Moira McCarthy)
Head to Ocean 193 in Provincetown for a great al fresco dining experience. (Photo courtesy Ocean 193)