MInding Your Business Year-end Wrap-up

December 26, 2024

by Amy F. Tagliaferri

A Year Of Minding Your Business Columns

Part 1

From B’s Trees the first week of the year to Bass River Optometics in last week’s issue, each week this year I wrote about one of our advertisers. And I learned, as I do every year, that everyone has a story. Everyone has something interesting to say about their journey to a successful small business. Our corner of Cape Cod — the towns of Brewster, Chatham, Harwich, and Orleans — has a wealth of retail shops, restaurants, bakeries, professionals, realtors, tradespeople, galleries, antique centers, consignment shops, retirement homes, doctor offices, and more!

– Amy Tagliaferri

I chatted with many retail shop owners during the year. I am always amazed that if you just look in your town, you’ll find nearly everything you need for gifts, necessities and just plain fun! I found a lovely gift for my beach-loving sister at Dune. Kelly Quinn’s idea of creating jewelry with sand from beaches all over the world is amazing.

Gustare Gourmet is another business that is constantly evolving. As “Cape Cod's purveyor of the finest extra virgin olive oils and traditionally aged balsamic vinegar.” It also offers other products that complement those products in their 400 Main location. And they have great recipes, too!

There’s a great retail shop in Chatham Works. What can’t you find at this fitness center with rentable workspace? Where the Sidewalks Ends Bookstore is located where the sidewalk ends on Main Street in Chatham and not only sells books but has the best book events (the Literary Luncheons sell out every year!) and a children’s annex filled with toys and books for all ages.

For one of the most unique shops on Chatham’s Main Street, check out Fisherman’s Daughter. Taylor Brown, a fisherman’s daughter, created clothing when she needed to restrain her hair while shellfishing. Today she designs a clothing line of her own and has other designers in her shop.

Chatham’s Creative Arts Center is a bustling place during the holidays, but you can purchase original art there all year round. They have classes, too!

Someone who could teach woodworking classes is one of the owners of This ‘n’ That. Leon and Debi Long have capitalized on their talents and created a cute little shopping adventure right in their yard on Old Main Street in Chatham. Go check it out!

Cathy Alekna’s Kid & Kaboodle was an inspirational column for me. Alekna’s journey as the owner of this wonderful children’s shop in Orleans is a feel-good story.

I interviewed restaurant owners, too. We are so lucky to have so many diverse restaurants here. Michael DiSabato has brought Italian cuisine to Orleans at La Bella Vita. Good food plus a good staff equals a great night out. Jeremiah Reardon’s passion for food at Red River BBQ in Harwich translates into a unique experience for diners. His barbeque menu is fun and hearty.

The Chatham Wayside Inn changed hands this year, and the new Wild Goose Tavern has a new menu and larger bar. People-watching from the outside deck overlooking Chatham’s Main Street is always a treat.

The majestic Barley Neck Inn in Orleans has returned to its glory days under Cam and Tyler Hadfield’s ownership. Cocktails on the lawn, dinner in front of a stone fireplace, and an innovative menu of Cape Cod Classics; one or the other will lure you in every time.

Ring Bros. in Dennis is a treasure trove of food, gifts and more. The Chatham Filling Station is a great way to start your day with eggs and a popover. Caren Morse and her husband Rik have been in the hospitality industry for decades, and it shows. Then take in the views and the seals at the pier over a lobster roll from the Chatham Pier Fish Market. Yum!

Speaking of yummy food, Pain d’Avignon has come to Chatham to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. “Meet me at PDA!” is a new refrain around here.

The best cure for winter doldrums or any time you’re feeling down is music. Vocalists and musicians are encouraged to join the Chatham Music Club, said Bob Williams, the club’s publicity chair.

I’m marking my calendar for the Brewster Conservation Trust’s Brewster Conservation Day in Drummer Boy Park as soon as I hear which day in early July it’s being held. Sadly they had to cancel the entertaining yet educational event in 2024, so 2025 should be spectacular.

The Chatham Drama Guild is community theater at its finest with a wealth of local folks in each production. I can’t wait to see what their line-up is for 2025.

Be sure to catch part two of this year in review of the businesses I covered in next week’s paper.