Gift Barn

Quickest $ 10 you’ll ever spend, not many games but the kids seem to love it.

…name = accurate
If gifts is your game — barn’s the place to get — it — DONE!
Convenient location, just off the main drag of the «Cape arm». The parking area is large and entirely adequate to the amount of move-​around space within the store. Inside you will find all of the cheap nic-​nacs that your 7-​yearold nephew’s been dying to have: a snow globe even though we were here in the summer?-MINE!, a little lobster holding a name bracket with MY name?-REJOICE IN NORMALITY!, giant-​generically-​loomed blanket with Cape town names on it?-BUNDLE UP!
There is a small section of locally made items (…I think). Soaps, jams, honies, and perhaps even some candies — my mother says that the apricot jam (which she received in her Christmas stocking… definitely from Santa) was «pretty good», but that Santa could have just gotten its equivalent at the local grocery. The rose-​scented soap was quite nice and not too fragrant.
Connected to the Barn-​o-​Gifts is a small ice cream parlor (since we were there in the down season I didn’t care to sample the cold treat at inflated prices).
*sigh* Acting as the Duty Free shop in the grand airport that is «the Cape» (only it’s not duty free… this IS «TAX-​achusetts», after all!). Chachki-​rific and a good stop if you «have to being something back from the Cape» as a cheesy gift (our purchase was of a Christmas tree ornament that says «Seas & Greetings»).

I’m hesitating to give the Gift Barn more than three stars for two reasons: 1. The mini-​golf isn’t nearly as much fun as it used to be, 2. The food is pretty expensive.
Star One: Ice cream
Though the ice cream is expensive at the Gift Barn, it’s still really good. They have amazing soft serve, and they also offer frozen yogurt for those looking for a healthier treat. There are a variety of toppings and flavors, but you absolutely have to be willing to reach into your wallet. The portions aren’t really worth what you are paying for, but again, the ice cream is just so good that at the very least it deserves some mention and a star if you are willing to pay for it. Seriously, try the soft serve. It’s delicious.
Star Two: The arcade
Who doesn’t love an arcade? Even if you aren’t a fan of all the chaos and the screaming kids, this arcade is still a lot of fun. They have an air hockey table so you can get your competitive game face on. It’s so entertaining that my family and I have gone to the Game Barn (the arcade section of the the whole place) just to play air hockey. But you also have the classic arcade games, like the bowling-​esque game, the hit-​the-​alligator-​on-​the-​head game, racing games and different ways to earn more tickets for that fabulously cheap prize you have your eye on. It’s definitely a great way to spend an evening after the beach. Then you can pop in and get some ice cream.
Star Three: Gift Barn
The gift shop part of the entire establishment is actually really good. There are pretty much two sections of it — one section where you can get all your touristy souvenirs, and another where you can actually find some pretty good jewelry. The Gift Barn never fails to deliver on nice earrings. A lot of their jewelry is also made locally, so you are bound to pick something up that will support a local Cape Codder, which is always a nice feeling. It’s sturdy jewelry as well; real gold, white gold, and silver. I’ve had earrings and bracelets that are years and years old from the Gift Barn, and they still look great with any outfit. The prices are totally fair, too. It’s a great place to go if you are looking for that perfect present for someone. It really has something for every person and occasion.
There was a time when the mini-​golf was a lot better, but they have since remodeled the course and it’s kind of boring now. There isn’t anything really fun to look at while you’re waiting for everyone else to make their shots. And the first part of the course is much better than the second part. By the time you reach the second level of the course, you really just want to drop your balls in the holes (teehee) so you can go to the arcade instead, which you probably should have done in the first place.
A good time for all, so long as you can stand the sun kissed children.