Cape Cod's off -season is a special time for New Englanders. The crowds and the New York license plates are mostly gone, beach walks are exhilarating , and shopping and dining are enjoyable no matter the temperature. What's more, rates drop sharply , leading to deals like these :
A Weekend Cape Escape at Heritage House in the Main Street waterfront district of Hyannis costs $189 per couple through Jan. 20. The price includes a complete dinner one evening, a full breakfast each morning, and a 6 p.m. checkout on Sunday. (The offer excludes New Year's Eve when packages are available for $449-$479.) From Jan. 21-May 13, the price is $199, including Sunday brunch . Through April 12, the Repeat Guest and Islander Rate starts at $42 a night Monday-Friday, holiday periods excluded.
Call 800-352-7189 or visit heritagehousehotel.com.
Mystery weekends, in which guests try to solve a make-believe crime, can be a lot of fun. The Colonial House Inn in Yarmouthport certainly thinks so, for it has several scheduled this winter and spring. The weekends Dec. 15-17, Jan. 5-7 and 26-28, Feb. 23-25, March 30-April 1, and April 20-22 cost $300 per couple and include accommodations, breakfast and dinner for two each night, and fees for the mystery event. If you're not the crime-solving type, the package is $250 minus the mystery. Yet another mystery weekend May 18-20 is $310 or $260.
Call 800-999-3416 or visit colonialhousecapecod.com.
Boston's Enchanted Village may be unavailable for viewing this year, but the Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis has an Enchanted Village of its own, with animation and a lot of lights, open daily to the public through Dec. 23. There is also an Enchanted Village Overnight Package starting at $109 Sunday-Thursday and $149 Friday-Saturday. In addition to a night in a deluxe room, guests get $100 in dining, lodging, and shopping certificates.
Call 888-297-2200 or visit capecodderresort.com.
The Chatham Bars Inn has a two-night Holiday by the Sea Package for those who want to enjoy the charm of Chatham, with its upscale retailers and galleries on Main Street. Included are accommodations, a holiday welcome amenity, and daily oceanfront breakfast for two, plus a complimentary therapeutic massage for two. Rates start at $580, and because any time is a good time for a holiday, the package is available until March 31.
Call 800-332-1577 or visit chathambarsinn.com.
The Palmer House Inn in Falmouth would like it known that healthful food need not be boring. Two three-night packages will include an afternoon of heart-healthy cooking and dining presented by Dr. Michael Bihari, a physician, health educator, and chef. The dates are Jan. 13-15 and Feb. 20-2 and the price of $499 includes accommodations, the hands-on class, wine tasting, dinner for two, and taxes.
Call 800-472-2632 or visit palmerhouseinn.com.
Romance, of course, knows no season. In Provincetown, the Crowne Point Historic Inn & Spa calls its one-night offering the Invigorating Cape Escape. In addition to lodging, couples get one spa treatment per person, a full buffet breakfast for two, a wine and cheese social, dinner for two, a private concierge service, and airport or ferry shuttle service. The cost is $469 in a Pamper Me Twice room, which includes a queen bed and private bath with shower, or $519 in a Pamper Me Three Times room, with either a king bed or whirlpool bath.
Call 877-276-9631 or visit crownepointe.com.
For even more specials, a lot of information about Cape Cod, and a chance to win a getaway, visit capecodchamber.org.
When not included, hotel taxes can add significantly to the price of a trip. Most prices quoted are for double occupancy; solo travelers will usually pay more. Offers are subject to availability and there may be blackout dates. Contact Richard P. Carpenter at carpenter@globe.com. 
