Life Annual Guide 2016

Falmouth: 2016 town profile

Cape Cod Life  /  2016 Annual / , , , , ,

Writer: Caitlyn McGuire / Photographer: Paul Rifkin and Peter Partridge 

Falmouth: 2016 town profile

Life Annual Guide 2016

Cape Cod Life  /  2016 Annual / , , , , ,

Writer: Caitlyn McGuire / Photographer: Paul Rifkin and Peter Partridge 

Nobska-Light-House-Falmouth copy

Photography by Paul Rifkin • Nobska Lighthouse

Traveling to Falmouth? Here’s a few things to bring to best enjoy your experience: a bicycle, a book on marine life, a bathing suit, a big appetite, and a few extra hands to carry your shopping bags. Looking out over both Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound, this town has a lot to offer; there’s truly something here for everyone.

Falmouth’s historic Main Street is a charming downtown area that is perfect for walking; dozens of shops, salons and restaurants are spread out along a scenic mile. There are clothing shops, candy stores and gift shops: pop in Blast from the Past (nostalgic mementos and toys) or Twigs (flowers and knickknacks) for some unique ideas. Or simply observe the world go by from a bench by the library.

For dining, Main Street has many wonderful options including Anejo for savory enchiladas; The Quarterdeck Restaurant for lazy man’s lobster; and The Pickle Jar for sandwiches + salads, and homemade pickles of course! In summer, take a nostalgic ride on the Carousel of Light and enjoy a moment or two at the serene village green.

PeterPartridge_ChapoquoitBeach_WestFalmouth

Photography by Peter Partridge • Chapoquoit Beach

A great way to see more of Falmouth is to cycle or walk the Shining Sea Bikeway, which travels about 10 miles in total. Beginning in North Falmouth, the paved trail passes along bogs and wooded areas, by Chapoquoit Beach—a great swimming beach—and all the way to Woods Hole. Route maps are available at many local shops.

A hub for ferries traveling to and from the Vineyard, the village of Woods Hole is dedicated to all things “ocean”. Since 1930 the staff at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute has been studying the world’s oceans and marine animals. At the Woods Hole Science Aquarium on Water Street, visitors can observe 170 local species including seals and lobsters. Continuing on Water Street—where the Falmouth Road Race begins—note the nautically themed Captain Kidd Restaurant and the statue of famed naturalist Rachel Carson, and look out over Great Harbor to the Elizabeth Islands.

Care to stay? The elegant Coonamessett Inn offers fine dining experiences, a Sunday brunch, and cozy rooms to get some shut-eye . . . to help you prepare for your next Falmouth adventure.