Upper Cape

Bourne
English colonists lived in Bourne in the early 17th century, and established a post where Pilgrims traded goods with the Dutch colonies from the New York area. It is said that the New World currency known as wampum – made from parts of the quahog shells -- was created here. The early trading post is now replicated at the Aptucxet Trading Post Museum, open seasonally at 24 Aptucxet Road in Bourne Village, where children and families can explore the windmill; 17th-century herb and wildflower gardens; Native American artifacts; salt works; and Gray Gables Railroad Station. Bourne also is home to a handful of outdoor family amusement centers for families vacationing with young children. The annual Bourne Scallop Fest [link to: ], held in late September, offers a fiesta of scallop dinners, a professional arts and crafts show, a home expo show, live entertainment, and fun for the kids.

Sandwich
Sandwich is a dream of a town. Nestled below the Sagamore Bridge, it's the oldest town on Cape Cod (settled in 1627) and a beautiful introduction to Cape Cod. The downtown's picturesque Shawme Duck Pond is perfect for a peaceful respite. Also in the downtown is the beloved Sandwich Glass Museum, which people who love this art form can learn about its history in the town and shop for stunning gifts. Here you will find the water-powered Dexter Grist Mill, built in 1654 and open to the public in the summer. The Heritage Museums and Gardens on Grove Street is worthy of a visit. Its virtues include rhododendron gardens; a Shaker round barn containing a stunning display of antique automobiles; the Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Famel an operating hand-carved carousel; and an art museum. The Sandwich Boardwalk will take you to Town Neck Beach; it is a testament to the town's community spirit. In 1991, Hurricane Bob destroyed the previous boardwalk. The town's people donated planks for a new boardwalk, each containing a personal message. You'll be so absorbed reading the inscriptions that you might forget to take in the panoramic view of Cape Cod Bay. The boardwalk is about a mile's walk from downtown; follow Jarves Street to its end to the boardwalk parking lot.

Falmouth
Falmouth is the second-largest town on Cape Cod, and although it has grown over the years it still retains much of its original charm. The Village Green, in the heart of town, is on the National Register of Historical Places and is surrounded by several lovely inns and bed-and-breakfast lodgings. The Congregational Church at the Village Green, built in 1856, has a bell designed by Paul Revere. Take a stroll and browse through the many shops on Falmouth's Main Street. Falmouth Harbor is a bustling port, where visitors can relax and watch boats of all shapes and sizes moving through the harbor. There are plenty of seafood restaurants in the area, offering New England's famous cuisine. Across the harbor is Falmouth Heights, a pleasant area with several bed-and-breakfasts offering views of the sea. In East Falmouth you'll find a lovely stretch of historical sea captains' homes on Davisville Road. Farther east is the small village of Waquoit and the remote and lovely Waquoit Bay and Washburn Island. Along the shoreline of Buzzards Bay are several lovely sandy beaches with warm water and plenty of public access locations. On Route 28A is the historic Bourne Farm, a restored 18th-century homestead.

Woods Hole
Woods Hole is a small harbor town full of old-time charm. At its center is the ferry terminal, with sea vessels traveling to Martha's Vineyard. You'll find restaurants and shops on Water Street. While Woods Hole is known primarily as a community of marine science research, it is also a lovely small town with plenty of New England charm. The nearby beaches and forests are basically unspoiled with wonderful views of Vineyard Sound and Martha's Vineyard. During the summer, scientists from around the world come here to research marine life. Woods Hole's first scientific venture began in 1871. In 1930, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution opened there and in the 1960s the United States Geological Survey's Branch of Geology initiated research in the area. Several of the institutions do offer some public access.

Mashpee
The Wampanoag Indians laid claim to Mashpee centuries before the arrival of white settlers in the late 1600s. It is one of the two Native American townships in the area (the other is Gay Head), with more than 600 Wampanoags still living there. Mashpee has several new resort communities, including New Seabury and Popponesset.

The towns of the Mid Cape

The towns of the Lower Cape