Cape Cod & Coastal MA Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts in the category - Barnstablehttps://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/blog/Copyright CoastalNeighborhoods.com2024-03-27T10:47:41-07:00tag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:6983Why Sandy Neck is So Sublime <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/sandy_neck_beach_barnstable.jpg" width="800" height="532" /><br /> Photo: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/masstravel/" rel="nofollow”">Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism</a>
When it comes to some of Cape Cod’s best beaches, it turns out Sandy Neck is a true favorite of both locals and visitors alike. This six-mile barrier beach is technically shared by both <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/barnstable/" title="barnstable real estate">Barnstable</a> and <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/sandwich/" title="sandwich real estate">Sandwich</a>, as Sandy Neck Beach Park contains well more than 4,000 acres of land.
This means plenty of space to lounge out on the sand, plus also explore sand dunes, salt marshes, maritime forests, and freshwater wetlands. The beach is a particularly fun spot for those of all ages during low tide, and thousands upon thousands of people visit it each year.
Low tide is when sandbars emerge, making it fun to wade in the shallow water and look for crabs and starfish. If you’re motivated enough, you can walk all the way to the tip of Sandy Neck.
This area is marked by a few cottages and a privately-owned lighthouse. If you walk a couple of miles or so in the other direction, you’ll eventually reach Scorton Creek.
Sandy Neck Beach Park also allows camping, or you can sometimes drive out on the sand with an off-road vehicle permit and the correct equipment. Sometimes too, there are organized hikes and walks you can join at Sandy Neck.
During certain times of the day, horses are allowed in parts of Sandy Neck, as well. If you’d rather explore on two wheels, there are some trails that allow fat-tire biking.
Keep in mind, though, some trails and sections of the front beach are closed during certain times of the year to help protect endangered shorebirds. If you don’t have a residential beach sticker, you’ll need to pay a daily parking fee to use the public parking lot.
Like many coastal areas, there is a threat of erosion at Sandy Neck. While extra sand has been used in the past as a short-term solution, a longer-term solution may be warranted in the future. Last year, some grant money was earmarked to help relocate the parking lot and enhance the primary dune at Sandy Neck.2024-03-27T10:33:25-07:002024-03-27T10:47:41-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:6764Barnstable Named Happiest Place to Retire <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/barnstable_waterfront.jpg" width="799" height="533" /><br /> Photo: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/27959687@N03/" rel="nofollow”">Livio Barcella</a>
If you’re looking for a great place to retire, you may want to take your search in an unlikely direction. Despite the advantages of a sunny, warm environment to spend your Golden Years, it seems Barnstable may be the place to enjoy life to the fullest.
According to a recent study outlined on the website SoFi.com, Barnstable is number one in terms of the “Happiest Places to Retire”. The digital personal finance company looked at 200 of the nation’s largest metro areas, then compared data from a number of other sources to come up with the list.
SoFi considered things that make people happy, such as health, financials, and social networks, and then dove a little deeper to includes things like healthcare access, community, and cost of living. When all was said and done, Barnstable ended up number one overall for community well-being.
The website also pointed out the high percentage of residents in Barnstable older than age 65. While retirees are still attracted to places like Florida, the study found some traditionally colder places, such as Barnstable, are also appealing to many retirees.
SoFi points out the natural beauty of <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/barnstable/" title="barnstable real estate">Barnstable</a>, plus area beaches. The company also makes mention of the numerous activities, entertainment offerings, and the high level of social interaction that’s possible in Barnstable.
The town didn’t do so well in every category. The website mentions access to healthcare in Barnstable isn’t as good as it is in other spots, plus it’s an expensive place to live with the median household income topping $91,000.
The Town of Barnstable consists of seven villages. <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/hyannis/" title="hyannis real estate">Hyannis</a> is the largest and considered the town’s main business district. The Everleigh is an active-adult retirement community in Hyannis with such amenities as a bocce ball court, horseshoe pits, as well as a meditation garden and swimming pool.
Of course, Hyannis Golf Course is a great place to get out and play some golf. You could also catch a whale watching cruise from Hyannis or take a ferry over to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.2024-02-09T10:50:53-07:002024-02-09T10:58:18-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:6211How Cotuit Became Synonymous with the Cape Cod Summering Tradition <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/cotuit_sign_800.jpg" width="800" height="534" /><br /> Photo: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/14075091@N04/" rel="nofollow”">CodPod.com</a>
Once affectionately referred to as the “Summer Harvard”, Cotuit is synonymous these days with the Cape Cod summering tradition. As early as the late 1800s and early 1900s, wealthy residents of Boston were known to flock to Cape Cod for the summer months.
It didn’t take long for them to invite some of their friends and family members to come along too, and <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/cotuit/" title="cotuit real estate for sale">Cotuit</a> grew into a popular spot for artists, writers, and more. This quaint and charming seaside community is one of the seven villages of Barnstable and was once the home of countless ship captains and ship builders.
It’s been a popular summering spot on the Cape for generations, and these days Cotuit is mostly favored for its harbor views, its lack of commercialization, and its serenity. To put it in perspective, only a few thousand people live year-round in Cotuit, and the summer months only add another 1,000 or so people.
While there aren’t many tourist attractions to speak of in Cotuit, you will find some lovely homes and well-maintained 19th Century architecture in this seaside village. Situated on Cotuit Bay, the peaceful community of Cotuit is known today for its boating, its nearby beaches and for being home to one of the nation’s oldest junior yacht clubs.
It’s also home to Cotuit Oyster Company and its world-famous Cotuit oysters, which are shipped out all over the US. Cotuit is additionally home to the Cotuit Center for the Arts, which features live theater, film screenings, art exhibits, and more.
You can virtually walk just about anywhere you want to go in Cotuit, or you can hop in your boat and enjoy the views from the water. It’s not only easy to get out on the water here, but that’s what oftentimes draws people to Cotuit even today. A boat launch is found at Ropes Beach, which is also where the yacht club is located.2023-10-18T11:21:57-07:002023-10-18T11:56:33-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:5089Barnstable’s Longest Beach is Sugary Sandy Neck <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/sandy_neck_beach_800.jpg" width="799" height="533" /><br /> Photo: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/masstravel/" rel="nofollow”">Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism</a>
Barnstable’s longest beach is also one of the longest on Cape Cod. Sandy Neck stretches for six miles, as this barrier beach was developed over thousands of years. People often flock to Sand Neck today during the summer season, lured in by its swimming, its scenery, and its sugary sand.
Today, you’ll find thousands of acres of dunes, marshes, and maritime forests in the area. The water is generally clear and cool here, plus the beach does have some lifeguards, a snack bar, a restroom, and some parking available.
Sandy Neck Road leads drivers to the beach’s parking lot, but keep in mind you will need a parking permit or a day pass during season. You can do some fishing or off-road exploring while you’re there.
If you want to hit the trails, you’ll also need a permit to take an off-road vehicle. If you head out on the trails yourself, you may see some area wildlife, as well as trees, dunes, and ponds. Dogs are allowed on the off-road vehicle beach and some of the hiking trails, just as long as they stay on a leash.
Some people like to venture far enough to see Sandy Neck Colony. This small cluster of cottages sits close to the tip of Sandy Neck. Many of the cottages are more than 100 years old and are sometimes occupied during the summer months.
The Sandy Neck Lighthouse sits nearby, as well, and was built in the mid-1800s. It was restored with a new lantern in the late 2000s.
Because both locations are private and trails don’t actually lead to either one, the best way to see both the lighthouse and the colony is by boat. You may also see them by looking out across the water from nearby Bone Hill Beach or <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/millway-beach/" title="Millway Beach real estate">Millway Beach</a> in Barnstable.2023-01-24T16:34:05-07:002023-01-24T16:47:19-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:4935Celebrating Kurt Vonnegut’s Quirky Ties to Cape Cod<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/waitt.jpg" width="600" height="514" />
He’s known in the literary world for his satirical novels with imaginative, futuristic themes, but author Kurt Vonnegut also happens to have some quirky ties to Cape Cod. Born in Indiana, Vonnegut penned his trade early in life as a teenager writing for his high school newspaper.
He then went to Cornell University in New York, enlisted in the Army, and was captured by the Germans during WW2. Following the war, he went to Chicago and landed a job as a reporter, before moving on to writing fiction and short stories.
By the early 1950s, he had a young family of his own, which he moved to <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/west-barnstable/" title="west-barnstable real estate">West Barnstable</a> on Cape Cod. While living on the Cape, he served on the board of Sturgis Library.
As the oldest US building to house a public library, the original portion of the building was constructed in the mid 1600s as a reverend’s home. While Vonnegut apparently wasn’t too keen on that role in his life, he did enjoy serving as president of the Barnstable Comedy Club.
It’s said he once performed in a leopard skin, but that wasn’t the only story connected to the club. Vonnegut also left a gift of sorts to the club for perpetuity. He gave them permission to perform any of his plays for free.
The club apparently inspired one of his short stories called, “My Name is Everyone”. It was renamed “Who Am I This Time?”, when it was later made into a TV movie.
Another short story was written by Vonnegut with more obvious Cape ties called “So You’ve Never Been to Barnstable”. He used the story to humorously poke fun at <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/barnstabe-village/" title="barnstable village real estate">Barnstable Village</a>, including the addition of a tank on a miniature golf course, which was a memorial to WW2 veterans.
Today, Vonnegut is probably best known to much of the rest of the world as the author of Slaughterhouse-Five.2022-12-13T11:38:45-07:002022-12-13T12:07:01-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:4793Kennedy Compound in Hyannis May be Used as New Camp David <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/kennedy_600.jpg" width="600" height="400" />
The Kennedy compound in <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/hyannis-port/" title="hyannis port real estate">Hyannis Port</a> could soon have a new purpose, and it may include bringing opposing political party members together. Those involved with the Edward M Kennedy Institute are discussing using the Kennedy compound in the future as a sanctuary of sorts for members of Congress.
The idea is to make it a sort of “Camp David for Congress”. Proponents are discussing ways to bring in small groups of congressional leaders to meet, discuss, and build relationships at the compound, far away from DC.
The goal, of course, is to come up with some solutions to conflicts between the nation’s two major political parties and figure out ways to move forward collectively. The CEO of the institute, Adam Hinds, has previously worked in conflict negotiations in the Middle East and here domestically.
With other countries, Hinds found success in bringing different parties together in locations removed from where they usually meet. Hinds, himself, is a former state senator.
The institute’s board also includes several former US senators. While the plan hasn’t completely been worked out just yet, it seems to be getting a lot of support.
The Kennedy compound consists of a 9,000 square foot home overlooking Nantucket Sound. The property was purchased by the Kennedy family in the late 1920s.
President John F Kennedy used it as his summer White House and as a campaign base. Senator Edward Kennedy later moved in.
In more recent years, his widow donated the compound to the institute. According to reports, Senator Kennedy had promised his mother the compound would someday be used for charitable purposes.
It’s currently under historic preservation but is occasionally rented out for special functions. The compound includes a tennis court, an enclosed swimming pool, and two guest houses.
You can see the compound from the ferry while traveling to or leaving Martha’s Vineyard. You may also be able to see part of the compound from the beach, but it’s not visible from the road.2022-11-02T09:24:41-07:002022-11-03T16:19:23-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:4351Barnstable Brick Company Was Former Giant in Cape Cod Businesses<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/west_barnstable_brick.jpg" width="600" height="385" /><br /> Photo: Barnstable Patriot
Once a giant in the world of Cape Cod businesses, sadly the West Barnstable Brick Company of today is little more than some broken bricks littering the ground where the company once stood. Still, the business had a big role in Cape history.
That history dates back to the late 1800s when the West Barnstable Brick Company was first formed. Although accounts vary, most agree that the company was capable of producing millions upon millions of bricks each year.
It wasn’t long before the business grew and was operating at full capacity. One of the company’s leaders also owned several other properties in town and used the brick building company to help construct sheds for his cranberry business.
While the brick business was booming, the company was left to deal with a couple of tragedies involving those connected with the company and also some setbacks. Some reports suggest one big problem may have had to do with the new standard size of bricks.
When then President Herbert Hoover signed into law a new regulation on the size of bricks, the company found its equipment was only capable of making bricks that were slightly too short. To compensate, West Barnstable Brick Company needed to buy new equipment and raise its brick prices.
This, unfortunately, came right around the time of the Great Depression. It wasn’t long before the brick company’s reign ended in foreclosure.
During some of the company’s most profitable years it made a larger brick stamped with “W. BARNSTABLE BRICK CO.”, but most of the standard bricks produced by the company contained a smaller logo stamped “W.B.B.”.
These days in <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/west-barnstable/" title="west barnstable real estate">West Barnstable</a> you may still find some broken bricks littering the ground where the company once stood. If you ever visit Dearborn, Michigan, an old steam engine from the plant now sits in a museum. It was obtained by non-other than Henry Ford himself.2022-07-19T14:20:00-07:002022-09-27T10:42:51-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:3518Hyannis Site of Movie Set<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/hyannis_port_movie.jpg" width="600" height="402" />
Cape Cod may be a favorite of tourists during the summer months, but it seems Hyannis Port recently brought in the crowds for a different reason. This affluent summer community recently served as the real life set for a new movie.
Movie crews were in town in November and December to film “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry”. The independent movie has been filming in several Mid-Cape locations.
In <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/hyannis-port/" title="hyannis port real estate">Hyannis Port</a>, crews filmed inside a yellow house and also out in its yard. In the movie, it’s supposed to be the home of one of the characters.
Lucy Hale was cast as the love interest of Kunal Nayyar, who plays a widowed bookstore owner in the movie named A.J. Fikry. The film is based on a 2014 bestselling book, following the life of Nayyar’s character, who adopts a child left at his store.
The cast also includes David Arquette as a police officer, Scott Foley as a successful author and Christine Hendricks as Fikry’s sister-in-law. Movie crews have also been spotted on Pearl Street and Main Street in <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/hyannis/" title="hyannis real estate">Hyannis</a>.
The movie additionally has some scenes at the Hyannis Public Library, which served as a police station for movie shoots. As well, they also filmed at the Parnassus Book Service in <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/yarnouth-port/" title="yarmouth port real estate">Yarmouth Port</a>, which was used as a bookstore in the movie. A fictional wedding was filmed at the Lighthouse Inn in <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/west-dennis/" title="west dennis real estate">West Dennis</a>.
The characters in the movie live on a fictional island called Alice Island that’s supposed to be a ferry ride away from Hyannis. To accomplish this, filmmakers substituted the <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/mid-cape-homes/" title="mid cape homes for sale">Mid-Cape</a>. Everything was shot in present time, but the movie actually takes place over 15 years of the characters’ lives.
In all, the movie was shot over just 20 days, involving around 25 actors and 65 crew members. “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry” could be in theaters in about a year.2022-01-14T15:33:00-07:002022-02-03T20:51:45-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:2933History of Sandy Neck<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/sandy_neck_beach.jpg" width="800" height="531" />
Photo: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/masstravel/" rel="nofollow">Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism</a>
It may be one of Cape Cod’s longest beaches, but Sandy Neck Beach also has a history that stretches back generations. The park covers more than 4,700-acres, the majority of which sits in <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/west-barnstable/">West Barnstable</a>.
With six miles of shoreline to explore, the park includes sand dunes, marshland, forests and beaches. In the early 1700s, the beach went from being entirely public to some of it privately owned. By the mid 1800s, a lighthouse went up. Nearby summer cottages went up in the late 19th century.
The Sandy Neck Colony still sits close to the tip of Sandy Neck, with around two dozen cottages, many of which are more than a century old. One of the first cottages doubled as a restaurant.
At one time a wharf allowed boats to dock right in front of it. The business was well known for its homemade chowder, which was even canned and sold to customers.
It was during the 18th and 19th centuries that whaling became a major industry in the region. Sandy Neck was also opened up to the public for whale watching.
It wasn’t the only industry to trace its roots to Sandy Neck. During Prohibition, it’s said the secluded area was a frequent hiding spot for rum runners. According to legend, they stored liquor in one of the summer cottages before shipping it out to the rest of the Cape.
As the years and decades passed, the lighthouse was eventually decommissioned and the summer cottages were passed down to new generations. These days, the old lighthouse and colony remain private, so you cannot reach them by one of the nearby trails.
The easiest way to see both is either by boat or by looking out across the water from Barnstable’s <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/millway-beach/">Millway Beach</a> or Bone Hill Beach. The beach, however, is public and it’s one of the most popular locations on Cape Cod.2021-06-09T11:15:00-07:002021-06-09T12:09:01-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:2885Iconic Cape Historic Landmarks<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/uploads/agent-1/dome_restaurant_woods_hole.jpg" alt="dome restaurant - woods hole" width="600" height="383" class="img_box_center" />
While Cape Cod is well known for its boating and its beaches, there’s also plenty of history. Some of that history is obvious, while some is a bit more discreet.
The Columns Restaurant
It’s pretty hard to miss the old Columns Restaurant in <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/west-dennis/">West Dennis</a>. The stately white building sits right along Route 28, just as it has for around 150 years. Originally a sea captain’s home, the old home was later turned into a popular restaurant and club. It once brought in some of Cape Cod’s hottest jazz musicians.
While some renovations have been made in the decades since, the long-standing property is now owned by a Plymouth-based company interested in turning it into multi-unit housing.
The Dome Restaurant
Another historic landmark sits in the seaside village of <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/woods-hole/">Woods Hole</a>. The Dome at Woods Hole is considered to be the oldest geodesic dome still standing in the world by architect Buckminster Fuller. Due to a number of water main breaks, the old wood-framed dome is in pretty poor condition today.
Abandoned around two decades ago, the dome only has a partial roof, plus its covered in graffiti and garbage. Years ago, it was a completely different story. Originally built in the 1950s, the dome was used as an upscale restaurant for decades.
Usher’s Store
Just to the east of the Yarmouth Port line on Route 6A is where you’ll find the remnants of Usher’s Store. Back in the day, the old white building in <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/cummaquid/">Cummaquid</a> was the kind of place kids biked to for penny candy, locals picked up the latest newspaper, and older residents gathered to tell stories.
The store eventually closed its doors in the late 1980s. Run by the Usher family, the old building is now crumbling, and mostly hidden by weeds. Until recently, though, a sign still hung above the door proclaiming it “Usher’s Store, Since 1924”.<br /><br />Related Links<a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/yarmouth-port/" target="_blank">Search Yarmouth Port</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/dennis/" target="_blank">Explore Dennis Real Estate</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/falmouth/" target="_blank">Falmouth Homes For Sale</a>2021-03-05T09:40:00-07:002021-05-11T08:31:21-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:2869The Most Exclusive Areas on the Cape<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/uploads/agent-1/wellfleet_luxury_home_600.jpg" alt="wellfleet luxury home" width="600" height="400" class="img_box_center" />
With dozens of beaches, hundreds of charming shops and some beautiful homes, it’s hard to point out just one great location on the Cape. However, some of the most exclusive areas of Cape Cod are appreciated for their extreme luxury and privacy.
Chatham
<a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/chatham/">Chatham</a> is said to offer one of the Cape’s most scenic golf courses. <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/eastward-ho-country-club-chatham/">Eastward Ho! Country Club</a> dates back to the 1920s and is known today for its ultra-exclusive membership. It’s not easy to become a member and the dress code at the golf club is strictly enforced.
For luxury dining and hospitality, Chatham Bars Inn actually features four restaurants and two private dining rooms. It also includes a private beach with cabanas, daily boat shuttles, swimming and more.
West Yarmouth
West Yarmouth, on the other hand, is home to the ultra-exclusive Great Island. This gated community sits on a peninsula, with miles of extremely private beaches and some pricey homes.
There are only three-dozen homes and a few cottages on <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/great-island/">Great Island</a>, oftentimes priced in the multi-million dollar range. You’ll also find tennis courts, a 10-hole golf course, a beach club and a protected marina.
Sandwich
Another private golf course on Cape Cod sits in Sandwich. The <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/ridge-club/">Ridge Club</a> offers several levels of membership, with access to such amenities as an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts and swimming. The property is open to the public for certain events and social gatherings.
Harwich
For luxury resorts, be sure to head to Wequassett Resort and Golf Club. It is located in Harwich, and features upscale accommodations, restaurants and bars. Resort amenities are open to the public, but it helps to make a reservation.
Wequassett, on the other hand, offers five different restaurants. The luxury <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/harwich/">Harwich</a> resort additionally comes with lavishly designed suites and guest rooms, two swimming pools, Har-Tru tennis courts and golf.
Osterville
Situated in Barnstable on Nantucket Sound, Osterville is a village by the sea. The quaint downtown offers exquisite dining and boutique shopping in a charming setting. <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/oyster-harbors/">Oyster Harbors</a> is an exclusive country club and yachting community located on Grand Island in Osterville.<br /><br />Related Links<a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/chatham-waterfront-homes/" target="_blank">Chatham Waterfront Homes For Sale</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/luxury-homes/" target="_blank">Cape Cod Luxury Real Estate</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/osterville/" target="_blank">Osterville Real Estate</a>2021-01-06T15:03:00-07:002021-05-12T03:35:58-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:2847Cape Rail Trail Moves into Third Phase <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/uploads/rail_trail_homes_wellfleet_600.jpg" alt="cape cod rail trail" width="600" height="400" class="img_box_center" />
It’s full speed ahead for the Cape Cod Rail Trail, as crews move into the third phase of the trail’s extension project. Phase three is expected to eventually take the trail from Peter Homer Park in South Yarmouth and continue it on to Barnstable.
Right now, phase three of the Cape Cod Rail Trail extension is said to be in the early design phase. State transportation officials are seeking out public input on the project. People have a couple of more weeks to submit comments and give feedback.
In all, the nearly four-and-a-half-mile long expansion project is expected to top $9 million. Most of the cost is being covered by state and federal funds.
As part of phase three, crews plan to upgrade an already existing shared use path in Yarmouth. They’ll also be adding in a spur off of that path, leading to Mary Dunn Road in Barnstable, and ending it near the Independence Drive intersection.
Crews plan to add in flashing beacons at the grade crossings to alert drivers. They also plan to build or expand some parking lots in the area.
Currently, the Cape Cod Rail Trail runs from <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/south-yarmouth/">South Yarmouth</a> to <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/south-wellfleet/">South Wellfleet</a>. At 25-miles long, travelers pass through Yarmouth, Dennis and Harwich. They also travel through Brewster, Orleans and Eastham, before ending in Wellfleet.
Locals commonly use it for recreation and transportation, while the trail is also considered a draw for tourists. The well-maintained trail is said to be fun for those of all abilities.
You’ll find plenty of spots to stop and grab something to eat and drink along the way. There are also several bike shops that provide bicycle rentals along the trail.
The majority of the existing trail sits on a former railroad right-of-way. Construction of the new extension could begin sometime in spring of 2023.<br /><br />Related Links<a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/dennis-near-rail-trail/" target="_blank">Homes For Sale in Dennis Near The Rail Trail</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/harwich-near-rail-trail/" target="_blank">Homes For Sale in Harwich Near The Rail Trail</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/brewster-near-rail-trail/" target="_blank">Homes For Sale in Brewster Near The Rail Trail</a>2020-10-23T08:38:00-07:002021-05-12T03:33:36-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:2842Hyannis Named Top 10 Affordable Beach Town<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/uploads/agent-1/downtown_hyannis.jpg" alt="downtown hyannis" width="799" height="533" class="img_box_center" />Photo: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dtpancio/" rel="nofollow">Mattia Panciroli</a>
If you’re searching for a great beach town on a budget, consider making the move to Hyannis. The location was just named one of the “<a href="https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/best-affordable-beach-towns-retirement/" rel="nofollow">Most Affordable Beach Towns for Retirement</a>”.
The designation comes from Realtor.com, which recently came out with its list of the best beach towns for retirees on a budget. In this case, Hyannis easily made it into the top ten. The website credits Hyannis for its shopping, its restaurants, its golf courses and, of course, its beaches. It also makes mention of its convenience for its ferry terminal, leading to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, plus its airport.
Other highlights Realtor.com mentioned included its hospital, which is the largest medical facility on the Cape, and the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum. While the website does acknowledge many older Hyannis residents choose to permanently move into their former summer homes, it also suggests there are other residents who’ve chosen Hyannis specifically as a spot to retire.
Year-round homes in the town are generally priced anywhere from the mid $300,000s to the multi-million-dollar range. Some of the most affordable options are slightly farther away from the beach and closer to downtown.
With a range of properties to choose from, it’s possible to find everything from waterfront estates to more affordable ranch-style homes, condos and cottages for sale in Hyannis. Walkable Main Street in the downtown area is a great place for shopping, as is the Cape Cod Mall, which also happens to be in Hyannis.
During the summer months, its common to find local artists selling their creations at Hyannis Harbor. You may also be able to catch a live performance at Aselton Park on Hyannis Harbor.
As the largest of Barnstable’s seven villages, <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/hyannis/">Hyannis</a> is a popular place for tourists, too. It’s Cape Cod’s second largest commercial fishing port, and an ideal spot for boaters.<br /><br />Related Links<a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/hyannis-port/" target="_blank">Explore Hyannis Port Real Estate</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/centerville/" target="_blank">Centerville Homes For Sale</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/west-yarmouth/" target="_blank">Search West Yarmouth</a>2020-10-07T09:36:00-07:002021-05-04T11:19:58-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:2825Exploring Osterville Attractions<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/uploads/agent-1/osterville_end_of_the_day.jpg" alt="boating - osterville ma" width="799" height="522" class="img_box_center" />Photo: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/roome/" rel="nofollow">Peter Roome</a>
From boating and beaches to biking and more, there’s plenty to enjoy when it comes to exploring Osterville. The seaside village is a great place to go, whether you stay on land or head out on the water.
A great way to see some of <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/osterville/">Osterville’s</a> natural beauty is at Skunknett River Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a good spot for birding, plus you have about 100 acres to explore by bike and foot.
For swimming, beachcombing and fishing, locals know to visit Dowses Beach. The peninsula beach offers a large viewing dock, plenty of parking and some great water views.
You’ll also find lots of seashells in the sand. Some say you’ll find the nicest sand, though, on a small beach close to the intersection of Wianno Avenue and Sea View Avenue.
You can also head to Joshua’s Pond, which is one of the Cape’s larger pond beaches. It offers calm water and pebbly sand, plus space for beach volleyball and kayaking.
While Joshua’s Pond is typically less crowded, Micah’s Pond is a known swimming spot and fishing spot. While a bit remote, Micah’s is also a good place for biking and hiking.
One popular destination for small boats ad powerboats is Sampson’s Island. Small sailboats are a good choice for exploring North Bay, West Bay and Cotuit Bay.
It’s also a good way to explore the Seapuit River. Larger boats can be used to reach Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard.
When you’re ready for a treat, make plans to head to the Osterville Farmer’s Market. Located on the campus of the Osterville Historical Museum, it’s the place to go for fresh fruit, veggies and more during the summer months.
Of course, you’re also free to enjoy any one of the tempting restaurants and cafes in the village. One last stop is Armstrong-Kelley Park. It’s a good place to have a picnic or simply enjoy some green space.<br /><br />Related Links<a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/north-bay/" target="_blank">Search North Bay Homes For Sale</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/oyster-harbors/" target="_blank">Oyster Harbors Real Estate</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/little-island/" target="_blank">Little Island Homes For Sale</a>2020-08-03T06:14:00-07:002021-05-09T02:53:07-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:2788Barnstable Leads Cape in Millionaire Earners<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/uploads/agent-1/barnstable_county_courthouse.jpg" alt="barnstable ma" width="600" height="400" class="img_box_center" />
A popular summer vacation spot for generations, <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/cape-cod-real-estate/">Cape Cod</a> routinely draws in high earners eager to spend the warmer months of the year near the sand and water. It should come as no surprise then that many people who claim year-round residency on the Cape are also millionaires.
Research just five years ago estimated well more than 300 taxpayers in the region have million-dollar-plus incomes. That’s a huge jump from past years.
The likelihood goes up for those living in Barnstable. As the Cape’s largest community, by population and by land size, Barnstable reportedly has close to 100 millionaires.
According to the most recent data gained from Massachusetts Department of Revenue tax filings, Barnstable has 95 millionaires. That’s nearly identical to the number of millionaires the town reported a few years ago.
Made up of several villages, Barnstable was one of the first towns to be settled and incorporated in Plymouth Colony. A tourist destination for generations, Barnstable attracts a number of prominent families, including the Kennedys.
While <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/barnstable/">Barnstable</a> has the most millionaires, there are about 64 millionaires in Falmouth, 18 in Harwich and 14 millionaires in both Provincetown and Orleans. The numbers are less significant in the communities of Truro, Wellfleet and Eastham.
As of a few years ago, just two towns on the Cape and Islands did not report any taxpayers with $1 million incomes. Both of them are located on Martha’s Vineyard.
When looking a little broader, the most millionaires in the entire State of Massachusetts live in Boston, which is also within a reasonable drive of Barnstable. It’s said more than 2,500 people will million-dollar incomes live in Boston. Statewide there are more than 20,000 tax filers who earn at least $1 million a year. That’s a number that’s also risen considerably higher from past years.<br /><br />Related Links<a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/osterville/" target="_blank">Osterville Homes For Sale</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/cotuit/" target="_blank">Cotuit Real Estate</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/hyannis-port/" target="_blank">Explore Hyannis Port</a>2020-03-27T12:44:00-07:002021-05-12T06:19:13-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:2777Osterville Parks: Hidden Gems on the Cape<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/uploads/agent-1/armstrong_kelley_park_osterville.jpg" alt="armstrong kelley park - osterville ma" width="799" height="533" class="img_box_center" />Photo: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/emcclay/" rel="nofollow">Elizabeth McClay</a>
From its tranquil ponds and beaches to its small lake and local businesses, Osterville is a favorite of Cape Cod visitors and locals alike. Especially popular during the summer months, Osterville is known for its beautiful homes and its equally beautiful natural scenery.
As one of Barnstable’s seven villages, <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/osterville/">Osterville</a> sits on Nantucket Sound. The residential area offers access to a small business district, plus beaches, ponds and some true delights. If you’re looking for a hidden gem on the Cape, you may just find it in one of Osterville’s local parks.
Although tiny is size, Cotacheset Park offers some benches for sitting and a limited amount of green space for relaxing. You’ll find this peaceful spot beneath the shade of a giant sycamore tree.
Cotacheset Park gains its namesake from the village’s original settlers. The village was originally named Cotacheset. The small park sits in the same location of the Barnstable tricentennial stone, placed in the spot in the late 1930s.
For a much larger park in the Village of Osterville you’ll want to head to Armstrong-Kelley Park. At nearly 100 years old, it happens to be the Cape’s largest and oldest privately-owned park.
It’s free to visit Armstrong-Kelley Park, as well as enjoy the dozens of trees, trails and gardens that make up this natural space. You’ll also find picnic tables and a pet memorial garden, along with a family and pet-friendly atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a great location to spot different flowers and plants in the region, as well as take in one of the park’s hiking and walking trails, this park is the place to do it. Operated by the Cape Cod Horticultural Society, the park also features a large wooden train, a small fishpond in its Water Garden, and the uniqueness of a Garden of Verses.<br /><br />Related Links<a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/osterville-waterfront/" target="_blank">Osterville Waterfront Homes</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/little-island/" target="_blank">Little Island Real Estate</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/north-bay/" target="_blank">Search North Bay Waterfront Homes</a>2020-02-22T12:48:00-07:002021-05-11T02:01:35-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:2775Exploring Cataumet<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/uploads/agent-1/cataumet_boats.jpg" alt="cataumet - bourne ma" width="799" height="533" class="img_box_center" />Photo: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_shattuck/" rel="nofollow">Steve Shattuck</a>
From sailing to tennis, walking trails to ice cream shops, there’s plenty of family-friendly fun to be found in Cataumet. As one of the Town of Bourne’s nine villages, peaceful Cataumet is a true summer destination for those headed to Cape Cod.
Located on Buzzards Bay, Cataumet sits to the south of Pocasset and the north of Falmouth. For fun and recreation in Cataumet, head to the Cape Cod Canal.
This popular outdoor spot sits nearby and offers up seven miles of walking and biking trails. It’s also a good spot for fishing, as the canal links up Buzzards Bay to Cape Cod Bay. Sightseeing boats also cruise up and down the canal.
Another spot to get out and enjoy nature is the Cataumet Greenway. The nearly 95-acres of protected land offers up a network of trails allowing visitors to explore wetlands, woodlands and waterways.
Most of the greenway’s trails wind through hills and forest, with room to take a shorter walk or participate in several hours of outdoor fun. The location is a good spot to take in views of native plant-life and wildlife, as well.
For fun out on the water, you can always book a guided kayak tour or rent a paddle board and head out on the calm water of Red Brook Harbor. Back on dry land, the Cataumet Arts Center is an interesting little spot to take some art classes, view exhibitions, or enjoy one of the site’s art and cultural events.
The Bobby Baker “Art Barn” Gallery is another unique spot. It’s the place to go to view mostly photography in Bourne.
<a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/cataumet/">Cataumet</a> is also home to the private community of Scraggy Neck. The community offers up access to tennis courts, beaches, boat launches and playgrounds.
In addition, Cataumet sits a mere 20-minute drive from the more abundant shops and restaurants of Downtown Falmouth and Mashpee Commons.<br /><br />Related Links<a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/bourne/" target="_blank">Search Bourne Real Estate</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/pasture-road-bourne/" target="_blank">Pasture Road Homes For Sale</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/scraggy-neck/" target="_blank">Explore Scraggy Neck</a>2020-02-14T18:59:00-07:002021-05-12T02:31:43-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:2752Exploring Centerville<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/uploads/agent-1/four_seas_centerville.jpg" alt="four seas ice cream - centerville ma" width="600" height="400" class="img_box_center" />
As one of the seven villages of Barnstable, Centerville is known mostly for its beaches, its homes and its small business district. It may be small in size, but the village certainly makes up for that in terms of its friendly appeal.
Originally known as Chequaquet, or pleasant harbor, the Village of Centerville is home to one of the largest freshwater lakes on Cape Cod. <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/lake-wequaquet/">Lake Wequaquet</a> stretches more than 650-acres, with its seven-mile shoreline dotted by hundreds of single-family homes.
While the residents-only lake is fun for kayaking, boating and canoeing, Centerville also provides a handful of other beaches for outdoor fun. From popular Covell Beach to Long Beach and Craigville Beach, Centerville provides the perfect location for swimming or just taking a stroll on the sand.
While mostly residential, Centerville does lay claim to some notable attractions, including the award-winning Four Seas homemade ice cream shop. Dozens of flavors are on the menu at the shop, from traditional ice-cream to sherbets and even non-dairy concoctions. A staple in the area for generations, the old ice cream shop has been around since the early 1930s.
You’ll also find the Centerville Pie Company, which gained a larger following after it was mentioned as part of “Oprah’s Favorite Things”. Owned by a couple of long-time friends, the pie shop serves up fresh bakery goods, sandwiches and, of course, pies. While Oprah may have fallen in love with the shop’s signature chicken pie, you’ll also find fruit pies, cream pies and even vegetarian pies on the menu at the Centerville Pie Company.
A stop in <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/centerville/">Centerville</a> would not be complete either without taking a stroll through the charming 1856 Country Store. With gifts, jewelry, toys, candy and housewares for sale, the family-owned store is a true favorite with locals and visitors alike.<br /><br />Related Links<a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/cotuit/" target="_blank">Explore Cotuit Real Estate</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/osterville/" target="_blank">Search Osterville</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/barnstable/" target="_blank">Barnstable Homes For Sale</a>2019-09-23T10:44:00-07:002021-05-10T11:07:18-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:2744Barnstable Consistently Ranked Happiest Town in America<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/uploads/osterville_retail.jpg" alt="Osterville Village - Cape Cod" width="600" height="400" class="img_box_center" />
If you’re looking for a great small-town setting, there’s yet another reason to consider putting down roots in Barnstable. This small New England town consistently ranks as one of the happiest towns in America.
One of the latest rankings comes from <a href="https://www.topcounselingschools.org/features/20-happiest-small-towns-america/" rel="nofollow">Top Counseling Schools</a>, which matches up students with great options in colleges and universities. The <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/cape-cod-real-estate/">Cape Cod</a> town ranked number 11 on its list of the 20 happiest small towns.
Barnstable grabbed the number two spot behind Naples when it comes to locations with the highest social well-being. The town performed especially well in terms of local restaurants and outdoor activities. The list also took into consideration the employment rate, local income, and the poverty rate.
The ranking is right in line with another list released last year. The Gallup-Sharecare State of American Well-being 2017 Community Rankings put Barnstable in the number two spot when it comes to places with the highest well-being. In this particular study, 93-percent of residents surveyed in Barnstable reported always feeling safe and secure.
A couple of years ago National Geographic did its own study to find where the happiest Americans live. In that study Barnstable came in at number nine. Those surveyed were asked a series of questions, then their answers were analyzed to measure happiness.
Questions included things like financial security, civic engagement, a sense of security, healthy eating and those taking the opportunity to learn something new on a daily basis. In particular, researchers noted Barnstable’s “seven idyllic villages”.
As the largest community on Cape Cod, the Town of Barnstable was one of the region’s earliest settled towns. Incorporated in the 1600s, the town remains a popular tourist destination today. Families like the Kennedys still have summer homes in the area, as many are drawn to <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/barnstable/">Barnstable</a> for its many beaches and small-town appeal.<br /><br />Related Links<a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/cotuit/" target="_blank">Explore Cotuit Real Estate</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/cummaquid/" target="_blank">Cummaquid Homes For Sale</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/osterville/" target="_blank">Search Osterville</a>2019-08-07T08:50:00-07:002021-05-11T09:59:01-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:2738Indian Ponds in Marstons Mills <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/uploads/agent-1/indian_ponds_map.jpg" alt="Indian Ponds - Maston Mills MA" width="600" height="400" class="img_box_center" />
While <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/cape-cod-real-estate/">Cape Cod’s</a> known for its beautiful beaches and waterfront possibilities, some of its inland sites may prove just as enticing. Locals know that some of the best swimming, kayaking and fishing is possible on one of the many kettle ponds that dot the area.
Made up of a total of three interconnected ponds, Indian Ponds in Marstons Mills is an especially popular location for boating, fishing and swimming all year long. A joining of Mystic Lake, Middle Pond and Hamblin Pond, the freshwater kettle ponds have been a part of the local community for generations.
Located in the west Barnstable village of <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/marston-mills/">Marstons Mills</a>, each pond measures more than 100-acres in size. You’ll also find a nice selection of unique, waterfront homes surrounding the ponds, as well. Some of these single-family homes boast private decks overlooking the ponds, while others treat owners to floating docks and a generous amount of outdoor living space.
<a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/hamblin-pond/">Hamblin Pond</a>, in particular, has a resident-only beach, with a roped-off swimming area and plenty of room for parking. While you won’t find lifeguards at Hamblin Pond, you will find an ideal location, especially for young children to take a dip in the warm, clear water.
In comparison, Middle Pond provides a popular spot for fishing. The pond offers more than two miles of shoreline and easy access to the town boat ramp.
The northernmost pond of the <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/indian-ponds/">Indian Ponds</a> is Mystic Lake. The largest of the three ponds, it connects up to Middle Pond via a shallow channel.
The ponds are all protected and preserved by the Indian Ponds Association. Members strive to not only retain the ponds and their beauty, but also educate the public about the necessity of maintaining natural resources tied to the ponds, including the birds and wildlife that make a home in the Indian Ponds region.<br /><br />Related Links<a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/barnstable-pond-homes/" target="_blank">Search Barnstable Pond Homes</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/barnstable-waterfront-homes/" target="_blank">Barnstable Waterfront Homes</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/yarmouth-waterview-homes/" target="_blank">Explore Yarmouth Waterview Real Estate</a>2019-06-21T14:40:00-07:002021-05-11T01:22:30-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:2725Exploring Osterville Village<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/uploads/agent-1/userfiles/2998/image/osterville.jpg" alt="osterville village" width="600" height="400" class="img_box_center" />
Blending the natural beauty of Cape Cod with the appeal of a small town setting, Osterville Village presents the enjoyment of seaside elegance. Right on Nantucket Sound, the village is a prime location for fun on the beach or on the water.
Popular during the summer months, it’s common to find out-of-towners with second homes in Osterville. There are also two private country clubs in the village, each with its own golf course, tennis courts and private beach. In addition, you’ll find several oceanfront estates and historic homes dotting the landscape.
If boating or sailing is more your speed, you have options in area marinas, too. The village also offers up places to kayak and paddle board. Walking paths, hiking trails and sidewalks make it easy to explore the village on foot or on bike, leading visitors past the local museum, area homes and even the seasonal farmers’ market.
As one of Barnstable’s seven villages, Osterville Village actually date backs centuries. Just as it was generations ago, oystering remains a common pastime in the village. In fact, many suggest Osterville was actually the misspelled result of the name Oysterville.
Beyond this, Downtown Osterville is a charming place to stroll through local shops, with a number of planned events and festivals held there throughout the year. Whether shopping antique stores, gift shops or boutiques, Osterville has a little of everything.
You’ll also find some great places to catch a bite to eat. You’ll find a gourmet food market, fresh seafood and locally made products for sale on Main Street. You’ll additionally find Cape Cod-themed gifts, homemade goodies and even a local flower shop and bike shop.
While you’re in the <a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/osterville.jpg">Osterville</a> shopping district, take a little time out to explore one of the Cape’s oldest libraries or the public park with its water lily pond, gardens and nature trails.<br /><br />Related Links<a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/oyster-harbors/" target="_blank">Search Oyster Harbors Real Estate</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/osterville-new-construction/" target="_blank">New Construction in Osterville</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/osterville-waterview-homes/" target="_blank">Waterview Homes for Sale in Osterville</a>2019-04-05T11:03:00-07:002021-05-12T02:27:44-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:2712Cotuit Center for the Arts<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/uploads/agent-1/cotuit_center_for_arts.jpg" alt="cotuit center for the arts - cotuit ma" width="600" height="400" class="img_box_center" />
A vital part of the Cape Cod community for more than 20 years, the Cotuit Center for the Arts provides a place of artistic celebration, from performances and exhibitions to educational programming. First founded in the mid 1990s, the center more recently moved into a new facility, with dozens of art exhibitions and concerts plus numerous theatrical productions to its credit.<br /><br />Along with all of this, the arts center has also served the community with several years of workshops and year-round classes in both the performing arts and the visual arts. Just this year alone the center booked several theatrical productions, with 11 productions planned at the Black Box Theater.<br /><br />One of the most anticipated productions is Mary Poppins, showing from late November through mid-December. A holiday show featuring young performers also runs through mid-December.<br /><br />The Cotuit Center also offers up a number of special events and concerts, including the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival and the Ukulele Celebration. As well, visitors have also been able to attend gallery exhibitions from both local and international artists.<br /><br />Meanwhile, a number of programs have only expanded over the years, serving those of all abilities and all ages. This includes several recurring and weekly events, such as Wine & Music Wednesday and Sunday Morning Yoga. In addition, other classes include everything from tap dancing to knitting, acrylic painting to even furniture painting.<br /><br />Yet another popular addition to the center is the artist-in-residence program, allowing artists to generate new ideas, spur creativity and meet with other fellow artists. The program additionally allows for mentor meetings, performances, weekly classes and critique sessions.<br /><br />The gallery at the Cotuit Center is open most days of the week during traditional day hours and on select Sundays during the summer season. Memberships are available, offering up discounts to some performances and events.<br /><br />Related Links<a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/cotuit/" target="_blank">Cotuit Real Estate</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/osterville/" target="_blank">Search Osterville Real Estate</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/barnstable/" target="_blank">Barnstable Homes For Sale</a>2018-12-02T06:45:00-07:002021-05-12T03:47:24-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:2707Cotuit Oysters: Enjoyed for Generations<br /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/wellfleet_oysters_600.jpg" alt="oysters" width="600" height="450" class="img_box_center" />
One of the best reasons to come to Cape Cod isn’t necessarily for what you’ll see, but rather what you’ll experience. More specifically, what you’ll taste. Enjoyed for generations, Cotuit oysters are a true favorite on the Cape, and also well beyond its waters.<br /><br />Now one of the oldest brand-named oysters in the entire nation, the Cotuit Oyster Company has been farming Cotuit oysters on <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/cotuit-bay/">Cotuit Bay</a> for more than 150 years. They’re distinct, the company claims, due to their sweet and briny flavor, which certainly sets them apart from almost any other oyster in the world.<br /><br />In fact, it’s said this particular type of oyster is not only simply known across the world, but in demand across the globe. The flavor likely comes due to the location in which the oysters are harvested, a place where fresh water meets up with salty ocean water.<br /><br />That’s a taste that’s been cultivated on Cotuit Bay since the mid 1800s, when several oyster companies first began operations in the area. By the early 1900s, The Cotuit Oyster Company was official and it’s still going strong decades later.<br /><br />The company now operates out of a facility, pier and dock off Little River Road in <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/cotuit/">Cotuit</a>. Similar to one that stood in the same location more than 100 years ago, the new and improved facility is considered state-of-the-art. One thing that hasn’t changed much, however, is the taste, and it’s a taste that many people seek out.<br /><br />Lucky for the rest of us, it’s possible to buy fresh oysters right on Cotuit Bay, or even place an order and have them overnighted right to your house. No matter whether you’re a year-round resident of <a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/cape-cod-real-estate/">Cape Cod</a>, a seasonal visitor or simply enjoy the taste of fresh oysters straight from Cotuit Bay, the more than century-long tradition of Cotuit oysters remains strong.<br /><br />Related Links<a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/oyster-harbors/" target="_blank">Oyster Harbors Homes For Sale</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/osterville/" target="_blank">Osterville Real Estate</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/chatham-waterfront-homes/" target="_blank">Explore Chatham Waterfront Homes For Sale</a>2018-10-22T08:28:00-07:002021-05-09T06:10:50-07:00Mark Washburntag:coastalneighborhoods.com,2012-09-20:2704Wianno Club: Osterville Historic Landmark<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2998/image/uploads/agent-1/wianno_club_osterville.jpg" alt="wianno club - osterville ma" width="600" height="364" class="img_box_center" />
With a rich history dating back to the late 1800s, the Wianno Club is a true Osterville historic landmark. Now the site of frequent gatherings, celebrations and even weddings, the club celebrates more than a century overlooking Nantucket Sound and even has a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.<br /><br />The Cotocheset House, now the main clubhouse of the Wianno Club, sits on land once purchased by Plymouth settlers from the Native Americans, later used as the site of a grand summer hotel for wealthy vacationers. While modernized over the years, the charm of yesteryear is still evident at the Wianno Club. After all, the private and seasonal member-owned club has served its guests for a period that now spans four generations. <br /><br />Members of the Wianno Club enjoy amenities including the Donald Ross-designed, 18-hole golf course, which replaced the club’s original nine-hole course. Members also have access to a number of Har-Tru tennis courts, a children’s campus and three beaches. <br /><br />In addition, the club offers up fitness classes and fantastic views of Nantucket Sound. Other options include kayaking or paddle boarding at Crystal Lake. Added to this are the numerous opportunities for club dining, from more casual food to upscale concoctions. <br /><br />More than a century ago, the location was also well known for overlooking yacht races and the Wianno Club and Wianno Yacht Club once merged together as one. Yachting remained an important club activity for some time. <br /><br />Later on, the two again separated, with the Wianno Yacht Club now tasked with offering up a variety of sailing programs, from junior training for the younger crowd to adult races and planned social events, with a busy summer calendar.<br /><br />Meanwhile, activities at the Wianno Club operate from Memorial Day through mid-September, and the club’s mostly closed down for the rest of the year.<br /><br />Related Links<a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/osterville/" target="_blank">Osterville Real Estate</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/oyster-harbors/" target="_blank">Oyster Harbors Homes For Sale</a><a href="https://www.coastalneighborhoods.com/barnstable-luxury-homes/" target="_blank">Barnstable Luxury Homes</a>2018-10-02T13:44:00-07:002021-05-11T11:59:04-07:00Mark Washburn