Barnstable, Massachusetts

Barnstable is comprised of seven villages, of which Hyannis is the largest. Hyannis is also the largest town and economic center of Cape Cod. Hyannis Harbor is bustling with activity–ferries to the islands, fishing and sailing charters, and the Kennedy Monument. Main Street is home to shops, restaurants, and a few nightclubs. Hyannis Port, home to the Kennedy Compound, is a quiet & residential part of Hyannis. Craigville Beach on the Nantucket Sound, popular with younger people, is in neighboring Centerville. Hyannis is a good choice for those who want to be centrally located and enjoy a bit of everything the Cape has to offer in an upbeat, popular location.

Barnstable is bucolic in comparison to Hyannis. Historic inns & antique stores line Rte 6A in this north side town, which is also home to Sandy Neck Beach and Barnstable Harbor on the Cape Cod Bay. Despite its quaint appearance, Barnstable is close to the myriad of activities and conveniences offered by Hyannis. If you want to stay in a smaller type inn or bed & breakfast, enjoy the calmer waters of bayside beaches, take a day trip to Nantucket, and play a round of kitchy miniature golf, Barnstable, with its proximity to Hyannis, is a good destination for you.

History

Incorporated on March 5, 1638, Barnstable was first settled as an agricultural community by the Reverends Hull and Lothrop from the North Shore. For several generations it remained this way until some seafaring citizens settled in and industry became sea- oriented.

Today the village of Hyannis is the hub of Cape Cod. Having the necessities of life for the year-rounder and a variety of activities for the summer tourist, everyone has to go to Hyannis at one time or another.

Points of Interest

John F. Kennedy Museum, JFK Memorial, Baptist Meeting House, Cape Cod Scenic Railroad, Harbor Walk, Kennedy Compound area, Kalmus Park & Sound Beaches,

Special Events

Daff O’Ville Days are held every April in Osterville. This village-wide celebration includes such events as fashion shows, plant clinics, children’s events and antique car shows.

In May the annual Figawi Sailboat race is held. This is the largest sailboat race on the East Coast and attracts over 200 sailboats. The race is from Hyannis to Nantucket and back and is held on Memorial Day Weekend.

Area Links

• Town of Barnstable
• Hyannis Chamber of Commerce
• Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce
• Barnstable Tax Rate
• Cape Cod Online