Cape Cod

Falmouth

Katherine Lee Bates, born and raised in Falmouth, wrote 'America the Beautiful,' and she may well have had her hometown in mind in her lyrics. The 'spacious skies' belong to some of Falmouth's spectacular views - the knoll opposite Nobska Light, with the sea and sky and islands beyond, the pale sandy expanse of Old Silver Beach and the scenic drive past Sippewisset Lake.

Falmouth occupies the lower corner of the Cape's shoulder, and is surrounded on almost three sides with water due to the many inlets and bays. So the town is blessed with many miles of beaches, making it an extremely popular summer destination. Homes run the gamut from tiny little beach shacks to fabulous glass-walled contemporary mansions to elegant old New England estates.

At the southwestern tip of town is the little village of Woods Hole, home of the Marine Biological Laboratory and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, world-famous organizations that study the habits and inhabitants of the sea. Their mini-sub 'Alvin', piloted by Bob Ballard, participated in underwater searches for both the Titanic and the Bismarck, and was featured in TV programs and fascinating videos documenting those adventures. Woods Hole has that typical quaint New England charm, and is great fun to walk around. Stop in to Shuckers and have some clams while you’re there.

The Ashumet Holly Reservation is an Audubon Society wildlife sanctuary whose claim to fame is an extraordinary collection of holly species, plus lovely flowering dogwoods, rhododendrons, and a colorful array of bird species. Wonderful place to have a picnic and enjoy nature.