The Perfect Day Itinerary

Falmouth, MA Edition

curated in conjunction with Sarah DaSilva of @EatPlayLoveCapeCod

A day trip down to the Cape is a MUST! Here are our recommendations for a “perfect day” in Falmouth (offering over 95 miles of shore line and located only 15 miles from the Bourne Bridge):

Start your morning off right in Falmouth

Starting any day with a good breakfast is a must.  Let's start the day at the southernmost tip of Falmouth, the village of Woods Hole. Breakfast at Pie in the Sky, which overlooks the Harbor and the Steamship Authority ferry going to and from Martha's Vineyard is a great way to start the day. They roast their own beans for their coffee and make all their pastries from scratch.  You MUST get a breakfast sandwich made on one of their homemade popovers or their sourdough. They go quick though, so time is of the essence. Also be sure to check out their pastry display while you're there and grab some goodies for later (the 7 layer bars or any of their pies are epically delicious)!

 

After you get your breakfast, be sure to take a stroll down Water Street, along the harbor to the Woods Hole Science Aquarium.  It's the oldest aquarium in the US and *bonus* it's free to visit! While in Woods Hole, you’ll be walking past the campuses of the world famous Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) and Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL).

 

Hello afternoon!

After breakfast and the aquarium, head back up to Falmouth Village for some shop perusal. I suggest driving along the coastline back into Falmouth (take a right on Church Street). This route will take you by Nobska Lighthouse and is also the route of the annual Falmouth Road Race! Downtown Falmouth Village has everything from amazing restaurants, to quaint little shops. Check out some unique finds at Eugene Henrys Gastronomical Delights (they have really unique gifts, candies and sodas from around the world that the kiddos and kiddos at heart will love). Stop into Eight Cousins book shop to find your next beach read and then into Maison Vaillette for some authentic french pastries (We recommend the Fougasse - it's ok to stock up on goodies for the day, you're having a special trip after all!). The Gilded Oyster offers some unique, gorgeous jewelry inspired by Cape Cod and will be a special memento of your day on Cape! 

 

When you are done strolling Main St, take a drive along the water. Be sure to roll those windows down and soak in the salt air. Maybe stop at Surf Drive Beach or drive a little further up to Falmouth Heights Beach and take a lovely mid-day beach walk. Be sure to look out for sea glass and special seashells to commemorate your day. If the day is clear enough, you’ll be looking across the sound right at Martha’s Vineyard (only 7 miles away as the crow flies).

When you are getting noshy for lunch, there is so much to offer! If you're at the Heights beach, you can enjoy an ocean view lunch at Shipwrecked.  Or head back into the village for an array of choices from lobster enchiladas and a margarita at Anejo, grilled octopus, horiatiki salad or a gyro at Estia or a bowl of "chowdah" at the Quarterdeck.  Whatever your heart desires.

 

If you want to work off that lunch, may I suggest a stroll or a bike ride down the Shining Seas Bikeway (be on the lookout for the shaved ice stand)? You can rent bikes at Corner Cycle right on the corner of Main St and Palmer Ave.  The bike path entrance is right across the street and you can enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. The picturesque path follows the coastline, offering stunning views of the ocean and passing through salt marshes, cranberry bogs, and woodlands. The intoxicating scent during the summer high season of the honeysuckle, wild grapes, rosa rugosa all mixed with the salt air is just DREAMY. 

 

If you still have time in your day and feel like a little farm fun would hit the spot, head to Coonamessett Farm in rural Hatchville.  There you will find a 20-acre, membership-based, pick-your-own farm, complete with a petting zoo of alpacas, ducks, donkeys, chickens and goats.  The Farm also offers Buffalo Jump, a farm to table restaurant run by owner and chef, offering up inventive and delicious meals.  There is a farm market where you can buy everything from plants, candles, toys, gifts and tasty treats to much more.  And…if you time it right, you can enjoy the all-inclusive Jamaican Buffet, complete with live music.

 

a perfect way to end the day…

Sunsets on Cape Cod are storybook worthy.  And Falmouth is one of the best Cape spots to watch it.  Couple of suggestions from us locals:   if it’s a Friday evening in the summer, head to the Sea Crest Hotel, located on Old Silver Beach, for live music on the beach patio.  Grab a cocktail at the pool bar, enjoy the sounds of bossa nova music and watch the sun go down. Or head to Landfall (closes for winter and reopens every spring) in Woods Hole and enjoy a true sit down dining Cape Cod experience of fresh, delicious seafood all while watching the sunset over the Harbor.  Side note: Landfall is actually built from wood from shipwrecks on pilings, so you are literally over the water while having dinner. It's magical. If you want a more lowkey evening, stop at the Falmouth Wine & Spirits and grab a bottle of your favorite wine and some (non glass drinkware) and head to Wood Neck Beach for a serene sunset and stunning beauty. 

Whatever you choose, you can't go wrong spending a sun, salt and sand filled day in Falmouth. 

- Sarah DaSilva @EatPlayLoveCapeCod

 

Ready to make this perfect day a lifestyle?