The Mid Cape Cod town of Barnstable (pop. 39,973) includes Hyannis,
Hyannisport, Osterville, Centerville, Craigville, Cotuit, Marstons Mills, and
West Barnstable.
:: Barnstable and Hyannis
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, Ferries to the Islands.
About Barnstable & Hyannis
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.
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.
