Barnstable - Hyannis

Overview - Beaches - Points of Interest - Schools - Chamber of Commerce - Barnstable Lodging

Overview

Incorporated in 1639, Barnstable is the largest town on Cape Cod. It consists of seven distinct villages: Barnstable, Centerville, Cotuit, Hyannis, Marstons Mills, West Barnstable, and Osterville. Hyannis is the commercial center of both Barnstable and the entire Cape. Its major shopping areas include Route 132 and Main Street. Some of the Cape’s finest restaurants are also found here.

To visitors, Hyannis is best known as the summer home of the Kennedys. The Kennedy Compound, just two miles from Main Street in scenic Hyannis Port, is still a major tourist attraction despite being closed to the public. The John F. Kennedy Memorial fountain is located on Ocean Street. Other famous sites include the John F. Kennedy Museum on Main Street and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on South Street, where a plaque marks the former president's pew.

Located on Hyannis Harbor near Main Street are the Ocean & Sea Street docks. Ferries embark daily from here on revolving schedules to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Within walking distance are several ocean side parks and beaches. These include Kalmus Park, Veteran's Park, JFK Memorial Park and Aselton Park.

For another ocean adventure, take one of the daily whalewatching excursions departing from the Marina in Barnstable Harbor. Baleen, Humpback, Finback, Minke and Right whales all feed in the shallow waters of Cape Cod Bay.

Along Route 6A in Barnstable Village one can find many unique shops and eateries, adding to the ambiance of the town's gracious historical district. Spanning from Phinney's Lane to the edge of Cummaquid, the district is lined with quaint bed & breakfasts, inns, antique shops and restaurants.

Beaches

Covell Beach Craigville Beach Kalmus Park Beach Millway Beach Orrin Keyes Beach Sandy Neck Beach Veterans Park Beach

Points of Interest

Barnstable

• Barnstable Comedy Club - Kurt Vonnegut is just one of this club's famous alumni. Founded in 1922, the group produces three major productions a year and holds many workshops, improvisations and other programs. Located on Main Street (Route 6A).
• Colonial Courthouse - This grand white structure was used as the local English Court before the Revolutionary War. Built in 1772, it is now a storehouse for bicentennial memorabilia. Visitors accepted by appointment. Located on Route 6A.
• Lothrop Hill Cemetery - Dedicated to Barnstable’s founder, John Lothrop, this cemetery has been used since the 1700s. Among the famous graves here is that of the Commander of Old Ironsides from 1844-1846, Captain John "Mad Jack" Percival. The graveyard offers a true look into the town's past. Located on Route 6A.
• St. Mary's Church Gardens - A rainbow of flowers blossoms across this grassy knoll dotted with a stream and small wooden bridge. In the spring daffodils, chrysanthemums, lilies, and tulips bloom throughout the grounds. A welcome escape from summer traffic and crowds. Located on Route 6A.
• Sachem Iyanough's Grave - A friend to the Pilgrims, Chief Sachem of the Cummaquid Indians helped with hunting and supplies. His grave was discovered here in 1860.
• Tayser Memorial Museum - This red brick building houses Barnstable's largest collection of historical relics and artifacts from ship parts to period town photos. Built in 1856 as a private residence, the home was converted into a post office and eventually donated to the town in 1960.
• West Parish Meetinghouse - A half-ton bell sways inside the steeple of the oldest Congregational Church in America. This church has stood as an example of elegant Puritan architecture since 1634. The bell, constructed by Paul Revere in 1806, weighs 922 lbs. A five-foot golden rooster weathervane has tracked wind direction since 1723. Located on Route 149 in West Barnstable.

Centerville

• Craigville Beach - Craigville is one of the most popular beaches on Cape Cod, and attracts both families and singles. It has soft sand and terrific waters for beach sports and swimming. Beach shops and eateries line the sidewalk across the street. The perfect spot for a beach day. Located on Craigville Beach Rd. off Route 28.
• Sunset Hill - The setting summer sun spills bright pastel colors across the horizon from this scenic vista, offering a great view of the Kennedy Compound. Located at the end of Irving Avenue in Hyannis Port.

Hyannis

• John F. Kennedy Memorial - A heavily visited monument paying tribute to the 34th President of the United States. Kennedy, a longtime resident of Hyannis Port, is fondly remembered by many local friends and acquaintances. This fountain pours into a pool honoring his memory, and thousands pay their respects to the fallen humanitarian every year. Located by Lewis Bay off Ocean Street.
• Hyannis Harbor - This harbor holds numerous vessels of all types along its weathered docks. The Hy-Line ferry terminal also resides here. Across the street are some of the best taverns, restaurants and hotels in Hyannis. Located on Ocean Street.
• Main Street - "Dancing in the streets of Hyannis," the rock band Boston sang about one of the most socially active areas on the Cape. This street is lined with shops, restaurants and nightclubs. Something is always happening on Main Street.

Osterville

• Crosby Yacht Yard - A well-known shipyard for more than 175 years, this site was made famous by the "Crosby Cat," a type of slick wooden yacht invented by Horace Crosby in 1840. Modern pleasure vessels are still built here during the winter. It also offers ship moorings in the summertime. Located in Osterville at 72 Crosby Circle.
• Osterville Historical Society Museum - Housing a large collection of antique colonial furniture, this 11-room museum is a major town attraction. Originally built as a home in 1795 by Captain Jonathan Parker, visitors are welcome here by appointment. Located on West Bay Road.

Schools

• Barnstable High School 
  744 West Main Street, Hyannis 
  
• Barnstable Middle School
  895 Falmouth Road, Hyannis 
  
• Barnstable Middle School at Marstons Mills
  730 Osterville-West Barnstable Road, Marstons Mills
  
• Barnstable-West Barnstable Elementary School
  2463 Main Street, W. Barnstable
  
• Bright Promise Preschool
  57 Pond, Osterville 
  
• Cape Cod Academy
  50 Osterville-W. Barnstable Road, Osterville 
  
• Cape Cod Community College
  Route 132, W. Barnstable 
  
• Cape Cod Synagogue
  145 Winter Street, Hyannis 
  
• Centerville Elementary School
  658 Bay Lane, Centerville 
  
• Cotuit Elementary School
  140 Old Oyster Road 
  
• Cotuit Nursery School 
  School Street, Cotuit 
  
• Fair Acres Country Day School
  35 Fair Acres Drive, Marstons Mills 
  
• Faith Christian Academy
  154 Bearse's Way, Hyannis 
  
• Fisher College 
  142 Corporation Road, Hyannis
  
• Grade Five School
  120 High School Road, Hyannis 
  
• Growing Investments Nursery School 
  55 Attucks Lane, Hyannis 
  
• Hyannis East Elementary School
  Bearse's Way, Hyannis 
  
• Hyannis West Elementary School
  549 West Main Street, Hyannis 
  
• Kiddie Kollege Nursery School
  154 Bearse's Way, Hyannis 
  
• Marstons Mills Elementary School
  2095 Main Street, Marstons Mills
  
• Marstons Mills East Elementary School
  760 Osterville-West Barnstable Rd., Marstons Mills  
  
• Osterville Bay Elementary School
  99 West Bay Road, Osterville 
  
• Osterville Elementary School
  350 Bumps River Road, Osterville 
  
• Saint Peter's Nursery School
  Wianno Avenue, Osterville 

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