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Adventure Park at the Heritage Museums & Gardens
frederickwilliamhouse

Attractions & Things to do in Cape Cod...

 

Falmouth is a quaint, historic village on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Main Street is filled with wonderful, eclectic shops, galleries, and fine restaurants.  Whether you want to spend the day at a spa or hike for miles, your favorite vacation activity is just minutes away from our unique location. One hundred and thirty-nine of the Cape's finest beaches are in this little seaside village of Falmouth.  There is much to do and see here. Historic home tours are offered in the Village Green at 65 Palmer Avenue, just down the road from Frederick William House. Highfield Hall, on our nation’s top 100 most historic homes, is a nice place to visit and tour.  It is located right next to Bebe Woods, a spectacular conservation land that gives the Cape Cod visitor a unique hiking experience.  Guided walking tours can be had here throughout all the seasons of the year. Woodneck beach is a half mile behind the house, and the pond in Goodwill park is great for children young and old.  There is a playground in the park as well, just steps from our front door, across the street. 

 

Katherine Lee Bates wrote our beloved America the Beautiful right here in Falmouth, her hometown. A statue pays homage to her in the center of town in front of our library. She was born in 1859 and died in 1929. Her home is located on the Village Green. There is a little history museum on the Green as well which can fill you in on much of the local history and sites. Nobska lighthouse is located in Woods Hole. It is one of our nation’s oldest operational lighthouses. The acting coast guard Chief lives there with his family. Otis Airforce base is located on the Cape, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, many nice shops, and some very savvy, scrumptious restaurants. Crabapples Resturant is literally across the street from the house. They have the best breakfasts. Irish Eggs Benedict is one of their specialties and some twists with Texas Toast filled with cranberries and walnuts. The Glass Onion is a mile down the road, very fine dining there. 

 

Frederick William House is walking distance to the Steamship Authority, which is where you would catch the shuttle to the ferry to visit Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket. Do not pay to park. Just walk the bike path to the shuttle from Frederick William House. We are very centrally located in this beautiful historic American treasure. Outdoor activities range from golfing, hiking, kayaking, biking, fishing, sightseeing, antiquing, and high-end gift shopping.  For foodies, there are many restaurants to choose from.

 

Sandwich is lovely day trip about 40-minutes drive from Frederick William House. Quaint antique shops fill downtown, boutique shops, restaurants, the Heritage Museum, the Glass Museum, Thorton Burgess Museum, House, and Jam Kitchen. Grist Mill is in the center of town. Sandwich also has many tea houses. Hoxie House (ca. 1675) in Sandwich, Massachusetts is one of the oldest houses on Cape Cod and one the oldest surviving houses in Massachusetts. The saltbox house was built in the mid-seventeenth century and occupied around 1675 by Rev. John Smith, his wife Susanna and their 13 children. Smith served as pastor of the Separatist First Church of Sandwich church from 1673 until 1689. He also served as a representative to the legislature and recommended tolerance of the Quakers, a religious minority in the area. In the mid-nineteenth century, Abraham Hoxie, a whaling captain, purchased the property. The town of Sandwich acquired the home in the 1950s and restored the building. Traveling on Route 6, further up Cape is the town of Barnstable where you can go through some of the oldest graveyards and visit the oldest existing public library in the United States that is still in operation. Sturgis Library was established in 1644.

 

Salem is away from the Cape, north past Boston, but a very fun visit because of the Salem Witch trial history there. I would suggest visiting the House of Seven Gables and the Witch House circa 1642, also called the Jonathan Corwin House, this was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin and is the only structure still standing in Salem, Massachusetts with direct ties to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. The house is now a museum operated by the City of Salem, and is open seasonally.

 

Boston has many points of interest. Boston is a full day trip from Frederick William House. Some of the free things to do are to walk the Freedom Trail. It is a self-guided tour that takes you to the Paul Revere House, the Old Burial Ground, Boston Common, The Old North Church, Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution, Copps Hill Burying Ground, the Site of the Boston Massacre, Kings Chapel, Granary Burying Ground, Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church and more.  The walk can literally take the entire day. So wear your most comfortable walking shoes.  There are hundreds of places to eat in Boston, and many places to shop, and museums to visit.

 

Plymouth is a town that is approximately a 45-minute drive from Frederick William House. There you can visit the Mayflower and Plymouth Rock, tour Plymouth Plantation (a living history museum). This is a VERY TOURISTY part of Massachusetts. So there will be many tour buses and trinket shops.

 

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is a fantastic family day trip.  New Bedford is approximately a 40-minute drive from Falmouth. The museum there is really amazing. The historic part of New Bedford has cobblestone streets and ancient buildings.  Fantastic smells line the streets. The wharf is visible from the rooftop veranda at the museum. Great Seafood restaurants can be found here, a brick pizza oven, Celtic pubs, galleries and artists’ lofts. New Bedford is a fun family visit, and it is also close to a historic fort in the town of Fairhaven. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ferry Schedules for Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket

When visiting Frederick William House, ferry excursions to the storybook islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are popular day trips. For more information, please visit the websites for the Martha's Vineyard's Chamber of Commerce and/or Nantucket's Chamber of Commerce. In addition, the links below on offer helpful information regarding ferry options and schedules.

 

When arriving for your stay at Frederick William House, please inquire at our front desk for up-to-date daily schedules and island activities, or purchase Martha's Vineyard ferry tickets in advance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whale Watching

Whale watching is one of Cape Cod's most exciting and educational activities. Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises, depart from scenic Barnstable Harbor, just 20 miles from Frederick William House. This high speed state-of-the-art vessel offers spectacular sightings of these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. Each cruise includes expert naturalists on board to provide information on the whales and ocean ecology. Discount tickets may be purchased at our front desk at Frederick William House in advance. Additional Cape Cod whale watching is available in Provincetown on the Dolphin Fleet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cyclists & Runners

If you enjoy a morning ride or run, take advantage of Falmouth's gorgeous jogging and bike path. The Shining Sea Bikeway is a 10.7 mile long scenic path that runs along the coast of Woods Hole and Falmouth. Runners and cyclists and family adventurists can explore the path to exercise  or take in the natural beauty that encompasses the path. Stop into the Gift Shack Gallery to get your Bikeway Blasters before your set out!

If you're a serious runner, you may wish to consider entering the world famous Falmouth Road Race, a 7.1 mile marathon held each summer. The race begins in Woods Hole, routes runners into Falmouth along our scenic beaches, and ends with the finish line right over "Heartbreak Hill" located along the beautiful cliffs of Falmouth Heights Beach. Falmouth has long been a popular destination for running enthusiasts and many runners also return each year for the Cape Cod Marathon, which takes place in Falmouth during the autumn season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Falmouth Beaches   There are 139 private and public beaches that grace the town of Falmouth. We offer beach passes through the Gift Shack Gallery or you can reserve your passes ahead of time. Some of our recommended beaches are:

  • Surf Drive Beach

  • Woodneck Beach

  • Nobska Beach

  • Stoney Beach

  • Bristol Beach

  • Chapoquoit Beach

  • Falmouth Heights Beach

  • Grew's Pond Beach

  • Menauhant Beach

  • Megansett Beach

  • Old Silver Beach

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Family Fun

So you've been to the beach and Martha's Vineyard, you've been whale watching or (gasp!) it's raining outside and you're looking for something fun and educational for the family to get excited about? Cape Cod has a wonderful array of alternative activities for hours of quality, family fun.

Here are a few suggestions to start.

  • Cape Cod Children's Museum

  • ...a unique local experience where children can make arts and crafts objects, learn about oceans, boats, pirates, stars, and so much more

  • Cape Cod Railroad

  • ...Scenic train rides, luncheon, and dinner trains

  • Coonamessett Farm

  • ...twenty acre working farm with a general store, café, ice cream stand, Jamaican Buffet, farm activities, hydroponics, agriculture, and aquaculture.

  • Plymouth Plantation

  • Falmouth Marine Park

  • ...overlooking Falmouth Harbor. Free town band concerts on Thursday evenings in July and August. Antique car shows, crafts fairs, and other special events.

  • Falmouth Museums on the Green

  • ...Two 18th century houses on the Village Green tell the history of Falmouth. Revolutionary era furnishings and pre-Civil War medicines, children's games, and exhibits that tell of our 19thcentury whaling industry and the life of Falmouth- born, Katharine Lee Bates, author of "America the Beautiful." Family Fridays.

  • Falmouth Village Association

  • ...Free family "Movies Under the Stars" and summer concerts at Peg Noonan Park. Year round village activities and events all within walking distance of ShoreWay Acres Inn.

  • Green Briar Jam Kitchen in Sandwich 

  • Historic Highfield Hall

  • ...cooking classes, art exhibits, music programs, gardening, and special events in a meticulously restored 1878 Falmouth mansion that is our cultural hub.

  • Leary Family Amusements

  • ...candlepin bowling and indoor arcade games

  • Ocean Quest

  • ...A 90-minute hands-on educational ocean experience

  • Water Wizz Cape Cod

  • ...Cape Cod's water park with wave pool, slides, pirates' plunge, and more

  • Woods Hole Science Aquarium

  • ...Free marine research aquarium with touch tanks, shark embryos, and resident seal

  • Whaling Museum in New Bedford

  • Oak Grove Cemetary Tours  Fall Only, specific days and times

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hiking and Nature Walks

Beebe Woods located near Historic Highfield Hall at the top of Depot Avenue, Falmouth offers 383 acres of marked trails and paths.

Ashumet Holly & Wildlife Sanctuary located in East Falmouth off Route 151 offers 45 acres of nature trails and guided nature walks. Seal cruises in the Spring, cruises to Cuttyhunk Island in Summer and Fall and year round bird watching.

Spohr Gardens located at 45 Fells Road, Sphor Gardens is one of Falmouth's hidden gems. These beautiful seven acres were once the private gardens of Falmouth residents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sphor and are now open to the public year round during daylight hours. The gardens are particularly known for their splendid daffodil display in the Spring. 

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve located in East Falmouth off Route 28 is a 2500 acre reserve with nature and hiking trails, cranberry bogs, barrier beaches, and marshlands. Seasonal and year round educational programs include such topics as Horseshoe Crab Natural History, Butterflies of Cape Cod, Wild Turkeys Back from the Brink and Atlantic White Cedar Swamps. The reserve's Washburn Island and South Cape Beach State Park are two special features of this national treasure. Information and permits for fishing, shellfishing, and hunting are available at http://www.waquoitbayreserve.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Parks and Museums

Cape Cod National Seashore...Cape Cod is only some 18,000 years old in geologic time, but its history includes a vast collection of people, places and events, most from a time long faded into memory. From the beginning of its creation to the foundation of its National Seashore, Cape Cod is one of the forbearers of our national heritage. Visit the our most pristine shoreline and learn about how the earth evolved creating this beautiful place.

 

New Bedford Whaling Museum & New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park ...Visit  The City That Lit The World

"The town itself is perhaps the dearest place to live in, in all New England..nowhere in all America will you find more patrician-like houses, parks and gardens more opulent, than in New Bedford…all these brave houses and flowery gardens came from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. One and all, they were harpooned and dragged up hither from the bottom of the sea."
H. Melville, "Moby-Dick"...

Learn about New Bedford's Whaling history, how the city grew into the richest city in the world and fell after Edison invented the light bulb.

 

 

Sandwich Glass Museum   is located at 129 Main Street, corner of Rte. 130 (Main Street) and Tupper Road, Sandwich, MA 02563. It is opposite the Town Hall. The entrance to the Museum and parking is on Tupper Road.,

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Heritage Museums and Gardens  is located in Sandwich and is a family fun outing with a ropes course, car museum and award winning exhibitions and gardens.

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Plymouth Plantation...This living museum recreates Plymouth as it was in 1627, and does a great job at separating fact from the enduring (and completely inaccurate) legend of the First Thanksgiving. Historians and curators have paid great attention to detail, from the street plans to furniture, tools, and cooking equipment. Specially bred 17th-century livestock occupies the barns and pastures, and trained reenactors and artisans demonstrate how life was lived among the Pilgrims. In addition to information on the European colonists, visitors can find information on the Native American population at Hobbamock's Homesite. Hobbamock, a Wampanoag Indian, lived with his family in Plymouth from 1621-1641, as part of a peace treaty agreement. The plantation is open seasonally.

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Battleship Cove located at  5 Water Street Fall River, MA 02721  Phone: 508-678-1100

is the home to five National Historic Landmarks and Official Veteran Memorials on both state and national levels, Battleship Cove has been providing the preservation of both the military heritage of the New England region and that of the United States since 1965. A non-profit memorial and museum located in Fall River, Massachusetts, veterans, families, schools, Scouts, and interested visitors from around the world have walked the decks of these historic vessels and viewed the legendary aircraft on display.

Day visits, overnight camping experiences, and special events allow the public to immerse themselves in the exploration of the historic entities on exhibit and see for themselves the sacrifices made by both the military personnel who served on these amazing ships and aircraft and those who supported their construction and operation on the home front.

With battleship USS Massachusetts (BB-59), destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr (DD-850), submarine USS Lionfish (SS-298), PT Boats 617 and 796, and German missile corvette Hiddensee, you will be sure to have an educational and memorable visit to "America's Fleet Museum".

Woods Hole & Nobska Light

 

Boating - Sailing, Rowing, Paddle-boating, and Kayaking

Boat ahoy! Boating is another exciting and adventurous way to see Falmouth and the Cape. Couples and families can make reservations on one of the local sailboats for a day or half-day cruise of the bay. Kayaking is also a great way to incorporate some soft adventure into your visit. For a hands-on experience of one of the Cape's beautiful inlets and marshes.

Fishing

Love to fish? Your stay with us at Frederick William House is not complete without a fishing trip on one of Cape Cod's sport fishing charter boats!

A day trip on one of these fishing charters combines a day of relaxation on the ocean with excitement and adventure. Local charter captains are extremely knowledgeable and will bring you to those "hotspots" for stripers, flounder, tuna, sea bass, and blues. Make sure to bring your camera because you might just catch a fish that will make you the envy of all your friends back home!

Golf

During your visit, experience a relaxing round of golf at one of the Cape's lush and serene country clubs. And when you are finished, some clubs offer nice options for lunch or dinner before you head back to Frederick William House. For a great round of golf, consider:

Martha's Vineyard & the Islands

Martha's Vineyard & the Islands

Whale Watching

Whale Watching

Nobska Light

Nobska Light

Historic Carousel of Light

Historic Carousel of Light

Heritage Museums & Gardens

Heritage Museums & Gardens

Shining Sea Bikeway

Shining Sea Bikeway

Fall Foliage at Purgatory Chasm

Fall Foliage at Purgatory Chasm

Grews Pond at Goodwill Park

Grews Pond at Goodwill Park

Goodwill Park & Long Pond, Falmouth

Goodwill Park & Long Pond, Falmouth

Historic Highfield Hall & Gardens

Historic Highfield Hall & Gardens

24.a

24.a

Spectacle Pond

Spectacle Pond

The Green Briar Jam Kitchen

The Green Briar Jam Kitchen

Whaling Museum

Whaling Museum

National Park...New Bedford

National Park...New Bedford

Battleship Cove

Battleship Cove

Lizzie Borden House

Lizzie Borden House

The Freedom Trail in Boston

The Freedom Trail in Boston

Plimoth Plantation

Plimoth Plantation

Salem Massachusetts

Salem Massachusetts

Fire Pit at Frederick William House

Fire Pit at Frederick William House

Links to the Best Things to Do Here
Click on any picture below to link to local hot spots

 

Dining & Spirits

Frederick William House is  located within easy walking and driving distance of more than twenty Falmouth restaurants. From traditional Cape Cod cuisine of  lobster rolls and chowder, to retro and trendy eateries.  Dining in Falmouth is a memorable experience. Click on any of the restaurants below for their on line menus and websites or stop by our front desk for recommendations.

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Walking Distance from Frederick William House:

 

1-5 miles Distance from Frederick William House:​

 

Nearby Waterfront Dining​

 

Pubs, Micro Breweries and Wineries

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