If a honeymoon conjures images of strolling along scenic beaches, dining at seafood restaurants overlooking the harbor, poking around quaint shops…in short, an unending slide show of romance and relaxing moments, consider Falmouth, Cape Cod’s second largest town.
The village of Falmouth, one of eight villages that comprise the town of Falmouth, has a Main Street lined with interesting shops and first-rate restaurants, along with a typical New England village green. The entire area is a picture postcard come to life. Falmouth also makes a terrific home base for exploring others towns on a Cape Cod honeymoon.
Falmouth Excursions for Landlubbers
Pleasant pasttimes include driving or biking to admire the scenic coastal roads or snapping photos at scenic Quisett Harbor or 42-foot Nobska Lighthouse.
Bikers may take the Shining Sea Bike Path, which runs four miles between Falmouth and Woods Hole. The trail, Cape Cod’s only coastal bikeway, includes detours along marshes and salt ponds and through woodlands.
A Falmouth honeymoon can also include a hike on The Knob at Quisset Harbor, a peninsula with trails that meander through woodlands and along the shore. The hike ends with a spectacular water view.
On the High Seas
Falmouth has magnificent beaches, many with concessions, changing rooms, and other amenities. Favorites are Bristol Beach in Falmouth Heights, Stoney Beach in Woods Hole Village, and Old Silver Beach in Falmouth, one of the Cape’s most popular beaches.
Patriot Party Boats offers day sails, private charters, sunset sails, and weddings on its 74-foot three-masted custom built schooner La Liberté. Patriot also provides deep sea fishing, sport fishing, and lighthouse sunset cruises on its other boats. The Bounder, a 36-foot sloop, offers full day, half day, sunset, and overnight sailing.
A Falmouth honeymoon is also a great time to enjoy clambakes, harbor tours, waterskiing, and tubing, all available through R&R Marine. Waquoit Kayak Co. rents kayaks and canoes for exploring Waquoit Bay and Washburn Island.
The Island Queen sails from Falmouth to Martha’s Vineyard for day trips. Cape Cod Whale Watch offers trips out of Provincetown to the Stellwagen Bank Marine Santuary, a federally protected underwater feeding ground for migrating whales.
Sightseeing in Falmouth
In addition to being a popular vacation destination, Falmouth has a 350-year history as a major seafaring center. Falmouth Museum on the Green, operated by the Falmouth Historical Society, features a whaling exhibit with souvenirs sailors brought back from around the world. The grounds include lovely colonial-style flower and herb gardens, perfect for a romantic stroll.
Heritage Museums and Gardens in the nearby village of Sandwich is a 100-acre arboretum. Created by members of pharmaceutical magnate Eli Lilly’s family, it features museums and lush gardens with vibrant rhododendrons, manicured herb gardens, and a maze garden.
The Shaker Round Barn houses a spectacular automobile collection with a 1931 Duesenberg and President William Taft’s 1909 White Steam Car. The American History Museum has antique toys, while the Art Museum specializes in folk art like scrimshaw and tobacco store Indians. A ride on the hand-carved carousel from 1906 brings back the familiar thrill from childhood.
Shopping in Falmouth
Port Cargo on Falmouth’s Main Street sells apparel for vacation or every day, while Soft As a Grape features its own line of linens and cottons in soft pastels. Touché sells unusual clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Specialty shops include the Inkwell Bookstore, the Falmouth Jewelery Shop with shell and nautical-themed jewelry, and Ortins Blast From the Past, with nostalgia gifts featuring such icons as Marilyn Monroe and Betty Boop. Real Bodies has comfortable clothes made from batiked fabrics from Bali.
A Falmouth honeymoon should include a visit to the Soft Earth, the Woods Hole studio of potter Joan Lederman, who uses sediment from exotic locales like the Dead Sea and Antarctica to create unique pieces. She can also customize bowls or plates with the bride and groom’s names for maid of honor gifts.
Falmouth is also the home of Bellezza Day Spa, which offers hot stone body massages and a variety of facials. For weddings, Bellezza features hair and makeup trials and specializes in photography-specific makeup for the whole wedding party.
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