Falmouth MA

Falmouth, located in the Upper Cape, was settled in 1660 by members of the Congregational Church who had been thrown out of the church for sympathizing with the Quakers. It was named after Falmouth, England and incorporated in 1686.

There are eight villages that make up the town: Falmouth, North Falmouth, West Falmouth, East Falmouth, Woods Hole, Teaticket, Waquoit and Hatchville. There is a large year-round population and the town is quite suburban.

The Village Green is on the National Register of Historic Places and served as a militia training ground in the 18th century. The bell in the belltower of the Concregational Church on the green was made by Paul Revere.

Two museums are run by the Falmouth Historical Society. The Julia Wood House, circa 1790, has wonderful examples of colonial life, and afternoon tea is served in the formal garden in July and August. Conant House is a smaller museum, but houses many interesting displays including whaling items, scrimshaw and item belonging to Katherine Lee Bates, a native of Falmouth and the author of "America the Beautiful".

For another beautiful garden, check out the Charles D. and Margaret K. Spohr Garden. More than 700,000 daffodils are planted around the three-acre garden and make a spectacular viewing in the spring. During the summer months, azaleas, magnolias, rhododendrons, lilies and a variety of other plants are in full bloom.

There are a number of nice beaches in the area and perhaps one of the best for the whole family is at the fresh water Grews Pond. You will find a nice beach area, picnic grounds, rest rooms, lifeguards and a playground for the kids. Falmouth Beach and Falmouth Heights Beach are both crowded but pretty public beaches with views of Nantucket Sound and Martha's Vineyard.

Good fishing is plentiful and the fresh water ponds offer trout, perch and other types of fish. For deep-sea fishing, you can take part in a charter or rent a party boat. Falmouth also hosts a world class run each year in mid-August with the SBLI Falmouth Road Race, but get your entry in early. Sigh-up is usually closed in early spring.