Hyannis MA

While Hyannis became famous as the summer retreat of the Kennedy clan, this distinction has not come without a price. The town is one of the most commercially developed on the Cape and the roads leading into Hyannis are crowded with malls and chain stores common all over the country.

Hyannis was purchased from Native American Sachem Iyanno for 20 pounds (British currency) and two pairs of pants. Not a bad deal considering the area has been a playground for presidents as far back as 1874 during the term of Ulysses S. Grant.

The association with "Camelot" is apparent everywhere in town with memorials, museums and even a skating rink named for or dedicated to the Kennedy’s. The Kennedy Compound, the summer White House during J.F.K.'s presidency, has everything the family needed to entertain themselves. The home purchased by Joseph Kennedy has a boat dock, private beach, tennis courts, swimming pool and a movie theater. Jack and Bobby each purchased homes nearby finishing out the compound. Brother Ted purchased a home on private Squaw Island nearby but later bought the original family home before his mother's death. The compound is basically closed to the public, but that doesn't stop tourists from trying to get a peek. The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum covers J.F.K.'s years on the Cape through photographs and video presentations.

Near the busy boat docks is the John F. Kennedy Memorial, donated by the people of Barnstable to commemorate Jack's love of sailing the Cape waters. Connected to the memorial is Veteran's Park, with a playground, a beach and a picnic area. There are many things to do if you're not after a photograph of a Kennedy.

The Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory is open to the public for tours and free samples of their potato chips. Smith Family Amusements offer fun for all ages with bowling, video games and Skee-ball. It would take weeks to visit all the fine restaurants in and around the town.

Whatever you have a taste for is available in Hyannis. There are numerous music venues including the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and the yearly Pops by the Sea concert, and the Cape Cod Melody Tent, which presents pop concerts, and comedy shows by internationally known talent. For water fun, visit Kalmus Park Beach, with sheltered areas for kids and areas specifically for wind surfers.