Guidebook 2025-26 3 - Flipbook - Page 67
FALMOUTH
VILLAGE PROFILES
Falmouth Village, nestled in the heart of this charming New England town, is
steeped in history dating back to the 1600s when European settlers first arrived
and established themselves on the land between Siders and Salt Ponds, near what
is now the Old Burying Ground. The Village beautifully blends its rich past with
modern life, with the iconic Village Green at its center. Surrounding the Green are
cozy accommodations, the Falmouth Museums on the Green, and the birthplace
of Katharine Lee Bates, adding to the area's historical charm. Just a short stroll
away, Main Street comes alive with distinctive shops, diverse dining options, and
boutique art galleries. Falmouth Village is also home to the lively Falmouth Harbor,
tranquil Beebe Woods, and the popular Surf Drive Beach. On the eastern shore of
Falmouth Harbor lies Great Hill, offering breathtaking ocean views and several
19th-century Carpenter Gothic cottages. This scenic area, known as Falmouth
Heights, was developed in the 1870s as a summer retreat by businessmen from
Worcester, Massachusetts. Today, many of the original homes and charming pocket
parks still grace the landscape, preserving the area's timeless character.
EAST FALMOUTH
Nestled between the Coonamessett and Childs Rivers, this vibrant village has long
served as the agricultural heart of Falmouth. Initially, it thrived with a fledgling
yet brief mill industry and a prosperous cranberry trade that persists to this
day. Welcoming a significant influx of immigrants from Portugal, the Azores, and
the Cape Verde Islands, East Falmouth burgeoned into the largest producer of
strawberries per acre in the nation by the 1920s, propelled by their industrious
efforts. While much of the farmland has since transitioned into residential and
commercial properties, East Falmouth maintains its agricultural focus. The Cape
Cod Fairgrounds is a hub of activity throughout the season, hosting events such as
the County Fair and the Harvest Festival. Nature enthusiasts flock to the Ashumet
Holly Wildlife Sanctuary, renowned for its array of 65 holly tree varieties, while
birdwatching opportunities abound at both the sanctuary and the Sea Farms
Reservation on Green Pond.
HATCHVILLE
Named in honor of Jonathan Hatch, a descendant of Falmouth's original settler,
Hatchville stands as one of the town's more rural villages, its layout established in
1712 and its core centered around the historic East End Meeting House on Sandwich
Road. Initially a thriving dairy hub and expansive agricultural expanse, by 1936, this
village surrounding Coonamessett Pond had transformed into a predominantly recreational area. Today, it is characterized by residential neighborhoods interspersed
with cranberry bogs, picturesque ponds, small-scale farms, preserved conservation lands, and verdant woodlands. At Coonamessett Farm, an active agricultural
cooperative situated on Hatchville Road, families can partake in a variety of engaging
activities. Moreover, numerous cranberry bogs in the area are open to the public for
harvesting during the autumn months. Outdoor enthusiasts can delight in exploring
the expansive 2,000-plus-acre Francis Crane Wildlife Reservation, which boasts
diverse habitats and ample opportunities for wildlife observation and appreciation.
www.FalmouthChamber.com
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