Guidebook 2025-26 3 - Flipbook - Page 69
VILLAGE PROFILES
VILLAGE PROFILES
and shell middens, echoing human presence spanning millennia. Nestled within
Waquoit lies the Waquoit Bay Estuarine Research Reserve, a dynamic educational
hub seamlessly integrated into the Massachusetts State Parks system. Its welcoming
visitor center, operational year-round, extends an invitation to the public for
immersive educational experiences, delving into the ecological riches of Cape Cod.
Waquoit stands as a diverse tapestry of natural wonders, encompassing open
waters, saline and freshwater marshes, protective barrier beaches, windswept sand
dunes, meandering rivers, and lush forests of mixed pine and oak. Sprawling sand
plain grasslands add to the captivating mosaic. This remarkable diversity makes
Waquoit an idyllic retreat for those seeking to bask in the unspoiled beauty and
varied ecosystems of Cape Cod.
WEST FALMOUTH
West Falmouth, where weathered saltbox cottages and charming shingle-style
summer homes nestle amidst oak and pine groves, boasts a wealth of Falmouth's
oldest architectural treasures. Perched upon West Falmouth's elevated highlands,
some of the loftiest terrain on Cape Cod, one can savor unparalleled vistas across
Buzzards Bay. A leisurely drive along the picturesque West Falmouth Highway or
a scenic bike ride along the Shining Sea Bikeway will lead you to Bourne Farm,
established in 1775. This historic site, acquired by Salt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuaries,
Inc. in 1980, sprawls across more than 49 acres of fields, trails, and woodlands
overlooking the picturesque Crocker Pond, inviting the public to enjoy hiking and
picnicking. Yet, amidst West Falmouth's tranquil ambiance, lies an unexpected thrill
- just off the pristine shores of beautiful Chapoquoit Beach awaits some of the East
Coast's most exhilarating windsurfing adventures.
WOODS HOLE
At the southern end of the Shining Sea Bikeway, this salty village is bustling with
scientists, residents, and visitors. Follow the sea to Woods Hole and take a moment
to enjoy the lovely landscape of Spohr Gardens, and then travel on to Nobska
Lighthouse, one of Falmouth’s most notable landmarks. As you round Little Harbor,
stop and visit the Woods Hole Historical Museum where you’ll see a diorama that
depicts an earlier time. In the village, you’ll cross over the Eel Pond drawbridge
to find waterfront restaurants, art galleries and distinctive boutique shopping.
Visit the oldest aquarium in the nation, where the kids can get hands-on with the
touch tanks. Best known for its scientific community, Woods Hole is home to world
renowned Marine Biological Laboratory, NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center,
Sea Education Association and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (home to
the discovery of the Titanic). Free tours of these institutions are offered seasonally
and year round. Returning from Woods Hole to Falmouth, The Knob, a hidden gem
on Quissett Harbor, offers a short hike to view a radiant sunset over Buzzards
Bay. A life-sized David Lewis bronze statue of environmentalist and writer Rachel
Carson (1907-1964), was dedicated in 2013. Carson, who studied and worked in
Woods Hole for many years, wrote Silent Spring, the book that many feel was the
beginning of the worldwide environmental movement.
www.FalmouthChamber.com
*ADVERTISER—SEE AD INDEX PAGE 150
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