Falmouth is Cape Cod’s second largest municipality. In addition to the two small villages that are not designated by the census, Waquoit and Hatchville, Falmouth also encompasses Woods Hole, North Falmouth, West Falmouth, East Falmouth, Falmouth Village, and Teaticket. Falmouth takes up the southern portion of the land that actually connects Cape Cod to the mainland.
Many scientific organizations and museums are located in or near the Woods Hole village. They include the Woods Hole Science Aquarium (NCAA), the Marine Biological Laboratory (MLB), the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and the Woods Hole Research Center. With Vineyard Sound and Buzzard Bay making up part of its borders, there is ample access to the water making it easy to study the aquatic wildlife.
As part of Barnstable County, Falmouth has a rich and colorful maritime history. Often referred to as Falmouth by the sea, the community has many ports that connect it to Martha’s Vineyard and many other nearby islands. Many of the oldest ports are still operational for both commercial and personal use. The village of Woods Hole is home to the Steamship Authority that runs ferries between Martha’s Vineyard and the mainland.
Falmouth has ten sites that have made it onto the National Register of Historic Places. A few of them include the Josiah Tobey House, the Central Fire Station, the Teaticket School, and the Crowell-Bourne Farm. The Poor House and Methodist Cemetery are also nearby. There are several historic sites that date back to the time of the Pilgrims, as well as a few places that have become more popular with tourists because of the access to Martha’s Vineyard and many of the other islands in the area.
Falmouth’s location makes it one of the main connectors between Cape Cod and Boston residents. Routes 151 and 28 are the main highways in and out of the area. Traffic can be heavy at times, which is why many residents choose to take the train. In addition to the rail option, the Shining Sea Bikeway is another way to travel if you want to spend time outside.
When it comes to architecture and housing, the areas along the water a dotted with high-end, luxury condos and apartments for those who want to have a full view of the water from their windows. As you travel further inland, the landscape still hosts apartments and multi-family dwellings, but there are also stately manors and beautiful single family homes that are built with true New England style and class. Tract housing can be found in many of the more densely populated areas, where small cottages can be found in close proximity to the ports and channels.