Roadtrip to Falmouth Downtown and Nobska Light.

Main Street Falmouth… charming and plenty to do for all.

Ok… so your on vacation and you have that day… It’s raining, or your sunburned, or it’s fall and it’s too cold for the beach, or you are simply “beached out” and you’re looking for something to do… for yourself, your friends, maybe your kids or grandkids? Answers to all these dilemmas can be found in “downtown” (Main Street) Falmouth. Every year I make a pilgrimage once or twice to downtown Falmouth. The quaint Main Street is a great place for a day trip. Easy to get to, safe, plenty of free parking, restaurants, gift shops, and amusements for the kids all within short walking distance.

So, let’s plan an afternoon or day trip… I’m going to touch on only a few of the fine establishments that I happen to like… all within a short walk down Main Street. By clicking on the links at the end of this you can see many, many more available shops and restaurants to visit. This is just a small sampling! So set your GPS for 300 Main Street (The Falmouth Public Library) and plan on 21 minutes (14 miles) from the Bourne Bridge down McArthur Boulevard (avoids traffic) or the slower route following Route 28 from Mashpee Commons (about 25 – 35 min for 14 miles depending on traffic & lights… but more to see in route).

I typically park behind Main Street aside of Noonan Park and the library in the large public parking lot. It is free and you can also find free, clean public restrooms here.

Ideas…

For you and friends…

G0 leisurely shopping for clothing, souvenirs, or gifts. Sit in the park and people watch. Grab breakfast lunch or dinnrs.

A great place for souvenirs and gifts, here are a few of my favorites in no particular order:

Cape Cod Sweats & T’s. Need to come home with some gifts? A huge assortment of T’s and sweats in all sizes and inexpensively priced ($6 T’s, $20 sweatshirts) all with Cape Cod themes. Great for the kids and grand kids! https://www.yelp.com/biz/cape-cod-sweat-and-tee-outlet-store-falmouth
Leroux Kitchen – Almost anything you could want for the cook or kitchen is in this store. A cooks paradise of cookware and gadgets. https://www.lerouxkitchen.com/
Twigs (Personal and Home Accessories) – An upscale gift and souvenir shop. https://www.facebook.com/TwigsofFalmouth/
Home Spun Garden – Unique, elegant and fun items from jewelry to tableware. https://www.facebook.com/HomespunGarden
Gilded Oyster – A great place for Silver Jewelry and Cape Cod Bracelets). https://www.thegildedoyster.com/shop
Livin EZ Casual Wear – T’s, hats, sweats, and more. A little more upscale than Cape Cod Sweats & T’s but a little more money too. https://www.facebook.com/livinezcasualwear/
Celebrations– My god… some of everything. Gifts, nautical items, Christmas themed items, toys, and clothes. Neat! https://www.facebook.com/pg/Celebrations-of-Cape-Cod-125745837470511/about/?ref=page_internal

The Restaurant(s) scene… A LOT to choose from within a small area…

Maison Villatte – REAL French Pasteries, baguettes, bakery, sandwiches. Breakfast or lunch. Eat in or pick up a breakfast Croissant and sit on a park bench across the street at scenic Noonan Park. Enjoy the day… especially in the fall. Cappucino and expresso are here too! https://restaurantguru.com/Maison-Villatte-Falmouth
Liam McGuires Irish Pub – I love a good Reuben ($12.95) and a pint of Guinness. You can get all your Irish Pub favorites here. Friendly, traditional Irish Pub… great for lunch. https://www.liammaguire.com/
La Cucina Sul Mare, Traditional Northern Italian favorites in a warm atmosphere. A great choice for dinner. https://www.lacucinasulmare.com/
Anejo Mexican Bistro and Tequila Bar – I love a good frozen margarita on a hot summer day. Tasty Mexican fare. http://anejomexicanbistro.com/
Estia – Greek specialties, steaks, and wood fired pizza. For lunch or dinner. https://www.estiacapecod.com/

And yes, there is a lot, lot more!

What to do with children...

Ryan Family Amusements – Game Room (Video, skill, and arcade games) and Bowling. Located in the Town Hall Square. https://ryanfamily.com/locations/falmouth/
Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium – Family recipe chocolates, home made fudge, and Ice cream. Gift boxes available. http://benandbills.com/?fbclid=IwAR3wm9aoCo-pOd2TV-kwldZHKCIcfQ45lgG1WKG14QB55CRDMsDbbTikXc4
Cupcake Charlies – Gourmet cupcakes bakes daily… YUM! http://www.cupcakecharlies.com/
Ghelfi’s Candy and Ice Cream – As if one choclatier was not enough! https://shipchocolates.net/
Eight Cousins Books – Family Bookstore. https://www.eightcousins.com/books

For lots more info on more stores, activities, and restaurants click these links:

https://destinationmainstreets.com/massachusetts/falmouth.php

https://www.scenicshopping.com/state-massachusetts-falmouth

Falmouth discovery map:

https://discoverymap.com/falmouth-ma

One more thing… Watch the Winter months after Christmas… many place are closed Monday and Tuesday; a few even close for the season.

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Hey! Not enough to fill your day?

On my way to “downtown Falmouth”, (because it is so close, less than 5 miles away) I like to stop at Nobska Light (233 Nobska Road, Wood Hole, MA).

Nobska light is a beautiful lighthouse at a picturesque location on a point overlooking Nantucket Sound, Martha’s Vinyard, and the Elizabeth Islands. It’s only 41 stairs to a truly magnificent view at the top of the light. First constructed in 1829, and replaced with the current iron light 1867, it one of the most breathtaking lights on the Cape.

The light house itself has been totally renovated and is open to the public. There is free admission but limited parking. The “Keepers house” at this writing is under reconstruction and is planned to be completed the summer of 2020.

This light is operated by “The Friends of Nobska Light”.

For more on Nobska light click this link:

https://friendsofnobska.org/

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This month’s painting: Nobska Light

I painted this after a visit to the light. It is an oil on canvas and the original is 18 x 24 inches.

Those interested in seeing all my painting can view them on my web site:

https://rnsmithfinearts.com/

Prints and other fine gifts are available through customer order at:

https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/107-robert-smith

Coming soon… an online store of immediately available in stock framed prints.

Have a comment or request? Contact my e-mail: Rnsmithfinearts@gmail.com