There are seven villages that make up Barnstable's sixty square miles.
Hyannis, the "Homeport of Cape Cod", boasts the area's largest concentration of businesses, shops, motels, hotels, restaurants and entertainment spots.
Barnstable and West Barnstable, have retained much of their Colonial old world charm. They provide one of the most beautiful and historic stretches along Old King's Highway, Route 6A. Restored sea captains' homes, cranberry bogs, great salt marshes. Barnstable Harbor, Cape Cod Bay and Sandy Neck Beach are just a few of the interesting sites.
Marstons Mills, is inland and has no ocean front, however it does boast several beautiful ponds and lakes.
Cotuit, Osterville and Centerville offer a combination of quiet residential and tourist oriented surroundings. In the summer visitors flock to Craigville Beach; one of the most famous on the south shore. Take a stroll along the villages' Main Streets and pause to browse and shop in the old country stores, ice cream parlors and boutiques.
Chief Sachem Iyannough (1595-1623)
His grave is on Route 6A, Cummaquid. He is a full blood Wampanoag Indian and the 10th great grandparent of President George W. Bush. He was very helpful to the Pilgrims and there is a bronze statue of him in front of the Village Green in Hyannis. During the summer there are nightly concerts on the Village Green.
The Hyannis JFK Museum
The Kennedy Hyannis Museum is a multimedia exhibit designed to open a window on the days JFK spent on Cape Cod. The exhibit features over 80 photographs spanning the years 1934-1963. Kennedy was a man of vigor, vision, hope and faith in America. He inspired a generation. He was our 35th president and our neighbor.
If you love to fish or sail Hyannis is the place for you.
At the intersection of Ocean and South streets you will see Aselton Park; part of the scenic Walkway to the Sea and site of many special events.
Hyannis Harbor at Bismore Park are the ferries to the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard as well as excursion and charter boats for daily fishing trips, catboat scenic cruises of the harbor and replica steamboats to carry passengers on frequent site-seeing tours.
Restaurants within walking distance from the WhiteHouse B&B.
The Barnstable Restaurant and Tavern - Offers a wide range of fare, appetizers, entrees, sandwiches and Italian specialties including pizza. Outdoor dining and Sunday Jazz Brunch.
The Dolphin Restaurant - Delectable fish dishes in an upscale intimate atmosphere. Reservations are required.
The Mattakeese Wharf Restaurant - Overlooking Barnstable Harbor! Voted best waterfront dining by Cape Cod Magazine. Enjoy cocktails and appetizers or full scale lunch and dinner while overlooking the harbor.
The Dolphin Whale Watch
If you like boat rides and the opportunity to see the whales...then this is the ride for you. Enjoy this 3-4 hour experience of whale watching. The ride to George's Bank (the outer reach) is about 90 minutes. There is a Naturalist on board to describe the interesting sealife you may encounter. After you reach your destination delight in the many whales and baby whales you will see jumping in and out of the water. For those of you who would prefer a shorter boat ride you can drive to Provincetown (tip of the Cape) and enjoy a 2-hour experience of whale watching.