More About Barnstable
The 60-square mile town of Barnstable is comprised of 7 villages, each with its own distinctive qualities. West Barnstable and Barnstable Village have retained their colonial charm. Route 6A runs through Barnstable. Also known as Old King's Highway, it is lined with historic homes, art galleries, antique shops, and beautiful scenery.
Barnstable Harbor is a sheltered entrance to Cape Cod Bay and the launching point for fishing and whale watch trips.
Sandy Neck, a spit of land that reaches into Cape Cod Bay in West Barnstable, is one of the Cape's most famous beach areas, with dunes stretching for more than five miles.
In late July, Barnstable hosts a week-long County Fair, featuring livestock and food judgings, pony and oxen pulls, entertainment, and arts and crafts demonstrations.
Another village of Barnstable is Marstons Mills. Although it has no ocean front, it does have several beautiful lakes and ponds. The residential villages of Cotuit, Osterville, and Centerville have lovely beaches on Nantucket Sound. Osterville has many elegant waterfront homes and upscale shopping. Centerville's seafaring history is still in evidence with its many sea captains' homes along its quiet, tree-lined streets.
Craigville Beach, which lies between Centerville and Hyannis, is a beach community of weather-shingled cottages. This long and wide stretch of beach is very popular with summer visitors.