By Rachael Funk
Cape Cod: the essence of New England’s coastal beauty. Boasting 15 towns and over 40 miles of seashore, the Cape Cod peninsula is a one-of-a-kind vacation destination. Here are some things you may not know about this must-see Massachusetts marvel.
It was John F. Kennedy’s favorite vacation spot
In fact, JFK co-sponsored the legislation that established the Cape Cod National Seashore. Thanks to him, 43,500 acres of fragile coastline between Chatham and Provincetown are now protected and maintained by the U.S. National Park Service.
Cape Cod is home to one of the largest historic districts in the country
The Old King’s Highway (also known as Route 6A) winds through 7 towns and hundreds of historic sites and is highly regarded as one of America’s most scenic highways. Along the highway, you’ll find America’s oldest library, buildings that date back to the 1600s, and tons of boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants along the way.
It has floating houses
Provincetown’s Long Point peninsula was home to a thriving fishing village in the early 1800s. By the mid-1800s, the waters were empty of fish. Long Point residents wanted to move back to Provincetown, so they did...and they took their houses with them!
About 30 homes, known as “floaters,” were literally floated a mile across Provincetown Harbor to the town’s West End. You can identify them by a distinctive blue and white plaque that indicates the home’s historic journey.
The county has the most historic lighthouses in the country
With its rich maritime history, it’s no surprise the county of Cape Cod is home to more lighthouses than any other county in the United States. There are 14 historical lighthouses on Cape Cod. Some are still active, but some are available for tours—the perfect way to get some local history and excellent views of the coast.
Cape Cod is VERY proud of its potato chips
About 40 years ago, a family-run operation started selling potato chips out of a small storefront in Hyannis. The chips were so well-liked, the business grew beyond the storefront and built a factory. Today, about 250,000 visitors stop by each year for a self-guided tour and a few free snacks. A must try when you travel to Cape Cod!
