For those of you who just cannot go without shopping on your vacation, Cape Cod offers a diverse selection of stores, malls, galleries, and shops to accommodate any interest. There are antiques stores, art galleries, bookstores, boutiques, craft stores, strip malls, souvenir shops, and the hub of Cape Cod commercial activity, the Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis. Most local stores are small and carry unique items and gifts; many stores are concentrated on the Main Streets of towns such as Falmouth, Provincetown, Orleans, Hyannis, and Chatham. A leisurely stroll through the Main Streets is always an entertaining way to shop and see the towns on a summer day.
 

Cape Cod Shopping Guide

Antiques. Cape Cod is the Mecca of antiques dealers, the majority of which are located along and near historic route 6A, also known as Old King’s Highway. Serious antiques hunters will want to travel 6A from its starting point just as you arrive on Cape Cod and continue to its termination, stopping at antiques shops on the way. The road travels through Bourne, Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster, and Orleans. Also, many stores are located off the beaten path, so it is best to be well-informed before you start antique hunting.

What you will find along 6A:

·                     Antiques
·                     Baskets
·                     Quilts
·                     Jewelry
·                     Pottery
·                     Clocks
·                     Weather apparatuses
·                     Nautical antiques
·                     Maps
·                     Books (many used bookstores)
·                     Small gifts
·                     Cape Cod inspired arts and crafts

Shopping on Main Streets

Hyannis

Main Street in Hyannis is the center of Hyannis tourism and small-store shopping. Take a stroll down this quintessential New England downtown avenue and experience the immense diversity of its ma-and-pop shops, craft and specialty stores, and even a couple of small department stores. Fancy restaurants, cafes, and small eateries abound. Main Street Hyannis is the largest and most densely populated of the Cape Main Streets, and is very popular on summer nights, with sidewalks crowds often flooding into the street. If you are looking for a touch of the city feel on Cape Cod, this is the only place you can find it. The street offers such Cape staples as the JFK Museum, Café e Dolci, Ben & Jerry’s, Alberto’s Ristorante, and the Hyannis Village Green. A short walk across the green will bring you to Aselton Park on Hyannis Harbor. Stroll along the harbor to watch the activity on the water and stop in at shops along the pier. Often times Main Street, the Village Green, and Aselton Park play host to live entertainment, arts and crafts fairs, shows, and concerts.

Sandwich

Main Street in historic Sandwich has many small antiques stores that reflect the age of the town itself. Although there are few restaurants and not as many stores, Main Street in Sandwich is a great summer walk for those who want to take in the beauty of the town and appreciate its historical offerings.

Falmouth

Main Street in Falmouth, much larger than its counterpart in Sandwich, has numerous shops and many restaurants. It is just one block from Falmouth’s Inner Harbor. Not as densely populated as Hyannis, Falmouth’s Main Street nonetheless offers a wide array of commercial and dining offerings. The Falmouth Town Green also provides a nice place for a stroll, and the sidewalks are a quiet, clean, excellent place for a summer’s walk.

Chatham

Main Street in Chatham is one of Cape Cod’s premier shopping experiences. There are many trendy retail stores; popular items include clothing, arts, crafts, jewelry, cookware, and home furnishings. You will be able to purchase souvenirs and enjoy many unique dining options.

Provincetown

Commercial Street in Provincetown is eclectic, energetic, crazy, fun, and entertaining. In addition to people watching, be sure to browse through the omnipresent arts and crafts galleries, weird and unique shops, souvenir stands, and the military store. Commercial Street offers the most dining options of any Main Street on the Cape, and due to the town’s high homosexual population, gay bars, clubs, and shows are available.

Other shopping venues of interest:

Mashpee Commons

Mashpee Commons, with over 90 shops, is the center of upscale outdoor shopping in the Upper Cape. Many shoppers come from the local prestigious golf resort and community of New Seabury, in addition to the many tourists that flock to this outdoor venue. There are many restaurants, a movie theater, and everything from apparel to home furnishings available to shoppers.

Cape Cod Mall

The Cape Cod Mall, located on Route 132 in Hyannis, is the largest commercial shopping venue on Cape Cod. There are many large department stores such as Best Buy and Macy’s in addition to normal stores you would find at any mall.                                                                 

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