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Town in Massachusetts, United States
Photo: Godsendlemiwinks, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Wellfleet is in Massachusetts on Cape Cod and includes the village of South Wellfleet. Its name is believed to be derived from "whale fleet". A quaint rural feel exists to Wellfleet. Over 60% of the land area is protected by the Cape Cod National Seashore, which has its headquarters here, and also by the 1,100-acre (4.45-km²) Massachusetts Audubon Society Wildlife Sanctuary. Wellfleet is blessed with a number of spring-fed freshwater "kettle ponds" that resulted from glacier activity. Its beautiful, working harbor is near the town center, making for a delightful walk in a nautical atmosphere complete with good dining, shopping and photographic opportunities. Gone are the days of a great whaling and fishing fleet, but Wellfleet retains its reputation for great tasting shellfish, particularly "Wellfleet Oysters".
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Route 6, Eastham-Wellfleet line. Only drive-in theater on Cape Cod. Flea market on weekends (and Wednesday and Thursday during the summer). Nice little mini-golf with snack counter.
A parking area for 12 cars makes this site more accessible, Uncle Tim's Bridge is a boardwalk over a tidal marsh close to the Wellfleet harbor. It is the subject of countless paintings, photographs, and postcards. The bridge leads to hiking trails around the salt marsh. $Free.
At low tide you can walk through and explore the tidal flats. At high tide you can launch your boat or wind surf through the marsh into the harbor.
A beautifully restored 1910 church, now a community center. Hosts events year-round in the 2 halls preserved from the church - the upstairs sanctuary and the downstairs theater. Be sure to see the heron sculpture on the cupola, the stained glass windows and the sculpted and painted wood doors. Architects, Landscape Architects - Hadley Crow Studio (Orleans, MA.)
hill
Sunken pirate ship.
WHAT
This two-day family festival celebrates the town's famous oysters, clams and shellfishing traditions bringing together locals and visitors alike for a weekend full of hometown flavor and big time fun! There is something for everyone: local cuisine, arts and crafts, educational programs, cooking demonstrations, children's activities, walking tours, live music, a road race, and the annual Oyster Shuck-Off competition. Held annually the weekend after Columbus Day. Admission fee. No pets.
Guided bike tours.
A taste of Wellfleet's past.
Free parking. This 22-mi (35.4-km) bike trail follows an old railroad bed through several towns. Check their website or call them to check for closures.
Rentals, service. Right on the rail trail.
Live music and great food. Perched in the dunes atop Cahoon Hollow Beach in a former lifesaving station.
lifeguard, restrooms, food.
Rest rooms.
Rest rooms.
Year round - breakfast, lunch, dinner. Upstairs with nice harbor view from their deck. Live entertainment on holiday weekends. Playground right next door for the kids.
Menu offers seafood, pasta, meats as well as a kids menu. Covered outdoor deck and three indoor dining areas.
American fare with BBQ specialties served in a cozy space with a full bar. Has outdoor seating. Serves vegetarian dishes and cocktails.
Sip on your beer while looking out over the Atlantic. Tends to cater to the party bus crowd.
Water/marsh views from every room in this beautiful house. An excellent choice. Two-night minimum.
Right on the bike trail. Nice facilities.
Inn, cottage and lodge rooms. Long-time Wellfleet Inn near the village.
27 rooms. Restaurant and Tavern on property.
Luxury suite and studio in spacious home overlooking Wellfleet Harbor.
This charming 18 cottage village is located within the Cape Cod National Seashore, steps away from the beach. Pets allowed off season with approval. Open from April to October, and you must rent by the week during the summer.
Heated indoor pool and jacuzzi.
Waterview walk to ocean beach vacation rental home. Inside the Cape Cod National Seashore.
Very green B&B with separate Seagull Cottage and two rooms in renovated early 18th century Cape Codder, walkable to village center and major ponds, open year round.
Two-bedroom cottage just across the street from Mayo Beach. Year round rentals available.
Cook's offers 14 cottages available for weekly rentals, Saturday to Saturday. The rental season runs from Friday before Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekend in October. Each charming cottage was built at different times, and are moved whenever erosion demands. All have kitchens, grills, and bathrooms, none have televisions. Book early, families have been returning here for 5 generations.
240 sites.
formerly Paine's Campground
Over 100 campsites. Camping reservations at http://www.reserveamerica.com.
Kites, flags, windsocks, toys.
Grocery store. Fresh meat, produce, fish and dairy. Full deli with bakery, sliced meats and prepared foods. The Marketplace is the community general store with health & beauty aids, housewares, stationary, wine & beer.
Located in the Wellfleet Marketplace. New books, bestsellers, local authors. Gifts, cards, toys and novelties.
Year round.
Route 6 is the main highway. Bordering towns are Truro to the north and Eastham to the south.
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Hyannis · Regional · HYA
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