Hyannis is well-known as Cape Cod’s commercial hub, with several shopping districts, including the historic downtown Main Street and the Route 132 area.
The village is a major tourist destination in the summer, but what would you do in the fall if you had just one day to visit? What tours, restaurants and activities can you squeeze in? Many shops and attractions stay open year-round. No need to be overwhelmed – here are some of our suggestions.
8 to 9 a.m.: Break for Breakfast
Hyannis has so many awesome restaurants for all meals during your visit. But, since breakfast IS the most important meal of the day, we suggest starting out at Sea Street Café, located at 50 Sea St., right outside of the Main Street district. Some of their breakfasts (which are served all day, by the way) include all the favorites: eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes (try the blueberry), French toast, breakfast wraps, salmon, and much more. Great staff, great food. They’re open 7:30 to 2:30, so fuel up! There’s lots to do! Other options along Main St. include the Sunnyside Restaurant, The Daily Paper and the Original Gourmet Brunch, all with great breakfast options.
9 a.m. to noon: Swing away!
Hyannis is home to a couple of great golf courses, which are still open for a while in the offseason. Hyannis Golf Club, located at 1840 Iyannough Road, is just minutes from downtown Hyannis, the Barnstable Airport and the Ferries to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
This course is a par 71 with 18 holes and the area’s best practice facility, which include a 55-station practice range and two practice greens. This is a great activity for the entire family at a great facility. Home to the Cape Cod Open and the 2015 Cape Cod PGA Championship, Hyannis Golf Course is considered Cape Cod’s home of junior golf and is the only First Tee Program on the Cape. The Resort and Conference Center in the West End of Hyannis also has a nice par 3 that will keep you occupied for a few hours.
Noon to 1:30 p.m.: Lunchtime
If you’re looking for some cheap eats or something quick at lunch, try Box Lunch, at 357 Main St. Their menu offers easy “rollwiches,” pockets and sandwiches that are made of your favorite meats (turkey, chicken, roast beef, ham, etc.), as well as egg salad, seafood salad (lobstah!), steak and cheese, meatball, a corned beef Reuben and many other varieties. For something different, try The Gilded Lily, the Walberry, or the Luau.
If you REALLY want to get your beef on, give the Brazilian Grill a visit. Located at 680 Main St., the Brazilian Grill offers a “rodizio,” which is a Brazilian-style barbecue, with a wide variety of cuts of beef, pork, chicken and lamb, brought to you on skewers and carved at your table. The great thing here is that you can eat all you want, at one set price. The rodizio includes unlimited visits to the buffet, as well, so arrive hungry! If you’re looking for old school Chinese, head to the Dragon Lite in the west end of Main St.
1:30 to 5:30 p.m.: Afternoon adventures
Now that you’ve refueled, there is lots of adventure to be had around Hyannis. Start with the “Fall for the Arts Festival,” which is a month-long, family friendly celebration of arts and culture across the Cape and Islands in October.
Events include open houses at theaters, historical site and museums; art activities for children; live performances by local musicians; readings and lectures; special art exhibits; guided art and heritage walks; plein air painters; and more. Visit artsfoundation.org for all the participating events.
Hyannis’ Main Street has no shortage of shops to explore! Check out the Silver Seahorse at 382 Main St. if you’re a fan of very affordable sterling jewelry. This is the largest collection of unique sterling silver jewelry on Cape Cod. There’s a gift here for anyone, including yourself. If you’re REALLY feeling adventurous, how about getting some ink? Black Pearl Tattoo Studio & Gallery, at 509 Main St., has skilled artists and great reviews. Get something big, something small, or even something ocean-themed to remember your trip to Hyannis!
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Dinner
After such an exciting afternoon, it’s finally time to wine and dine. Try Embargo, located at 453 Main St., for a great dining experience. It offers a raw bar, sushi, tapas (both hot and cold), sliders, pizza, and full dinners that include a 14-ounce angus sirloin; shrimp, scallop and lobster casserole and more. Check out the menu at embargorestaurant.com/menu and get ready to drool. This dining experience can be simple or complex. It all depends on what you’re craving! For quality Italian dining, don’t miss Columbo’s and Alberto’s, both on Main St. The Black Cat on Ocean St. across from Hyannis Harbor offers traditional Cape Cod favorites.
Late evening: A musical treat
If you still haven’t had enough of Hyannis, there are few experiences as wonderful as attending a Cape Symphony concert. The Cape Symphony, which calls the Barnstable Performing Arts Center at Barnstable High School its home, has many concerts and performances throughout the year. Take a look at their calendar, at capesymphony.org to see what’s happening during your stay. This will be an experience to remember! You’ll also find evening entertainment on Main St. at local favorites hangouts that include Embargo and the Seaside Pub on Main.
By Ann Luongo
