Yarmouth, Massachusetts

Yarmouth, Massachusetts, United States

Yarmouth, on the coast of Cape Cod, is a masterfully planned and historically rife city. Three villages comprise Yarmouth, with each reflecting over three centuries’ worth of culture, tradition, and splendor. Plan a vacation around the unique attractions among West Yarmouth, Yarmouth Port, and South Yarmouth.

Population:

23,339

Currency:

U. S. Dollars $1 = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

911

Opening Hours:

Standard operating hours are between 10am and 9pm Mondays through Saturday, and 11am to 7pm on Sundays.

Newspapers:

Cape Cod Times
West Yarmouth News
Yarmouth Port News

The City

Yarmouth, Massachusetts takes its name from the English town of Great Yarmouth in the county of Norfolk in England. It was once part of the Plymouth Colony, an English colony which existed from 1620 to 1691and which was one of the first English colonies established primarily for religious reasons rather than economic ones. The individuals who settled the Plymouth Colony were known as Pilgrims, and their famed voyage on the Mayflower and landing at Plymouth has become an integral part of American lore.

Prior to its occupation by American settlers, the area was heavily populated by tribes of the Wampanoag. By most accounts, early dealings between the settlers and the native inhabitants were peaceful and spawned the traditional Thanksgiving holiday that is celebrated in the United States to this day. In the late 17th century, the relationship between the Wampanoag and English settlers became tenuous and led to wars between the two groups that would shape the colony's future population.

In 1639, the county of Barnstable was established and the town of Yarmouth was incorporated. Although it has a celebrated maritime history, Yarmouth started out as a farming community, particularly in the animal husbandry of sheep, cattle and pigs. In the late 1800s, Yarmouth captains began to ferry merchants across the Atlantic to participate in the China Trade, and many of these captains chose to establish their residences in Yarmouth, where they would spend their time when not at sea.

The economic climate and the landscape of Yarmouth once again underwent a transformation in the late 1800s when developers began to look for ways to capitalize on the beauty of the Cape in an effort to draw tourists to the area. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a number of hotels and vacation homes were constructed in Yarmouth, followed by a proliferation of residential development.

Today, the tripartite town of Yarmouth sits only half an hour from Plymouth, the landing site of the Pilgrims, and is only 75 miles from the metropolis of Boston, the state's capital and largest city. Much of the commercial development in Yarmouth has been along Route 28 and much of the more modern aspects of the town lie in West and South Yarmouth. For a taste of the early centuries of Yarmouth, travel along Old King's Highway through Yarmouth Port, which is dotted by many buildings on the National Historic Registry, including the former homes of Yarmouth ship captains.

The coexistence of the historic with the modern is what makes Yarmouth a special place within the Cape. It has found a way to preserve its history and the beauty of its landscape, from the Cape Cod Bay to the North and Nantucket Sound to the South, without sacrificing modern comforts. Yarmouth's gorgeous beaches and forests for hiking, a story to take you back in time, and tons of shops, restaurants and attractions to explore are reasons why many find a second home in this historic Cape Cod town.

Do & See

Each of Yarmouth's villages looks to the sea, and you will find what seems to be an endless swath of beaches, rolling waves, and ocean sunsets. However, further inland, Yarmouth unfolds into a wonderland where past meets present and enough exploration will carry you from historical attractions that date back as far as the time of to pockets of thriving modern culture.

The villages are special destinations in themselves and each has its own unique flavor. For instance, West Yarmthouth offers various family-friendly attractions as well as plenty of beach-side fun and fantastic restaurants. Yarmouth Port is rich with historical attractions, such as the nature trails at the Kelley Chapel, Captain Bangs Hallet House, and the Boardwalk at Grey’s beach. South Yarmouth is rife with oceanfront resorts, 1800s historic homes and churches, and exquisite golf courses.

Dining

The flavors of Cape Cod abound in Yarmouth. Mediterranean flavors combined with bayside scenery make eating in this city the experience of a lifetime. Fresh seafood is in no short supply, and celebrated chefs bring their own unique take on flavors from around the world. Most importantly, when seafood and New England come together, you know there is going to be some competition in the clam chowder department. Of course, everyone claims theirs is the best so you may just wind up trying them all to decide for yourself!

Cafes

The smell of the sea is greatly complimented with the fresh aroma of a nice cup of coffee in the morning. Enjoy some of Yarmouth's fine cafes during your stay in the city. Many cafes offer light fare for breakfast and lunch, which you may be able to enjoy while overlooking the bay.