Barnstable County is located in the southeastern portion of Massachusetts and is the largest county by area in the state. It encompasses all of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket Island. The population of Barnstable County is estimated to be around 215,000 people, making it the second most populous county in Massachusetts after Suffolk County.
According to theinternetfaqs.com, the first settlers arrived in Barnstable County in 1620 and it was officially incorporated as a county in 1685. The area has a rich history and was an important port for fishing and trading during colonial times. It also served as a major shipbuilding center during the Revolutionary War and later became known for its whaling industry.
Today, Barnstable County is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, lighthouses, marinas, museums, galleries, theaters, restaurants, and other attractions. Visitors can explore historic sites such as Pilgrim Monument or take part in activities like whale watching or sailing on one of the many ferries that run between Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket Island. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking or biking along one of the many trails that traverse through the area or take part in water sports such as fishing or kayaking on one of its many lakes and rivers.
Barnstable County is also home to several famous people including former President John F Kennedy (who had a summer home on Cape Cod), writer Herman Melville (author of Moby Dick), poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (who wrote The Song of Hiawatha), singer/songwriter James Taylor (who was born in Boston but grew up on Martha’s Vineyard), actor Chris Evans (Captain America from Marvel’s Avengers Series), author Nathaniel Hawthorne (who wrote The Scarlet Letter), illustrator Edward Gorey (famous for his macabre drawings), fashion designer Ralph Lauren (founder of Polo Ralph Lauren), actor Leonard Nimoy (Star Trek’s Spock).
Climate and weather in Barnstable County, Massachusetts
According to ehuacom.com, Barnstable County, Massachusetts is located in the southeastern portion of the state and has a moderate climate that is fairly temperate throughout the year. The county has four distinct seasons, with the summers being warm and humid and the winters being cold but not too extreme. The average temperature in July is around 73°F (23°C) while in January it is around 33°F (1°C).
The area receives an average of 47 inches (119 cm) of precipitation each year, most of which falls during the months of April through October. Snowfall during winter months tends to be light, with an average annual snowfall of just over 18 inches (46 cm). The area experiences occasional thunderstorms from May to September due to its proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and Nantucket Sound.
The region does experience some extreme weather conditions from time to time including hurricanes, nor’easters, and blizzards. Hurricanes usually occur between August and October with an average of one or two a year hitting the area directly. Nor’easters typically occur between November and March with heavy snowfall at times. Blizzards can also hit during winter months but are not as common as other areas further north in New England.
Barnstable County enjoys a pleasant climate throughout much of the year that allows for outdoor activities like swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, camping and more all year round. It also makes for some great sightseeing opportunities along its many beaches, marinas and lighthouses that dot its coastline.
Transportation in Barnstable County, Massachusetts
Barnstable County, Massachusetts is served by several different modes of transportation. The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) provides bus service throughout the county with connections to the Islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. The CCRTA buses are equipped with bike racks, allowing passengers to bring their bicycles along with them. The CCRTA also operates a seasonal ferry service between Hyannis and Nantucket Island, as well as between Falmouth and Martha’s Vineyard. In addition to public transit, Barnstable County residents have access to a variety of taxi services and ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft. For those who prefer to drive themselves, the county boasts an extensive network of highways and roads that connect its 15 towns, including Route 6 which runs east-west across the Cape from Bourne in the west to Orleans in the east. There is also an extensive system of bike paths throughout the county which allows cyclists to safely explore its scenic coastline or venture inland into its woodlands and rural countryside.
Cities and towns in Barnstable County, Massachusetts
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, Barnstable County, Massachusetts is made up of 15 cities and towns located on Cape Cod. Bourne, Sandwich, Falmouth, Mashpee, Barnstable Town and Yarmouth are located in the Upper Cape region while Brewster, Harwich, Chatham and Dennis make up the Mid-Cape region. The Lower Cape region consists of Eastham, Orleans, Wellfleet and Truro while Provincetown sits at the very tip of the peninsula. Each town has its own distinct character and charm but all share a common New England heritage.
Bourne is known for its many beaches as well as for being home to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Sandwich is a picturesque town with a rich history that dates back to 1637 when it was founded by settlers from Plymouth Colony. Falmouth is the largest town in Barnstable County with a population of over 31,000 people and offers many attractions such as Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and Martha’s Vineyard ferry service. Mashpee is home to Mashpee Commons which offers numerous shopping opportunities along with restaurants and entertainment venues.
Barnstable Town is the county seat of Barnstable County and features several historical sites including The Wing Fort House which was built in 1641. Yarmouth offers visitors picturesque beaches as well as a large number of antique shops to explore. Brewster boasts more than 25 miles of beautiful coastline along with numerous trails for hiking or biking excursions. Harwich offers visitors an array of outdoor activities such as kayaking or fishing on one of its many ponds and estuaries or taking part in whale watching tours out on Cape Cod Bay.