Cape Cod is not just a relaxing vacation destination. This sandy peninsula has helped inspire dozens of homegrown brands over the years  ̶  some proven classics, others fresh on the market.  Many local entrepreneurs work year-round to create imaginative, high quality products, from elegant lanterns and handcrafted jewelry to craft beer and some of the country’s tastiest potato chips.

Here are some favorite originals being made on Cape Cod today.

Cape Cod Potato Chips, Hyannis
This company began selling their hearty, kettle-cooked chips out of a small store three decades ago. Today, the chips are sold around the world and are one of the region’s most well-known products. Visitors can tour their Hyannis factory, and even visit the iconic lighthouse (Nauset Light in Eastham) that adorns the Cape Cod Potato Chips’ bag.

Slyk Shades
Cape Codder Josh Fitzmaurice launched Slyk Shades in 2018. His line of stylish, polarized wooden sunglasses has since exploded in popularity and is sold online and at roughly 20 locations around the Cape. These sunglasses are more than just snazzy accessories, though; each pair is engraved with a message of hope, and partial proceeds from sales support environmental and mental health causes.

Kandy Korner, Hyannis
For more than 50 years, this Cape institution has created mouth-watering candy - all made in-house - including fudge, chocolates, caramels, salt water taffy and peanut brittle (the hand dipped, chocolate-covered strawberries are a favorite). Store owners Paulo and Molly Paraguay are committed to using local vendors for any outside ingredients they need, and even celebrate Cape-made products in their on-site gift shop.

Cape Cod Provisions
Cape Cod Provisions started out in 1996 with a line of delicious cranberry confections, paying homage to the region’s cranberry harvesting tradition. But they’ve since expanded to grow four distinct brands featuring a wide variety of fruit and chocolate creations, including such decadent treats as "Blueberry Patch Frogs” – whole dried blueberries and roasted cashews smothered in rich caramel and milk chocolate. Their products can be purchased on their website, as well as in select gourmet markets, candy shops and gift stores across the country.

Pairpoint Glass, Sagamore
Founded in 1837, Pairpoint is the nation’s oldest glass company; Burmese Glass creations by Pairpoint were even gifted to Queen Victoria and President Grover Cleveland in 1886.  Located in Bourne's Sagamore Village, visitors to the shop can watch glassblowers in action as they create their masterpieces. Pairpoint's custom hand-blown glass pieces include everything from sconces, vases, and chandeliers to barware, bowls and ornaments.

Four Sisters Specialty Foods, North Eastham
These Cape sisters – Erica, Kris, Jamie and Lori - wanted the perfect granola for their family-owned Cape restaurants (Hole in One and Fairway Restaurant). That idea grew from a tasty addition to their restaurants’ breakfast dishes into a robust business with several delicious flavors, including white chocolate, peanut butter & chocolate, almond, and cinnamon & nuts.

Cape Cod Beer, Hyannis
Cape Cod Beer started as a passion of owner and avid homebrewer Todd Marcus. Today, he and his wife Beth oversee a brewery operation that produces a wide selection of refreshing craft brews, from rich porters and punchy IPAs to smooth pale ales. Taste their beer while touring the brewery, which is both dog- and kid-friendly, and often the site of such special events as live music and farmers’ markets.

Chatham Jam & Jelly, Chatham
Since 1983, Chatham Jam and Jelly has delighted taste buds with their jams, jellies, marmalades, relishes, butters and chutneys. This family business uses local ingredients whenever possible, and their coveted Beach Plum Jelly is consistently a best seller.

Cape Cod Nail Co.
In 2016, Cape Cod Nail Company was founded as a mobile nail salon by longtime nail technician Sarah Mason, as a more flexible option for working moms. Since then, the company has more than doubled in size, and Mason has launched a Cape Cod-inspired line of nine cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, hand-bottled, locally-made nail polishes, with names like Ptown’s Peachy and Beachcomber Blonde.

Cape Cod Lanterns, Chatham
Visitors to Cape Cod Lantern’s showroom will find beautifully handcrafted sconces, post lights, wall lights, onion wall lanterns, cast brass nautical lights, pier-mounted lanterns and more. Their tradition of quality craftmanship – dating back to 1836 – can also be seen in their selection of Cape Cod wind and weather instruments.

Ross Coppelman, Goldsmith, East Dennis
Ross Coppelman started out by selling his elegant yet whimsical pieces at prestigious craft shows more than 40 years ago, and he now sells his unique gold, platinum, and silver jewelry at his own gallery in East Dennis, along with select international galleries. His Ocean Wave Collection debuted in 2004 and is highlighted by a variety of stones and metals, each depicting a wave motif.

Cape Cod Coffee, Mashpee
Owners Jan and Pam Aggerbeck expertly source their Fair Trade & Rainforest Alliance certified beans from all over the world, and it shows in the taste of their wide variety of blends, including organic coffee, dark roasts, and full-bodied flavors like hazelnut, chocolate cranberry and pumpkin spice. Tour their brand new facility and see the state-of-the-art technology that enables this morning brew to be made right on site.  Or stop by their new café in Mashpee Commons, where you can pair your coffee with breakfast or lunch.

West Barnstable Tables, West Barnstable
Since 1970, a team of talented craftsmen have custom built West Barnstable Table’s impressive line of original wood furniture – which includes dining tables, chairs, hutches and mantles - using such interesting and antique woods as Eastern White Pine and American Chestnut. Each piece in the large barn showroom is unique in color and texture, and sure to be a conversation piece among guests to your home.

Cape Cod Beach Chair, Harwich
What started in the garage of Cape Cod native Justin Labdon in 2003 has blossomed into a successful enterprise. Labdon and his team create high-quality, long-lasting beach chairs using sturdy canvas and sailboat-inspired wood. The colorful chairs and beach accessories, which can even be personalized, are now shipped to customers around the world.

Chatham Sign Shop, Chatham
Chatham Signs are hand-painted, carved signs that come in a full range of traditional sizes, shapes, styles, and colors. They include small oval street number address signs, name signs with customized designs, and large Cape Cod quarterboards. You can even opt for one with the name of your favorite Cape Cod town.

Cape Cod Calling, Harwich
You can now have Cape Cod with you, wherever you live, thanks to the folks at Cape Cod Calling. Each month, this company ships a package of locally-made gifts to its customers. Items are 100 percent from Cape Cod creators, and include everything from art, ceramics and candles to specialty foods, jewelry and scented soaps.

Jewelcraft, Hyannis
Featuring gold, silver, diamonds and gemstones from around the world, Jewelcraft has provided high-quality, fine jewelry since 1975. Each piece is custom designed by Gary Framson, owner and master jeweler, and his staff. Their Cape Cod-style bracelet line - featuring nautical designs like whale tails, fish hooks and oysters – offers a charming selection of keepsakes from your Cape vacation. 

For more brands born on Cape Cod, visit CapeCodMade.com!

LoveLiveLocal is another great resource for finding the best in locally made, grown, and crafted products, even hosting free festivals throughout the year that showcase homegrown artists, artisans, farmers, food trucks and musicians.

In addition to delighting your taste buds or adding to your home’s decor, buying Cape-made products helps support this place you love! Thank you for shopping local.