The quaint Main Streets of Cape Cod are home to a number of boutique gift shops carrying locally made and distinctive items that make memorable souvenirs or gifts for friends and family back home. Here are a few of our favorite places to pick up the perfect mementos of your treasured seaside holiday.
Handcrafted Gifts and Jewelry
Check out the selection of gifts at Red Fish Blue Fish in Hyannis, including sea glass jewelry, eco-friendly bags and locally-sourced artwork. The Plum Porch in Marstons Mills is an ideal stop for locally produced gifts - peruse everything from keepsake dishes and hand-made jewelry to nautical decor. Flying Pig Pottery in Woods Hole features locally crafted pottery adorned with images evocative of the Cape and seaside themes. Equally delicate and created in a rainbow of colors are the hand-blown glass accessories from Pairpoint Glass in Sagamore; visit Pairpoint to watch their team of glassblowers in action as they create. Or pick up a gift for your favorite foodie at Gustare Oils & Vinegars in Chatham.
Mashpee Commons is another great spot for locally inspired gifts, including clothing, jewelry and home décor. The open-air shopping center is styled like a New England Main Street, with an added bonus of ample parking and plenty of restaurants. Pick up a tote bag made of recycled sails at Sea Bags or shop for a handmade wooden sign at Rustic Marlin. Added bonus: Purchases at both can be personalized!
Seaside Galleries
For whimsical and stylish housewares, pottery and accessories created by more than local artists and artisans, stop into the charming Little Beach Gallery in downtown Hyannis. In Cataumet, Bobby Baker Gallery showcases prints from Baker's impressive photography portfolio, including his award-winning New England coastal landscapes, along with pieces by other local artists. Local artists have expressed themselves in a variety of mediums on sale at the eclectic Local Color Art Gallery, located in oversized Chatham shack decked with weathered-gray shingles and old boat buoys.
Cape Cod Clothing
Cape Cod is all about casual, chic clothing that transitions from beach walks to wine bars. Find comfortable digs at Chatham Clothing Bar, whose wide range of men's and women's apparel includes nautical themed tees, outerwear, and business casual items. Puritan Cape Cod (Mashpee, Hyannis and Chatham) offers fashion that fits into the active New England lifestyle, including sweatshirts, leather coats, jeans, hats and preppy Vineyard Vines apparel. Cellar Leather in Hyannis is the place to find locally-crafted leather belts and buckles (check out the Cape Cod Fish Hook Buckle Belt and the Cotuit Oyster Belt), as well as handbags and leather accessories.
Sweet Treats
Take home a taste of Cape Cod chocolate from Chatham Candy Manor. The shop has been serving up locals and tourists since 1955 with hand dipped chocolates, fudge, taffy and an extensive selection of bagged candies (chocolate covered gummi bears, sour gummi lobsters, chocolate covered cranberries, and sea salt caramels, to name a few). Be sure to buy extra for gifts because they are easy to devour on the car ride home.
Relax in Hot Chocolate Sparrow’s cozy Orleans cafe with a shot of espresso or a frozen hot chocolate. They also serve light lunches, ice cream, and a case full of mouthwatering chocolates that ranges from chocolate fudge to handmade s’more bites.
Kids and adults should prepare for sugar overload at Kandy Korner in Hyannis. The favorite spot on Main Street has been producing its own chocolate, fudge, taffy, and ice cream for more than 40 years, and carries a shop full of packaged and bulk candy. It’s also the ultimate souvenir store with hundreds of gifts ranging from t-shirts and postcards to locally crafted candles and soaps.
Happy Treasure Hunting!