You’ll surely want to experience some local flair while on Cape Cod, including checking out some mom and pop markets to stock your vacation rental with food, drinks, and everything else you’ll need to feel at home.
Luckily, most of the Cape’s towns have a selection of small shops from which to choose so that you can feel like a local throughout your vacation.
In Falmouth, you’ll find local markets in every corner of town, so you can head to the one closest to you or try different locations on different days.
Here’s a look at some of the best small shops in Falmouth, Massachusetts.
1) Dean’s Market
In North Falmouth, around the corner from the Shining Sea Bikeway trailhead and one of Kinlin Grover’s numerous Cape Cod offices, is Dean’s Market, a family-owned and operated convenience store that first opened its doors in the early 1990s.
There’s a little bit of everything at Dean’s Market, as it has a deli counter with a sub shop, a full selection of beer and wine, and enough groceries to get you by in a pinch. In fact, the subs are considered among the best in Falmouth, making this an excellent place to stop for a quick lunch.
Dean’s Market is a popular spot for locals, so make sure you give them a try if you’re renting in the North Falmouth area.
2) Wild Harbor General Store
Of course, Dean’s Market isn’t the only option in North Falmouth, as Wild Harbor General Store is about a half-mile away on the community’s Old Main Road, across the street from a fire hall.
A lot is going on at Wild Harbor, as it has a gas station, convenience store, deli, and bakery. You can also pick up some organic groceries, beer, and wine here for your vacation rental.
Wild Harbor is a top option in North Falmouth because you can get pretty much everything you need in a single, convenient location that’s not far from some of the community’s top attractions.
3) West Falmouth Market
Moving into West Falmouth, you’ll find the aptly named West Falmouth Market on Route 28A, about a block from Snug Harbor. This part of town is popular with vacation-goers because of its proximity to Chapoquoit Beach, and the market makes it much easier to find a meal while you’re there.
That’s because West Falmouth Market, in addition to convenience store items like beer, wine, and snacks, has a full deli with ready-made meals that you can eat on the patio. Once you arrive, you’ll see a menu featuring sandwiches, wraps, and even pizza, allowing you to have a bite to eat before continuing with your day.
There’s a butcher shop and a bakery here, too, so you won’t have to visit a larger grocery store because you can get everything you need at West Falmouth Market.
As a bonus, West Falmouth Market owners Danielle and Tom Johnson are a couple with local roots who love West Falmouth. If you’re looking to support a local business, West Falmouth Market is worth visiting when you’re in the area.
4) Windfall Market
The most comprehensive and centrally located option on this list is Windfall Market. This venue is across the street from Pier 37 Marina, putting it just off Falmouth Harbor, and it shares a parking lot with the famous West Marine supply store, as well.
Once you set foot in Windfall Market, you’ll see why it’s such a popular shop, as it has everything you could ever want from a grocery store, including a bakery, butcher shop, and deli. Unlike other stores on this list, Windfall has fresh produce, and you can also grab a pre-baked pizza and other to-go items that they’ve made in the on-site kitchen.
Windfall first opened its doors in 1996 and has been a large part of the Falmouth community ever since, so you’ll want to give them a try if you’re staying near the harbor.
5) Kenyon’s Market
Over in East Falmouth, Kenyon’s Market enjoys a convenient location on Route 28, sharing a parking lot with other businesses like Purity Nails and the UPS Store.
First and foremost, Kenyon’s is known as a beer, wine, and liquor store, as they have perhaps East Falmouth’s widest selection of drinks for you to enjoy at your vacation rental. There are also grocery items available at the retailer, as you can pick up some steaks or burgers from Dom’s Meats, or some snacks, without having to visit another store.
Kenyon’s Market has been a staple in East Falmouth since 1928, and its current owner, Rick LeMoine, has been there since 1976. If you’re looking for a local business to support, this is a solid option.
The Best of Falmouth
Very few places on Cape Cod have the same abundance of activities as Falmouth; you’ll have a completely different experience depending on which part of town you choose a vacation rental.
While you’re spending time in Falmouth, make sure you check out what some of these local retailers have to offer because you’re sure to enjoy their selection of local products and the service that you can only find at a mom and pop shop on the Cape.
