Experiencing some uniquely local vendors might be a priority during your Cape Cod vacation, and fortunately, Barnstable has you covered. The Cape’s largest community is full of mom-and-pop shops spread out over its numerous villages, giving you access no matter the location of your vacation rental.

The great thing about these shops is that they’re unique venues you won’t find anywhere else. They’re also popular with locals, allowing you to experience life like a Cape Cod resident.

While there are local markets everywhere in Barnstable, a few stand out from the rest. Here’s a look at the top five mom-and-pop shops in Barnstable, Massachusetts.

1) Barnstable Market

Barnstable Market enjoys a prime location in the heart of Barnstable Village, which is perhaps why it’s so popular with locals. The store also has a little bit of everything for sale, including beer, wine, groceries, and deli items.

That’s not all, though, as Barnstable Market has a selection of homemade soups and freshly-baked pastries. You can also order a pizza from this retailer or have a look at their sandwich menu if you’re in the area for lunch.

In short, Barnstable Market is like a grocery store, pizzeria, and sandwich shop in one, so there’s no wonder it’s such a hit with visitors to the community.

2) The Old Village Store

Over in West Barnstable, The Old Village Store will take you back in time to a period when general stores were commonplace throughout the country. This small shop is similar to the Barnstable Market because it sells a little bit of everything, and it even has a beer and wine section so you can stock your vacation rental.

In addition to the grocery items, this store has a selection of sandwiches you can order for lunch, most of which feature Boar’s Head deli meats, and a soup station. You can grab a cup of coffee and a danish to go, as well, if you’re heading to the beach first thing in the morning.

Overall, The Old Village Store is a charming shop with historic decor and a laidback atmosphere. Make sure you check them out if you book a vacation rental in West Barnstable.

3) Cotuit Fresh Market

The Cotuit Fresh Market is hidden away in a residential neighborhood near Cotuit Bay but is worth seeking out if you’re looking for fresh produce for your vacation rental. This small shop has been in operation since the 1800s and also has a wide selection of grocery items, including local coffee from Beanstock Coffee Roasters.

They carry ready-made meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, too, as you can pick up items like baby back ribs, chicken pot pie, pot roast, meatloaf, and turkey breast. Your meal will already be cooked when you arrive at the store, so all you have to do is return to your vacation rental and enjoy.

4) Fancy’s Market

Osterville is home to Fancy’s Market, another throwback establishment with a bakery, butcher shop, deli, and grocery store in one. You can grab beer, wine, and spirits at this venue, as well as an iced coffee to go from their cold brew bar.

If you’re looking for a meal, Fancy’s Market features a selection of sandwiches and paninis for lunch, and they have hot dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches for the kids. You can also order ready-made dinners like lasagna, pork tenderloin, and salmon.

Fancy’s Market truly is a one-stop shop, so don’t miss this store if you book a vacation rental near Osterville’s downtown core.

5) Lambert’s Fruit Center

You’ll find Lambert’s Fruit Center on West Main Street in Centerville, just off Route 28, and you’ll immediately notice the size of the store. This shop is larger than many other local venues, but they still focus on providing a first-class customer experience to anyone who passes through its doors.

There’s a wide selection of grocery items at Lambert’s, in addition to fresh produce, beer, wine, and freshly baked cookies and pies. You can grab a breakfast sandwich in the morning or sit outside on their patio after ordering lunch, as well.

Premade dinners are a popular feature at Lambert’s, as they offer prime rib, crabcakes, clam chowder, lobster salad, pasta, chicken, meatloaf, and ribs. You can also select a salad from their massive deli or grab a soup to enjoy the next day.

Enjoy the Best of Barnstable

All of these local markets have similar offerings, but each puts a unique spin on things. You’ll have time to visit a few of these venues while vacationing on the Cape, and whichever is closest to you could become a staple as you make yourself at home in the community.

There’s something special about shopping at a local market, and Cape Cod makes it easy through its abundance of great mom-and-pop shops.