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Fall/Winter 2025 falmouthlivingmag.com $7.95

Display until April 2026

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A CULINARY DREAM

Another stunning remodel from Falmouth Kitchen Korner! This kitchen is a perfect example of luxury, blending beautiful design with high-end features. We paired custom Wood-Mode cabinetry with solid walnut drawers and a striking DEKTON® countertop and full-slab backsplash. A custom color-matched range hood and integrated Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances complete the space, making it a dream for any home chef.

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contents F E AT U R E S 52 A TOP-TO-BOTTOM RENOVATION New homeowners turned to the Valle

Group to transform a dated property into a flawless summer home.

62 RAISE A GLASS To the falmouth beer and wine scene 70 COZY UP

Three Falmouth homeowners prove that enjoying the outdoors isn’t just for the warmer months.

110 84 COASTAL HARVEST Celebrate autumn by the sea

with fashions found in Falmouth’s most stylish boutiques.

100 CUSTOM GEMS

n a charming lane in East Falmouth, O each of a cluster of bespoke homes features hand-crafted cabinetry.

110 ALL IN THE DETAILS Holiday décor inspired by tradition

FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

BUILD – REMODEL – IMPROVE

SYNERGY SERVING THE CAPE FOR OVER A DECADE 508-564-1247 | synergyhomeimprovements.net

contents

162 146

F E AT U R E S (continued)

122 FROZEN BONDS The enduring power of hockey, hope, and

146 GATHER AND SAVOR

130 COASTAL FLOW

156 ROOTS IN THE SEASON

brotherhood at the Falmouth Ice Arena iews of Nantucket Sound informed V a Falmouth home’s seaside vibe.

140 WISHES UNWRAPPED

Find inspired ideas to delight everyone this holiday season in our handpicked gift guide.

122 ive Falmouth cafés that embody warmth, F community, and comfort Falmouth winter farmers market

162 WINTER WONDERLAND whimsical journey where every A snowflake holds a story.

FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

KENSINGTON BLUE #840

CABINETRY DESIGN SHOWROOM | WINDOWS & DOORS FLOORING | LUMBERYARD | HARDWARE CONTRACTOR DIVISION | BENJAMIN MOORE PAINT EQUIPMENT SALES & RENTALS

CAPE COD & ISLANDS

KITCHEN DESIGN: MAINSTREET @BOTELLOS PHOTOGRAPHY: KAYLEE DECOLLIBUS INTERIOR DESIGN: GAGE FOSTER DESIGN

SOUTHSHORE

BOSTON

NORTHSHORE

contents

40 168

44 DEPARTMENTS 22 Bloom

Bulb Lasagna

24 Tradition

Falmouth’s Spirit of Spookiness

28 Gather

West Falmouth Library: A Community Hub for All

32 Taste

Savoring Sweet Gold

36 Inform & Inspire Home with Heart

IN EVERY ISSUE 18 Publisher’s Letter 20 Contributors 40 Artist Profile Going with the Flow 44 History Common Ground 168 Calendar of Events 172 Falmouth Eats 176 Last Word

on the cover: Cozy Living; location courtesy of Liz & Bob Whitcher. Photo by Betty Wiley FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

5 5+ Lu x u r y Co n d o s wi t h Vi ew s o f M a r t h a's Vi n eya rd

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publisher’s letter

The Season of Warmth Autumn holds a special place in our hearts, offering something

VOLUME 6 ~ ISSUE 2 FA LL / W INTER 2025

BET T Y WILEY

for everyone. From the first hint of crisp air to moments sitting by a fire, and breathtaking foliage ablaze with color, the season invites us to slow down and truly appreciate our surroundings here in Falmouth. Engaging stories and irresistible photography is what you will find in our fall/winter issue. Starting with cozy eateries— whether for a cup of coffee, breakfast, or lunch—we have you covered. We highlight three notable properties, a seaside home in Falmouth Heights from interior designer Alexandra Aquadro, a renovation by The Valle Group, and a new development from Clancy Construction. Grab your sweater for a gathering of outdoor magic with family and friends, and raise your glass as we toast the wine and brewery scene. Take a peek at the enduring power of hockey; several local leagues play at the Falmouth Ice Areana. Get in the spirt of Christmas from a seaside home all decked out for the holidays. You can find an assortment of holiday finds at numerous boutiques that offer unique gifts for everyone on your list and much more. The creation of Falmouth Living is a joint effort, with the dedication and hard work of many individuals throughout the year. It means a lot to know that so many folks delight in my enthusiasm. I love what I do and feel extremely blessed to have this amazing opportunity. My deepest appreciation to everyone who has contributed to the success of Falmouth Living—my creative director, copyeditor, talented writers and photographers, our faithful advertisers, engaged readers, followers, and the Falmouth community. It’s a pleasure to work with such a gifted group of people. Thank you for your interest in and support of Falmouth Living. We hope that you are inspired to embrace the many reasons why Falmouth is such a unique place to live, work, and visit. Cheers to you, your family, and friends. May you have delightful gatherings and a festive holiday season.

PUBLISHER Suzanne Ryan suzanne@falmouthlivingmag.com ART DIRECTOR Alison Caron Alison Caron Design alison@falmouthlivingmag.com COPY EDITOR Nan Fornal ADVERTISING Suzanne Ryan WRITERS Lisa Cavanaugh, Meg Costello, Mimi Golub, Chris Kazarian, Sarah Murphy, Jeanne Petrizzo, Angela Prout PHOTOGRAPHERS Dan Cutrona, Deborah Foley, Peter Julian, Greg Premru, Betty Wiley, Derrick Zellmann For subscriptions order online or scan code

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P.O. Box 183 Sagamore Beach, MA 02562 Falmouth Living is a registered trademark for Falmouth Living magazine.

Suzanne Ryan Publisher Falmouth Living suzanne@falmouthlivingmag.com 18

© Salty Pawz Media LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher. Publisher disclaims all responsibility for omissions, errors and unsolicited materials. Printed in the USA.

FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

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contributors BETTY WILEY is a photographer and instructor on Cape Cod who specializes in landscape and nature photography. Her work has appeared in numerous local magazines and guidebooks.

CHRIS KAZARIAN enjoys telling stories about people who are making an impact. His writing has appeared in Hemispheres magazine, the Boston Herald, and the Providence Journal among others. DEB FOLEY is passionate about helping small businesses increase their visibility and connect with clients using brand photography.

DERRICK ZELLMANN is a commercial and editorial photographer based between Boston and Cape Cod. He photographs celebrities, artists, professional athletes, firefighters, Academy and Emmy Award winners, and models.

SARAH E. MURPHY began writing as a child growing up in Falmouth Heights. She spent twelve years as a local reporter and photographer and is now a freelance journalist and social justice activist.

LISA CAVANAUGH is an editor and writer who grew up in New England and for several years worked in the film industry as a Hollywood story editor, producer and writer. She lives in Yarmouth and focuses on stories about lifestyles and interests of Cape Codders.

PETER JULIAN has apprenticed with renowned photojournalists Constantine Manos and Lisa Kessler. His commercial work is inspired by national architectural photographer Dan Cutrona.

DAN CUTRONA’s photography has appeared in South Shore Home, Life & Style, Gulfshore Life, House Beautiful, and Better Homes & Gardens. Cutrona divides his time between Miami and Cotuit with his wife and three young children.

ANGELA PROUT is a freelance writer and marketer based in Falmouth. She loves exploring all that the Cape has to offer, especially dog friendly spots with her four-legged BFF Manny and delicious destinations with her chef husband Gavin.

JEANNE PETRIZZO is a copywriter based on the South Coast of MA. When she isn’t researching or writing ads and articles, she enjoys long walks on the beach, especially in Falmouth.

MEG COSTELLO is the research manager at the Falmouth Historical Society’s Museums on the Green. She edits the Museums’ monthly blog, “Untold Tales of Falmouth.” MIMI GOLUB is a freelance writer and founder of an online magazine for women. She enjoys boating on Vineyard Sound, exploring nature, and buying shoes.

FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

IT ALL STARTS HERE... THE CAPE COD LIFESTYLE

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BLOOM

BULB LASAGNA The Garden Gift that Keeps on Giving

GROWING UP IN JAMAICA PLAIN , Liz Whitcher never had a garden. It was in Falmouth, at her parents’ summer condominium in Woodrise, where she discovered you don’t necessarily need a large yard to make your garden grow. “The woman next door had created the most unbelievable English cottage garden. It was all wrapped around the sliders, and she used a cement slab to transform a very contemporary space. I’ve been pursuing that ever since,” Liz says with a laugh. Those who follow her Instagram account, Garden on the Cape, which offers a glimpse into her enchanting North Falmouth cottage garden and woodland oasis, will probably heartily agree she achieved that goal long ago. Virtually every post is a veritable

feast for the eyes, while also providing helpful tips served with meditative beauty. Liz also uses her platform to promote local nurseries and vendors, including Beacon Gardens at Osterville, and Coast of Maine, for which she serves as an ambassador. Before Liz met her husband, Bob, she took inspiration from that Falmouth neighbor, transforming rentals in city settings from house to home by cultivating a small garden wherever she lived. Liz and Bob live in his childhood home on Wild Harbor Road, and after a rewarding career as a public health nurse at JML Care Center, Liz is now retired, which gives her more time to pursue her passion. She has also shared her knowledge at lectures hosted by Cotuit Library and Cape Cod Master

BY SAR AH E. MURPHY | PHOTOGR APHY BY BE T T Y WILEY 22

FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

BLOOM Gardeners. In recent years, Liz has experimented with “bulb lasagna,” another technique suitable for limited outdoor spaces, which involves planting two to three layers of a variety of bulbs and potting soil in a container, similar to the layering of a lasagna. Ideal for fall planting, the lasagna technique offers a perpetual garden yielding what Liz describes as a “nonstop bulb parade of color” to enjoy throughout the spring season. “They’re easy as pie. I just did one with my niece for her condo,” Liz says, adding another culinary metaphor to the recipe. “I have a lot of little garden spaces in my yard, and I like to use them to create vignettes. This is another way to have a spring garden in a container. It also makes a wonderful gift.”

ate-spring bloomers (bottom layer): L Tulips, daffodils, ping-pong allium Mid-spring bloomers (middle layer): Tulips, daffodils, hyacinth Early-spring-bloomers (top layer): Snowdrops, crocus, muscari Winter Storage: Storing your lasagna over the winter is the most important step of the process because the bulbs will turn to mush if frozen. Can be stored in an unheated mudroom/garage. Liz also recommends added protection, such as a comforter or cardboard placed over them. Must be stored between 35 and 45 degrees. Top: A blooming Bulb Lasagna Middle: Space bulbs one inch apart (bulbs should not touch one another), and layer with potting soil. Bottom: Liz Whitcher, master gardener

Liz’s Bulb Lasagna Container: 10-inch holds two layers; 14-inch holds three. Make sure the pot has drainage holes. Add gravel or broken pot shards before adding soil to help with drainage. Planting: Planting depth determined by bulb size, generally larger bulbs bloom later. The main factor is blooming time. Choose earlymid-late–blooming spring bulbs. Plant the last-to-bloom bulbs first, at bottom of pot, and the earliest-to-bloom closest to top. Recipe: Space bulbs one inch apart. They should not touch each other or side of container. Add three inches of potting soil on top of gravel. Add late-spring blooming bulbs as first layer, and cover with three inches of potting soil. Add mid-spring blooming bulbs as second layer, and cover with three inches of potting soil. Add early-spring blooming bulbs as your third (top) layer, and cover with four inches of potting soil, water.

FALMOUTHLIVINGMAG.COM

TRADITION

Falmouth’s Spirit of Spookiness

A hauntingly wholesome Halloween tradition fills Main Street BY CHRISTOPHER K A ZARIAN | PHOTOGR APHY BY SUZANNE RYAN

otorists passing by Añejo Mexican Bistro on Main Street two Octobers ago were undoubtedly amused to see Beetlejuice enjoying an outdoor meal, accompanied by two skeletons and Lydia Deetz, Winona Ryder’s character from the 1988 horror film, clad in her red wedding dress. It was the restaurant’s creative contribution to a downtown tradition that stretches back at least 15 24

years when businesses began lining Main Street with scarecrows—and the occasional skeleton and witch—of all shapes, sizes, and assortments. Last year, Falmouth Village Association president Richard Peal, the store manager of LeRoux Kitchen, estimated that more than 60 scarecrows lined the street, hung from lampposts and situated in front of stores to usher in the Halloween season. FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

FALMOUTHLIVINGMAG.COM

TRADITION They ranged from an adult scarecrow cat holding a basket full of baby scarecrow cats (created by People for Cats) to a two-headed skeleton dressed in a formal red suit (Eugene Henry’s Gastronomical Delights) to an Olympian Simone Biles scarecrow leaping in the air (William Raveis Real Estate). Eight Cousins Books’ contribution featured an adult scarecrow, dressed appropriately for the fall, reading Linda Williams’s classic The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything to a baby scarecrow sitting on its lap. “What I love about the scarecrows is the community aspect of it,” says Phoebe Kasparian, the community engagement coordinator for the bookstore who helped design last year’s piece with Emily Braganca-Alves, who graduated from Falmouth High School in June. “It shows how Falmouth has spirit, fun, and it ties us all together as a community and is something people look forward to every year.” Peal credits Deb Maguire, co-owner of Liam Maguire’s Irish Pub, for bringing the concept to Falmouth following a trip to “I think Pennsylvania, where she saw this little village and they had these scarecrows along the street. She thought it was a great idea and brought it back to the Village Association and suggested we do something similar.” Since then, the popularity of the scarecrows has only grown, with local businesses using their imaginations to shine a spotlight on downtown Falmouth. “I really enjoy it,” Peal says. “To be able to bring this kind of atmosphere and joy to people on Main Street is really what keeps us going.” Many, like Eight Cousins, incorporate their name, what they sell, or the service they provide to their creations. Pickle Jar Kitchen’s submissions are usually more of a pickle and less of a scarecrow. LeRoux Kitchen tends to weave culinary themes into its streetside artwork. Humor often goes a long way toward capturing the 26

Festive Halloween scarecrows along Main Street

public’s attention. In 2022, Eastman’s Hardware tied in the fall’s breezy weather by creating a scarecrow hanging sideways—as if being blown by the wind— with a sign in red marker that read, “BLOODY WIND!!” In recent years, the association has invited local nonprofits to add to the mix, bringing attention to their causes while enlivening Main Street for a few weeks each October. This year, scarecrows will go up Friday, October 10, and stay there through Halloween night. The public can vote for their favorite creations by liking and engaging with them on the Village Association’s Facebook page. The top nonprofit will receive a donation from the association, while the top business will receive membership in the association for a full year. In the end, the winner is all of us who get to enjoy the creativity, artistry, and playfulness of business owners and nonprofits as they bring one of New England’s most quaint Main Streets alive during the season of ghouls, ghosts, and goblins. FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

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GATHER

WEST FALMOUTH LIBRARY:

A Community Hub for All

BY SAR AH E. MURPHY | PHOTOGR APHY BY SUZANNE RYAN WEST FALMOUTH LIBRARY’S ROLE as a cultural epicenter dates back to the founding of the Young People’s Union in 1870. What began as a humble mission has evolved into a bustling local resource serving all of Falmouth, all year long. Formed by five young women with a vision, the Union began as a club offering weekly musical and literary programs. By 1879, the organization had grown through membership and weekly dues, resulting in a collection of 50 volumes. Those books were stored in a closet of a local home, marking the first chapter of the West Falmouth Library story. The collection was then kept in the Methodist church followed by a factory, which has since burned down. At that time, the Library received its first “official” home, 28

built by local builders on Depot Street, which is now Old Dock Road. The building was later moved closer to West Falmouth Market, operating for the next 15 years in that location. The Young People’s Union was dissolved in 1891 making way for the West Falmouth Library Association, which by then boasted an impressive collection of 800 titles. Another woman to be commended for her contribution and foresight is Abby Grant Swift Mendenhall. She and her husband donated land left to her by her father for the building of a new library. West Falmouth builders, in particular, Quaker brothers Daniel and Henry Swift, offered their time, talent, and affluence to build and finance what has since become the Library’s longtime home on West Falmouth Highway, completed in 1896. That growth has continued, with an FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

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GATHER addition in 1972, and a major renovation and expansion in 2017. The collection itself expanded exponentially in 2008 when the Library joined CLAMS (Cape Libraries Automated Materials Sharing), another noteworthy chapter in its history. Molly Akin was appointed executive director in January 2025. Prior to joining WFL, she served as associate director of donor relations for Boston Symphony Orchestra. Molly moved to East Falmouth four years ago. When she and her husband, Joe, were deciding where to raise their two young daughters, Freya and Daphne (now 12 and 8), Molly toured all the libraries in Falmouth as part of their decision process. West Falmouth Library was the first local library Molly visited and, as soon as she walked in, she knew she had found the right place. “Libraries have always been very important in my family’s life. I was really struck by the beauty and charm of West Falmouth Library, and I also had a chance to learn some of its history,” she recalled. Molly’s primary objective has been leading the five-year strategic plan affirming WFL as a space that supports the community, deepening current partnerships with West Falmouth Village Association, Falmouth Public Schools, West Falmouth Market, and Falmouth Jazz, to name a few, while establishing new ones. She is also expanding children’s and young adult programming by implementing pilot programs to gauge interest and feedback from parents and caregivers.

Development associate Allison Strickland, executive director Molly Akin, and Susan Carliss, collection development and circulation manager

“We’re trying to refine our offerings so we’re not duplicating what’s happening at other libraries, but complementing,” she said. Throughout the year, the Library hosts Dungeons & Dragons for tweens and teens, social games for senior citizens, author talks, poetry readings, musical performances, and wellness programs, such as yoga and meditation. “West Falmouth Library is a community hub for all of Falmouth, not just the historic district of West Falmouth Village,” Molly said. However, due to its independent status, WFL receives only 10 percent of its operating budget from the Town of Falmouth, relying heavily on donations, grants, and bequests. Fundraisers include a garden party in June and an art show and sale in August, and the historic setting is also available for event rentals. According to Molly, the most vital support comes not from large donations but from the steadfast support of patrons. “There’s an increasing trend of libraries as third spaces, and West Falmouth Library actually has that baked into its DNA, with the young women who founded the Young People’s Union as a place to gather and discuss books, music, and art. To have that community connection in addition to a circulating collection,” she said. “I think they were way ahead of their time in terms of what a library could be.” West Falmouth Library is located at 575 West Falmouth Highway. For more information, visit westfalmouthlibrary.org. FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

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TASTE

Savoring Sweet Gold Falmouth’s only maple syrup production is a labor of love at Pariah Dog Farm. TEX T AND PHOTOGR APHY BY ANGEL A PROUT TUCKED AWAY ON TROTTING PARK ROAD, Pariah Dog Farm is a hidden gem where tradition and sustainability meet to create something truly special: small-batch, handcrafted maple syrup. While Cape Cod isn’t known for its maple industry, this family-run farm has found a way to turn the cold, crisp days of late winter into an ongoing pursuit for liquid gold. For over a dozen years, as the seasons begin their slow shift from winter to spring, Matt Churchill, owner and farmer at Pariah Dog Farm, embarks on an age-old process, tapping local maple trees and transforming the clear, slightly sweet sap into the rich, amber syrup that has become a favorite among locals. Matt believes his maple syrup may be the only local maple syrup available for sale on the Cape. Pariah Dog’s syrup is available both at its weekend farmstand and at the Falmouth Winter Farmers Market at St. Barnabas Church, where it has quickly gained a devoted following. While production is limited, the flavor is deep, rich, and unique, and the bottles don’t last long on the shelves. 32

Matt, Alison, and their child at Pariah Dog Farm.

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TASTE Maple syrup production is a labor of love, requiring patience, precision, and respect for the natural world, all things Matt eagerly embraces as a devoted farmer. Beginning in January or February, when daytime temperatures rise above freezing but nights remain cold, the trees begin to release their stored sugars. Matt, helped by his partner, Alison, carefully taps the trees, drilling small holes into the Norway maples on the property. Spouts are inserted into the holes and attached to tubes, allowing the sap to drip into buckets that Matt is constantly collecting across town. In addition to the trees at Pariah Dog, Matt also taps a handful of trees at other locations in Falmouth, ensuring all the syrup he produces is made right here in Falmouth. Managing the volatile New England temperatures is often the hardest part of the process. On a good day, a single tree may yield up to a gallon of sap, and each tree is typically tapped for about two weeks. Once the temperatures start to rise into the 40s and 50s, the sap must be collected as soon as possible or it starts to ferment, and the sap can’t freeze before it is boiled down. Once collected, the sap is taken to Pariah Dog Farm’s sugar shack, where the real magic happens. Using a traditional wood-fired evaporator, the team slowly heats the sap, allowing excess water to evaporate and the natural sugars to concentrate. This process can take hours, requiring constant attention to ensure that the syrup reaches just the right consistency and caramelized depth of flavor. The scent of boiling sap fills the air, a sweet and earthy perfume that signals the transformation taking place. As the temperature rises and the color deepens, Matt and Alison use a hydrometer to check the sugar content. Next, the product is carefully boiled down, and continues to be monitored for its specific gravity, to ensure the right viscosity. Once the levels are right, the syrup is ready to be bottled. Each batch has its own unique flavor profile, influenced by the season’s temperatures and the subtle differences in sap from tree to tree. Generally, it takes roughly 40 gallons of sap to produce just one gallon of syrup, and Pariah Dog typically yields 10 gallons of syrup at the most, which they distribute into 12-ounce glass bottles for selling. For those who stop by the farmstand or visit the Falmouth Winter Farmers Market, a bottle of Pariah Dog Farm’s maple syrup is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a taste of local craftsmanship, a product made with care, and a reminder that the land offers unexpected gifts. If you’re lucky enough to grab a coveted bottle, you’ll be treated to a taste of Falmouth’s own maple magic. Once the sap has been collected, it is taken to Pariah Dog Farm’s sugar shack. Using a traditional wood-fired evaporator, the team slowly heats the sap, allowing excess water to evaporate and the natural sugars to concentrate.

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INFORM & INSPIRE

Home with Heart After the devastating loss of their son, a Falmouth family is planning a special place for others to grieve. BY LISA CAVANAUGH | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SHAW FAMILY

hen her young son was killed in a skiing accident, Susan Shaw found herself retreating from other concerns to focus on her family and their grieving process. “I have a master’s in interior design,” says Shaw, “but when William died, I just dropped that part of my life. I didn’t want to do interior design at all.” Six years later, Shaw is ready to use her creative skills to support others who have experienced a similar heart-wrenching tragedy. She and her husband, Nicholas, and a dedicated team of volunteers initially formed William’s Be Yourself Challenge (WBYC), which began by hosting an inaugural event, the William’s Flat Brimmed Parkour Challenge (WFBPC). 36

Top Left: William Wolfgang Shaw Top Right: Susan Shaw Above: Lights brighten the night in remembrance of William.

They are now actively fundraising to purchase, renovate, and maintain a property called The Green House for grieving families, to provide a week’s respite free of charge after the death of a spouse or child. The Shaws have chosen Falmouth because of their close ties to the community. “I was born and raised in Falmouth, went to Falmouth public schools, and my mom and brother still live here,” says Shaw. “William spent a part of every summer of his childhood in Falmouth, so it makes so much sense for us to have The Green House here.” Shaw feels that Cape Cod, particularly Falmouth, offers so much to a family in sorrow. “There is the FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

natural beauty of the ocean, which is so healing,” she says. “That big expanse connects you to nature and potentially another world.” She notes that Falmouth has a lot of opportunities for nature walks and other activities. “If a family were to want to venture out into the community, our Main Street is so vibrant, there are many things for kids and families to do in Falmouth year-round.” Regarding the house itself, the Shaws are seeking a home with at least four bedrooms to accommodate an immediate family (and extended relatives if appropriate) and plenty of space inside and out, for everyone to find solace. “I do want it to feel somewhat private and not on a main road, she says. “Safety is a big concern for families who are coming here because they would have just gone through a gigantic trauma.” She would love the guests to be able to walk out the door and take a walk, whether it be to the beach, woods, or on the bike path. With her design cap on, Shaw imagines how The Green House—named for William’s favorite color—should feel and function for families going through the emotionally complicated and complex grief process. “I’m coming at this from a place of wanting to curate this home in a very specific way so that feels like a space that will hold this family in their grief and their sadness for a week.

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INFORM & INSPIRE

Left: William and Kai Right: “Run to Be Yourself,” a William Be Yourself Challenge Bottom: Memorial Garden

“I want the home to feel nurturing and easy on the eyes. Obviously, there will be some green in there, but also soothing natural earth tones and a lot of white.” She also envisions beautiful, soft down comforters and blankets, and a “quiet space” where people can meditate or reflect. “I want to have a creative/art room where kids, and even adults, can feel comfortable expressing themselves in artistic ways,” says Shaw. “We also want to plan for some sort of sports court outside, and bikes, and gym equipment, because we know how important physical movement is in grief.” Ultimately, Shaw and her husband want the families to feel The Green House is their sanctuary for a week. “We will outfit the home to be a comfortable way for these families to connect in whatever capacity they want. There will be no agenda, but there will be things on offer that you can do if you want,” she says. “And, of course, you can just curl up with your beautiful down comforter and cry for the week. Whatever it takes.” Designing The Green House is a bittersweet experience for Shaw. “It is heartbreaking for me to do this work. I wish I didn’t have to,” she says. “But it’s the only work I want to do that makes sense. Not every grieving person would or should do this type of project, but I’m so happy that I can.” For more information and to donate or volunteer, visit williamsbeyourselfchallenge.org/the-green-house

FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

ARTIST PROFILE

Going

with the

Flow

The Skill and Style of East Falmouth Artist John Hallinan

BY SAR AH E. MURPHY | PHOTOGR APHY BY BE T T Y WILEY TIMBER AND FLOW, the name of John Hallinan’s handcrafted wood and resin art business, is a nod to both the material he uses and the seaside setting that inspires his work. It also describes the evolution of his artistic career, for although he never planned to follow such a path, creativity and ingenuity run in his family. His father, Daniel, who served in the Vietnam War on behalf of the US Navy, built the Mashpee home where John grew up. John’s earliest memories involve working alongside his father in the wood shop that was located next door, at the home of John’s aunt. “My dad is a real hands-on, jack-of-all-trades kind of guy. He can basically do anything, and when I was a kid, he always let me experiment with my ideas,” John recalled. “Instead of telling me something wouldn’t work, he’d say, ‘Let’s try it and see,’ letting me figure things out for myself.” John and his four older sisters were always

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encouraged to pursue whatever piqued their interest, from woodworking to photography to auto mechanics. John also pursued his passion for hockey, playing goalie for Falmouth High School. At that time, in the late 1990s, he and his father moved to East Falmouth, where they still live, to a sprawling property that boasts buildings they’ve added, including a two-story wood shop father and son designed together in 2018, which has become John’s workshop. When John isn’t working his “day job” as a member of the Air National Guard at Joint Base Cape Cod, or playing hockey with the United Heroes League, he’s busy in his wood shop bringing his customers’ ideas to fruition. What is now a rewarding small business began unexpectedly in 2017 when a friend, knowing of John’s woodworking skills, asked him to create a few corn-hole boards she could use to display her handmade candles

ARTIST PROFILE

Big Jaws and Cape Cod resin art.

at art shows, which led to a request for a display for a friend’s wood-and-abalone sunglasses business. That connection provided an important and economical resource for John to obtain one of his signature materials—sustainably harvested abalone. He purchases sheets online from New Zealand, cutting them into specific shapes for inlays, or saving the scraps to glue together to create a mosaic effect. John started branching out beyond corn-hole boards and golf tables, adding functional art and décor to his repertoire, including charcuterie and cutting boards, coasters, lazy Susans, and wall art. The positive reception inspired him to turn his lifelong hobby into something more. and in 2020 he rebranded “Goalie’s Woodworking” to “Timber and Flow.” The options for wall art are virtually endless, for John reuses stencils, which he refers to as “silhouettes,” cutting wood into shapes he then transforms into subjects with special significance to the client or recipient, from mermaids and seals to constellations and Sasquatch. If he doesn’t have a particular silhouette, he can usually create it on request. One of his works-in-progress is for a friend in Germany, featuring a large angel utilizing an image from the internet he was able to recreate, 42

while another commissioned project features the tiny silhouette of a beloved pet German shepherd he created from a photograph. One client requested a four-foot flamingo, while another opted for a six-foot mermaid with an abalone tail. Meanwhile, a giant whale tail is soon to be delivered to its new home in Boston. Those projects are particularly rewarding for John, for he takes pride in realizing a vision. He tries to keep his pricing affordable while also being respectful of his own time and talent, for it takes approximately the same amount of work to achieve a desired effect, regardless of the size of the silhouette. As someone who has always preferred learning by doing, John spent six to eight months experimenting with his resin technique until he was satisfied with his waves, which for him was the most challenging aspect of the medium. “My first attempts were wispy; they looked like clouds,” he said. “I finally figured out what to use to get that lacing effect, so it looks more like sea foam.” For the past few years, John has participated in the Falmouth Village Street Fair in July. His art is available at Nautical & Nice, the home décor/gift shop inside FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

John Hallinan pouring resin over artwork.

Paine’s Patio, on MacArthur Boulevard in Pocasset. His work has also been featured by the Falmouth Road Race, which commissions him to build trophy bases and bib boxes for the event. He was also commissioned to create a trophy base for the University of Massachusetts/ University of Connecticut football rivalry. John will once again participate in the Provincetown Pink Friday art market on Friday, November 28, just in time for holiday shopping. The event will be held at Provincetown Town Hall, 260 Commercial Street. Although he never envisioned pursuing a creative career, it was obviously meant to be, as is evidenced by his growing clientele and portfolio. “I never really thought of myself as an artist,” John said. “I just like making things and putting my own spin on them.” For more information about John Hallinan, visit timberandflow.com and on Instagram, timberandflowllc. FALMOUTHLIVINGMAG.COM

HISTORY

COMMON BY MEG COSTELLO PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF FALMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIET Y

FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

GROUND FALMOUTH ’S VILL AGE GREEN

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HISTORY

Above: A horse drinks from a fountain on the Village Green in this 1905 postcard. Below: The Benjamin Sanford House (built 1760) overlooks the Green with an air of Colonial simplicity.

OTHER NEW ENGLAND TOWNS may boast about their picture-perfect village greens, but ours just might be the prettiest of them all. Falmouth’s Village Green invites wayfarers to leave behind the bustle of Main Street, and to step into a verdant park, where stately trees and historic homes create an illusion of simpler Colonial times. In reality, however, the Village Green wasn’t always the tranquil oasis we see today. For its first hundred years, it was a hectic hive of activity— and it wasn’t even very green. The Village Green was designated as common land possibly as far back as 1686, the year when Falmouth was incorporated as a town. Early settler Jonathan Hatch (1627–1710) had used his contacts with Native people to acquire land in Falmouth, which he then sold to the town for a meetinghouse lot. In Colonial New England, where the church and the town government were inseparable, meetinghouse lots served as “commons” or “greens.” In other words, they were public land. In 1749 the Village Green made its first appearance in written records, when town proprietors referred to “the meetinghouse lot” as a training ground for the militia. In 1756, the First Congregational Church constructed a new 46

meetinghouse right on top of the Village Green. The meetinghouse was the hub of village life. It hosted religious services, functioned as the town hall, and served as a general meeting space. Residents who lived nearby ran a variety of businesses. Benjamin Sanford (1750–1830) sold everything from furniture and hats to leather goods and coffins from his home at 57 Main Street, overlooking the Village Green. Shubael Hatch (1757–1838) operated a tavern at the corner of Main and Locust, while Dr. Francis Wicks (1755–1836) administered smallpox vaccinations in his home at 55 Palmer Avenue. FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

HISTORY

Above: St. Barnabas Church was constructed by the Beebe family of Highfield Hall in 1890. Below: Despite his stern appearance, Elijah Swift (1774–1852) was a generous man and a lover of nature. Portrait at Falmouth Historical Society.

Imagine the many worn paths that must have crisscrossed the Village Green. Now imagine free-range livestock roaming there, nibbling at the trampled grass. Very few trees would have remained near the meetinghouse by the 1800s. The “green” would have hardly lived up to its name. Time brought changes to the village center. In the early 19th century, town government moved off the green and into a new town hall on Main Street. The need for a trained militia faded after the War of 1812. The old meetinghouse lot, with the church building upon it, became a quieter place. Gracious homes rose up around it, giving the neighborhood a more residential feeling. While it may have become more peaceful, the green still wasn’t very beautiful. That bothered Elijah Swift. The Falmouth-born shipwright and whaling tycoon had set up his grown offspring in houses around the Village Green. Son Thomas occupied 71 Main Street, son Oliver moved into 54 Main, and daughter Harriet Jenkins lived 48

with her husband at 20 Hewins Street. Every Sunday, Elijah made the rounds of these houses, taking treats to his grandchildren. Elijah Swift was a hardheaded businessman, but as a carpenter he had a soft spot for trees. He offered in 1832 to plant a ring of elms around the green, to care for them until they were established, and to pay for their removal if residents didn’t like them. As it turned out, people did like them. Elijah’s trees gradually spread a leafy canopy over the common land, allowing the grass beneath to flourish. In 1857, the meetinghouse was moved off the green to its present location at 68 Main Street. At last, the Village Green fulfilled the promise of its name. The green got its makeover just as the age of photography was beginning. Since the 1870s, photographers have been drawn to the green. Hundreds of photographs and postcards have captured it from every angle, turning it into an icon of Falmouth. St. Barnabas Church, constructed in 1890, enhanced the green’s visual appeal by providing a FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

Seasons Change. Our Commitment Never Does.

Seasons Change. Our Commitment Never Does. Seasons Change. Our Commitment Never Does. Seasons SeasonsChange. Change.Our OurCommitment CommitmentNever NeverDoes. Does. Seasons Change. Our Commitment Never Does.

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HISTORY

During the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976, a torpedo-shaped time capsule was buried on the Village Green. A plaque marks the spot where the capsule waits to be reopened in 2076.

Gothic foil to the stark white lines of First Congregational Church. Throughout the 20th century, the green hosted solemn civic gatherings, such as the Armistice Day ceremony in 1919 that commemorated the end of World War I. In 1930, a plaque was placed near the wishing well on the green to acknowledge its importance in Falmouth’s history. In 1996 the Village Green was listed on the National Historic Register. The green continues to serve its original purpose as land set apart for public use. From 1921 until the mid-1980s the Visiting Nurses Association held a yearly fundraising fete on the Village Green, complete with vendor booths and a Ferris wheel. 50

The VNA’s annual fundraising fete was very popular, resembling an old-fashioned country fair. After sixty years the fete outgrew the confines of the green and was moved elsewhere.

More recently, it’s been a venue for holiday displays, political protests, art classes, and walking tours. For the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976, residents buried a time capsule on the green that will be opened in 2076. The green itself is a kind of time capsule, reminding us of how our town evolved and how its history has shaped us. Unfortunately, most of Elijah Swift’s elm trees succumbed to Dutch elm disease, but not before they gave decades of enjoyment to residents and helped define the beauty of Falmouth’s historic center. The Village Green reminds us that people have always needed, and will always need, a common ground to forge a community. FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

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TIO N

New homeowners turned to the Valle Group to transform a dated property into a flawless summer home.

BY LISA CAVANAUGH PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN CUTRONA

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A welcoming entranceway leads you into the living space.

Starting from scratch

wasn’t necessarily what a seasonal Falmouth couple had in mind when they purchased a 1950s-era property as a summer home, but it turned out to be a delightful process. “When we found the property, we knew it probably needed some significant updates,” says the homeowner, noting they realized, at a minimum, the antiquated kitchen and baths needed to be gutted and redone. Still, she says it was a bit like an onion. Once they started peeling back the layers, they set a new goal: to ensure their renovated home would accommodate their modern family’s lifestyle and design aesthetics, and that the house would be in the family for generations. Luckily, they chose The Valle Group as their design/ build firm to tackle the project. “The Valle Group really stuck out to us,” she says, noting that a team of three people, including Christian Valle, the owner of the 54

company, came for the quote. “They spent over an hour walking through the property with us, listening to our vision and what we were hoping to do.” The couple, who have a year-round home in a western suburb of Boston, had such a wonderful experience with them that they knew it would be a great collaboration. Soon, they were partnered with Valle Group project manager, Scott Kelly, whose team, through thoughtful collaboration with the owners, ultimately made the home the perfect one for them. “They were great customers who had a vision in mind, who were open, creative, and engaged in helping refine ideas and bring the home to life,” says Kelly. “They loved the neighborhood, but their newly purchased home was very outdated. Initially, we focused on the kitchen and bathrooms. However, with older homes like this, when the walls are opened up to achieve layout changes, that becomes a good time to look at mechanical systems.” FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

A wet bar perfect for entertaining.

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Natural light showcases the open concept of the living space.

The homeowners decided to take advantage of the opportunity to make some much-needed updates to the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems as well. As the plans took shape on the inside, they decided to address the outdoor living space, with a gorgeous new deck. The couple was completely receptive to suggestions and changes as the team progressed. “We had a great team that both of us felt very comfortable reaching out to,” says the homeowner. “Not having been through this process before, we certainly had our questions. They were very patient and responsive, and obviously the results speak for themselves.” The newly designed home has four bedrooms and three baths, which provide plenty of space for their college-aged children (each of whom worked full time over the summer in Falmouth). The homeowners decided to go with a subdued coastal vibe and, doing their own interior design work, sourced many of their furnishings and décor locally. “Setting the Space up on Main Street was wonderful for artwork,” says the homeowner, who also reveals that she was inspired by 56

FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

The spacious kitchen design offers an island gathering spot.

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perusing the pages of previous issues of this magazine. “One of the first things that I did when we bought this house in June of 2024 was to get a Falmouth Living subscription,” says the homeowner. “I enjoyed the features in it and tried to home in on what aspects of the Cape Cod feel we wanted to replicate in our place.” In terms of finishes, she chose mixed metals and a coastal palette. “I did incorporate a lot of the rattan, which I know is trendy right now, says the homeowner.

“Everything was just so much fun to do!” Overall, the team knew that the homeowners wanted something comfortable and cozy, but large enough that they could host friends and family. “It was important to us that we would be able to invite people here and relax,” she says. “We opted to redesign the home with enough sleeping space, but also good gathering areas for everyone.” The Valle Group team got creative by introducing more space for entertaining in the kitchen,

The master bath and bedroom in subdued neutral tones complement the coastal vibe.

FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

A place to sit back and enjoy the nature views.

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and through clever design, they were even able to make a cathedral ceiling and skylight possible. Another challenge that The Valle Group handled well was solving the problem of a perpetually damp basement. “We did a significant amount of yard drainage, where we scraped the front yard down six inches, put in five dry wells, installed French drains, and waterproofed the foundation,” says Kelly. “Now they have a permanently completely dry basement.” While much of the work was interior, The Valle Group did add new siding and all new PVC trim on the exterior. “We installed new windows and built a cupola on the roof,” says Kelly. “It was a total transformation.” For the new residents, it is an ideal retreat. “We love the way it came out,” says the homeowner, and we love being close to Falmouth’s vibrant downtown.” She says being able to walk to dinner and the beach was a big part of choosing their property, while professional skill and congenial expertise were why they chose the Valle Group. “We would 100 percent do it again with them,” she says. “They made it so easy for us, and the house turned out so beautifully.”

A light, airy guest bathroom and bedroom.

FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

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Raise a Glass

TO T H E FA L M O U T H BEER AND WINE SCENE

When it comes to beer and wine, Falmouth has a rich agricultural history. Early residents would brew their own beer for personal consumption, using available grains such as corn, barley, and rye. By the mid-1800s, Falmouth had become a central hub for beer production. Winemaking, like brewing, was first introduced by pioneers who attempted to grow European grape varieties, which did not take well to Cape Cod’s sandy soil and moody climate. Growers got it right by the twentieth century, opening small vineyards that produced uniquely flavored regional wines. Today’s beverage scene reflects Falmouth’s historical connection to its land and pays homage to this first community of innovators. BY MIMI GOLUB PHOTOGR APHY BY BE T T Y WILEY

FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

Cape Cod Winery

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A vibrant destination where friends and family can sit back and sip a glass of wine, a classic frozé, sparkling rosé, or white sangria.

Cape Cod Winery NESTLED JUST A FEW MILES FROM THE SEA in East Falmouth, Cape Cod Winery is a place where passion, hospitality, and tradition blend to create one of the most welcoming destinations in Falmouth. From elevated wine varieties to locally sourced food options, every detail of the winery has been meticulously planned by owners Erika and Pete Orlandella. Over a decade ago, the couple aspired to leave their careers over the Bourne Bridge and start a business in Falmouth. But it wasn’t until their son found a winery for sale that their dream became a reality. The Orlandellas acquired Cape Cod Winery and soon found a new home for the business on 11 acres of agricultural land that once grew strawberries. At first glance, the property was nothing but thick forest and overgrown fields. “No one had lived there for over a decade,” Erika recalls. With an entrepreneurial vision, and support from the Cape Cod wine community, the couple transformed the land into a vibrant space where today friends and family meet to drink wines grown on the property and enjoy 64

an outdoor venue that was mostly built by Pete himself. With a glass of Rosé Mermaid Water or Sauvignon Blanc, patrons relax by fire pits, convene at picnic tables, sit in Adirondack chairs overlooking the vineyards, or stay cozy in the covered area by the gift shop. The vineyard grows hybrid grape varieties designed to flourish in Falmouth’s unique climate. Although the winery does not operate a full-scale production facility, the winemaking—from harvesting to bottling—is a team effort. “It’s like a circus,” Pete says with a laugh. “Making the wine is like putting up a tent.” Bottling days are festive events, complete with corking parties where family and friends lend a hand. Wine may be the heart of the business, but communal experience is its soul. Erika and Pete spend time getting to know their guests and ensure they have a top-notch experience. They treat staff with an abundance of respect, according to general manager Linda, who has been at the winery since 2020. “They are the most generous people I know,” she exclaims while FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

Top: Cape Cod Winery carries several variates of wine by can or bottle available also in the gift shop. Bottom: Mermaid Bar

pouring wine for a line of customers at a food-truck–style wine bar. Linda says the same employees return every year. “It is a fun place to work. It’s busy, even crazy at times, but we all get along so well and still get the job done.” The Orlandellas generously give back to the Falmouth community. Each year after Thanksgiving, they host a Christmas tree lighting and dinner to benefit Tommy’s Place. Despite their rigorous schedules, Pete and Erika are always looking to the future. Recently, Erika and Pete added yoga classes and expanded Chef Kate’s menu to include farm-to-table ingredients acquired from local Falmouth businesses and farms. The essence of Cape Cod Winery is the vibe that mirrors the hardworking, happy couple who fulfilled their dream in East Falmouth. From creative events like Kentucky Derby Day in the spring to a glass of wine paired with scrumptious food by a fall fire pit, from a wedding proposal in the vineyard to live music weekends, the winery brings joy to tourists and locals alike. For more information, visit capecodwinery.com FALMOUTHLIVINGMAG.COM

Aquatic Brewing Co. and crisp lagers. Their ocean-inspired IN THE HEART OF FALMOUTH, beers are created with a five-barrel Aquatic Brewing Co. is riding a fresh system and five fermenters, allowing wave of craft beer innovation—fueled Aquatic to produce four times as much by science, community, and a love beer as it did when the doors were first of the ocean. Founded in November opened. New beers are released every 2020 by Dr. Alex Bergan and Dr. five to six weeks and canned on the Greg Horning, Aquatic Brewing is premises. “We’re never satisfied until we the result of a dream born during have made the best product possible,” their time in the prestigious MITBergan explains. “Our size gives us the WHOI Joint Program while studying freedom to use the best ingredients oceanography/applied ocean science without cutting corners.” and engineering. The two lived Ingredients are chosen with care, together in Somerville during the never compromised for cost. They source program and brewed beer as a hobby, malt locally from Stone Path Malt in serving neighbors, fellow students, and Wareham and hops from Washington, colleagues before opening Aquatic just Beer on tap Germany, and New Zealand. Real fruit steps from the sea. purées, Pie in the Sky coffee beans, and spices like cinnamon Their background shapes every part of the brewing and vanilla are used to infuse their beers with distinct flavor process. “We apply a lot of what we learned as scientists— profiles. Despite not having a kitchen, the brewery offers precision, experimentation, data tracking—to making beer,” snacks and encourages guests to enjoy beer in a welcoming says Bergan, who serves as head brewer. This philosophy space designed for conversation, board games, or watching shows in every recipe from hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts

Alpha brewhouse tanks

FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

Aquatic Brewing Co. offers several beers to enjoy in the taproom and also to purchase.

a game on TV. Knowledgeable “beertenders” walk guests through the menu, offering tastings and building custom flights. Aquatic caters to the nondrinking crowd with hop water, sodas, and nonalcoholic beer options. Sustainability and community engagement continue to be core values for Horning and Bergan. Aquatic sponsors local races, hosts beach cleanups with prize incentives, and partners with other Cape Cod breweries for environmental efforts. They also participate in local beer festivals and offer their beer at Shipwrecked and The Wharf, two local restaurants. The pair are active members of the Home Brew Association, where they connect with other Cape Cod breweries and share experiences. “We learn from each other,” says Bergan. “It’s a great community, and we are proud to be part of it.” FALMOUTHLIVINGMAG.COM

Education is another cornerstone of the brewery’s identity. Bergan, originally from California, hosted “Sip of Science” seminars at Aquatic this year, teaching guests about fermentation, beer aging, and yeast biology— complete with microscope demos and behind-the-scenes tours of the brewhouse. As Aquatic approaches its fifth anniversary, the goal is clear: Grow thoughtfully while staying true to their roots. Alex and Greg are exploring distribution with hopes of introducing Aquatic beers to more Cape Cod bars, liquor stores, and restaurants, while continuing to brew the best craft beer. Every Aquatic pint tells a story—of science, of passion, and of a small coastal town that captured the heart of two Ph.D. students. Visit aquaticbrewing.com for more information. 67

A cozy, rustic space to enjoy a beer and food with friends and family.

Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery SINCE OPENING ITS DOORS IN 2019, Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery in East Falmouth has evolved into a full-scale production brewery, a year-round destination, and a cozy hub for locals and visitors alike. At the helm is Ralph Younger, a Falmouth native who began as an assistant general manager when the brewery launched and now oversees the bustling operation as general manager. “It’s a big job, but a fun job,” Ralph says, smiling as he juggles daily duties from staffing to kitchen management to curating guest experiences. He greets everyone with a warm welcome and a deep knowledge of more than 16 beers that are made on site. The scene is simultaneously chill and playful. Customers gather, both in- and outside a rusticstyle barn that houses both the brewery and the kitchen, to eat breakfast, lunch, or just pizza and snacks while drinking Mischievous Mermaid and Shark Bite beers. Bad Martha’s story began a decade ago in Martha’s Vineyard. The original island brewery could produce beers only on a much smaller scale. Five years ago, the 68

owner founded the Falmouth location, allowing the Island favorite to expand capabilities, including 16 fermenters, canning lines, and a full restaurant. “They can only make seven beers at once on the Vineyard,” Ralph explains. “We almost double that and we are still running out of space.” Despite its growth, Bad Martha’s remains true to its roots. Every batch is infused with grape leaves from Martha’s Vineyard, brought over by boat and crushed on site. There is homage paid to founder Jonathan Bloom’s original vision and the folklore tale of the mischievous mermaid everywhere from the Mermaid pull taps to the décor. Local ingredients are also important, says Younger. Several beers are infused with Cape Cod sea salt, and 1,000 pounds of De Silva Farm cranberries are utilized for their seasonal seltzers. The brewery’s taps rotate with the seasons. Ralph says his favorite is the 508 IPA, named for the local area code and trademarked by the brewery. Beer flights are available in 8-ounce and 16-ounce pours. Community remains FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

at the core of the brewery. From charity bingo nights to nonprofit collaborations and discounted rental space for local causes, the taproom is a welcome neighbor to the Falmouth community. The large outdoor patio and wildflower garden are perfect spots for seasonal events like Oktoberfest, where a Munich-style beer hall is created to host stein-holding contests and costumed fun. With open mic nights, live weekend music, and a laid-back attitude, Bad Martha’s blends tradition with innovation and allows for visitors to have a good time year-round. According to Younger, the space is always evolving. Younger recently added indoor couches so patrons can relax or work remotely while enjoying the rustic space, satisfying food, and, of course, beer. There is a catering program geared toward wedding-related events and big parties. What sets Bad Martha’s apart? Younger puts it simply. “No matter what the occasion, we make everyone feel special. The best part of my job is meeting the customers and listening to their feedback.” Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery, with roots across Vineyard Sound, is a popular part of the Falmouth food and beverage scene. For more information, visit badmarthabeer.com/ falmouth-brewery The large outdoor patio and wildflower garden are perfect spots to gather.

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COZY

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Three Falmouth homeowners prove that enjoying the outdoors isn’t just for the warmer months.

BY LISA CAVANAUGH

PHOTOGR APHY BY BE T T Y WILEY

Enoying the magic of firelight and friendship are Bill Guggina, Donna Driscoll, Peggy Guggina, Ron Driscoll, and Jamie Parker.

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Warm and Welcoming The warm tones of autumn decorate the gathering spot.

A cozy gathering spot for sharing a fall evening.

n 2020, Peggy and Bill Guggina designed and built a fire pit for the ample gathering space of their backyard, even rolling the boulders found on their property into place together. “We had a hard time choosing between gas and wood,” says Peggy, “but we ended up with a gas fire pit and have a solo fire pit for s’mores.” As avid gardeners, the couple has also carefully planned the landscaping around the fire pit. “It has evolved through the years with some major and minor changes in the plant selection,” says Peggy. “Bill removed the privet bushes that framed the firepit and planted evergreen holly bushes, which are filling in nicely. We accented those with hydrangeas, nepeta, and other plants.”

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Top left: Peggy carrying the ultimate S’mores tray. Top right: The fireside beckons with hot chocolate and mulled apple cider. Bottom right: Bill Guggina

The generous size of the fire pit and surrounding patio means that it generates a lot of heat, and many people can fit around the circle. “We love to gather around, play music, and talk into the night,” says Peggy, describing a delightful game of listening to different tunes, “deejayed” by each guest via iPhone. “Young and old each choose a song, which can go on for hours. It is wonderful hearing new and old music from every genre!” The Gugginas enjoy spending time outside, even when it is just the two of them. “We have a wonderful view of Vineyard Sound, which is an amazing backdrop to the fire pit area,” says Peggy. “We love a cozy fire in the fall, sipping hot drinks in handmade pottery mugs crafted by Bill’s brother, James Guggina. Our family and friends cherish his pottery and our outdoor gatherings. These evenings together create special memories.” . . . FALMOUTHLIVINGMAG.COM

Tailgate Time

iz Whitcher’s family lives for autumn tailgates. The retired nurse and passionate gardener said it all started when her daughters played field hockey in high school. “That is a true fall sport,” says Whitcher, adding a cheery “Go, Falmouth Clippers!” Hosting the team parties in their garden became a cherished tradition through the girls’ college years. “Jayna played for Yale, and Tori played for the University of Richmond,” says Whitcher, which meant a lot of tailgates.”

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Family time makes memories. Bottom: Bob Whitcher

Over time, Whitcher says she and her husband and daughters have perfected the art of the autumn party. “Along the way, we discovered our deep love for dining alfresco, even as the air turned crisp, she says. “There’s just something magical about gathering outdoors in the fall, surrounded by good food, good people, family and friends.” Whitcher says it is still easy to lure her grown kids back to Falmouth for an outside get-together. “We make sure we have a Patriots game on, my friend Deb Powers’s famous beef chili simmering away, a roaring fire, mulled cider in hand, and s’mores ready to roast.” She has come to believe these parties provide a kind of magic—relaxed and cozy seating, mouth-watering food, and lots of family tradition. With decades of experience behind her, Whitcher offers her best suggestions to host an ideal fall tailgate party, whether gathered in the backyard, at a field, or by a fire pit. 76

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Delicious food and good company are the heart of an autumn party. Sasha Kaplensko enjoys Deb’s chili. Liz Whitcher delivers reinforcements.

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Abby Brenc, Melly Breslin, and Pete (Liz & Bob’s pup).

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A magical cozy gathering outdoors in autumn features good food and great people. Below: Tori sits by the campfire.

THE ESSENTIALS • A hearty crowd-pleaser entrée, like chili (my pal Deb’s is legendary!) • Cozy blankets and flannel everything • Mulled cider, warm drinks, or local microbrews • F ire pit or chiminea for warmth and atmosphere • S ’mores bar (because you’re never too old to indulge in melted chocolate and marshmallows) • Your team’s game on, always • A speaker loaded with a fall playlist—think Van Morrison, Fleetwood Mac, and maybe a little country, for in between the sports action. “It’s not about the perfect setup,” says Whitcher, “it’s about the people, the memories, and savoring the season.” . . .

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Décor Makes the Difference

Below: Michele LaCamera

or Michele LaCamera, cofounder of Nest and Feathers home and gift store, arranging her outdoor space is all about welcoming the weather. “I tend to take a moment to enjoy the change of seasons,” says LaCamera, “and fall is my favorite time of year.” The talented furniture refinisher (she recently closed a successful business, Vintage Reclaimed, to focus on her Main Street shop with business partner, Robin Devereux) has given new life to older pieces for the deck of her home in West Falmouth. “The teak pieces were all gifted to me or found on the side of the road, and I brought them back to life with power washing and oiling,” she says. “It’s my favorite way to decorate, using found treasures.” A painter by nature, LaCamera has an eye for color, which autumn provides in abundance. “There is just this amazing palette this time of year,” she notes, “and the leaves change so quickly, so every couple of days we’re offered new colors— yellow, red, amber—it feels like a gift.”

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Above: Chris and Todd Gorell Below: Bella looks through the deck rails.

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Michele LaCamera and David Buckley enjoy a crisp autumn evening.

To take advantage of the gorgeous view of her wooded backyard, LaCamera loves layering the deck with outdoor rugs, providing pillows and soft blankets at every seat, lighting lanterns, and offering cookies, cider, and hot cocoa as the temperatures dip. “Whenever I put food or drinks out, I add cut flowers or greenery appropriate to the season.” LaCamera cuts the seasonal hydrangeas that have turned new, beautiful

shades and uses them for fall arrangements, along with pumpkins and apples. Toward the holidays, she displays pine, holly, and cranberries, and even brings a Christmas tree onto the deck. “We have a gas fire pit, and we love to bundle up in front of it, and enjoy the cold months on Cape Cod,” she says. “I embrace whatever the outdoors has to offer.”

A charcuterie board spotlights autumn delights.

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Mums, pumpkins, and fall foliage brighten the deck.

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COASTAL HARVEST Celebrate autumn by the sea with fashions found in Falmouth’s most stylish boutiques. PHOTOGRAPHY BY DERRICK ZELLMANN MODELS: KAM BIELLO AND MICHAELA ROSE FROM SIGNED MANAGEMENT; AND HOLLY SULLIVAN MAKEUP: LACEY STRONG HAIR: CHARLOTTE SYLVIA @CAPECOD.BLONDE FROM HEADLINES SALON & DAY SPA LOCATION: COURTESY OF PEGGY AND BILL GUGGINA STYLED BY JEANNIE & HADLEY DOMBROWSKI, GAIA AT GREEN EYED DAISY; NEDA SULLIVAN, FALMOUTH JEWELRY; LISA SUE SMEDBERG AND SCARLETT JOSHI, STORY.; DENISE AND MEAGHAN QUINN, THE GILDED OYSTER COORDINATED BY SUZANNE RYAN Tailored mini dress crafted from a linen blend with a subtle shimmer. Features button-up front, side zipper and waist belt. Fully lined. Comes in Chocolate as shown and Toffee. By Lavender Brown. Vegan leather clutch with jeweled handle, removable shoulder strap, and magnetic closure. By Liviana Conte. All available at story. “Soft Mosaic” ring by Alex Šepkus, Crafted in 18K gold with tsavorites, sapphires, and diamonds. Paired with an Alex Šepkus “Diamond Ball” necklace. Available at Falmouth Jewelry Shop.

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Michaela Rose wears Gilner Farrar versatile lightweight dress with subtle sheen and optimal stretch, paired with Streets Ahead distressed metallic leather belt handmade in the US, Italian made reptilian embossed leather structured bag, and handmade semi precious teardrop earrings and matching necklace. Kam wears a wrinkle resistant moisture management four way stretch sustainable Buki jacket, technical stretch breathable wrinkle resistant plaid Buki dress shirt and streamlined fit technical wool adjustable waist modern Buki trouser. Available at GAIA at Green Eyed Daisy.

“Rolex”-style estate ring, set with a vivid ruby. Paired with a chunky marinerstyle gold bracelet, available at Falmouth Jewelry Shop.

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Cashmere cotton blend mock neck vest with sequins on front. By STARKX. Seasonless flare leg black pant with elasticized waist featuring seam detailing along the front and slant pockets. Crafted from a technical poly blend. By Cambio. All available at story. “Galaxy” earrings with matching bracelet from the ELLE Collection, available at Falmouth Jewelry Shop.

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Button down shirt crafted from parachute cotton with stand collar by STARKX. Mid-length robe coat with side slits, self-tie belt and side pockets. Partially lined in blue and silver satin. By Tinta. Denim by Modern American. All available at story. Coin pearl necklace, paired with ELLE collection pearl lariat and matching earrings. Available at Falmouth Jewelry Shop.

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Vegan leather black cropped jacket with button closures at bottom. By Drew. Ribbed white tank crafted from cotton/spandex blend. By Fifteen Twenty. Handcrafted studded leather belt. Comes in black as shown and chocolate brown. By Motif 56. Coated Full Leg Denim Trouser in Ecru by Fidelity. Upcycled leather bucket bag by Volta Atelier. All available at story. Oasis Mirage Collection from the ELLE line— necklace with matching earrings and ring. Each piece is crafted in sterling silver and accented with a signature lab-created ruby. Available at Falmouth Jewelry Shop.

“Sterling Silver Sand Dollar Pendant on a Black Cord” offers a beachy, bold look. Available at The Gilded Oyster.

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Kam wears a sustainably made cotton denim jacket paired with stretch selvage long sleeve button down shirt, khaki pant with relaxed fit and soft fabrication by Marine Layer. Completed with handcrafted Streets Ahead leather reptilian embossed belt. Holly wears a crochet knit Line and Dot cardigan with gold buttons, lightweight stretch poplin barrel leg Marrakech pant, Streets Ahead handcrafted suede belt with gold studding and buckle. Vintage 18 karat heart locket necklace. All available at GAIA at Green Eyed Daisy.

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Marrakech faux shearling distressed scuba suede biker jacket, 525 knit taupe vest, Line and Dot embellished mini skirt, accented by RMN lace textured tights and vintage 18 karat heart locket. Available at GAIA at Green Eyed Daisy.

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18k Gold & Sterling Silver SeaHorse Coral Handcrafted Necklace complete with Blue Sapphire Eyes by our Exclusive Family Goldsmith Terry Quinn. Available at The Gilded Oyster. Washable cashmere hoodie in neon yellow as shown and also available in cherry. By 1982. Ponte pant in black with with elasticized waist band. By Fifteen Twenty. Available at story.

FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

Washable cashmere cardigan in cherry/ cream/neon yellow as shown and also black/cream/pink. By 1982. Ponte pant in cream with front patch pockets and elasticized waist band. By Fifteen Twenty. Vegan leather reversible tote bag. By Ilse Jacobsen. All available at story. Pear-shaped ruby ring with a double baguette halo, 18k. Available at Falmouth Jewelry Shop.

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Elegant Helsi gown in black lace applique, structured bodice, and fit and flared silhouette, Deepa Gurnani leather evening bag with hand sewn gold embellishment and chain strap, and vintage raw diamond sterling silver cascading post earrings. Available at GAIA at Green Eyed Daisy.

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Effortless Komarov dress features easy care, wrinkle proof elegance, lightweight lace detail at hem and neckline with adjustable lace up back made in the US. Comfortable and chic Bibi Lou kitten heel suede pump and Julie Vos 24 karat plated bangles. All available at GAIA at Green Eyed Daisy.

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Corduroy blazer with contrast satin lining by Bariloche. Knit tank by Aldo Martins. Coated Full Leg Denim in Ecru by Fidelity. All available at story. London blue topaz pendant with diamond halo, crafted by Falmouth Jewelry Shop, with matching earrings.

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Kam wears the iconic sustainable Filson waxed cruiser, suitable for rain or shine, Marine Layer, paired with a stretch selvage blue indigo plaid button down shirt, cotton-wool blend sweater tee in misty heather blue and twill field relaxed fit pant with Streets Ahead hand wrought leather belt, and Ilse Jacobsen breathable relaxed loafer.

Michaela Rose wears a leather jacket by Jakett NYC with adjustable cuff and collar, Gilner Ferrar western inspired printed blouse, Pistola high rise straight bootcut jean with frayed hem. Accented with Bibi Lou leather slip on loafer in robin’s egg blue. All available at GAIA at Green Eyed Daisy.

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FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

GET THESE FALL LOOKS Falmouth Jewelry 255 Main St., Falmouth 508-548-0487 falmouthjewelryshop.com

Ink Navy midi-dress with fitted bodice, small cut out detail on front, elegant puff sleeves. Crafted from a linen blend with a subtle shimmer. Fully lined with back zipper. By Lavender Brown. All available at story.

GAIA at Green Eyed Daisy 199 Main St., Falmouth 508-495-0403 greeneyeddaisy.com

Genuine graduating aquamarine bead necklace, made by Falmouth Jewelry Shop.

story. 352 Man St., Falmouth 774-763-5451 storyfalmouth.com

Reminisce Earrings crafted from 14k Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver & Blue Topaz. Hand-forged by EL Designs for Ed Levin. Available at The Gilded Oyster.

The Gilded Oyster 155 Main St., Falmouth 774-763-5742 thegildedoyster.com

Grateful to Peggy and Bill Guggina for sharing this stunning location with us for our fall fashion shoot. Thank you!

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CUSTOM On a charming lane in East Falmouth, each of a cluster of bespoke homes features hand-crafted cabinetry.

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Gems

BY LISA CAVANAUGH PHOTOS COURTESY OF CLANCY CONSTRUCTION

Distinct details in every home complement the custom cabinetry, backsplash and countertops.

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AS A FALMOUTH NATIVE, Greg Clancy, founder and owner of Clancy Construction, a Cape Cod–based designbuild firm, recognized the potential in a quiet corner of East Falmouth that had long gone undeveloped. “The idea for Clam Lane began with a simple but powerful request,” says Maggie LeBrun, marketing director at Clancy Construction. She explains how a local woman approached the company hoping to build a custom home in a particular sort of area. “She had a clear vision of the kind of environment she wanted to live in, a place nestled in a peaceful neighborhood,” LeBrun continues. “So, Greg took that to heart—and went looking for land that could match her vision.” Clancy found the ideal location in a secluded stretch of land not far from the water. The client’s home in this bucolic landscape was the first property on what would become Clam Lane. A spacious kitchen features inset-panel custom cabinetry; the high vaulted; ceilings showcase the natural light.

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P H OTO B Y J A N A C E V O LO P H OTO G R A P H Y

An aerial photo of Clam Lane developed by Clancy Construction.

FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

Each kitchen design is unique. The homeowners choose custom cabinetry in the kitchens, bathrooms, and throughout the homes.

“That home was the beginning of something special,” reflects Greg Clancy. “Soon, Clancy Construction was building houses for other families drawn to the area—and the street evolved into a quiet, custom-built neighborhood with its own sense of character.” Today, Clam Lane features five custom-built homes, ranging in size from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet, each with two to four bedrooms. Far from a cookie-cutter development, each house was specifically designed to complement the owner’s style and meet their individual needs. Clancy’s in-house architecture team, led by lead architectural designer Brian Foley, works closely with clients throughout the design and build process. “Attention to detail and communication are foremost in our approach,” says Foley. “We let design and the vision of the client lead each project, and with our unique design-build approach, that vision gets carried through each step.” Foley notes that with everyone working collaboratively under one roof, key team members can guide the project from start to finish. “This continuous and consistent relationship with our clients is what FALMOUTHLIVINGMAG.COM

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Top: A gracious living space features custom cabinetry built-ins and a fireplace for cozy nights. Bottom: The cellar corner stores wine and spirits.

allows us to efficiently create homes that are beautiful and a natural extension of their lives,” he adds. With nearly 25 years of experience, Clancy Construction has grown into a respected designbuild firm that employs almost 50 full-time team members, whose expertise encompasses every phase of the homebuilding process, including in-house architectural design, site work, framing, interior design, custom cabinetry, finish carpentry, and flooring. “This ground-up model not only ensures quality craftsmanship at every stage but also offers clients a seamless and personalized experience from initial plans to final walkthrough,” says Clancy. A signature element that elevates the homes on Clam Lane is the custom cabinetry in each house. To bring that level of detail and personalization to every space, Clancy Construction expanded its capabilities with Clancy Cabinetry—a dedicated division specializing in bespoke millwork crafted right here on Cape Cod. Located in Mashpee, the cabinetry shop is home to a team of designers, craftspeople, and finishers 106

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A mudroom off the living space offers overhead cabinetry storage.

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Top: The open area between the kitchen and dining room a makes a nice flow between the rooms. Bottom: The backlit custom cabinetry is just one of several in each house where built-ins make use of every space.

who handle everything in house, from initial renderings to fabrication to the final coat of paint. “It’s a busy workshop filled with the rhythm of craftsmanship—a place where local talent brings form and function together, right here on Cape Cod,” Clancy explains. “Carpentry has always been personal for me. It’s where skill meets creativity.” His team’s combination of discovering an inspired location, engaging in client-centered collaboration, and utilizing all levels of skilled craftsmanship has transformed Clam Lane into a special place. “Not only was every detail inside the homes on Clam Lane thoughtfully crafted, but something equally meaningful was unfolding outside,” Clancy observes. “Alongside custom homes, a tight-knit community was carefully built.” Clam Lane is described as a congenial neighborhood where front doors stay open a little longer, conversations unfold, and connections are made. “Twice a year, the neighbors celebrate with block parties, moving from home to home, strengthening the bonds that make Clam Lane more than just a street,” LeBrun shares. “It’s a neighborhood built on care, craftsmanship, and shared experience.” 108

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Experience the

of this biennial classical ballet production that takes on an enchanting Cape Cod twist!

THE SEA CAPTAIN'S

NUTCRACKER

2025

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November 28th 2:00 pm & 6:00 pm November 29th 12:00 pm & 4:00 pm

The Tilden Arts Center Barnstable

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Imagine The Possibilities LET’S START DESIGNING YOUR OUTDOOR OASIS!

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ALL IN THE

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DETAILS Holiday Décor Inspired by Tradition

BY SARAH E. MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY BY BET T Y WILEY

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Top Left: The bench at the front entrance welcomes visitors with a peek at the holiday packages to be opened soon. Bottom Left: Candles cast a warm glow on a festive floral arrangement. Above: Claire and Scott Lund stand next to the living room Christmas tree decorated with dried hydrangeas from the summer gardens and Nantucket baskets collected over the years.

CLAIRE LUND DERIVES AS MUCH JOY PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS as she does celebrating. For her, it’s about all making memories. Claire and her husband, Scott, began hosting a holiday gathering for their families at their Canton home when they were first married. Like many traditions, it quickly took on a life of its own, especially since Claire enjoyed doing it so much. Each year provided a new opportunity for her to flex her creative muscle. It was a welcome challenge for Claire, who is quick to downplay her innate talent for transforming a setting into an experience. “I’ve always been creative and somehow involved in the arts. I loved to draw as a kid,” Claire recalls. “I just 112

liked doing that kind of stuff.” Falmouth Living photographer Betty Wiley captures Claire’s elegant vignettes in the following spread. “To call it ‘decorating’ is the understatement of the century,” she says emphatically. For many years, the excitement and wonder of Claire’s four young children provided the inspiration for her Christmas magic. She designed the setting with them in mind, imagining the holiday through their eyes, while also incorporating their elementary school artwork and handmade ornaments into the scenery, which she does to this day. In later years, Claire’s Canton home also became the backdrop for an annual women’s holiday luncheon she FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

The entrance welcomes friends and family with both symbolism and traditions. The Golden Cod above the door is a symbol of positive energy and opportunities. A hand-painted sled with Father Christmas was collected from an annual visit to Stowe, Vermont, to cut the family holiday tree.

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Top: The table is set with Stewart Plaid stoneware and waiting for guests to pop open the Christmas celebration crackers full of treats and surprises. Below: Handcarved folk Santas by local Canton artist Bob Goodrich from the homeowner’s collection add a touch of whimsy to the holiday greens on the tablescape.

hosted for female friends, including some of her fellow members of the garden club. Instead of gifts, the attendees came bearing donations for the local food pantry. Each celebration featured a different theme, from angels to The Twelve Days of Christmas to The Nutcracker, reflected in details throughout the house, such as dishes, napkins, ribbons, and ornaments. “The holidays are such a busy time, especially for women, so this was my way of showing my appreciation and saying ‘thank you’ to the women in my life,” Claire says. Claire and Scott realized a dream in 2012, when they built a second home, located in West Falmouth. Two years later, they opened their doors to the Falmouth community, when it was a featured stop on the West Falmouth Library Holiday House Tour. The event was a longtime tradition in the village of West Falmouth that served as an important fundraiser, contributing to the renovation of the historic library, which began in 2018 and was completed in 2022. Nearly a decade later, when Claire retired from her teaching career in 2021, the Lunds took another leap, deciding to sell their Canton home and live full time in West Falmouth. Claire 114

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The signature handblown glass trees and candlestick holders from Simon Pearce make a statement on the dining table.

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Top: The coastal vibes of the primary suite take on holiday magic. Below: The holiday tree is decorated with miniature blue and white ornaments from artist Christopher Radko’s Chinoiserie while the stockings are hung by the chimney with care.

found subtle ways to celebrate their Cape Cod surroundings all year long. The pastel hydrangeas from the yard that are synonymous with summer offer a different but equally elegant touch in December, when the faded, dried blooms are used for tree-trimming and wreathmaking. In addition to fresh greens, Claire enjoys the flexibility and longevity of an artificial wreath, for it can be used each year as a base, embellished with natural materials. It enables her to tailor her wreaths to her chosen theme, while also being economical. “If you don’t want to buy fresh greens, or you don’t want to buy something new each year, this is a fun way to upcycle and use the things you already have,” she says. Claire loves the satisfaction of foraging for her own materials. Her favorite is winterberry. “I’ve turned into a winterberry hunter. Have clippers, will travel,” she says with a laugh. An avid baker, Claire also incorporates local ingredients into her holiday recipes. A Christmas cake with rosemary and sugared cranberries is a work of art, making her kitchen island come alive, 116

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The wraparound screened porch is ready for the holidays. For neighbors and visitors, the start of the holiday season truly begins when the frosted sugar pine tree shines brightly at night. It’s a signal that a winter wonderland is upon us.

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while also serving as a nod to Falmouth’s famous cranberry history. Claire’s gingerbread theme, complete with cookie and hot cocoa station, stems from personal history, for one of the Lund family traditions includes a gingerbread contest. Claire also has a collection of gingerbread stories, used in her career as an educator, that are part of her treasured holiday keepsakes. To add to the mix, Claire borrowed a copper gingerbread family from her childhood friend, Elaine Kelly. In addition to being an annual guest at Claire’s women’s luncheon, Elaine also shares Claire’s unbridled enthusiasm for the holiday. “There are people who like Christmas, then there are those of us who love it,” Elaine says, smiling as she thinks about it. “Maybe because it reminds us of a happy time. It just makes you feel good.” Claire agrees. “It’s the nostalgia of it all. It’s also a way to remember the people who are aren’t with us anymore, by using their decorations and celebrating their traditions,” she says. Claire and Scott had no way of knowing that 2024 would be their last Christmas in their beloved West Falmouth home, but when they received an unexpected offer, they decided it was time

Right: The Gingerbread Man sits atop the tree decorated with the grandchildren in mind. The tree is covered with twinkly lights and real homemade gingerbread cookie cutouts. It’s all things gingerbread! Below: A plate of cookies ready for decorating and a cup of hot cocoa make it special for the grandchildren.

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The oversized copper gingerbread cutters are all sugar and spice and everything nice. They remind both young and old how sweet the Christmas season is. What a treat to listen to all the gingerbread stories with them close by!

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Left: The window box is full of fresh-cut holiday greens foraged from the yard including white pine branches, Nellie Stevens holly, Japanese holly, Blue Princess holly, and common winterberry. Right: The front vestibule is decorated with a mix of both fresh and faux greens and dried oranges to welcome you in.

to move off-Cape to be closer to their grandchildren. “We always knew we wanted to be very involved grandparents. We want to be there for the recitals and the concerts. We don’t want to miss those things,” Claire says. “It was the best decision we could have made.” While they couldn’t be happier in their new chapter, it’s bittersweet. But they’re grateful that they’ll always have their memories.

VANILLA-BUTTERMILK CAKE Makes 1 (9-inch) cake Ingredients • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened • 2 cups sugar • 6 large eggs, separated • 3 cups Swans Down Cake Flour • 1 tablespoon baking powder • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt • 1 cup whole buttermilk • 4 teaspoons vanilla extract • Vanilla Frosting (recipe follows) • Garnish: sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 9-inch round deep cake pans with baking spray and then flour them. Line bottom of pans with parchment 120

paper and spray pans again. 2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with a mixer at medium speed until fluffy, 3-4 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Swans Down Cake Flour, baking powder, and salt. With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture, beating just until combined after each addition. Beat in vanilla. 3. In a large bowl, using clean beaters, beat egg whites with a mixer at high speed just until stiff peaks form. Stir one-fourth of the egg whites into the batter. Gently fold in remaining

egg whites. Divide batter between prepared pans. 4. Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and let cool completely on wire racks. Spread vanilla frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. To create the “naked cake” look, instead of completely coating the entire cake, spread frosting thin enough to leave the layers exposed. If you add too much frosting at first, firmly scrape excess frosting away while smoothing it out at the same time using a metal bench scraper or offset spatula.

Vanilla Frosting Makes about 6 cups

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There’s nothing sweeter than a specialty cake to end the holiday meal. This Naked Festive Vanilla-Buttermilk Cake is dressed up with sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs.

Ingredients • 1¼ cups unsalted butter, softened • 2¼ pounds confectioners’ sugar, sifted • 2/ 3 cup whole buttermilk • 1¼ teaspoons vanilla extract • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt Instructions 1. In a large bowl, beat butter with a mixer at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and enough buttermilk to achieve a spreadable consistency. Beat in vanilla and salt.

Sugared Cranberries Makes 2 cups Ingredients • 1 cup granulated sugar • 2 cups cranberries • 2 cups superfine sugar FALMOUTHLIVINGMAG.COM

Instructions 1. Combine the granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook until the sugar is dissolved. Add the cranberries and weight with a plate to submerge. Cover the pot and refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 48 hours. Strain the cranberries, reserving the syrup. (Refrigerate the extra syrup in an airtight container for up to 1 month.) 2. Spread the superfine sugar on a baking sheet; toss the cranberries in the sugar. Refrigerate on the baking sheet, uncovered, for 1 hour. Toss again in the sugar before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Sugared Rosemary

• ½ cup water • 1½ ounces fresh rosemary branches Instructions 1. Combine ½ cup sugar and the water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Do not boil. 2. Add the rosemary pieces and stir to coat. Remove the rosemary sprigs with a slotted spoon and place them on a cooling rack. 3. Let the rosemary sit for 1 hour. They will no longer be wet but will be sticky. 4. Roll the rosemary in the remaining sugar to completely coat. Use a fork or spoon to separate the rosemary sprigs as needed to fully coat in sugar as sometimes the leaves stick together. 5. Rosemary can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Ingredients • 1½ cups sugar 121

FROZEN The enduring power of hockey, hope, and

BY CHRISTOPHER K A ZARIAN | PHOTOGR APHY BY DERRICK ZELLMANN

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BONDS brotherhood at the Falmouth Ice Arena

Top row, left to right: David Weisman, Gerald Ruzzo, Michael Bandzul, Bill Cook, Craig Bishop, Tim DaSilva, Rich Bradley, Bob Burke, Jeff Regan, Ted Handy, and Joseph Kelley. Bottom row, left to right: Tim Demello, Rich Barrett, Adam Avratin, John Hallinan, James Young, Bill Greene, and Jim Miller.

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Bill Greene sets up a play.

WHAT IS BILL GREENE GRATEFUL FOR? TO BE ALIVE.

A decade ago, he nearly died from a heart attack at the age of 51. It was at the Falmouth Ice Arena—a place that has become a second home for the East Falmouth resident and self-described rink rat—during a friendly game of ice hockey on Thanksgiving Day in 2015. “I think it was maybe 20 minutes into the hour skate, and I was skating out of the zone, and it was like somebody pulled a black shade over my eyes,” he recalls. “It seemed like slow motion. I didn’t have time to process anything or react. I went face down onto the ice and when they got to me, they realized I was in trouble.” There’s never a good place to have a heart attack, but on this day, Greene was lucky. He was playing alongside two firefighters—Todd Taylor and James Martin—who successfully performed CPR on him, using an automated external defibrillator (AED) to treat “a widowmaker caused by plaque in my artery,” Greene says. “They saved my life. . . . That was the day I became a giver.” Roughly three months later, Greene was back skating. The following November, Greene raised enough money to supply every Falmouth Police Department 124

cruiser with an AED. His life was saved by one, and now he was paying it forward. He has taken his altruism a step further, volunteering with Falmouth Fire Rescue where he teaches classes on administering CPR and AEDs. He is also a captain on the Falmouth Road Race medical team. * * * It’s Sunday, July 6, the height of the summer season, and Falmouth is in the midst of a stretch of hot, humid weather. While many would be cooling off at the beach, 20 guys are doing so in a much chillier spot—the Falmouth Ice Arena. While the occasional four-letter word not fit for print comes out, the action on the ice is good natured. It’s also fast, competitive, and most important, fun. There’s no checking, something that Greene learned at the age of 47 when he donned a pair of skates for the first time in 17 years—he had played on the varsity team at Billerica High School and in adult leagues through his 20s until his first son, Adam, was born. During a free skate, a friend invited him to the arena. “I went out there

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Moving the puck out (top); getting ready to score (bottom).

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Goalie Adam Avratin

and was playing when someone came up to me and said, ‘You know this is no checking, right?’ I was crashing into everybody,” Greene laughs. “I hadn’t played in so long. I was so wiped out by the end of the skate, instead of going to work, I went home and slept.” The group on the ice this summer evening is a mix of ages. Goalkeeper Adam Avratin, an attorney by day, is a member of the Falmouth Old Timers Hockey Club. Most of the members are over the age of 50; Avratin turned 55 in May. One of the oldest club players is Robert Priestley of Pocasset, who is still skating in his 80s and who netted the final goal that vaulted the United States team to the championship in the 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame tournament in Ontario last year. Some are retired. Those who are still working represent a variety of fields, including construction, public safety, healthcare, and small business. There are 20 full-time members, consisting of two goalkeepers and two lines of five skaters. Each pays $75 a month to play twice a week—Monday and Wednesday nights during the summer, and Sunday and Wednesday nights the rest of the year. Because the group is a nonprofit, funds collected 126

are funneled back into the community, supporting organizations that include the Falmouth Service Center and Tommy’s Place, a vacation escape in Falmouth and Centerville for children diagnosed with cancer. The club has been around since the late 1960s, offering Falmouth’s old timers the chance to feel like kids again, if only for a few hours a week. “Most of the guys are trying to relive their younger days,” says Avratin. “My body is definitely failing. I’ve got arthritis, no ACL in one knee, and I’ve had back surgeries,” says Jack Irving of Mashpee, a former professional hockey player who played two years in Europe and one in the now defunct IHL. “But once you get into the zone, you don’t feel any of that until later that night or the next day.” Several banners hang on the far side of the rink above where players sit on the bench, waiting for a pause in the action to switch lines. The earliest is from 1979 when Falmouth High School claimed its first Division II state championship in boys ice hockey. Irving was a member of that team. Today, he’s at a different stage of his life—a little older and a little slower. But that doesn’t take away from the joy the game gives him and his fellow club members. FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

Bill Cook and Craig Bishop watch as they wait to play.

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“It’s a social outlet. We’re not super aggressive, but we’re working hard. It gets our minds off what’s going on in our everyday lives,” Irving says. “I’ll play until I can’t play anymore.” * * * In the spring of 2013, Ralph Cataldo of Cataldo Home Builders, donated his company’s time to build an outdoor ice hockey rink for then 12-year-old Tyler Smith, who had been diagnosed with leukemia, in partnership with Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island. A decade later, Cataldo found himself in the midst of his own battle with cancer, which would eventually take his life. In the spring of 2023, the Falmouth Old Timers Hockey Club invited Cataldo, a member since the 1980s, to the ice arena where they surprised him by unveiling a framed club jersey that sits proudly in the foyer. It reads, “The Falmouth Old Timers—Ralph Cataldo, Teammate, Captain, and Coach.” “He lived, ate, and slept hockey,” says Avratin. “He was one of our most beloved members, and he was my close friend and everyone else’s close friend.”

What’s the best part of the club? If you ask its members, they will agree, it’s the friendships that are formed off the ice. It’s why Avratin serves as the unofficial chauffeur to biweekly skates for a fellow member who can’t drive at night because he is suffering from glaucoma. Avratin knows how much playing a kid’s game means to those his age. And it’s why Greene will be skating at the Falmouth Ice Arena on Thanksgiving Day. “This is a very tight-knit community,” he says. “I would say the friendships I’ve made through hockey are some of the greatest friendships in my life.” Those friendships have gotten Avratin through life’s most difficult moments. He played hockey at Babson College and in men’s leagues in Washington, D.C., Syracuse, New York, and, nearby, in Bridgewater. “I took a hiatus because I got very badly injured,” he says. “I took a puck to my right temple. It shattered my helmet and knocked me unconscious for an hour and a half. I stopped playing for just shy of 12 years.” What brought him back to the ice was a promise his mother’s physical therapist, Doug Kennedy, made to her before she died in on January 1, 2013, following a 21-year

Hockey players from several different leagues play together.

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James Young, one of the Falmouth Old Timers.

battle with cancer. Shortly after Elizabeth Avratin’s death, Kennedy showed up at her son’s home in Falmouth. “He told me he had made a promise to my mom that he was going to get me back on the ice,” Avratin says. “He said he played for the Old Timers Club and asked if I would get back on the ice. He got me a set of pads within a week, and now I play two to three times a week, 12 months a year.” He has traveled with the club overseas, where they play friendly games with others their age in countries including Austria, Iceland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Germany. His experiences on the ice and in the locker room carried him through a trying 10-year stretch in which he served as the caregiver for his wife, Sarah, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2014 and died in February 2024 at the age of 50. “The last three or four years of her life she was acutely sick. I’m a trial lawyer and I took care of my wife. My only outlet was hockey,” Avratin says. “There were times even I struggled to leave the house to play hockey, but I had to. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have made it. This has been a very special outlet for me.”

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Coastal Flow Views of Nantucket Sound informed a Falmouth home’s seaside vibe.

BY LISA CAVANAUGH PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG PREMRU

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The entire first floor was reconfigured for creating a larger kitchen, adding a pantry, and making a different entry point through a mudroom.

hen clients told Alexandra Aquadro, owner and principal designer of AGA Interior Design, a full-service residential interior design firm in Boston, that they had found their dream home in Falmouth, Aquadro already had an aesthetic in mind. “I knew right away that we would want to maximize the views of Nantucket Sound as much as we could,” she explains. “My approach with a coastal home is to bring the exterior palette indoors,” says Aquadro, who founded AGA in 2014 after working in both architectural and interior design firms, and in textile sales.

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Coastal inspiration leads to blue and white in the kitchen.

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As soon as the homeowners closed on the property, Aquadro dove fully into the design phase, working closely with the property manager, JT Homes. “We completely renovated the entire first floor, in terms of reconfiguring the spaces, creating a larger kitchen, adding a pantry, and making a different entry point through a mudroom,” she says. The team also finished all the floors to achieve a washed-out beachy look and redid the bathrooms. “A lot of new windows went in to open up spaces, bring in natural light, and take advantage of the beautiful water views.” To create another visual link to the outdoors, Aquadro chose couches in a stunning ocean blue for the family room. “When those sofas were placed in the home on installation day, it was like we had created an extension of the ocean into the house.” Left: A handcrafted shell mirror for the bathroom. Bottom: Views of Nantucket Sound

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The designer, who grew up in Western Massachusetts, has fully embraced styling for homes by the shore. “I try to incorporate hues of sand, green grass, and water, so that the interior marries with the natural landscape,” says Aquadro. For the Falmouth home, her client was drawn to a collection of different blue tones. “We refined everything as we went along, and added some of their art, as well as pieces I sourced, such as a handcrafted seashell bathroom mirror, I found in Maine.” Aquadro’s subtle design touch is on display here, with the iridescence of the shells complementing the metallic undertones of the wall covering.

Each guest room has a unique feel while remaining true to the overall design of the home.

She says her team utilized a lot of local resources and workrooms and also customized more standard pieces to fit the home. “For example, the living room coffee table is Serena and Lily, but we applied a custom finish to give it a bespoke look.” For the various guest rooms, Aquadro gave each one a unique feel while remaining true to the overall design of the home. “We aimed to create beautiful, cohesive spaces.” Another goal was to create a welcoming home that the clients could enjoy either on their own or as an ideal gathering spot for their many visitors. “The homeowners have friends and family coming to stay throughout the year,” she says. “It’s a home for 136

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The charming dining area gives the space a bright and airy feeling with ocean views.

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entertaining and hosting, and that’s why we designed the biggest dining room table we could fit in the living area, to accommodate as many people as possible. The bedrooms, bathrooms, and the shared spaces were all designed with guests in mind.” The homeowners frequently host outdoor parties, utilizing their tiered front lawn, fire pit, and other entertainment areas to celebrate various occasions. “It’s such a fun, lively neighborhood for all kinds of events and gatherings,” says Aquadro. With even more plans for improving what is already a delightful home, the family has truly been enjoying their labor of love. “It is an ideal summer place, but still cozy for the off-season,” says Aquadro. “From design phase through installation, the coastal view was our greatest inspiration—and now our clients get to share it with their friends and family.” Top: The bedroom design sports a collection of blue hues. Bottom: The spacious living area is made for entertaining.

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A full-service needlepoint shop.

Our shop offers a wide variety of canvases, fibers, and embellishments. We also offer project finishings and in-store classes. Shop in store or online. Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm 387 Nathan Ellis Highway (Rte.151), Mashpee

Call us about classes & clubs. 508-681-0548 Visit our website and follow us on needlepointobsession.com

Shop local for all your furry family member needs Falmouth Pet Center Established 1989

We specialize in Super Premium dog and cat foods, including Frozen Raw, Gently Cooked and Dehydrated Foods.

SOME OF THE SPECIAL BRANDS WE CARRY: Earthborn Orijen Stella & Chewy’s Fromm

The Honest Kitchen Open Farm NutriSource

Farmina Primal Tucker’s

508-457-4420 • 112 Davis Straits, Falmouth • falmouthpet.com Located at the intersection of Jones Rd. and Route 28, across from CVS

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WISHES

Unwrapped Find inspired ideas to delight everyone this holiday season in our handpicked gift guide.

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Lavender Dream

Tanzanite and diamond halo set in 14K white gold. Falmouth Jewelry Shop falmouthjewelryshop.com

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Sparkle & Serenity

Brilliantly clear or dusted with snow, each handblown glass tree is wrapped, dappled, or silvered for a unique finish. Available in a range of sizes, these collectible pieces from Simon Pearce bring timeless beauty to any setting and make exquisite gifts. Village Trading Company villagetradingcompany.com

Crashing Wave Ring

Inspired by the power of the ocean with 0.50ctw diamonds. Available in yellow, white, or rose gold. Coast GoldWorks coastgoldworks.com

Silver & Gold

Sterling silver & 14K yellow gold Oasis bracelet.

The Gilded Oyster, thegildedoyster.com

It’s a Wrap

Matouk Pezzo throw blanket made in Portugal of 100% soft brushed cotton; colors range from soft neutrals to bold brights. Nest and Feathers nestandfeathers.com

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Merry Mixology

Savor the season one sip or bite at a time. John’s Liquor Store johnsliquors.com

One-of-a-Kind

Handcrafted for daily use yet designed with timeless sophistication, each Andrew Pearce wooden bowl showcases the natural beauty and unique character of the wood. No two are ever alike, making every piece a lasting work of art to be treasured for a lifetime. Village Trading Company, villagetradingcompany.com

Shimmer & Shine

Thoughtfully handcrafted, with traditional lost wax casting, time-honored techniques and a 24k gold plated lustrous finish; from New York–based jeweler, Julie Vos. GAIA at Green Eyed Daisy greeneyeddaisy.com

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Festive Notes

Holiday note cards by Ronnie Reasonover The Village Gallery

Trim the Tree

Lobster-topped tree ornament is one of many Falmouth-themed choices. Celebrations Falmouth

Soft & Snuggly

Luxuriously soft and stylish pajamas crafted from a Peruvian Pima blend by Cat.

Nest and Feathers, nestandfeathers.com

Seaside Oasis

Sterling silver & 14K yellow gold Oasis necklace. The Gilded Oyster thegildedoyster.com

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Ocean Blues

Diamond and multi blue sapphire necklace set in 14K yellow gold. Falmouth Jewelry Shop, falmouthjewelryshop.com

Shore Fit

Since 1897 Filson, an iconic American brand, has combined fashion, function, and sustainability to outsmart the elements for men and women.

GAIA at Green Eyed Daisy greeneyeddaisy.com

Sea of Sparkle

Golden shells accented with six brilliant diamonds that capture the sea, salt, and sand. Available in yellow, white, or rose gold. Coast GoldWorks coastgoldworks.com

Spirited Selection

Perfect to celebrate the holidays and ring in the new year! John’s Liquor Store, johnsliquors.com

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Simon Pearce Hand Blown Glass ~ Andrew Pearce Wooden Bowls

Yo u r N e i g h b o r h o o d G i f t S t o r e FALMOUTHLIVINGMAG.COM

1379 Rt. 28A, Cataumet

508-356-3093

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GATHER

The Daily Brew, a cozy spot to sit back and enjoy a good cup of coffee.

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and Savor Five Falmouth Cafés That Embody Warmth, Community, and Comfort

BY ANGELA PROUT PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER JULIAN AS AUTUMN SETTLES OVER CAPE COD and the tempo of summer gives way to a quieter rhythm, a subtle magic unfolds in Falmouth. In these cooler months, the town’s most inviting cafés emerge as sanctuaries of warmth and connection. Whether you’re seeking a comforting meal, a familiar smile, or a space to simply slow down, these beloved establishments offer more than just food and drink. They offer belonging. Across Falmouth, each of five cafés offers its own version of hospitality. They are spaces rooted in community, fueled by creativity, and made even more special in the quieter months. These cozy destinations invite guests not only to taste something delicious but also to feel something meaningful. FALMOUTHLIVINGMAG.COM

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THE DAILY BREW COFFEE HOUSE & LOUNGE Food. Coffee. Community.

At The Daily Brew, warmth radiates from every corner. Now settled into its forever home in North Falmouth, formerly the Silver Lounge, this family-run café continues to embody the vision that Kathy and John Hickey began more than 20 years ago, to create a space where people could gather to enjoy a good cup of coffee and a hearty sandwich. What started as a small venture decades ago has grown into an oasis for many—and something bigger than the owners ever imagined. The Brew vibe remains the same

Offering fresh brewed coffee, seasonal lattes, hearty oatmeal bowls, savory muffins, and breakfast or lunch.

A cozy corner in The Daily Brew—a place to call your home away from home.

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in the new, bigger and better space, with mismatched furniture, local art–lined walls, and the warm scent of freshly brewed coffee, evoking a true sense of home and belonging. In the cooler months, visitors can savor muffins hot off the griddle, seasonal lattes, hearty oatmeal bowls, and the famous pumpkin whoopie pies. The Daily Brew’s on-site Lounge adds another layer of warmth, offering intimate, live music in an acoustically rich setting, delivering a fully immersive experience. But what truly sets this place apart is its community spirit. Whether you show up in sweats or dressed for a business meeting, you’re welcome here just as you are. It’s your third place, your cozy corner, and a home away from home. FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

Pie in the Sky features Danish pastries, a plethora of other baked goodies, plus coffee, which is roasted on site.

PIE IN THE SKY

Fresh Coffee and Wholesome Bites Pie in the Sky has been “baking in the Hole,” Woods Hole that is, since 1982. It’s a year-round mainstay, proudly open 364 days a year, beloved for its homemade pastries, artisan breads, and warm hospitality. Yet it’s the café’s in-house coffee roasting that truly sets it apart. Owner Erik Gura ensures that every batch is small, fresh, and aromatic, offering what may be the freshest cup of coffee on the Cape. Beans are roasted daily on site and available by the bag to take home, a thoughtful souvenir and pantry staple for coffee lovers who appreciate quality. This time of year, Pie in the Sky becomes a cozy refuge from the crisp sea air. Guests return for comforting bowls of homemade soup, indulgent rum-raisin bread pudding, and iconic popovers. Everything is made by hand from scratch, with a commitment to the freshest and best ingredients available. With its courtyard still welcoming on milder days and its indoor space glowing with familiarity, this outpost remains a cherished gathering FALMOUTHLIVINGMAG.COM

place for scientists, ferry passengers, and families alike. The café’s enduring charm lies not only in its quality and freshness but also in its role as a gathering place. With a staff that feels more like family and deep ties to local schools, charities, and events, Pie in the Sky remains a cornerstone of Woods Hole. Here, the scent of baking pastries and brewing coffee lingers, and the sense of community is as rich as the espresso. 149

DEVOUR EATERY

Nourishment for Every Appetite In the heart of downtown Falmouth, Devour Eatery is a warm and inclusive retreat where food is crafted with both intention and imagination. Rooted in their shared love for cooking and inspired by their diverse backgrounds (including Caribbean and vegan/vegetarian influences), owners Aanjes and Hollis Hershfield have created a menu that thoughtfully accommodates a wide range of dietary needs. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, and vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-sensitive options are never an afterthought, but instead an integral part of the culinary philosophy. Every dish, from scratch-made rice bowls to velvety tomato bisque, is designed to be both comforting and accessible. The café’s values extend beyond the plate. Devour’s community boards invite patrons to share kindness by offering gift certificates to one another or by contributing to a shared tab for those who may be facing food insecurity. The space itself, filled with eclectic art, curated playlists, and an atmosphere of warmth, fosters a sense of belonging. It is a place where everyone is welcome and everyone is fed, body and soul.

Every dish at Devour Eatery, created from scratch, is both comforting to the soul and delicious.

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MOONAKIS CAFE

Familiar Flavors in East Falmouth For more than three decades, Moonakis Cafe in East Falmouth has been a cherished gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Under the thoughtful stewardship of Jennifer Bohnenberger and Bob Sigel since 2020, the café has maintained its beloved character while enhancing the guest experience with modern updates to maximize efficiency, while staying true to its commitment to hospitality. First and foremost, patrons are considered part of the Moonakis family. Known for its made-to-order omelets, pillowy pancakes, and mouthwatering corned beef hash, Moonakis becomes even more inviting as the temperature drops. With an in-house bakery and a team that greets guests like old friends, the café captures the essence of Cape Cod hospitality. Its commitment to the local community extends beyond the plate through charitable partnerships and youth employment, making Moonakis a place where neighbors gather, stories are shared, and traditions are honored.

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Mookakis Cafe is known for made-to-order omelets, pillowy pancakes, homemade soups, quiche, and baked goods.

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COFFEE OBSESSION

Where Community and Coffee Come Together For more than 30 years, Coffee Obsession has been more than a coffee shop. It’s been a cornerstone of community in Falmouth, with locations at Queens Buyway and in Woods Hole. Now owned by Tara and Adam Schrader alongside original founder Hugh Birmingham, “Coffee O” remains a cozy, welcoming space where regulars become family, creativity is celebrated, and everyone, from longtime locals to wide-eyed visitors, feels at home. The Schraders both had a long and happy history of working at Coffee O, as well as becoming the first pair of baristas from the shop to get married. For years Tara would joke with Hugh that she was going to buy his coffee shop, and in 2023 the three became partners. Housed in a warm, art-filled setting with a deeply rooted barista culture, Coffee O embraces the off-season as a time to reconnect. In fall and winter, customers return for cozy homemade soups, locally inspired frittatas, and vegan-friendly comfort food. Creative, rotating drink specials keep things fresh and fun. The café also uplifts its staff’s passions and pursuits by showcasing their handmade goods, from jewelry to ceramics, in its shop. Whether you’re stopping in for a hot cup of the signature brew, picking up a scratch-made pastry, or simply people-watching from a window seat, Coffee Obsession offers more than caffeine. It’s a gathering space where real life unfolds. And with ongoing collaborations with local schools, nonprofits, and farms, this beloved café continues to give back in ways that go well beyond the coffee counter.

In the fall and winter months, enjoy homemade soups, vegan-friendly comfort foods, or a hot brew with a tasty pastry.

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A Season Worth Savoring As winter settles over Cape Cod, these cafés provide more than a warm drink and a satisfying meal. They are places of connection, comfort, and character, providing cozy corners where conversation thrives and traditions are made. Each offers a distinct sense of place, yet all share a common thread: a deep devotion to community and a belief that hospitality, at its best, is an act of love. These beloved Falmouth institutions stand as reminders that the best moments are often the quietest ones. When the pace slows, when the mornings are crisp, and the light turns golden, these spaces invite us to gather, savor, and stay awhile.

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Rootsin the Season

FALMOUTH WINTER FARMERS MARKE T

BY JEANNE M. PETRIZZO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEB FOLEY WHILE A FARMERS MARKET IS A FAMILIAR SCENE, IT’S WORTH REVISITING. Rows of tables, neatly lined, staffed by your neighbors. Piles of potatoes still bear remnants of their dirty source, while stacks of radishes and carrots compete for brightest hue. Boxes of beech, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms beg to be inquired after alongside microgreens still rooted in their cups of soil. Jars of jams and jellies glow like jewels; vinegars sport hand-scrawled labels; rough-cut soaps offer up scents 156

that sink into your soul; stacks of buttery pastries rich and delicious. Lip balms, fresh fish, pickles, alpaca socks, honey jars, and fresh flowers. Eggs, salts, sauces, pestos, and pastas. Chocolates, cheeses, chilis, chowders. The scene is rich, to be sure. But the subject of this article bears one major difference from that of the expected outdoor setting. This is the Falmouth Winter Farmers Market, and it takes place indoors at St. Barnabas’s Church. The cold-month counterpart of the Falmouth Farmers Market has been in the works for about five FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

Homemade marinara sauce from Foss Farms contributes to a perfect evening dinner.

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Top: Sea Salt from Great Marsh Farm Bottom: Residents stock up weekly on seasonal vegetable and more.

years, but only recently found a home in the church’s Great Hall overlooking Siders Pond. Typically, up to 25 vendors assemble every Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. from mid-January to mid-April (although the schedule and vendor list can vary). “St. Barnabas is so active in the community and supporting our neighbors,” said Lindsey Close, president of the Falmouth Farmers Market Board of Directors. “It seemed like a nice partnership. It’s been just a beautiful space to set up in and have the community come into.” Vendors are limited to a 100-mile radius from Falmouth. Last year, hyperlocal vendors included Little Blue Baking Co., Pariah Dog Farm, Cape Cod Flower Truck, and Peachtree Circle Farm. The market’s core focus is to provide local, fresh food, even if that looks a little different during the winter. “It’s greenhouse crops. It’s cold crops, like potatoes, carrots, onions, those things that can store,” Close said. “We try to get the basics, you know, your grocery shopping, 158

FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

Top: Lisa Strock, Cape Cod Flower Truck, offers fresh-cut flowers and Mr. T’s Bees honey. Bottom: In the Mix features a variety of baked goods, breads, cookies, muffins, apple cider donuts, and more.

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but also, the snacks. A cup of coffee, a pastry, a lunch.” Both the winter and summer markets accept EBT cards and provide a $10 bonus toward additional fruits and vegetables with SNAP purchases. The bonus program is supported by Sustainable CAPE and the Woods Hole Foundation. Less apparent than the rich scene of local wares—but arguably more important—is the personal grounding in and connection to a community at the market that’s vital to a small coastal town like Falmouth, especially in the winter. The market provides a destination that’s warm, consistent, and representative of the community for attendees and vendors alike. Having a weekly event to go to provides an outlet for checking in with each other. “Creating this space is really important for our community,” Close said. “When it’s cold, and we’re not outside at the beach,

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Top: Handmade soap, beeswax lip balm. shampoo, and conditioners from Cape Coop. Bottom: Falmouth Farmers Market at Saint Barnabas’s Episcopal Church

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we’re not doing those same outside social activities, it provides a place where people bump into one another and creates that social network that we need to fight loneliness. Food is a way that we connect with people, so it makes sense. It makes us all happy when everyone shows up.” Vendor Liz Martin, small-scale farmer and soap maker at The Cape Coop Farm in East Falmouth, said, “I love participating in the winter market. It gives us a chance to connect with our local year-round customers, even in the down season.” Vendors and attendees will find an upcoming schedule and the latest winter market information at falmouthfarmersmarket.com, where vendor lists are updated weekly. Updates and snapshots from weekly markets are also posted on Instagram @falmouthfarmersmarket.

FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

Top: Cape Cod Flower Truck microgreens and local honey. Bottom right: Baked goods from Sugar Sow Confection Bottom left: Bog Lily Kitchen homemade jams

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Winter Wonderland

A whimsical journey where every snowflake holds a story. PHOTOGR APHY BY BE T T Y WILEY

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PHOTO ESSAY

Bourne Farm

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Boat house at West Falmouth Harbor

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PHOTO ESSAY

Nobska Lighthouse

Cabanas on Church Street

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PHOTO ESSAY

Nobska Beach

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W E L C O M E T O FA L M O U T H

YOUR COMMUNIT Y CONNECTION FALMOUTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITOR CENTER 20 ACADEMY LANE | FALMOUTH, MA 508-548-8500 FALMOUTHCHAMBER.COM

Photo by David Long

Fall and winter in Falmouth are jam-packed with events to attend with family and friends. We recommend that you check each organization’s website and social media pages for updated information. October 1–31

FALMOUTH VILLAGE OF SCARECROWS Stroll Falmouth Village and see the creativity and spirit of Main Street merchants as they display imaginative homemade scarecrows in front of their stores and restaurants. Join the fun while supporting local merchants! falmouthvillageassociation.com

October 24

WICKED AT WICKS: A CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION Come to the Falmouth Museums on the Green for a fun family Halloween event. The event will include trick-or-treating at several historic properties, pumpkin painting, storytelling, and a costume parade. 168

Come dressed to impress, and enjoy the best of fall in Falmouth, 4 to 5:30 p.m. museumsonthegreen.org October 25

FALMOUTH DOG PARK HOWLIN’ GOOD TIME DOG COSTUME PARTY Dress up your pet and join us for a costume parade around the dog park. Prizes awarded in many categories, including Most Creative. 2 p.m. falmouthdogpark.com November 2

46TH SHIPWRECKED FALMOUTH IN THE FALL A classic local road race held each autumn since 1979. Now under the direction of Falmouth Road Race, Inc., the seven-mile race runs on the same seaside course as the

ASICS Falmouth Road Race and offers cooler temps, fewer people, and a locally sponsored finish festival featuring local vendors. 11 a.m. Follow FRR on FB and Instagram @falmouthroadrace. falmouthinthefall.com October 31–November 16

THE ADDAMS FAMILY A comical feast, embracing the wackiness in every family, features an original story, and it’s every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family—a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez FALMOUTH LIVING • FALL/WINTER 2025

BET T Y WILEY

Calendar of Events

A NEW ERA Begins MEET Alyssa Wang Cape Symphony is thrilled to welcome Alyssa Wang as our new Music Director. A dynamic and visionary conductor, accomplished violinist, and composer, Alyssa brings passion and artistry to every performance. She is Co-Founder, Artistic Director, and Principal Conductor of the Boston Festival Orchestra; Music Director of Cincinnati Ballet; and former Assistant Conductor of Boston Ballet. Selected with the help of our audience from more than 200 applicants, Alyssa begins an exciting new chapter for Cape Symphony.

THE 2025 | 2026 SEASON DEFYING GRAVITY: The Best of Broadway! 10/18 & 19 A SALUTE TO SERVICE 11/15 & 16

HOLIDAY ON THE CAPE 12/5, 6 & 7 ALYSSA’S DEBUT PASSPORT TO VIENNA 1/24 & 25 RAGTIME, BLUES, & ALL THAT JAZZ 2/21 & 22 NATURE’S SONG 4/11 & 12 BE OURS TONIGHT: The Music of Elvis Presley 5/9 & 10 VOICES OF SPRING 5/30 & 31 LET’S GROOVE TONIGHT: Motown & The Philly Sound 6/13 & 14

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Secure your seats today! www.capesymphony.org | 508.362.1111

Masterpiece 169 and CapePOPS! Series Title Sponsor

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Addams must do something he’s never done before—keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Directed by Joan McKenzie-Baird; book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice; music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. Fridays & Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. at the Highfield Theatre. falmouththeatreguild.org November 21–December 14 Weekends

HOLIDAYS AT HIGHFIELD Visit Highfield Hall & Gardens for a spectacular holiday season display with beautiful rooms full of inspiring design ideas. Shop the local artisan gift gallery with items ranging from fine crafts to hostess gifts. highfieldhall.org

November 25

December 5

FALMOUTH HARVEST FARMERS MARKET Holiday market with local fruit and vegetables, seafood, cheese, wine, bread and pastries, plants and flowers, and much more at Marine Park on Falmouth Harbor, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. falmouthfarmersmarket.org

HOLIDAY CAROLING IN WOODS HOLE Join us as we herald the Christmas season with caroling in Woods Hole Village. The Solstice Singers lead a festive seasonal sing-along of familiar holiday classics. Remember to dress warmly! 5:50 p.m. falmouthchamber.com

December 1–2

December 5–7

HOLIDAY TABLETOP BOXWOOD TREE WORKSHOP Learn with Anna Holmes how to create your own festive classic Christmas tree design using fresh boxwood branches with mini lights, ornaments, ribbon, and a tree-topper. Sign up by November 24. Register online or call 508-495-1878, ext. 2. highfieldhallandgardens.org

FALMOUTH HOLIDAYS BY THE SEA WEEKEND Our flash of seasonal glitter starts with the Holidays by the Sea weekend in Falmouth. Begin the holidays singing carols in Woods Hole Village as the winter sun sets over Vineyard Sound. Greet Santa as he arrives by boat at beautiful Falmouth Harbor. Run in the 12th Annual Jingle Jog and Kids

November 28–29

THE SEA CAPTAIN’S NUTCRACKER Experience the magic of the biennial classical ballet production that takes on an enchanting Cape Cod twist. Presented by Turning Pointe Danice Studio on Friday November 28, at 2 p.m. & 6 p.m., and Saturday, November 29, at 12 p.m. & 4 p.m. at The Tiden Arts Center in Barnstable. For tickets and details visit, turningpointedancestudio.org

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

December 6

SEAFARING SANTA SAILS INTO FALMOUTH Head to Falmouth Harbor, Marine Park, by The Flying Bridge on Scranton Avenue, to welcome Seafaring Santa! Candy canes for all the kids! 10:30 a.m. December 6

13TH ANNUAL JINGLE JOG 5K AND KIDS “GHELF” RUN Wear your wildest and most festive holiday outfit (complete with jingle bells, perhaps!) to run the course starting and ending at the Falmouth Village Green branch of Martha’s Vineyard Bank, 84 Main Street. The half-mile “GhELF” Run for children 12 and under starts at 3 p.m. The Jingle Jog 5K starts at 3:30 p.m. falmouthchamber.com

December 6

LIGHTING OF THE FALMOUTH VILLAGE GREEN The annual lighting of the Village Green for the holidays! You can’t miss the one magic moment that transforms the Village Green into Santa’s wonderland and brings families together in festive high spirits to start the holidays. Enjoy the Main Street to Queen’s Buyway Stroll before and after the Lighting of the Green. 6 p.m. falmouthchamber.com December 6

FALMOUTH GARDEN CLUB Wreath sale and holiday market from the members of the garden club at the Museums on the Green, Hallett Barn, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. falmouthgardenclub.org

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December 13–14

FALMOUTH CHORALE HOLIDAY CONCERT The Falmouth Chorale’s 60th season will feature a holiday chorale concert let by artistic director Andrew Jonathan Welch. falmouthchorale.org

FALMOUTH FARMERS MARKET Come shop as local farmers, bakers, and culinary artisans sell fresh vegetables, seafood, soups, coffee, baked goods, and more. At Saint Barnabas’s Episcopal Church on Main Street, 12 noon to 3 p.m. falmouthfarmersmarket.org January 23–February 7

December 6

FALMOUTH VILLAGE HOLIDAY STROLL See Falmouth Main Street transformed at night for the annual Holiday Stroll! Visit the many unique shops, services, and restaurants in the heart of Falmouth Village. Enjoy shopping and dining while you stroll down Main Street and Queen’s Buyway, with festive entertainment throughout the village. Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic. 4 p.m. falmouthvillageassociation.com

Street to the Village Green. The parade features theme-decorated floats, marching bands, live animals, costumed characters, and Santa Claus! falmouthchamber.com

2026 January–April, Sundays

CHRIS K A Z ARIAN

GhELF Run. Join in the caroling at the lighting of the Village Green. Enjoy the Main Street festivities of the Holiday Stroll, and get ready for the biggest small-town Christmas parade in Southeast New England. falmouthchamber.com

December 7

62ND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE Bring your family, friends, and guests to the best and largest Christmas parade in Southeast New England. Presented by the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce and led by David Vieira, the parade, organized around the theme of “Holidays through the Decades,” steps off at noon from Dillingham Avenue and Davis Straits, and proceeds along Main

PROOF On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father’s who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Directed by Frank Hughes, Jr.; by David Auburn, winner of the 2001 Tony Award for Best Play and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Fridays & Saturdays, 7:30 p.m, Sundays, 2 p.m., at the Highfield Theatre. falmouththeatreguild.org

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

R E S TAU R A N T GUIDE

Falmouth Eats Whatever your dining pleasure—from casual to fine dining— you’ll find it here in Falmouth. Our Falmouth Eats restaurant guide will help you discover your next perfect meal. EAST FALMOUTH

East End Tap

Pizza 1 & Subs 2

Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery

eastendtap.com

pizza1subs2.com

BREWERY

badmarthabeer.com/ falmouth-brewery

Cape Cod Winery

See expanded listing on page 173 WINERY

capecodwinery.com

AMERICAN

PIZZA

ICE CREAM

Golden Sails Chinese Restaurant

Prime Time House of Pizza

goldensailschinese restaurant.com

Ristorante Avellino

CHINESE

Le Bon Jour

INTERNATIONAL

lebonjourcuisine.com

PIZZA

ITALIAN

Smitty’s Homemade Ice Cream (SEASONAL)

avellinocapecod.com

smittysic.com

Thai Kitchen THAI

falmouththaikitchen.com

The Cape Grille at The Cape Club Resort AMERICAN

capeclubresort.com/dining

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RESTAURANT GUIDE FALMOUTH

Cape Cod Bagel Café

Anchor Ale House

capecodbagelcafetogo.com

CAFÉ

AMERICAN

Casa Vallarta Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar

anchorale.com

Añejo Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar

MEXICAN

anejo.cc

Estia

GREEK

jacksrestaurantfalmouth.com

eugenehenrys.com

Jim’s Clam Shack

The Conference Table Falmouth AMERICAN

GOURMET SHOP

Falmouth Raw Bar (SEASONAL) SEAFOOD

THAI

bangkokcapecod.com

theconferencetable falmouth.com

Bean & Cod Market

Country Fare Restaurant

beanandcod.com

BREAKFAST

Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium

Crabapples AMERICAN

shipchocolates.net

crabapplesrestaurant.com

benandbillsfalmouth.com

Dana’s Kitchen

Golden Swan Indian Cuisine

danas-kitchen.com

Grumpy’s Pub

(SEASONAL) CAFÉ

DINER

betsys-diner.business.site

Devour Eatery

Bluefins Sushi and Sake Bar

CAFÉ

devoureatery.com

SEAFOOD

bluefinsfalmouth.com

DJ’s Famous Wings

Cafe Grounded

djsfamouswings.com

cafe-grounded.com

Doggz & Hoggz

AMERICAN

COFFEE

MARKET

jackinthebeanstalk.com

Eugene Henry’s Gastronomical Delights

asiafalmouth.com

Betsy’s Diner

Jack In The Beanstalk

Coffee Obsession coffeeobsession.com

ICE CREAM

ITALIAN

estiacapecod.com

Asia Restaurant Bangkok Cuisine

AMERICAN

elistavernfalmouth.com

Italian Gourmet Foods– Slice of Italy Inc.

casavallarta.us

COFFEE

CHINESE

Eli’s at The Coonamessett Inn

AMERICAN

doggzhoggz.com

falmouthrawbar.com

Ghelfi’s Candies of Cape Cod SWEETS/CANDY

INDIAN

(SEASONAL) AMERICAN PUB

Jacks Restaurant & Bar AMERICAN

(SEASONAL) SEAFOOD

jims-clam-shack.business.site

Jones Tavern

AMERICAN PUB

La Cucina Sul Mare ITALIAN

lacucinasulmare.com

Liam Maguire’s Irish Pub IRISH PUB

liammaguire.com

Maison Villatte BAKERY

Homeport Sushi & Kitchen

Mary Ellen’s Portugese Bakery

homeportsushiandkitchen.com

Osteria La Civetta

JAPANESE

Hooked Bar and Grill SEAFOOD

hookedbarandgrill.com

BAKERY ITALIAN

osterialacivetta.com

Cape Cod Winery 4 Oxbow Road, 508-457-5592, capecodwinery.com Come sit and savor the flavors of our wines in a relaxed atmosphere. We offer nine different varieties of wine, from a Rosé Mermaid Water, a refreshing Sauvigon Blanc, to a Chardonnay and Channel Marker #16, just to name a few. Sit by the fire and listen to live music in our spacious outdoor sitting area while sipping a glass of your choice. Enjoy a variety of food from the Mermaid Café Food Truck. Like us on social media

WINERY

For seasonal restaurants - please visit the website or social media pages for updated opening FALMOUTHLIVINGMAG.COM

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Timber Wood-Fired Pizza at Timber Axe Bar & Bowl 23 Town Hall Square, 774-221-8777, timberfiredpizza.com Timber wood-fired pizza is crispy, with slightly charred edges, resulting in a crust that is both light and airy, and made by our specialized pizza chefs using only the freshest ingredients, with our imported Italian morello forni oven to cook your 12" pie in minutes. A large menu selection of pizzas or you may even build your own pizza with many toppings to choose from. Like us on social media PIZZA

Paul’s Pizza and Seafood

The Blended Berry

paulspizzacapecod.com

SMOOTHIES & MORE

theblendedberry.com

The Black Dog Heights Café

The Irish Goodbye House

Peel Pizza Company

The Clam Man

theblackdog.com

peelpizzaco.com

theclamman.com

Wild Harbor General Store

Persy’s Place

The Flying Bridge Restaurant

PIZZA

BREAKFAST

persysplace.com

Pickle Jar Kitchen CAFÉ

picklejarkitchen.com

Pier 37 Boathouse (SEASONAL) AMERICAN

falmouthpier37.com

Quahog Republic SEAFOOD

quahogrepublic.com

SEAFOOD

flyingbridgerestaurant.com

Seafood Sam’s (SEASONAL) SEAFOOD

seafoodsams.com/falmouth

Simply Divine Pizza Co. PIZZA

divinepizza.com

Steve’s Pizzeria & More PIZZA

stevespizzeriaandmore.com

TEATICKET Falmouth Fish Market MARKET

The Glass Onion

Bucatino Restaurant and Wine Bar

PIZZA

(SEASONAL) AMERICAN

theglassoniondining.com

Timber Axe Bar & Bowl See expanded listing on this page

MEXICAN

romeosfalmouth.com

SEAFOOD

thewharffalmouth.com

MARKET

ITALIAN

italianrestaurantfalmouth.com

qdfalmouth.com AMERICAN

The Wharf Restaurant & Bar

freshfishcapecod.com

Quarterdeck Restaurant Romeo’s

IRISH PUB

NORTH FALMOUTH

The Vine Restaurant

PIZZA

AMERICAN

(SEASONAL) CAFÉ

timberfiredpizza.com

Taco Blanco tacoblanco.cc

Tiger Ramen

ITALIAN

Papa Jake’s Pizza papajakespizza.com

Pies À La Mode

bucawinebar.com

PIES

Epic Oyster

Supreme Pizza & Subs

SEAFOOD

PIZZA

eatepicoyster.com

Prime Time House of Pizza PIZZA

Red’s Restaurant & Lounge at The Sea Crest Beach Hotel AMERICAN

falmouthsupreme.com

Sweet Rice FUSION

sweetricecapecod.com

WAQUOIT Moonakis Café

JAPANESE

seacrestbeachhotel.com/ dine/reds

Windfall Market

Silver Beach Pizza & Seafood

Moto Pizza

silverbeachpizzacapecod.com

moto-pizza.com

tigerramen.com

MARKET

windfallmarket.com

PIZZA

FALMOUTH HEIGHTS

Talk of The Town Diner

Shipwrecked

The Daily Brew Coffee House

AMERICAN PUB

shipwreckedfalmouth.com

DINER

COFFEE

CAFÉ

moonakiscafe.com

PIZZA

WEST FALMOUTH Chapoquoit Grill MEDITERRANEAN

thedailybrewlounge.com

chapoquoitgrillwest falmouth.com

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

ax throwing bowling cocktails private parties wood fired pizza - order online timberaxbarbowl.com 774 221-8777 23 town hall sq, falmouth Eulinda’s Ice Cream (SEASONAL) ICE CREAM

West Falmouth Market See expanded listing on this page MARKET

westfalmouthmarket.com

WOODS HOLE

Coffee Obsession

Captain Kidd Restaurant

coffeeobsession.com

(SEASONAL) AMERICAN

thecaptainkidd.com

Candy Go Nuts (SEASONAL) SWEETS

candygonuts.com

COFFEE

Landfall Restaurant (SEASONAL) AMERICAN

landfallwoodshole.com

Leeside Pub

AMERICAN PUB

quahogrepublic.com/ leesidepub

West Falmouth Market 623 W. Falmouth Highway 508-548-1139 westfalmouthmarket.com A beloved community institution since 1902. A full-service country market, event caterer, and much more. Offering everything from fresh produce, coffee and scrumptious deli sandwiches or wraps to an old-time butcher shop, pizza, homemade soups, bakery and wine and beer, as well as prepared gourmet meals and catering services. MARKET

Maison Villatte BAKERY

Pie in the Sky Bakery & Café CAFÉ

piecoffee.com

Quicks Hole Taqueria (SEASONAL) MEXICAN

quicksholewickedfresh.com

Shuckers World Famous Raw Bar & Café (SEASONAL) SEAFOOD

shuckerscapecod.com

Water Street Kitchen AMERICAN

waterstreetkitchen.com

Woods Hole Market & Provisions MARKET

woodsholemarket.com

For seasonal restaurants - please visit the website or social media pages for updated opening FALMOUTHLIVINGMAG.COM

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LAST WORD

“Surf drive is a scenic stretch of road that hugs the Falmouth coastline between Oyster Pond Road and Shore Road with beautiful views of Vineyard Sound on its southern side. Dotted with small, charming cottages along the south side, it’s a favorite of mine regardless of the season. I particularly love it in winter with a fresh coat of snow as seen in this aerial image after a storm in February 2025.”

PHOTOGR APH AND TEX T BY BE T T Y WILEY

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CAPE COD

B OSTO N | SO U TH EN D 7 74 2 5 5 - 1 7 0 9

LINCOLN, NH

LO N G FELLOW D B .CO M

C A P T I VA , F L