Hyannis, MA

Sometimes called the "Homeport of the Cape," Hyannis is a village on the Cape Cod Peninsula. Part of the city of Barnstable, the village is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south, while Cape Cod Bay lies just a few miles to the north.

Purchased in the late 17th century, the village's name commemorates the Native American who deeded the village's land to the colonists. According to historical accounts, the village was acquired for a mere 20 British pounds, along with two pairs of pants.

Among the village's most famous residents was President John F. Kennedy, who had a home in Hyannis. The village is proud of this history, and statues and moments in honor of the president are prevalent throughout Hyannis.

The village is known as a major tourist destination in the summer, with a lively nightlife and plenty of fine-dining restaurants.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Hyannis is the birthplace of Cape Cod Potato Chips. Founded in 1980, the company still operates out of Hyannis. Indeed, its factory is the area's No. 1 tourist attraction, drawing more than 250,000 people each year.

Cape Cod draws millions of visitors annually, making tourism a crucial industry for Hyannis. Hyannis Port is the largest recreational boat port and second-largest commercial fishing port in Cape Cod. This is in part due to its large natural harbor.

Another landmark business founded in Hyannis was the retail-chain Zayre. The discount store did well in the 1970s, starting the T.J. Maxx store brand, and was bought by Ames Department Stores in 1990. It no longer has a presence in Hyannis.

Transportation is another major industry in Hyannis. It is the primary point of origin for ferries to Nantucket and provides passenger access to Martha's Vineyard. The year-round ferry system is controlled by the Steamship Authority, which was founded in 1818 and employs hundreds people during peak season. Other transportation service to and around Nantucket includes catamarans run by both the Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises.

Other leading industries are construction, health care, and accommodation and food services.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

The Kennedy compound is one of the best-known residences in Hyannis. The estate is actually located in Hyannis Port, which is a wealthy village on Hyannis Harbor. Many summer residents reside both in Hyannis and Hyannis Port as the island of Cape Cod is known for its nice weather and beaches. Hyannis has many restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and grocery stores.

Downtown Hyannis is known as the commercial district of Cape Cod and is also called the "Capital of the Cape" as it has town offices, shopping malls and a historic downtown.

FOR VISITORS

• Public Beaches: The city of Barnstable has over 100 miles of public beaches. The Craigville Beach and Kalmus Beach are famous for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Sea Street Beach, Orrin Keyes and the sheltered Veterans Beach provide recreational activities for residents and visitors.
• Cape Cod Potato Chips Factory: Discover the origin of the crunchy chip. The factory provides tours year round.
• Historic Hyannis Main Street Waterfront District: The shopping center of Hyannis, the area is filled with specialty boutiques, historic buildings and wharfs, and great sea views.
• Cape Cod Mall: This climate-controlled mall offers a welcome visiting spot during the hot summer months.
• Southwind Plaza: A retail hub for Cape Cod, the plaza sells practical products like food and hardware materials, and retail goods such as clothing.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Cape Cod Conservatory: For over 50 years this art institution has provided residents and visitors with musical concerts, dance performances and art exhibitions.
• Cape Cod Maritime Museum: Exalting the maritime history of Cape Cod and its nearby islands, the museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore historic sea vessels, maps and other nautical artifacts. It also holds educational programs and public events throughout the year.
• John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum: Filled with photographs, personal effects and videos, the museum tells the story of JFK's life through visual media. The museum is centrally located and easily accessible by foot.

EVENTS

• Festival at Hyannis: Every week during the peak summer months, a street fair takes over Main Street. Besides boasting a lot of hometown pride, the festival offers everything from face painting to boat blessings.
• WCOD Cape Cod Chowder Festival: This annual event brings local restaurants, musicians and many hungry people together for a day of fun each June. At the end of the day, someone's chowder has been named the Best Traditional Chowder, and many people go home full.
• The Great Hyannis Road Races: Consisting of three races, the annual event draws runners at all levels to help raise money for charity. Taking place in May, a party is thrown afterward that includes a barbecue, live music and refreshments.

EDUCATION

While Cape Cod Community College is located in nearby West Barnstable, the village of Hyannis proper is not home to any colleges or universities.

SPORTS TEAMS

While Hyannis doesn't boast any professional sports teams, the Hyannis Mets are a part of the Cape Cod Summer Baseball League, which regularly attracts top collegiate players. The nonprofit volunteer organization, Hyannis Athletic Association, oversees the team, and was recently co-recipient of a large grant awarded by the Yawky Foundation in 2005.

LOCAL MEDIA

• WPXC-102.9 - classic rock
• WQRC-99.9 - local music and news
• WKKL-90.7 - Cape Cod Community College Broadcasting
• WCOD-106.1 - pop music and local news