Hyannis, Massachusetts

It stands to reason that Hyannis – the largest port on the Cape, and its main commercial hub – would be a little less charming than Falmouth and Woods Hole. Nevertheless, it still clings to the glamour it earned when the Kennedy compound at Hyannisport placed it at the center of world affairs. Hence the existence of the John F. Kennedy Museum, 397 Main St (mid-April to mid-May Mon– Sat 10am–4pm, Sun noon–4pm; mid-May to late-Oct Mon– Sat 9am–5pm, Sun noon–5pm; Nov, Dec & mid-Feb to mid-April Thurs– Sat 10am–4pm, Sun noon-4pm; $5; Tel:508/790-3077), which shows photographs, news clippings, and film footage of the days JFK spent on the Cape.

If you have a boat to catch and need to stay in Hyannis, options include the friendly, neat, and affordable Sea Beach Inn, 388 Sea St (Tel:508/775-4612, Web: www.capecodtravel.com/seabeach ; Price: $76–160). A great B&B in Hyannisport is the Simmons Homestead Inn, 288 Scudder Ave (Tel:508/778-4999 or 1-800/637-1649, Web: www.simmonshomesteadinn.com ; Price: $201-250). For food and entertainment stick to Main Street: Harry's, at no. 700 (Tel:508/778-4188), is a Cajun spot serving up spicy jambalaya, barbecued ribs, and live blues music most days of the week (especially Wed); The Egg & I, at no. 521 (Tel:508/771-1596), is a great spot for big breakfasts, while Alberto's Ristorante, no. 360 (Tel:508/778-1770), offers tasty Italian meals.