Shopping Guide To Wellfleet On Cape Cod
four lanes on Route 93 heading out of the city, to two lanes on Route 3, to one lane in each direction on Route 6 by the time you're in Harwich. You are literally leaving the city – and, hopefully, many of your cares – behind.
Road signs start to feel like life directives. Yield. Do Not Pass. Freemans Way. Lights on for Safety. Yes, Cape Cod has its share of kitschy tourist fare – Cream and Butta fudge, or Bob's Sub 'n Cone, anyone? – but you do not need to limit yourself to the $2 T-Shirt Outlet for stylish shopping options. Instead, try these in the town of Wellfleet, which is about halfway out between Sandwich and Provincetown. - By Cathy Huyghe
Pottery by Emily Rossheim of Rossheim/Marrinson Studios, for sale at Left Bank Gallery
3 West Main Street, Wellfleet, MA
(508) 349-9451
website
Contrasting colors add a luminescent glow, not to mention an almost deceptive depth, to Rossheim's earthenware clay bowls. The secret is her graphic eye (and airbrushed underglazes) applied to a very tactile medium. The result is sheer beauty.
Flea Market at the Wellfleet Drive-In Theater
51 State Hwy Rte 6
Wellfleet, MA 02667
(508) 349-7176
website
Vendors of all stripes congregate on the grounds of Wellfleet's old-school drive-in movie theater. You'll find goods that are new, others that are recycled, some that have been "lovingly used," and still others imbued with an unmistakably Cape Cod aspect. Stop by on Saturday's and Sunday's in the summer.
Steel Sculpture by Steve Swain at The Frying Pan Gallery
250 Commercial Street
Wellfleet, MA 02667-7446
(508) 349-0011
website
Peanut Bunker, it turns out, is the name of bait used by fishermen locally. Metal sculptor Steve Swain
memorializes the tiny fish in holiday ornaments, perfect to tuck in your suitcase and give as gifts later. Swain's larger-scale work also hangs on the walls at the Gallery and is for sale, while next door at The Pearl restaurant you can see more of his unique pieces crafted specifically for that restaurant. Local indie artist Emily Lewis' wares are also on display, including quirky and irresistible soft sculptures in the shape of cupcakes and her exceptional jewelry made of Czech glass.
Shoe Collection at Frances Francis
326 Main St.
Wellfleet, MA 02667
Shoes are just one item for sale at Frances Francis, but they're so eye-catching you have to remind yourself to look around at other racks and hangers. These three examples include, in the middle, a shoe made in South Africa by a co-op of women named Tsonga. Frances Francis is located off Main Street, in a small barn situated at the back of a lot. It faces the also-small but happy Nice Cream Shop.
Beach Reads at Herridge Books
11 Main Street
Wellfleet, MA 02667
(508) 349-1323
Wellfleet, all of Cape Cod in fact, is bound by water and beaches all of different textures and appeal. Stop in at Herridge Books on your way for your bargain-priced fix of beach-ridge fiction. Or go for something from their poetry section (which boasts a surprising amount of volume turnover) or their nature section (which boasts some of that genre's very best and classical works).
Cathy Huyghe is the founder of Red White Boston a location-based wine recommendation service available as a mobile app and online. Red White Boston also provides client entertainment and event management services.
