Every summer day, at least a dozen ferries depart from Woods Hole, bound for Martha’s Vineyard. You’re going to want to head out early to beat the Cape-bound traffic, but how will you keep yourself busy till your ferry departs? Consider one or more of these diversions, all less than a quarter-mile from the terminal.
1. Grab breakfast at Pie in the Sky
Do you ever feel forced to choose between pastry and eggs? Fear not, sweet and savory lovers. Pie in the Sky Bakery & Internet Cafe has your back. In the popover breakfast sandwich, the custardy texture of the slightly sweet pastry nestles up against the classic combination of egg and cheese (and meat, if that’s your thing). This neighborhood standby has been around since 1982, serving more than just breakfast sandwiches. Peruse the chalkboard signs until your eye lands on something delicious, which won’t take long. Grab a coffee, dig into an oversize slice of pie, or order a custom sandwich piled high with your favorite toppings — or do all three. Enjoy your bounty outside at a picnic table or, if you’re lucky, at an indoor table by a window. Get here early: There’s always a line. And for good reason. 10 Water Street, 508-540-5475, piecoffee.com
Distance from the ferry: 0.1 mile
2. Catch happy hour at the Landfall
The Landfall Restaurant brims with seaside charm — step inside and you’re transported to the lower deck of an old ship, which makes sense because the interior is made of wood from shipwrecks and old buildings (peep the stained glass in the dining room!). Buoys dangle from the beams and adorn the walls. If it’s chilly, there are fire pits at the entrance, but the best seat in the house is in the back of the building on the docks. Bonus: You can see the ferry from your seat. Kick back with a draft beer or try a Greyhound made with squeezed-to-order grapefruit juice. Mondays through Thursdays, the happy hour special is 60-cent fish bites and chicken wings. 9 Luscombe Avenue, 508-548-1758, landfallwoodshole.com
Distance from the ferry: 0.1 mile
3. Try the fish tacos at Quicks Hole Taqueria
Quicks Hole Taqueria, where everything is “wicked fresh,” is tough to miss — there’s a gigantic lobster sculpture out front. The not-too-mayo-y lobster tacos, served with warm house-made tortilla chips, are your best bet. Add some heat with something from the extensive hot sauce collection or hit the self-serve condiment bar, complete with escabeche, limes, cilantro, and rotating salsa flavors. Alcohol is available, but if you’re trying to stay alert for the ferry ride, opt for a refreshing agua fresca. Best of all, because it’s counter service, you don’t have to worry about waiting for your bill — you can zip right over to the ferry when you’re finished. In the mood for something a little more upscale? Head across the parking lot (past the giant lobster) to the Quicks Hole Tavern, the taqueria’s farm-to-table sister restaurant. 6 Luscombe Avenue, 508-495-0792, quicksholewickedfresh.com
Distance from the ferry: 0.1 mile
4. Pick up some threads at Howlingbird and Liberty House
Howlingbird Studio, a Falmouth-based screen-printing and embroidery company, occupies the front of this shared retail space. Head here for nautical- and nature-themed sweatshirts, hats, and more. Be sure to check out the bargain bin, which offers oversize T-shirts that were used for practice printing. These hidden gems — no two are the same — are splashed with funny designs (“Summer people, some are not”) and local businesses’ logos. For around $2, you may as well grab a few for gifts. The back of the store is Liberty House, which sells higher-end women’s clothing and jewelry. Soft sundresses and silky pajamas from brands like Free People and Habitat hang from the racks. Expect to see billowy summer wear — you’re on Cape Cod. 89 Water Street; Howlingbird: 508-548-7916, howlingbird.com; Liberty House: 508-548-7568, libertyhousecapecod.com
Distance from the ferry: 0.2 mile
5. Fuel up at Woods Hole Market
Need to stock up for your ferry ride? Head to the Woods Hole Market & Provisions and fill your beach bag with snacks galore. The deli counter offers made-to-order sandwiches as well as sandwich fixings by the pound for do-it-yourselfers. If the ferry schedule allows, take a few minutes to enjoy the tables on the back porch overlooking the docks. Just be sure to grab a cookie at the register on your way out — they’re enormous and decadent. 87 Water Street, 508-540-4792, woodsholemarket.com
Distance from the ferry: 0.2 mile
6. Eat fresh at Water Street Kitchen
Located where the Fishmonger Cafe stood for many years, Water Street Kitchen is, yes, a waterfront restaurant that focuses on seasonal ingredients. The walls are painted a deep slate gray, dramatically framing the ocean view. Run by husband-and-wife team John and Molly Wilson, the restaurant has received rave reviews from locals and tourists alike. The emphasis on seasonal ingredients means the menu is always changing. 56 Water Street, 508-540-5656, waterstreetkitchen.com
Distance from the ferry: 0.2 mile
7. Admire the art at Woods Hole Handworks
Need a little culture in your life? Woods Hole Handworks Co-Operative Art Gallery displays and sells members’ work every summer on a rotating schedule. Just over the drawbridge, step inside a tiny space with paintings, ceramics, and sculptures, not all of them Cape-themed. 68 Water Street, 508-540-5291, facebook.com/Woods-Hole-Handworks-Co-Operative-Art-Gallery-1608258209406117/
Distance from the ferry: 0.2 mile
8. Visit the WHOI Ocean Science Discovery Center
Head here for a respite from your kids’ chorus of “Are we there yet?” The Ocean Science Discovery Centerfeatures exhibits and videos about the research done at the nonprofit Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The center is home to a full-size model of the submersible Alvin, famous for its exploration of the wreck of the Titanic. No word yet on a sapphire necklace. 15 School Street, 508-289-2663, whoi.edu
Distance from the ferry: 0.2 mile
Brenna Donovan is regular visitor to Cape Cod and a graduate student in Emerson College’s publishing and writing program. Send comments to [email protected].