Falmouth, MA is located on Cape Cod, less than 20 minutes from the Bourne Bridge. With its beaches, resorts, Main Street, and attractions like the Nobska Lighthouse, it is filled with tourists from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

When the tourists are on the Cape, Falmouth is a place full of visiting families, couples, and friends. The gas prices go up, the food portions become smaller, the locals can't get anywhere without leaving 30 minutes earlier than usual, and the lines at Stop&Shop as well as other food markets are through the isles!

Living in Falmouth pretty much my whole life, I guess I take this town for granted. I wonder why this small town is such an attraction to people all over country. I always complain about how when everyone leaves there is nothing to do because everything shuts down. There's no more Purple Cow ice cream, the not-so-nice locals who were hiding during the crowd of tourists come out, and you hardly see families out because the kids are all in school. The three seasons of boredom, crime, and crappy weather come to play.

But I do take this town for granted, because people all over the world must come here for a reason. I thought about it and came up with a handful of things that make the town I was born and raised in great year round!

First off, when the tourists are here there is a lot to do! There are so many beaches to chose from, so many adventures to go on, and there's some of the best ice cream shops open and serving my favorite, Purple Cow!

When the tourists leave, there's absolutely no traffic and the town gets nice and quiet. Stop & Shop is tolerable, gas prices go down, and the food gets so much better! You get way more for what you pay for in the off seasons.

Main Street is super peaceful when the tourists leave. It has everything! There is a library with a big open field where one can have a picnic or just relax at. There is a playground right around the corner from the library, as well as so many restaurants and shops, and a place with bowling and an arcade! Throughout the year there are farmers markets, festivals, and more! At the end of Main Street there is The Village Green which is filled with lights and awesome props for the celebration of Christmas and other holidays around December!

Biking on the Shining Sea Bikeway, also known to locals as 'the bike path' is a must! It's a total of 10.7 miles and let me tell you, the bike path is the most beautiful place to clear your mind, enjoy nature, and have an unforgettable bike ride! I absolutely love riding my bike from where I live into Woods Hole, especially in autumn when it's not so busy and the surroundings are breathtaking. Besides the bike path, there are many other beautiful trails to take a walk on, many trails you and your dog will love!

Coonamessett Farm is a must! You can visit the animals, pick fruit and/or pumpkins depending on the season, and shop in their great little store! They also have gatherings with food and activities all the time for everyone who wants to join. It's a great way to get together with other people in the town and just have a stress-free, fun night!

Bourne Farm is a place where many go to take photos for special occasions. Many couples even get married there. In the fall, there's a pumpkin patch and it's full of activities! I got my prom photos taken there and if I could get married there I would. It is so rustic, green, open, and beautiful!

The Knob is a beautiful, small hiking trail that leads to a cliff overlooking the water, and it's free! It's a great way to get outside and enjoy nature.

Woods Hole is a small part of Falmouth that has a free aquarium, nice restaurants, and a safe environment to get away for the day. Woods Hole even has its own film festival which is awesome!

Being a cat lover, Falmouth has the best place to adopt loving new family members. Located right behind Deer Run Veterinary is People For Cats. I got my two kitties there and so many people I know have, too! It's nice to see people take such good care of animals and try so hard to find them a great home.

Another great thing about the town of Falmouth is that it's so close to several towns and villages on the Cape. It's 15 minutes from Bourne, Cautamet, Pocasset, Mashpee and Sandwich, and 30 from Hyannis, the Bourne and Sagamore Bridge!

My favorite thing about living in Falmouth, is that year round you can go to the beach and dip your toes in the sand and watch those beautiful waves. In the three seasons after summer, you can go to a completely empty beach anytime you want and enjoy a date or a quiet thinking time under the sunset.

So yes, I admit it, I completely take Falmouth for granted. And I for sure take living on Cape Cod for granted as well. Thinking about the things that make the town great as opposed to making the town dreadful opens my eyes and makes me excited for these three peaceful months to come. Maybe this article will help someone else who is miserable in their small town appreciate where they live a little more, too!