1. The Lighthouse Inn
City: West Dennis, MA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (508) 398-2244
Address: 1 Lighthouse Inn Rd.
Description: The Lighthouse Inn began life in May 1855 as the Bass River Light, the Cape’s 15th lighthouse. At that time it consisted only of the center section of the inn today. Though it closed briefly from 1880 to 1881, it remained an important southside lighthouse until 1914, when the opening of the Cape Cod Canal made it obsolete. In 1989 it was recommissioned and is today a working lighthouse from May to Oct each year. The on-site dining room seats 200.The inn is situated all by itself down at West Dennis Beach. Accommodations run the gamut from basic rooms and suites in the main house to oceanfront cottages with decks, fireplaces, and comfortable furnishings that sleep as many as six people. Each room and cottage has a TV, telephone, refrigerator, in-room safe, hair dryer, and private bath.On-site there is a tennis court, an outdoor heated swimming pool, a nightclub (the Sand Bar), shuffleboard, volleyball, and miniature golf, and a private beach with a network of jetties for bluefish fishing. There are arts and crafts classes, sandcastle-building contests, and other daily, supervised activities for children ages three and older. The Stone family operates the inn from mid-May to early Oct.
2. O’Shea’S Olde Inne
City: West Dennis, MA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: 508-398-8887
Address: 348 Main St.
Description: This classic Irish pub features live music every night and a traditional Irish session every Sunday. The updated music calendar online gives a good feel for this Mid-Cape favorite. The menu is standard Irish pub fare, including Irish stew and a baked stuffed haddock.
3. Sundancer’S
City: West Dennis, MA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (508) 394-1600
Address: 116 Rte. 28
Description: This casual venue attracts a youngish crowd and features local rock bands most nights in season. On summer Sundays (and Tues during the high season) the focus is live reggae music. In the off-season, the entertainment is usually limited to weekends, and Sundancer’s suspends service from Dec to Feb.
4. Bass River Marina
City: West Dennis, MA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (508) 394-8341
Address: 140 Main St.
Description: Bass River Marina is open year-round and offers 160 slips. This Mid-Cape marina on the beautiful Bass River has gas and pump-out facilities, showers, a restaurant, and ice. It is open year-round.
5. Reef Realty Ltd.
City: West Dennis, MA
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (508) 394-3090, (800) 346-4059
Address: 24 School St.
Description: This firm has won numerous local and regional sales awards. The staff of realtors handles an extensive number of sales properties, both residential and commercial, with a focus on Dennis and Yarmouth properties. Reef Realty Ltd. is also a residential custom-building company and developer with more than 100 years of combined experience.
6. The Lighthouse Inn Restaurant
City: West Dennis, MA
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (508) 398-2244
Address: 1 Lighthouse Inn Rd.
Description: Located within the Lighthouse Inn, this spacious restaurant is reminiscent of the classic Cape Cod restaurants of bygone years. Resting right on the water, the windows along the south-facing wall are many and offer breathtaking views of Nantucket Sound. The food here runs from the traditional (steamed lobster, filet of Chatham scrod) to such innovative and enticing delectables as cashew-encrusted halibut and grilled duck with red currant sauce. Situated on the site of the current West Dennis Lighthouse (formerly the Old Bass River Light), the Lighthouse Inn serves breakfast and dinner daily. Lunch is served during the high season. Reservations are suggested.
7. Kream ’N’ Kone
City: West Dennis, MA
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (508) 394-0808
Address: 961 Main St.
Description: Watch the occasional lone kayaker slice through the Swan River’s placid waters from an expansive patio while feasting on fried fisherman’s plates—plus stellar chowder and memorable onion rings. For dessert, Kream ’n’ Kone has every soft-serve flavor imaginable, including cheesecake and tutti frutti, but the chocolate/vanilla twist is as perfect as it gets.
8. Starfish Bass River Cruises
City: West Dennis, MA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (508) 362-5555
Address: 109 Rte. 28
Description: The only river cruise on Cape Cod, Bass River Cruises takes you over the gentle waters of the Bass River, Grand Cove, and Weir Creek on the Starfish, a custom-built, flat-bottomed vessel. You’ll see Cape wildlife such as egrets, herons, and terns, along with gorgeous riverfront estates, windmills, and a lighthouse. Cruises run from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day. Refreshments are available on board, including a full bar. The cost for a 90-minute cruise is $18 for adults and $7 for children. Group rates are available. Reservations are strongly recommended, and you should plan on arriving 20 minutes before the boat is scheduled to depart to claim your tickets.