Text and Photos by Sarah E. Murphy
The global pandemic has forced us all to do things a little differently, and we’re rediscovering
what’s truly important in life – friends, family, and the creature comforts of home. So why not take
advantage of the quieter and less hectic winter months to explore and enjoy historic Falmouth
Village, the epicenter of our seaside town.
Main Street boasts a unique array of independently-owned restaurants and shops, and we’re
excited to see one more join the list. Eugene Henry’s Gastronomical Delights is a lovely throwback to a simpler time, in the charming space formerly occupied by John’s Shoe Store, a longtime local business. It seems only fitting that this new venture is a nod to yesteryear, owned and
operated by Falmouth native Bruce Allen, in celebration of his late father, Eugene Henry Allen.
Boasting a Willy Wonka-meets-General Store vibe, it serves as a scrapbook of Mr. Allen’s life,
spanning his boyhood days harvesting ice in Sippewissett, to his decades as a volunteer firefighter, to his time working alongside stock car racing legend Ralph Moody. The walls are a work
of art on their own, hand-painted by Sandwich artist Cris Reverdy. Bruce is well-known in the
local community for his 20 years managing Eastman’s Hardware (located just across the street),
and most recently as set designer and construction foreman at Cotuit Center For the Arts. He is
also one of the masterminds behind the beloved former Halloween tradition “Harvest of
Horrors,” at Tony Andrews Farm.
You can find just about anything at Eugene Henry’s, from sweet treats and special seasonings
to spice up your socially-distant dinners, to decorative dish towels and coasters for gifts or
home, to a complete line of men’s products, such as soaps, salves, and beard oil. Whether it’s
something for the holidays, or you’re just looking to make someone’s day brighter, check them
out…
141 Main Street. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.
Restaurant Row
Main Street is also the heartbeat of Falmouth’s ever-expanding culinary scene, with something
for everyone, including Thai, Sushi, Italian, Mexican, and Irish. Main Street’s oldest
restaurant,The Quarterdeck, is also the cornerstone, full of local history as the former stomping
grounds of the late Tommy Leonard, beloved founder of the Falmouth Road Race, who also
spent many years serving up drinks and stories behind the bar. Race enthusiasts will also want
to check out the new monument and crosswalk in Tommy’s memory, located in front Town Hall
Square. Chef/owner Bob Jarvis hails from a culinary background; he also runs Bucatino’s in
North Falmouth and The Pilot House in Sandwich, while his brother operates The Chart Room,
Cataumet’s iconic spot for sunset, seafood, and mudslides. The Quarterdeck is also an intimate
setting for local musicians, a tradition we can’t wait to see return once it’s safe for crowds to
gather again. But you can still get your Quarterdeck fix any time by ordering delicious and easy
curbside service. If you haven’t had Bob’s blackened scallops, you haven’t lived…
164 Main Street. Open Monday to Sunday, 11:30 am to 9 p.m
Booklover’s Paradise
In this day of impersonal online shopping, Falmouth is extremely lucky to have an independent,
family bookshop right downtown. Despite the nod to Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, Eight
Cousins isn’t just for kids, boasting an array of titles for adults and teens, in addition to autographed works by local authors. The staff is knowledgeable, passionate, and friendly, and the
free gift wrapping makes any present even more special. Eight Cousins always gives back, by
making donations to countless community fundraisers all year long. We’re counting down the
days until they can resume their diverse and fascinating lecture series, but until then, be sure to
support Falmouth’s only brick-and-mortar bookstore by taking advantage of curbside service
and stocking up on gift cards!
189 Main Street. Open Monday-Thursday, 10 am to 5 pm, Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm,
and Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm.
