As the year-round commercial hub for Outer Cape communities, Orleans lies just as the Cape begins its northwestern jog towards Provincetown. Nestled between Nauset Beach on the Atlantic side and Skaket Beach on Cape Cod Bay, the town comprises three villages: Orleans, East Orleans, and South Orleans.
Things To Do in Orleans
Being one of the state’s designated Cultural Districts, Orleans offers an abundance of artistic outlets. Local galleries feature some of the top local talent when it comes to fine art. The Artist Cottages at the Orleans Market Square are a collection of vivid wooden shacks where creators showcase and sell their work in season, with new artists rotating in each week. Community theater can be found at the Academy of Performing Arts, and the town’s “Live in Orleans” outdoor summer concert series spotlights new and emerging local musicians.
The Cape Cod Rail Trail passes directly through Orleans, so cyclists can follow the trail west to Dennis or north to Wellfleet. Namskaket Sea Path is a five-mile walking trail that runs along the Cape Cod Bay shoreline, Cape Cod Rail Trail bicycle path, crosses Nickerson State Park, and is overall a fantastic way to see the scenery of Orleans.
History of Orleans
Orleans has an impressive history and is rich in maritime heritage. One of the oldest windmills in the United States – the Jonathan Young Windmill – is located in Town Cove Park. The French Cable Station Museum in Orleans is where historically significant messages were first relayed such as Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 successful trans-Atlantic flight and arrival in Paris, and Germany’s 1940 invasion of France.
In 2016, Disney’s “The Finest Hours” placed a bright spotlight on Orleans, the summer home of Lifeboat CG36500. This Lifeboat is the Coast Guard vessel featured in the film, which depicts the daring 1952 rescue of 32 men off the coast of Chatham when the SS Pendleton went down during a ferocious nor’easter. Docked in Orleans' Rock Harbor, the public can tour the famous vessel during the summer months.
Learn More About Orleans with Demakis Family Real Estate!
If you’re looking to become one of the town’s newest homeowners, contact Demakis Family Real Estate’s nearby Mattapoisett office for more information. You can also create an account to save your searches and receive updates when homes you may be interested in hit the market!
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