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Dennis, named an All
American Town in 1978, combines its traditional New England heritage with
modern day conveniences. The villages of East Dennis, Dennis and South
Dennis feature scenic historic districts hailing back to whaling days.
Dennisport has beautiful beaches that lie along Nantucket Sound. West
Dennis combines both Nantucket Sound beaches with shore access to Bass
River. Altogether, Dennis has sixteen beaches on the warm Nantucket Sound
to the south and on the refreshing waters of Cape Cod Bay to the north.
Numerous recreation
trails offer healthful relaxation, and well developed business districts
throughout the villages provide ample goods and services. Residents of
Dennis feel a sense of pride in their home by the sea.
The quiet little town,
incorporated in 1793, was named for Josiah Dennis, a favorite minister.
The town was involved in the maritime activities of the 1800's including
whaling and the building of some of the greatest American clipper ships
like the Flying Cloud. As the twentieth century approached and
the glory days of sea captains faded, Dennis residents turned to commercial
fishing and land-based industries.
Dennis comes into
its own during the summer months, with special events every week. Home
to the nation's oldest summer theater, the Cape Playhouse, Dennis offers
varied summer activities, with arts and craft shows, concerts on the village
green and Dennis Festival Days, held in August, which celebrate the friendly
heritage of this All American New England town.
The beach areas are
more densely settled than towns further out on the Cape, and there is
a large stock of beach cottages built in the 40s and 50s. In addition,
Dennis offers a wide selection of other types of dwellings. Lot sizes
are generally smaller than towns further out on the Cape, and taxes are
relatively low. (Narrative in part courtesy of the Massachusetts Department
of Housing and Community Development.)
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