Truro MA

Truro is the destination of choice for the artistic or introspective traveler, or for the family looking to connect with each other. Not to be confused with Truro, Nova Scotia, which is a large community of over 20,000 people; Truro, Massachusetts has a population of only 1400 year-round residents. It is one of Cape Cod’s largest towns however, in terms of land mass, spanning almost 43 square miles. This makes Truro the perfect place to escape from hectic daily life. Located on the forearm of the Cape, it is a very narrow area, offering simultaneous views of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay from the town’s higher elevations.

Originally called Pamet by the local Native Americans, the name was changed in 1705 to Dangerfield, not for Rodney, but because of the number of accidents at sea in the area. Eventually the name was changed again to Truro after a town in England that the area resembled. There is not much of a town to speak of in Truro – just one main plaza with the standard city offices (post office, library and town hall) and a few eclectic shops.

There are a number of fine inns and restaurants to accommodate visitors and many attractions for the entire family. The Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill is a 19th century barn that conducts arts and crafts workshops during the summer for the kids and adult classes in crafts, photography and writing. Children will enjoy Pamet Harbor where, at low tide, they can discover all kinds of sea creatures in the tide pools and salt marsh.

A trip to Highland Light, the Cape’s oldest lighthouse is sure to delight the whole family although children must be at least 51 inches tall to climb the tower. The lighthouse was once powered by 24 whale-oil lamps but now it is automated, and the two 1,000 watt light bulbs being reflected by the gigantic Fresnel lens is still an awesome sight.

Visit A Touch of Heaven if you like gardens and you may bring some of the garden home with you. Visitors are encouraged to pick the flowers growing at this beautiful attraction. There is no glitz or glamour in Truro…just abundant natural beauty and simple pleasures for all ages to enjoy.