LOCAL HISTORY

Like all of Cape Cod, Dennis history is intimately linked to the sea. The Shiverick Shipyard in Dennis had the unique distinction of being the only Cape builder of the famous Clipper Ships. Starting in 1818, Asa Shiverick Sr., provided the finest vessels for the local fishing industry and helped to build America's reputation in the Golden Age of Sail.

The Old King's Highway (Route 6A) runs through the Village of Dennis. It is said to be one of the most favorite country drives in all of the United States. Once an Indian trail, it has seen the comings and goings of Pilgrims, Sea Captains and was a main trunk line of the Underground Railroad in the nineteenth century. Today, it is lined with galleries, fine restaurants, antique stores, historic buildings and accommodations. We highly recommend an afternoon exploring it from end to end.

The Village of Dennis was established in 1793 by Josiah Dennis, when the existing town of Yarmouth was divided. Josiah's house, built in 1736, is today a museum displaying artifacts of early Dennis life. The South Dennis Historic District has more than one hundred antique homes dating from as early as 1680. The Shady Hollow Inn is located in what is known as the Sea Captain's Village centred around Main Street. Magnificient examples of Colonial, Early Classical Revival, Greek Revival, New England Gothic, Second Empire and Victorian architecture can be found at every turn. The South Dennis Village has been described as one of the best examples of a nineteenth century New England village and most well preserved. All this can be yours when you stay with us.

Just a short walk from the Shady Hollow Inn is the Bass River, a body of water whose source is closer to the north shore and which flows south in a meandering fashion and empties into the Atlantic. It is here, some local historians claim, that the Norse Vikings explored during their voyages to the new world, one thousand years ago. Some even claim that the Cape could very well be the fabled Vinland of the Norse Sagas. Well, it may not have turned out to be their Valhalla (heaven), but it certainly is ours.......and it can very easily be yours as well

Old Main Street, South Dennis
(Shady Hollow Inn on the right)