The Thrift Stores of Hyannis, Massachusetts

Hyannis' downtown core is a bustling area that is full of life in the summer. Of course, this is where the Kennedy family used to hang out while on the Cape, and some of them still do, so it makes sense that the village would have a high-end restaurant scene and plenty of boutique shops.

But, there's another side to shopping in Hyannis that makes it possible to find exceptional, often one-of-a-kind items at discounted prices.

These discounts are available because Hyannis has an abundance of thrift stores to check out, many of which are right on Main Street in the busiest part of town.

Here's some information on Hyannis' thrift stores, which allow you to find a diamond in the rough once you live on Cape Cod.

Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop

When starting from the western end of Main Street in downtown Hyannis, one of the first stores you'll see is the Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop. Proceeds from this store go to the Cape Cod Auxiliary Hospital, so it's a good cause, and shoppers report finding some high-end items whenever they shop there. The shop is volunteer-run, as well.

The Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop gets mostly clothing, but you'll also find books and housewares from time to time, depending on recent donations. The store is at 690 Main Street and has a large parking lot around the side of the building.

Plush & Plunder

As you continue walking on Main Street, you'll eventually come across Plush & Plunder, which is a little bit different from a traditional thrift store. You see, Plush & Plunder is more of a vintage clothing store, so it can have some higher prices, but everything they carry is in excellent condition, and many items are rare. The store is packed with high-end clothing, so if you're looking for something from a particular era, there's a good chance you'll find it here.

Plush & Plunder is located at 605 Main Street, and since it doesn't have a designated parking lot, you're best off parking elsewhere and walking. Also, keep in mind that the store closes at random times in the winter, so call ahead if you're visiting.

606 Thrift Avenue

Almost directly across the street from Plush & Plunder is 606 Thrift Avenue, another vintage clothing shop that has a lot of inventory from the 80s and 90s, but also gets items from as far back as the 1940s. If you're looking for period clothing, it's worth a visit to 606 Thrift Avenue. You'll also find the prices reasonable for a vintage clothing shop.

There is a parking lot behind 606 Thrift Avenue that you can access from North Street. Make sure you don't park in any spots that are reserved for individual businesses, however, and keep in mind that despite the lot's size, it fills up in the summer.

Friendly Thrift Shop

As you continue walking east on Main Street, you'll pass the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum and Village Green before coming to the Friendly Thrift Shop, which sits in the basement of The Federated Church of Hyannis. The thrift shop is a little challenging to find, as it sits along the side of the building, and is only open for a few hours on certain days of the week, but is worth visiting because you could discover a hidden gem that has been donated.

You'll find a small parking lot behind the church that you can use while shopping in the thrift store. There are other parking areas throughout downtown Hyannis that you can use, as well, should you want to visit more locations.

The Goodwill Store

While many of Hyannis' thrift stores are on Main Street, The Goodwill Store is in another busy part of town near the Cape Cod Mall. The thing about The Goodwill Store, rather than the other thrift shops on Cape Cod, is that it's a chain and, therefore, it lacks a bit of the local charm, but you also know exactly what to expect.

There's a little bit of everything at The Goodwill Store, as they carry clothing, toys, housewares, jewelry, and books. The large parking lot and extended hours make it easier to visit than other area thrift stores, as well.

Shopping in Hyannis

Whenever you head out for a day of shopping in Hyannis, you'll encounter numerous boutiques and a variety of high-end stores carrying unique items. You'll also have the chance to check out these thrift stores, which could save you money or enable you to find rare items that modern retailers don't carry.

Hyannis is a beautiful place to spend the entire day because you'll have access to great restaurants, charming parks, outstanding shops, and the smell of the ocean. Make these thrift stores part of your next day in the village; you won't regret your choice.