For as long as I can remember, Cape Cod has been one of those places that feels like home. Every summer, my family returns to the Cape to enjoy quiet beaches, fresh seafood, and the charm of small coastal towns. But during one visit, I realized there was another side of Cape Cod that many visitors never see.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Amanda Converse, Executive Director of Love Live Local, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Cape Cod’s local economy by encouraging both residents and visitors to support independent businesses.
Our conversation completely changed the way I think about spending money while traveling.
Meet Amanda Converse
Amanda’s passion for Cape Cod is contagious.
Before co-founding Love Live Local, she owned Shift Eco Boutique in downtown Hyannis, giving her firsthand experience with the challenges and rewards of running a small business. Today, she continues serving the Cape Cod community through numerous leadership roles, including serving as President of the Board of Trustees for the Hyannis Public Library, a founding board member of Amplify POC Cape Cod, and a member of the Town of Barnstable’s Local Comprehensive Planning Committee.
Within minutes of speaking with Amanda, it became clear that her work extends far beyond supporting local businesses—it’s about preserving the unique character and identity of Cape Cod itself.
The Hidden Power of Shopping Local
One statistic Amanda shared has stayed with me ever since.
When you choose to shop locally, approximately 68% of your money stays within the local community.
That means your purchases don’t just support one business. They help create jobs, strengthen local economies, preserve unique storefronts, and invest back into the communities you’re visiting.
As travelers, we often spend hours researching where to eat, where to stay, and what attractions to visit. But we rarely stop to think about where our money goes once we leave.
Supporting local businesses is one of the simplest—and most meaningful—ways we can leave a positive impact.
One of the most meaningful souvenirs you can bring home from a trip is knowing your visit helped someone else’s community thrive.
See Love Live Local in Action
Sometimes the best way to understand a community is to hear directly from the people working to strengthen it. Watch Amanda share the mission behind Love Live Local and how the organization is helping preserve Cape Cod’s unique character by empowering people to shop local.
A Store That Tells Cape Cod’s Story
Walking into Love Live Local’s storefront in downtown Hyannis immediately felt different from visiting a typical souvenir shop.
Instead of mass-produced gifts, the shelves were filled with products created by more than 100 Cape Cod artists, makers, and small businesses. From locally crafted jewelry and handmade soaps to apparel and artwork inspired by the Cape, every item represented someone’s passion and livelihood.
I honestly wanted to buy everything.
What I appreciated most wasn’t just the products—it was knowing that every purchase directly supported members of the community who call Cape Cod home.
Even if you’re unable to visit in person, Love Live Local also offers an online shop that allows people from around the world to continue supporting Cape Cod’s independent businesses.
LOVE LOCAL BY THE NUMBERS
- 🏡 $277,500 in small business grants awarded to strengthen Cape Cod’s local economy.
- 🎉 30,000+ people attend Love Local Fests each year, celebrating Cape Cod’s independent businesses.
- 🤝 45 community festivals have been produced to connect residents, visitors, and local entrepreneurs.
More Than a Festival
One of Love Live Local’s signature initiatives is the annual Love Local Fest, held each summer on Cape Cod.
The festival brings together dozens of local vendors, musicians, artists, food trucks, and nonprofit organizations for a celebration of everything that makes the Cape unique. It’s more than just a market—it’s an opportunity for visitors to meet the people behind local businesses and experience the community beyond the beaches.
Events like this remind us that travel isn’t only about visiting destinations. It’s about connecting with the people who make those places special.
🌸 Bloom Reflection
My conversation with Amanda reminded me that travel is ultimately about people.
Behind every small business is a story, a family, and a dream worth supporting. Organizations like Love Live Local make it easier for both visitors and residents to discover those stories while preserving the character that makes Cape Cod such a special place.
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Cape Cod or you’ve been visiting for years, I encourage you to seek out locally owned businesses, attend community events like the Love Local Fest, and explore the people who give the Cape its unmistakable charm.
Sometimes the most memorable part of a destination isn’t what you see—it’s who you choose to support.
Visit Love Live Local
Ready to experience Cape Cod like a local? Learn more about Love Live Local and discover how you can support the community here:
Media Credits: The video and images featured in this post were either created by Cassidy Wilson or sourced from the official Love Live Local socials.