Mashpee. It’s the summer home of Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft and the comedy writer-director duo the Farrelly brothers. There’s a good reason the Cape Cod community has such celebrity cachet, but Mashpee is much more than a tourist destination for the rich and the famous.
A Taste of Mashpee
Part of its allure can be found in New Seabury, where the ever-popular Popponesset Inn exudes the best of the Cape thanks to its spectacular waterfront views. It’s the perfect setting to celebrate those special occasions, which explains why so many weddings take place here. But the inn is also an ideal backdrop for a romantic night out with a loved one or a more relaxed evening out with friends. Either way, you’ll want to schedule a stop at The Lure Raw Bar next door, which caters to the late-night crowd thanks to a great line-up of live entertainment.
A short walk from the Popponesset Inn is the Raw Bar, a must-see on your Mashpee itinerary. The cozy eatery is a regular on regional and national lists due to its delicious (and enormous) lobster rolls.
With its numerous specialty shops and restaurants, there’s more to tickle your taste buds at Mashpee Commons. Here you can travel the world, all in just a few blocks. There’s French cuisine at Bleu, creative Italian dishes at Siena and traditional Irish pub food at Bobby Byrne’s. The relative newcomer on the block is Estia, which brings the best in Greek cooking to Cape Cod; the restaurant has become such a fan favorite that the owners will soon be opening a counterpart in Falmouth. Across the street at South Cape Village, a winning combination of creative entrees, organic ingredients and gluten-free options make the menu at Wicked Fire Kissed Pizza extra appealing.
For the cooks in the crowd, Mashpee Commons has two stores – Gustare Oils & Vinegars and Spice Merchants – that provide the right flavor for your homemade meals. And you won’t have to go far to satisfy your sweet tooth with Cupcake Charlie’s and Washashore Bakery, located next to each other in the Commons.
If you’re looking for a bookend to your day, Mashpee is your town, with Cape Cod Coffee a great way to start it with one of their custom-made roasts. And Polar Cave Ice Cream Parlour is the ideal way to end it, with an assortment of sundaes and milkshakes that will have you coming back over and over again.
Active Adventure
There’s more to Mashpee than just great food. With two of the Cape’s premier golf courses – New Seabury Country Club and Willowbend – it’s also a community where adventure is just a footstep away.
Nature lovers can find just that at South Cape Beach State Park, an ideal location to swim, fish, kayak or hike. In the winter, snowy owls are frequent visitors here. In the summer, a series of week-long science schools represent an interactive opportunity for children of all ages to learn about the coastal ecology of the Cape.
Those looking to get out on the water are in luck, courtesy of MOCEAN in Mashpee Commons, which not only rents stand-up paddleboards (SUP), but offers lessons and tours on them as well.
For indoor adventure, head to The Lanes Bowl & Bistro, Cape Cod’s newest bowling alley. With live entertainment and an outdoor bar and bocce court, the venue caters to those of all ages, particularly those seeking some late night fun.
And seriously upping the entertainment ante on April 1st is the grand opening of Riddle, Cape Cod’s first and only Escape Room, a live action-adventure game where players have 60 minutes to work together as a team to complete a mission by solving a series of puzzles, riddles and connecting clues. Look for it at 61 Market Street in Mashpee Commons.
Alive with History and Art
As home to the Wampanoag Tribe, Mashpee is rich in Native American history and culture. The Tribe has its own museum on Main Street, featuring tools, baskets, hunting & fishing equipment, weapons and utensils that allow visitors to learn about the Tribe’s special connection to the Cape. You can immerse yourself in the Tribe’s culture every summer when the Wampanoag holds its annual Pow Wow at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds in nearby East Falmouth. Or pick up some handmade Wampum jewelry from artist Marcus Hendricks’ Wampanoag Shells collection.
Families with young ones will want to visit the Cape Cod Children’s Museum, which provides hands-on opportunities to learn through play. Here your children can climb aboard a pirate ship, hone their musical skills in a newly launched music exhibit, immerse themselves in a submarine, or pretend to be royalty inside a faux castle.
Adults can get into the act at the Cape Cod Art Bar in Mashpee Commons. Bring some wine and friends and follow the instructor as you paint your own masterpiece to hang in your own home. For a slightly more serious workshop that doesn’t skimp on the fun, Woodruff’s Art Center is the choice. The art gallery and supply store has its own exhibits, art demonstrations, classes and receptions where you can meet local artists.
Want to bring home a piece of art as a Cape Cod keepsake? Kooharian Fine Art sells the stunning artwork of Mashpee-based artist David Kooharian whose work includes a number of recognizable Cape landscapes.
And for something truly unique, Cape Kaleidoscopes in Mashpee Commons has the largest selection of kaleidoscopes in the Northeast. The store’s artist-in-residence, Jon Greene, happens to be married to its owner, Suzanne Greene. Jon can often be found at Cape Kaleidoscopes explaining the craftsmanship and artistry behind each of its pieces.
Blogger's Note: This is part of a series of "Road Trip" blogs spotlighting each of Cape Cod's distinctive towns and villages!
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