I love the Cape in the off-season. No crowds, no traffic, no hassle. Read on to find out why you should head to the Upper Cape during the off season and why you should stop by Mashpee Commons!
Where to Go
The Upper Cape is the area near Mashpee and Falmouth, which is only a little over an hour south of Boston this time of year. If you have ever visited the Cape in the summer months, you know that the travel time can be much longer! So, if you are looking for a quick escape from the daily routine of Winter in New England, head south!
Visiting Mashpee Commons
Mashpee Commons is a fun, vibrant neighborhood filled with shopping, dining and plenty of other activities! A trip down to the Cape this season has to include a visit to Mashpee Commons. You could spend a whole weekend here exploring, eating and shopping, all while getting some fresh air walking through the neighborhood. Mashpee Commons is a local destination that has it all.
When you first arrive, grab a latte at Cape Cod Coffee—a local coffee brand with a location in the Commons.
Once you have your coffee in hand, stroll down the street for some shopping. Home to both national retailers like Williams Sonoma and Talbots, Mashpee Commons is also home to many local brands like Puritan Cape Cod, MOCEAN Cape Cod and Setting the Space Interiors. And fun fact, the Vineyard Vines is actually the original Vineyard Vines brick and mortar location. They even have some items that you can’t find at other stores!
And when you need a break from your shopping spree, grab lunch at one of the many restaurants in Mashpee Commons. Trevi Café and Wine Bar is the perfect spot to grab a bite and a glass of wine to relax after a morning of shopping. Create your own charcuterie board with the help of the knowledgeable staff and pair that with a refreshing glass of Sancerre. And if you still have an appetite, the burger is made with grass fed Brandt beef.
After lunch head to the Market Street Book Shop to check out some the local authors’ work. And then perhaps head to the Organic Market up the street for an afternoon pick me up, like this Matcha Latte.
And finally, when it’s time for dinner, anyone visiting Mashpee Commons has to visit Bleu. A traditional French Brasserie, Bleu will transport you across the Atlantic. From the atmosphere, to the service to the food, you will enjoy the French hospitality.
Dishes like the fois gras, roast duck and scallop bouillabaisse are musts and for dessert you have to go for the dessert sampler, which is a beautiful tower full of decadent sweets. The Chef & owner, Frederic Feufeu, has been on the Cape for almost 20 years. He has brought France to the Cape and you just have to make a reservation to see that for yourself!
And in the morning, pop by Washashore Bakery for a few treats for the road!
Where to Stay
When visiting Mashpee Commons the nearby Coonamessett by Lark Hotels is not even 20 minutes away in neighboring Falmouth. One of the newer members of the Lark Hotels family, the Coonamessett has that Cape Cod charm. The rooms are spread throughout the property in almost cottage-like formats. Each is spacious and has lovely country views. The main center of the inn plays hosts to many events and celebrations throughout the year and there are so many nooks and crannies to savor your time there as a guest as well. And of course, one of the perks of choosing a Lark Hotel is the small plates breakfast, complimentary with each stay. And that is no different at the Coonamessett, hot items like the veggie quiche and fresh muffins make for a great way to start a weekend away!
For more articles on shoulder and off season travel read about visiting Nantucket in the Fall and Newport during the holidays.