Mashpee Town Profile

Mashpee attracts shoppers and hikers both

With the lowest population density of any town in the Upper or Mid-Cape, Mashpee is the place for nature lovers. For those who like being active in the outdoors, Mashpee has golf courses, boat landings and several conservation areas, including the 135-acre Lowell Holly Reservation, owned by the Trustees of Reservations. Other places to explore on foot include the Mashpee River Woodlands, Jehu Pond Conservation Area and the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge. The mile-long, state-owned South Cape Beach is one of Cape Cod’s lesser-known gems.

The commercial heart of the town is Mashpee Commons, a mixed-use neighborhood of stores, offices, residences and civic buildings. The latest design was completed by Duany/Plater-Zybek, the New Urbanism firm responsible for planning Seaside, Fla., and other lauded planned communities. In addition to a six-screen movie theater, Mashpee Commons hosts Talbots, Banana Republic, Meredith’s Bridal Boutique, Purple Poppy and other shops.

Across Route 151 is the South Cape Village shopping center, which includes Roche Brothers Supermarket, Seabury Spirits and several galleries. Shoppers also enjoy the Popponesset Marketplace, where you’ll find Botanical Boutique, the Rebecca O’Donnell Art Gallery, Emma’s Sugar Shack and Barbados Bob’s Raw Bar. Other popular restaurants in Mashpee include Sienna, the Mad Platter and Bobby Byrne’s.

The history of the town of Mashpee is closely linked with the Mashpee Wampanoag, a Native American tribe that helped the Pilgrims learn how to survive in the New World. The tribe has hosted a public powwow in early July since 1924. The event includes traditional crafts, dances in full regalia and fireball games. One of the historic highlights of Mashpee is the Old Indian Meeting House. Built in 1684, it is the oldest Native American church in the United States.

With an indoor planetarium, a 30-foot pirate ship and a puppet theater, the Cape Cod Children’s Museum in Mashpee provides a mix of fun and education.

While Mashpee is a bustling year-round town, it also draws its share of summer residents, including the owner of the New England Patriots. In addition to the powwow, annual events in Mashpee include an Oktoberfest celebration and the Seaside LeMans race, in which teams from local companies drive Formula One European-style racing carts.