By LANNAN M. O’BRIEN
We all have our favorite local spots that serve as our go-to destinations on a Friday or Saturday. But when you’ve lived on the Cape long enough, it’s easy to get stuck in a routine when it comes to date night. While you may not find a late-night dance club or casino nearby (surprise!), there are plenty of outside-the-box activities to consider for a night out on the Upper Cape. Here are a few of our top picks in each town.
Sandwich
Play a round at Sandwich Mini Golf
From Treasure Island to the River Raft, all the way to the Westwind Bridge, this charming course nestled on a stream will take you on an adventure like no other. Its story began way back in 1950, when then 15-year-old Maurice (Mo) Burke began pursuing his dream of transforming his family’s cranberry bog into a mini golf course. The holes are designed based on places he and his family traveled over the years, along with other personal passions and nods to Sandwich.
Connected by rafts and bridges crossing the stream, the greens are adorned with thematic structures like an abbey, a lighthouse and a ship’s wheel. It may look quaint, but, in reality, this course is deceptively challenging, so you’ll need to bring your A game!
159 Route 6A, Sandwich 508-833-1905 www.sandwichminigolf.net
…then go “Off the Grid” for great food and entertainment
Off the Grid started as a food truck and then a restaurant in St. Thomas, and ultimately reopened in Sandwich as a barbecue “food bus.” At its current location at Hilltop Gallery, the business has created an outdoor destination celebrating delicious food, entertainment and the arts. Visitors are welcome to browse the local art on display at the gallery, grab a picnic table on the lawn and order from one of several food vendors on-site: Off the Grid for BBQ and burgers, Lil’ Phatty’s for street-style tacos, and Smokin’ Bowls Ramen for traditional tonkotsu ramen. Drinks are available at the outdoor bar, and you’ll hear live music almost any night you visit.
91 Route 6A, Sandwich 508-241-8684 www.offthegridcapecod.com
Bourne
Board the Cape Cod Dinner Train
For a true romantic dining experience, book your tickets for the Cape Cod Dinner Train. Perfect for a special occasion, the three-hour experience is no casual night out. As you view the scenery of the marshes, bogs and the Cape Cod Canal, enjoy a five-course gourmet meal served on white table linens (you’ll want to dress the part, too: no jeans or T-shirts are allowed). Menus change every month or two, but always include the choice of a seafood, chicken, beef or vegetarian entrée.
On the Upper Cape, the Friday train departs from Buzzards Bay, with select dates also departing from Falmouth. The best part: you’ll most likely have the unique experience of crossing the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge (on rare occasions, marine traffic may prevent the train from crossing). Ticket prices are $89.99 for first class or $129.99 for premium class.
Visit www.capetrain.com/rides/cape-cod-dinner-train to view the full schedule and purchase tickets.
Mashpee
Shop local at Popponesset Marketplace
Start your evening early by ambling along the crushed-shell paths of Popponesset Marketplace, a hidden gem filled with old Cape charm. Opened in 1983 with a handful of shops and galleries, the marketplace is now home to over 20 small businesses, including restaurants and cafés, shops, a toy store and a candy shop. Outside of dining and shopping, there’s plenty to keep you entertained: try the 18-hole mini golf course and enjoy live music Thursday through Sunday.
Popponesset Marketplace 259 Shore Drive, Mashpee Check the website for business hours and entertainment schedule: www.popponessetmarketplace.com
…then head over to The Raw Bar for dinner and drinks
Oysters, little necks, cherrystones—you can have your pick of shellfish at The Raw Bar, conveniently located right in the Popponesset Marketplace. If you’re a lobster lover, you’ll want to try its award-winning, “colossal” lobster salad roll. Famished? Sounds like you need to order the Poppy Clam Boil, a Cape-style feast of steamers, kielbasa and two ears of corn. Wash it all down with one of The Raw Bar’s specialty cocktails, like their signature rum punch. Hint: you can buy the mix to-go to make it at home!
The Raw Bar 259 Shore Dr., Mashpee 774-228-2327 www.poppyrawbar.com
Falmouth
Grab dinner to go and enjoy a Movie Under the Stars
It’s the classic dinner-and-a-movie date, with a summertime spin: double features playing on a big screen on the Falmouth Public Library lawn. A beloved nightly event from July through August, Falmouth’s Movies Under the Stars are presented free of charge to the public—thanks to donations from community businesses and organizations—on a high-resolution, 17-foot-wide LED screen. Typically, features include a kid-friendly showing at 6 PM, followed by a movie for adults at 8 PM.
The ultimate experience involves a little preparation: bring your lawn chair and a blanket, and grab dinner to go from one of the many restaurants nearby. Hint: chicken wings from DJ’s wings, tacos from Añejo or pizza from Simply Divine all make great to-go dinners.
Follow @FalmouthVillageMA on Facebook for details on upcoming showings.