One of our most in-the-know friends on the Cape sent us these fall delights, just off the rock.
Allons-y! A hike through Mashpee River Woodlands
Leave the hustle and bustle of Route 28 behind as you wander through this protected tidal river with its crystalline water, pristine shoreline, natural spawning areas, all of which make Mashpee River one of the Commonwealth’s finest sources of rare, sea-run brook trout. Since at least 1915, spirited conservation efforts have protected this tidal river, which begins at Mashpee/Wakeby Pond and empties into Pirate’s Cove on Popponesset Bay. Along the way, you’ll find stands of hardwood trees, low bush berries, beach grass and outcroppings of stone as you meander through its undulating paths. As the road noise recedes, a sense of peace pervades, broken only by the occasional slice of kayaks through gently flowing water wending its way towards Popponessett Bay.
Then, soup and sweets and take a look at all that du pain!
Afterwards, as you head towards Woods Hole and the ferry home, repair to Maison Villatte, an outstanding patisserie/boulangerie on Main Street in Falmouth. Owned and operated by French native Boris Villatte who came to America eight years ago, this sensation on Main Street is one of the “must go” places in town for pastry, sandwiches, pastries and confections. Inside, there are round café tables and at the back, the gleaming baking oven — four levels featuring 120 square feet of baking space that can handle 250 loaves of bread at once (the bakery features 12 –15 types of breads each day, which vary seasonally). The bread selection includes baguettes, farmers loaves and rustics which utilize buckwheat, spelt and rye flours as well as flavored breads such as bacon and cheese, cranberry, white chocolate and walnut raisin. Breads, rolls, sandwiches, croissants, cakes, pastry cakes roll out of the behemoth oven right before patrons’ eyes. Pastry cases, custom-built in Spain, hold an eye-popping selection of magnificent croissants, brioche and more indulgent treats alongside a selection of cheeses and charcuterie, ready-made sandwiches, quiches and soups. French- and American-style coffee can be enjoyed there (if you can find a seat) or taken away (there is room for twenty at the café seating, as well as tables out on the sidewalk for warmer days).
You might need to wait a bit, but what’s a few minutes when you’re inhaling fresh bread fumes?
Mashpee River Woodlands, Quinaquissett Avenue Mashpee, MA
(located less than one mile from Mashpee rotary).
thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/cape-cod-islands/mashpee-river.html
Maison Villatte, 267 Main Street Falmouth, MA 02540 774-255-1855
Open 7AM-7PM Tuesday – Sunday
