Cape Cod Neighborhood Guide Winter 2021
BOURNE to BARNSTABLE
FROM LOCALS ON
WHERE TO EAT, SHOP, PLAY, AND LIVE
A Piece of Cape Now, more than ever, we appreciate the role our homes, neighborhoods, and communities play in our lives! I’m sure most would agree that we miss the human connections we took for granted prior to “the mask”. We miss the exchange of smiles we had between our friends and neighbors. For now, let’s get to know the lives of some of our “County Mates” in this guide. I hope your home is a haven that provides safety, brings your family together, and nurtures love. I hope that our Cape Cod neighborhoods nourish friendships and that our communities create lifelong bonds that lend a helping hand and reinforce resilience. This Bi-Monthly Winter edition of A Piece of Cape neighborhood guide gives a tiny glimpse into why our neighbors, neighborhoods, and communities are what makes Cape Cod the beautiful place we love. Meet our local Cape Codders as they share their favorite places to Shop, Eat, Drink, Play, and most importantly: Love!
COTUIT BARNSTABLE BOURNE BUZZARDS BAY EAST FALMOUTH GRAY GABLES MASHPEE MONUMENT BEACH NEW SEABURY NORTH FALMOUTH OSTERVILLE POCASSET SAGAMORE SAGAMORE BEACH WEST FALMOUTH
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
MEZZA LUNA
From the moment you enter, you’re treated like an old friend. It’s not very often you can walk into a place and feel as if they were waiting for you all day. I had the pleasure of talking to E.J. Cubellis from Mezza Luna and instantly understood why it’s one of Bourne’s favorite spots. Mezza Luna has been there all my life, in fact, it has been there all of my mom’s life! Before it was Mezza Luna, Grandma and Grandpa Cubellis bought the building and opened it as a fruit stand and a rooming house. The roomies paid $7 a week and grandma Cubellis cleaned and cooked the “roomies dinner”. Her food was so good that they said she should open a restaurant, so with very little thought, that is what they did. Grandma and Grandpa Cubellis had such a desire to own Real Estate that they bought every building they could in Buzzards Bay. There and then was when the legacy started. When I spoke to E.J. I could feel that he had such a sense of pride to have a family instilled with a strong determination, work ethic, loyalty, and love for people. They say a family that eats together thrives together, and in the Cubellis Family, this is so true. Not very many restaurants can say they have had 5 generations supporting it. Pre-COVID It was hard to drive down Main Street as cars filled 3 separate parking lots and lined down the street. The Restaurant was hopping! Josephine Bevilacqua says “I love Mezza. I go there Wednesday nights after a long day at work to relax and always enjoy a great meal. It’s Like going back to the old days where everyone knows you. Our family has had many functions at the Mezza, it’s a place where it brings you back to the old Italian cuisine and customer service.” Unfortunately now, due to Covid, the restaurant industry has taken a beating and Mezza Luna has not been an exception. Mr. Cubellis said when reopening his restaurant after being closed for 4 months, his business has gone down 60%. However, his worry is not for himself, his worry is for his longtime, 30+ year staff and his patrons. They have been through so much together. Happy occasions like weddings, retirement parties, anniversaries, and unhappy occasions like funerals and even a fire. When the restaurant was being rebuilt, Dad Cubellis told his children to make a nice restaurant for the town. It was restored beyond even its prior beauty. A spirit of genuine hospitality and authentic Italian cuisine has made this one of Cape Cod’s favorites. Because of Covid, Families like the Cubellis do not see each other like they used to. One thing is for sure, when Covid is over, the whole town will be there to celebrate!
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$100 gift certificate to Mezza Luna
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FELICIA SAWYER
As a 3rd generation Cape Codder, I took for granted how fortunate I was to grow up in such a beautiful place. I loved growing up in Falmouth. It has such a small-town vibe like everyone knows everyone or has mutual friends. There are so many perks to growing up on the Cape, from the theatre and arts to simple things like the beautiful beaches. I moved to Bourne permanently 7 years ago, and love all of its little villages. I wake up to the most beautiful sunrises overlooking the ocean, and enjoy the most spectacular sceneries every day. I am a mom and wife, and if you’re thinking about starting a family, or are already in the swing of raising children, Cape Cod provides great schools and a warm community. As a Real Estate Agent, I feel so fortunate to help people get to the next part of their journey. It’s like introducing people to their new beginnings. I adore humans and am fascinated with what makes people tick. I feel compassion and communication are such gifts we give each other. I created this guide to focus on the humans behind the mask. It seems we have been hidden from our friends for too long, so let’s see them here in our Cape Cod Neighborhood Guide. Can’t wait to introduce more of the community in the “April’s Spring Guide”!
I have so many favorite places on the Cape.
I love the hometown feel of MAHONEY’S ON MAIN
The best Thai food is KRUA THAI in Buzzards Bay
The afternoon stop is BLENDED BERRY and the best walking is at the Canal.
BOURNE AT HOME
JOSEPHINE BEVILACQUA
My father, Victor, and mother, Tina, moved my family of 8 children to a huge home on Buttermilk Bay (Buzzards bay). I was just three years old. This is where I learned to fish and quahog. I bought an old run-down house on Main Street, Buzzards Bay when my sister Gina and I were in our twenties. We renovated it and turned it into a successful hair salon called Hair Today Plus. I’ve been there for 40 years.
I love dining out at the local restaurants, like Mezza Luna, our all-time favorite. And we love our new addition to Buzzards Bay, Mahoney’s on Main. I recently purchased a home built in 1875 on Taylor’s Point Marina. The views of the marina and the Cape Cod Canal from my home are amazing, with large ships passing by and beautiful boats coming and docking on the marina. I’m a Buz-Bay girl at heart and always will be.
MEZZA LUNA I love Mezza Luna’s old-style Italian atmosphere. Plus the tribe is my favorite dish!
MAHONEY’S is amazing and so new style, my favorite dish is the rib eye steak and fries.
TAYLOR’S POINT MARINA Sunsets are my favorite and the most beautiful here. That is the reason I purchased my home. And my favorite thing a client told me was: it made her feel beautiful.
JOHN STOWE
My name is John Stowe and I am a lifelong resident of Bourne. I grew up here, went into the military, and came right back home after my first tour of duty. There is just something about New England, particularly the Cape, that just pulls you back in. I am married to my best friend and we have two wonderful kids. We have owned a home in Bourne for 25 years where I have worked in public safety for all of those years, and then some. Bourne has always been a great place to live and features many great things to do.
The Cape Cod Canal first and foremost is one of my favorite spots. It just opens itself to so many different activities for anyone who likes to be outdoors or even just exploring the history associated with the area. The local beaches are another hidden treasure in Bourne. Each one is unique in its location and atmosphere. Main Street in Buzzards Bay is finally on the rise again. New businesses are coming to life with many more to come. You can stop in and dine at one of our fabulous local restaurants or have a pint with the great folks over at Buzzards Bay Brewing.
All I can say is: welcome to Bourne.
ELIZABETH DECICCO
I am Elizabeth DeCicco, Oil Painting Artist and Sculptor. I am the third child of a military family. Born in Europe, then stationed in Colorado and Oregon. Then, in the ‘60’s, at Otis Air Force Base. Eventually settling and growing up in the village of Buzzards Bay in Bourne with my mother, father, and two brothers. I’ve always felt Bourne was and is a great place to live and grow up. Many traveling to the cape, over the bridges, don’t realize what a gem we have here, with many villages all with their unique qualities and beauty. Our canal is the center of our town with hiking, fishing, boating, beaching, and grabbing a bite to eat, the town holds many attractions. Buzzards Bay is my home.
Although I’ve lived in other places in the latter years… New Orleans, LA, and Surry, ME. My heart has always been on Cape Cod where I married, and raised one of the loves of my life, my son Carmine, who is now a grown man on his own.
My passion is oil paintings along with sculpture. I have never been a one subject painter. Commissions of portraits, landscapes, seascapes, wildlife, pets, and fantasy are created in my newly renovated studio in Buzzards Bay behind the house in which I grew up.
When I am not working, I enjoy all that the Cape can offer. And, there’s a boatload to do while living or visiting here. Beaches, good restaurants, boating, fishing, surfing, and hiking are just a few of our offerings here in Bourne and Cape Cod. The Cape also brings the art out in many, with the gorgeous scenery we are lucky to enjoy.
Some of the varieties of businesses that keep our town humming is –
HAIR TODAY PLUS: If you want to enhance the beauty you were born with, the specialists at Hair Today Plus are the real deal! (ask for Jo Bevilacqua)
BATTLES BUICK GMC: Jeff Battles and his team made my car purchase smooth and enjoyable.
GALLO CONSTRUCTION: If you want it done right the first time.
MEZZA LUNA: Fabulous atmosphere, wonderful service, and yummy dishes.
FABULOUS FALMOUTH
MARIA BATILO
I am a physician who moved to Falmouth 22 plus years ago to establish my practice here. I have two children and a granddaughter who I raised here. I love it here so I stayed. Cape Cod affords you a quiet life with so many beautiful places to go and things to do. My friends and I love eating out. Our favorite restaurants are The Glass Onion, Osteria La Civetta, C Salt, Estia, and more.
I love exercising and aside from going to the gyms in town, classes such as yoga, indoor and beach Zumba and aqua Zumba, and personal training are available. If you love nightlife there is some in Hyannis, which is about 20 minutes away, and of course, Boston which is about an hour away. We have 2 hospitals on the Cape: Falmouth Hospital and Cape Cod Hospital. We also have several retirement communities and assisted living facilities. There are also several churches in town serving Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and Unitarian faiths.
THE KNOB “The best way to end the day.”
FALMOUTH HEIGHTS “Is alive and exciting in the summer.”
FALMOUTH BIKE PATH “You could walk many miles and enjoy breathtaking views.”
MAIN STREET FALMOUTH SHOPPING “Culturally diverse, something for every mood.”
MASHPEE COMMONS “You can eat at the best restaurants and go clothes shopping at sophisticated stores.”
WOODS HOLE FERRY TO THE VINEYARD “ In a ½ hour you can feel like you’re in another world”
JOHANNA ZERRA
I was born and raised in Falmouth- a TRUE Townie! In my opinion, the perfect Cape Cod day is relaxing in the sun at Trunk River Beach and then biking down The Shining Sea Bike Path into Woods Hole for a meal (and drink!) at one of the many amazing restaurants that area has to offer! I also love taking my husband and our two children to explore many of the nature trails that the Cape has to offer. Mashpee has some neat spots! I’ve spent the last 10+ years in banking and currently am a Residential Mortgage Loan Officer with The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. It’s a great feeling knowing I have played a role in helping a fellow Cape Cod homeowner with financing their own “Cape Escape”!
ROBERT FOOS
We moved to Falmouth in 2014 to be closer to family and love it! Our favorite time of year is the Fall – the weather is still beautiful, you can still go to the beach, and all the restaurants and shops are still open! Being Cape Codders, we love spending time on the water and at the beach. Our go-to is Woodneck in Saconnessett – it offers the calm lagoon for little ones on one side of the beach and Buzzards Bay on the other… plus it has a “lazy river” depending on which way the tide is flowing!
LISA JO RUDY
My husband and I brought our kids, then 7 and 10, to Falmouth in 2007. We were leaving the Philadelphia suburbs. We had been visiting for two weeks every summer for years and finally found ourselves wondering why we had to go home. What was wrong with living full time on Cape Cod? We did a great deal of research — reading the paper, talking with realtors, even dropping into town meetings. It seemed that the schools were just as good, there were far more cultural options, the scenery and recreation were vastly superior, and the cost was just about the same. We would also be only a little more than an hour from Boston and Providence. We wanted a town rather than a suburb — a real community — and we have never looked back. As a full-time freelance writer, I can work from anywhere — but here I can take a dip in the bay at lunch hour! As a photographer, I have learned I will never come to the end of Falmouth’s incredible natural wonders. From The Knob and Quissett harbor to the beauty of Waquoit Bay, the Mock Moraine, and Beebe Woods. There’s something amazing around every corner. Btw, Peter is now a town meeting member and on the board of the Falmouth Theatre Guild. I sing with the Falmouth Chorale, Solstice Singers, and Woods Hole Cantata Consort, write and direct plays in Woods Hole and the Highfield Theater, and am an avid iPhone photographer. I’ve been juried into the Cape Cod Art Center, I teach at the Falmouth Art Center, and my work is appearing at the Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cape Cod Museum of Art, and Falmouth Art Guild.
My favorite spots in Falmouth include:
THE KNOB a unique and gorgeous spot for sunsets overlooking the bay, and
BOURNE FARM a combination of bogs, walking trails, bike paths, flowering meadows, and antique stone farm buildings.
BLACK BEACH, NOBSKA BEACH, and NOBSKA LIGHTHOUSE
MINDY REASONOVER
Ronnie and I moved to Falmouth year-round in 2001 and haven’t looked back! The beauty and inspiration of living and working in such an inspiring environment shines through in our artwork! We have been part of several galleries, Cape and Islands wide, for 20 years now and we’ve always been grateful for the kind words and support of our community. If you find yourself in the beautiful little village of West Falmouth, stop in and browse. We’re here to make folks smile and we enjoy creating one of a kind pieces of art to be treasured. The Village Gallery at 628 W. Falmouth Highway, W. Falmouth is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10-5 in season and by appointment offseason. (508-277-5846)
There are so many places in Falmouth it’s hard to sum it up. Catching the sunset at Chappy Beach is really just wonderful, driving into Woods Hole, sitting on the deck outside the Landfall, looking through the hole, just awesome. Starting your day with coffee at The Tides, watching the boats wake up, perfect. Experiencing the many beaches and the beauty of nature here is just incredible. And the Shining Sea Bike Path? Wowzer!!! 10 miles of beautiful nature!
FLYING BRIDGE & CASINO BY THE SEA Whether you are up for a great meal waterside or super fresh tacos, we’ve got it all!
TAQUERIA in Woods Hole.
NICOLE GABAI
I came to Falmouth for what was going to be a brief visit in the summer of 2005. And as they say here, “I got the sand in my shoes” and I decided to move here by the fall of that year. I came from Manhattan where I lived for nearly 20 years. Many people said I must have had culture shock! I loved it from the first moment I came here. The sense of community and friendships I have developed here over the years is amazing. I was immediately impressed with how friendly and open-minded people were as well as how interesting & cultural. I grew up in Lima, Peru, moved to Paris and Miami. Here, I met folks from many different countries and backgrounds.
I am an artist, writer, and professional organizer of homes and offices. When I came here I didn’t know anyone, and now I call it home and where my best and closest friends live. Today, I live in 3 different places with my husband and fur-baby, Luna. But no matter where I am in the world, Falmouth is always in my heart and where I feel at home.
There are so many wonderful places in Falmouth, it’s hard to narrow it down. The sunsets in Falmouth are incredible, some of the best I have ever seen in my life. My favorite viewing spot is on Chappy Beach, I bet I could fill a whole room with photos on every wall, top to bottom, with all the sunset photos I have taken here over the years! I love “Fitness Directions” for the best workouts and one on one fitness training and classical pilates training. We love getting on our bikes and jumping on one of the three ferries to MV in the summer-time. We spent all day biking around and having lunch and then headed back to Falmouth. A great place to shop is the new “ Old Main Mercantile” in N Falmouth. It’s beautifully merchandised and so creative with original offerings.
My favorite restaurants are “Glass Onion”, which is where my husband David and I went on our first date. We also love “Chappy Grill” for their excellent meals and always the freshest ingredients. We love Estia for all their Greek specialties and the best live Greek music on the weekends. I love ‘C Salt‘ for their creative and delicious menu. I also love going down to Woods Hole to “Quicks Hole Tavern‘‘ for their great meals and beautiful views. Falmouth really is the most enchanting place I have ever been to in the world, and after 15 years, it’s really about the people here who are truly special, and the beauty of the natural surroundings, that has never lost its charm on me. I am so blessed to call Falmouth home and feel so fortunate to be a part of this great community.
I continued my business from NYC here in Falmouth called B. Organized. For nearly 2 decades I worked hands-on in clients’ homes and offices creating order out of chaos. Now I work with clients virtually which has given me more time to write my book on organizing. It features my original artwork as well as tips on getting organized and planning a move. It’s called “B. Organized – The art of the 6 basic principles.” you can check out my website at www.b-organized.net. And be sure to leave your email if you would like to be informed as soon as my book is published.
DELICIOUS SANDWICH
JAMES KALAWIT
As a 13th generation Cape Codder, bay water runs through my veins. Born into a poor family, I learned to appreciate the gifts the Cape has to offer, that others take for granted. No movies or fancy restaurants, it was Sandy Neck and fishing at Dowses beach bridge that filled my nights. In my early 20’s I started selling Real Estate.
Knowing the nooks and crannies of the Cape helped me prosper and in turn, allowed me to fulfill dreams I never thought possible. As a Father, Husband, philanthropist, and an avid car collector, I am so very fortunate to call this oversized Sandbar my home.
As a Real Estate Agent at Lear Realty. I stopped caring about commissions a long time ago. Helping first-time homebuyers start their homeownership journey or helping a second homeowner realize a lifetime dream come true is in itself rewarding . The money comes a very distant second to the emotions of helping people conquer obstacles. I think Cape Cod is one of the most perfect places to live on this planet.
KKATIE’S BURGER BAR “It is just a quaint little main street burger joint. Its vibe is missing at other places. Prices are reasonable, portions are good, and I never leave feeling I didn’t get my money’s worth.”
IAN MCCARTHY
Living where we do is such a privilege as many very affluent folks seek out Cape Cod as a worldwide premier destination. Sometimes I have to pinch myself that I get to live here. The natural beauty of the Cape cannot be overstated and combined with the preserved history of America’s founding, it’s really just amazing. I’m from Maryland and as such, one of my favorite hobbies is to go crabbing on Cape Cod. Many people don’t know the blue crabs are here, but they are! It’s not just lobster! My wife and I live in Sandwich, and we have two older sons who are now young adults and Cape Cod has laid a great foundation for their future, wherever they decide to live. And it is a very safe place for our six year old daughter to grow up as well. We don’t have the traffic jams like big cities and the way Cape Cod is made up of smaller towns provides us with so much variety and that ‘town square’ feel. My favorite places to go on the Cape are: the Gourmet Brunch in Hyannis, Saga Fusion in Marstons Mills, the Fairway Restaurant in Eastham, and for something quick, the Corner Store in Orleans.
MASHPEE VIBE
CHRISTIE LINCOLN
Hi, my name is Christie Lincoln and I am a Mashpee girl, wife, and mom of 3.
Even though I moved away for 20 years, I often reflected on a childhood of running through trials, picking box-berries with my cousins. Having moved back to Mashpee in 2019, I am now able to pass similar experiences to my children. I also am honored to have the privilege of teaching Mashpee students, among others, the science and art of dental assisting at a local high school. When I’m not teaching, I like to design statement t-shirts for non-profit organizations.
My favorite business in Mashpee has to be Bleu. They make an amazing fig martini and the cuisine never disappoints. When I’m not teaching, I practice the art of Flamenco and design statement T-shirts. However, I still work a day or two as a dental hygienist in Plymouth.
CAPE IT REAL KID
ARIA SOUZA
I’m Aria Souza. I live in Buzzards Bay and I’m a sophomore at Bourne High school. I like to hang with my friends, spend quality time with my family, and play lacrosse for my high school. My favorite subject in school is history. My favorite activities are shopping and having sleepovers with my friends. My favorite thing about growing up on the Cape would have to be being able to go to so many different beautiful beaches and shopping at cute boutiques. 3 wonderful places on Cape Cod: one being the Mezza Luna restaurant, owned by my uncle E.J. well known for delicious Italian food and famous prime rib. My favorite thing about Mezza Luna, besides the food, is the warm atmosphere and friendly servers. Another fun family-style restaurant located right next to Mezza Luna, in Buzzards Bay, is Leo’s breakfast and lunch. It’s owned by my uncle Anthony and known for its delicious Eggs Benedict and great service. Last but most certainly not least is Guido’s ice-cream, located in Onset Bluffs, and owned by my very own mother Jamie Souza. Serving the most delicious ice cream and Sundays, Guido’s is a perfect way to cool off after a hot summer day. My favorite thing about Guido’s ice cream is its beautiful location right across from Onset beach and bandstand where there are always fun events going on.
CAPE ON ADULTING
LEXXY FUCITO
I grew up in Sagamore Beach and graduated from Bourne High School. I have lived on the Cape for nearly all my life, and there are still so many things I have not done! I graduated from UMass Dartmouth with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. I’m now attending UMass Boston’s graduate program to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. My overall career goal is to help children and their families through the struggles. I hope to one day have my own business as a counselor, and perhaps have a family of my own. I look forward to what the future holds, and am grateful for all the friends I have. I love living in such a beautiful area and some people would consider me lucky for it. As I’ve gotten older, I realized that they are right. Being able to see, hear, smell, and feel the ocean whenever I want is truly a luxury. Listening to the waves crash onto the shoreline can feel so uplifting, especially on not-so-good days.
Some of my favorite places to go for food are Buzzards Bay House of Pizza (often referred to as BBHOP, pronounced “bee bee hop”), the Blended Berry, and Krua Thai.
BBHOP has the best chicken Caesar wraps. I always get crispy chicken Caesar wraps, mozz sticks, sweetened iced tea, and baklava. Highly recommended.
The Blended Berry has all kinds of food, but I typically order the House bowl (add peanut butter and lots of it) and one of three different types of juice—Tropical Sunrise, Cucumber Cooler or Can’t Be Beet. They will add or subtract any ingredient you’d like!
Krua Thai – My typical dish to order at is the pineapple fried rice, sometimes the crab Rangoon and always the Thai iced tea!
Hope you enjoy your Piece of Cape!