Mashpee Commons, a former strip-shopping area, has been reverted back into an award-winning, “traditional” New England town center. The town planners are forward-looking here: Bent on preventing sprawl-inducing mistakes from perpetuating themselves, they created a more sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing, downtown district that has become a magnet for tourists and locals alike.

Now an easy mixture of boutiques, restaurants, office space, housing, civic buildings, and event-filled open space occupy an area once devoid of a sense of community. Chains such as the Gap, Coldwater Creek, and Starbucks share the square with independent shops such as Market Street Bookshop (508-539-6985) and M Brann (508-477-0299) with its eclectic gift selection.

To see what’s playing at Regal Cinema, Mashpee Commons, call 844-462-7342.

See and save more places to create your own itinerary or modify a Bindu itinerary.

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  Photo by liz west
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  Photo by Kim Grant
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  Photo by Kim Grant