130SO21_FINAL-COVER_NoUPC

Day Trip: Buzzards Bay

Cape Cod Life  /  September/October 2021 / , ,

Writer: Julie Craven Wagner / Photographer: Anne Holden 

Day Trip: Buzzards Bay

130SO21_FINAL-COVER_NoUPC

Cape Cod Life  /  September/October 2021 / , ,

Writer: Julie Craven Wagner / Photographer: Anne Holden 

Vela’s makes the perfect post-workout stop for the clients that are devoted to a regular fitness program at Undergroundd Fitness at 125 Main Street. This popular boutique group fitness and indoor cycling facility has a dedicated following for their wide range of classes including barre, pilates, yoga, boxing and intensive bootcamp options. If your thing is more about fresh air and adventure, Buzzards Bay is home to several bike shops, but perhaps the longest-running and most unique is Buzzards Bay Bikes. Owners Jim and Pam Ballantyne built a reputation over 35 years with their business Sailworld, but now that their son Kaylen, a CAT 1 Enduro mountain bike champion, has taken over the shop, the focus is bikes. And what better place than the popular canalside location? Everything you need for day on the Cape Cod Canal can be found at Buzzards Bay Bikes, including a few breathtaking accounts of Kaylen’s adventures.

Undergroundd Fitness

Undergroundd Fitness

Where can you find a workout community that is striving for progress? On Main Street! Get to this positive place where you can embrace fitness and improve your way of life. With more than 25 class options for all levels, with names like “No Quit Mitts,” “Raise the Barre,” and “Positiv Spin on Life,”. With 20 plus trainers–the one you love to hate–you need to get to Undergroundd!

125 Main Streetundergroundd.com


The other major attraction along the Canal includes those sportsmen (and women) that find their challenge at the other end of a fishing pole. Buzzards Bay is home to Red Top Sporting Goods, which is the house of worship for most die-hard fishermen. Continuing the almost 75 year tradition, owner Tom Coots along with his son AJ have, for the past 11 years, been providing anglers with everything they need to catch the big one, the small ones, as well as everything in between. Their expertise and depth of product and technique will have you waking early and staying out late along the banks of the swift waters.


Red Top Sporting Goods

Red Top Sporting Goods has been a favorite of upper cape fisherman since 1947. In 2010, Tom Coots and his son AJ assumed stewardship of the shop and continue to provide customers with the largest selection products and services at competitive prices. Check out their weekly fishing report at www.redtopinc.com 

265 Main Street 508-759-3371RedTopInc.com


A short cast from Red Top is the unofficial heart and soul of Buzzards Bay, the Mezza Luna, an Italian family restaurant that has been serving generations of families for over 80 years. Third generation owner, E.J. Cubellis, says the commitment to the community the restaurant has become known for is in his genes. In the 1930s, his grandparents put roots down in Buzzards Bay when they rented property and opened a fruit and vegetable stand on the site of the existing restaurant. As World War II affected the acquisition of fruits and vegetables, the Cubellis’ pivoted and welcomed boarders. It wasn’t long before the boarders were praising the Cubellis’ cooking suggesting it was restaurant worthy. Some of those boarders went on to become recognizable and respectable names in the Commonwealth and the rest, as they say, is history. “My grandparents responded to what the community needed way back then, and it has been the same ever since,” E.J. shares. “When my grandparents, and even my parents were building this business, people would come to the restaurant as a special occasion, maybe the only meal out when they were on vacation, or to celebrate something. I grew up hearing my father’s generational stories of people’s families in this town, and now I’m telling my kids the same kinds of things.” The anchor of this community is the popular choice to host weddings and baby showers, retirement parties and birthdays and ultimately funeral receptions, meaning that the Mezza Luna has been the backdrop to many memorable milestones for both visitors and residents of Bourne for almost a century.


Mezza Luna The Italian Family Restaurant

This Italian family owned and operated restaurant has been providing a great place to eat since 1937.  A robust menu features Italian cuisine, seafood and steaks. They offer a full bar and private function areas as well as outside dining–weather permitting. Locals say their nightly specials and lunch menu is the best deal in town!

253 Main Street 508-759-4667 mezzalunarestaurant.com


Canal Cruisers Bicycles

That sense of community and the commitment to support it resonates up and down Main Street among the vast majority of business owners. The White family, who has owned the Liquor Barn on Main Street for almost 40 years, has seen three generations of their family working in the business. Jenna White, Stephanie and Dennis’ 24-year-old daughter says, “We have a lot of regulars and that makes it a very personal job, like sharing the new craft beers we have gotten in for them specifically in mind.” That kind of small town approach is just one of the attractions to putting down permanent roots in the area. Jill Nasuti, second-generation owner of Cape Landing Real Estate across the street from the Mezza Luna, says that buyers might be pleasantly surprised at the inventory and value that can be found on that side of the bridge. “The Buzzards Bay area is a hidden gem when it comes to real estate. My family and I founded this business because we had a vision to offer flexibility without the limitations found in larger firms.” Nasuti reveals.


Liquor Barn  

Family operated since 1982 by the White family, locals know they’ll find a great selection of fine wines, beer, liquor, cigars, good prices and friendly, helpful employees.  Stop in, stock up and save! And on your next visit, bring your recycling to the employee-operated L&B Redemption Center. No machines, just fast and efficient employees. 

150 Main Street 508-759-9933 liquorbarnbb.com


After a long day delving into the myriad of businesses and attractions in Buzzards Bay, a quick stop at one of the only Starbucks on the Cape is a perfect re-fueling activity for the ride home. District Manager Jana Smalley and her crew consider themselves a vital part of the small community as well. “We see the regulars every morning as they start their day and then as people look for a place to meet and connect; we see lots of people come in throughout the day to just take the time and catch-up with friends or family.”

Starbucks

Starbucks

Devotees of the Seattle-based coffee chain can drive-thru, dine-in, take-out or mobile order ahead to get their favorite blend or specialty drink, hot or cold as well as lite bites, snacks and sweets. Expect to find nice people and quick, friendly service at this unique “base of the bridge” location. Wi-Fi too!

Bourne Rotary (2 Bourne Bridge Approach) • 508-743-0351starbucks.com


The village of Buzzards Bay is no longer poised to be a by-passed community, instead it is focused on delivering as a destination. 

Julie Craven Wagner is the editor of Cape Cod LIFE.   

Julie Craven Wagner

Julie Craven Wagner began her experience with Cape Cod Life in 2010 when she joined the sales team after 10 years of working with local businesses on the Cape and Islands with WMVY. In addition to sales, she is the Associate Publisher/Editor of Cape Cod LIFE, Cape Cod HOME, and Cape Cod ART. Growing up on the Outer Cape has given her a unique perspective of life on Cape Cod, from tip to bridge, and that is reflected in her appreciation and presentation of stories found within the pages of our publications. Julie lives in North Falmouth with her husband, Eric, and their yellow lab, Enzo. When she finds free time, she enjoys her Cape Cod life sailing on Buzzards Bay, spending time on the beach in Wellfleet, or exploring Martha’s Vineyard.