Blog / Get to Know Cape Cod / Living Near Cotuit Road in Sandwich, MA
Buying a home in Sandwich, Massachusetts, provides the unique opportunity to live in Cape Cod's oldest town.
European settlers first arrived in Sandwich in 1637, and the town was incorporated in 1639. Many homes from the 1700s and 1800s remain part of the community today.
In the early days, most people lived near the present-day Old King's Highway, and much of the town's activity is centered on that area to this day.
However, there's a secondary shopping and entertainment district on Cotuit Road in Forestdale village. Residential neighborhoods surround this district, and the abundance of nearby retailers makes living in this part of town incredibly convenient.
Here's a look at some of the facilities you'll find when living near Cotuit Road in Sandwich.
Tradewinds Plaza
The most northern shopping venue on Cotuit Road is Tradewinds Plaza, a small strip mall featuring a couple of shops and some restaurants.
For dining, the plaza has a Dunkin' location and the Sandwich Taverna, a bar with live music on weekends that's a popular place for a night out with friends.
There's also a nail salon, a hair salon, a cellphone store, and a post office in the mall.
Heritage Park
Just south of Tradewinds Plaza is Heritage Park, a larger strip mall featuring both restaurants and shops.
Dining options in the mall include Tomatoes Italian Bar & Grill, Domino's Pizza, and JD's Burger Co. & Sushi. JD's and Tomatoes are particularly popular because they provide pleasant places to spend an evening without venturing too far from home.
You'll also find an accountant's office, a pool care store, a cat hospital, a barbershop, and a laundromat in the complex. There's Heritage Theaters, too, which features first-run movies, stadium-style seating, and a concession stand.
Canterbury Plaza
About a block south of Heritage Park is the area's largest shopping destination, Canterbury Plaza.
This venue has a few popular restaurants, including Tomatillos Southwestern Grille & Tequila Bar, Two Brothers Pizza & Mexican, Marshland Too & Too's Tavern, China Palace, and Hometown Juice & Co. There's also a bank, a nail salon, a consignment store, a dollar store, and a hardware store in the mall.
Those searching for groceries will be happy to know that Canterbury Market is also found at the south end of the complex.
Lambert Farm Market
Speaking of groceries, Lambert Farm Market is about a one-minute drive south of Canterbury Plaza. This market is a one-stop-shop for groceries, as it features a meat department, a deli counter, a bakery, grocery items, and fresh produce. You can grab beer, wine, prepared foods, and breakfast to-go at the market, as well.
You'll also pass Graziella's Artisan Pizza Co. and a second Dunkin' location on your way to the market.
Sandwich Commons
Around the corner from Lambert's Farm Market is Sandwich Commons, the final strip mall on Cotuit Road. The primary retailer in this complex is a Stop & Shop grocery store, but there's also a CVS pharmacy, a MoneyGram storefront, a dry cleaner, a pet groomer, a liquor store, and a hardware store.
Behind the strip mall is the home field for the Sandwich Bulldogs, which is the name of the local Pop Warner football teams. There are two fields - one for practices and one for games - in addition to an office and some bleachers. You'll find a skatepark near the football fields, too.
The Sandwich Bazaar Flea Market
The location of the Sandwich Bazaar, perhaps Cape Cod's most famous flea market, is just off Cotuit Road and steps from Sandwich Commons. The summer market runs every Wednesday between the middle of April and the end of October and every Sunday from early May until mid-October.
You never know what you'll find at the Sandwich Bazaar, and it'll surely become part of your life after buying a home on Cape Cod.
Making Sandwich, MA, Your New Hometown
There's a lot to like about Sandwich, as not only is it one of the country's most historic towns, but it's never short on present-day activity either.
Although the Forestdale area doesn't draw tourist crowds and isn't the best-known section of the Cape, it's a beautiful place to live and is packed with great amenities for you and your family.
Overall, choosing one of the residential neighborhoods near Cotuit Road puts you in a quiet location with abundant activities. The area is also easily accessible thanks to its location mere minutes from the Mid-Cape Highway.
You might not have heard of this section of Cape Cod, but it's quickly becoming one of the region's most desirable places to buy a home.