Located in Barnstable County, Bourne takes up the northern portion of land that separates Cape Cod from the rest of the landlocked state. It is divided up into six primary neighborhoods that include:
- Bourne (CDP)
- Buzzard’s Bay
- Monument Beach
- Pocasset
- Sagamore
- Sagamore Beach
The area was settled in the mid-1640s and is the home of Aptucxet Trading Post. The small store is the oldest in the nation. The several small peninsulas, commonly referred to as “necks”, made the area ideal for commercial trading. Bourne’s very location made it a perfect port for ships and boats coming into the area. The harbor and cape offered opportunities to trade with many communities without having to travel long distances.
As one of the oldest areas of the country, Bourne has a host of historical attractions that make it a popular tourist destination. The Cape Cod Canal and the Massachusetts National Cemetery are just two of the most visited sites in the area. The Briggs McDermott House, Hoxie House, and Dexter’s Grist Mill are also close by and give insight into how people in the area lived hundreds of years ago. While the majority of the area has grown and changed with the times, these small glimpses of history make the area a treasure trove of information for history buffs and families with children who are learning our country’s history.
Buzzard’s Bay lies along the water offering residents who live there the joys of watching the sunrise over the Bay. There are miles of beach that line the northeastern and southwestern edges of the Bourne community. The Cape Cod Bikeway runs along the water in many areas and allows you to see the sights at your own pace. If you would rather walk, the Boardwalk is the perfect choice. The long walkway spans an inlet and takes you over marshes and wetlands. You get a new perspective when it comes to the untouched, natural beauty of the area.
Throughout the neighborhoods in Bourne, you get a unique look at the blending of architecture. Older homes are well-maintained and bring back the small town feel of decades past. Newer, luxury condos and homes are being built along the shorelines and in the more affluent areas. Newly renovated homes are somewhere in between offering the older-style and traditional architecture with new, more modern décor and flare.
Because of the way Bourne is laid out, you never have to travel for long to find what you’re looking for. Local restaurants offer the traditional seafood dishes that are native to the area, as well as many other foods associated with Americana. Whether you are visiting for a few days or have made your home here, Bourne has everything a person could ask for in terms of family living and being able to explore the world around you. Close enough to the water, but still firmly inland, you have the best of both worlds.