Author’s Note: It is hard to believe another Labor Day weekend is upon us. Yet here it is. As written before, it is HappyCapeCod company policy to keep “summah” alive until at least September 22, when the autumnal equinox occurs. As a reminder, the equinox is the time when day and night are of equal length, in this case, marking the start of fall. But before then and with the Labor Day weekend forecast projecting low 80s and upper 70s and sunshine, let’s all bask in the joy of summer a little longer.
Thank you summer for helping me cope with this otherwise horrible time in world history. The water, the sand, the breeze, the trees soothed. Outdoor visits allowed visits with family and friends. In time, I hope the fall foliage, fresh snowfall and eventual spring blossoms, will provide similar opportunities, appreciation and renewal.
Twin Acres Ice Cream Shoppe, Sandwich
“Putting smiles on the face of those in our local communities is our primary goal.” I’m constantly looking for ways to smile; ice cream will do the trick.
Tucked away on bustling Route 6A, the slower east to west thoroughfare spanning the charming northern side of the Cape spanning from Sandwich to Orleans, near the Sagamore Bridge is an ice cream shop. If you drive too fast around the bend (heading east), you will likely miss it. Yet in between the nearby landmarks of the Sagamore Inn and the British Beer Company (Sandwich location), is the must-STOP Twin Acres Ice Cream SHOPPE. (Rhyme intended.)
Despite being located off a busy main road, the Twin Acres Ice Cream Shoppe property is a bright, clean and well-manicured two [twin] acres (get it?). As the story goes, it all started in the mid-1970s, in a one-car garage, next to a cottage community built after World War II. In 1990, the business was redesigned to offer customers a park-like setting with lush gardens of dogwoods, hydrangeas, daisies, roses, lily’s and more, beneath old-growth shade trees. There is ample seating behind the building, which reduces the noise of the busy road and bustling parking lot.
While ice cream is the main attraction, Twin Acres Ice Cream Shoppe also offers lobster rolls, sausages and hot dogs, with the essential side of Cape Cod potato chips. But back to the ice cream. They offer over 70 flavors that includes premium hard, soft serve, sorbet, sherbert, vegan and sugar-free ice cream. (The popular seasonal peach ice cream (big chunks) sold out for the season on August 23.) Non-dairy frozen options of mango, raspberry or lemon sorbets are also available. Even vegan ice cream, coconut-based, is available – vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and cookies and cream. There are also milk shakes, specialty sundaes and dog friendly “pup cups” with a dog biscuit, to ensure everyone in the family has something to enjoy.
Twin Acres Ice Cream Shoppe actively supports local community projects. You may notice collection boxes for diapers and baby wipes for families in need, through the Help a Baby Center. They also provide gift cards for police departments to reward children seen “doing the right thing” in their communities. They sponsor the Rotary Club of Osterville’s Good Works Fund to support local nonprofits and the Jimmy Fund, raising money for cancer research.
With my Upper Cape time limited, the typical move is to swing by Twin Acres Ice Cream Shoppe on the way off Cape, the last, sweet taste of Cape Cod before heading back to the mainland. Twin Acres Ice Cream Shoppe is located a mere 3 minutes from the Sagamore Bridge, so stop by on your next trip on or off Cape Cod!