Graphic: Popponesset Marketplace

Popponesset may not be as well-known as some of its nearby counterparts, but it’s certainly gaining in reputation. For years the community was known as a destination for the middle-class of Boston, and its charming character remains strong to this day.

This Upper Cape village sits in Mashpee, but don’t let its tiny population dissuade you. Bordered on its southern edge by Nantucket Sound, the village actually gains its namesake from Popponesset Bay.

Now decades since its beginning, the seaside village of Popponesset maintains a strong reputation as a popular family destination. Popponesset is home to more than a mile of private beaches, plus it also has its own baseball field, basketball court and community

Beauty abounds at Popponesset Spit, in recent years named one of the nation’s top restored beaches. Much of that honor is credited to efforts by Save Popponesset Bay and the Massachusetts Audubon Society for helping to restore the threatened barrier beach.

Popponesset Spit is not only a privately owned barrier beach but also a wildlife sanctuary. Owned and protected by non-profits, the spit provides a home for endangered shorebirds, while Popponesset Bay is equally important for the role in plays in sheltering aquatic life.

It’s common to spot piping plovers and other birds in the area. At the same time, the barrier beach also helps to protect area property owners in New Seabury, plus it’s a popular location for fishermen, boaters and for beachgoers

With miles of sandy beaches and an extensive amount of water frontage, it’s time to escape to New Seabury. Located in South Mashpee on Nantucket Sound, New Seabury was first created and developed in the 1960s and remains a true treasure to this day.

New homes and condos began going up in the area just after the mid-century mark, along with a clubhouse, championship golf course and an executive course. By the early 1980s, New Seabury was already home to hundreds of residences, about a quarter of which featured year-round homeowners.

By the 1990s, million dollar residences began popping up along the waterfront and the golf course, followed up by a larger and more impressive new clubhouse. The area is now home to a private beach club and a country club