Its big, rickety, waterfront porch creaked and swayed dangerously in the wind.
Legend had it that playwright Eugene O’Neill had stayed here, inscribing poetry on the ceiling beams.
My mom, an early hippie, worked at a leather shop, handcrafting sandals.
Credit: Danita Delimont/Getty Images
My brothers and I roamed freely.
One thing has remained constant: Provincetown’s embrace.
In high season, the one way in and out on Route 6 can be a traffic nightmare.
There are several sailings each day during the season.
Book ahead, because they are b-u-s-y.
As for packing, keep it simple.
It’s not the Hamptons.
Provincetown (aka PTown) daytime wear consists of shorts, bathing suits, sports gear, and flip-flops.
Dressing up at night means putting on a pair of jeans and a clean shirt.
There are also plentiful taxis and pedi-cabs if you don’t want to schlep.
Set back off Commercial Street and about a five-minute shuffle from the pier is the lovelyPilgrim House, est.
1810, a totally renovated boutique hotel with three floors and 19 rooms.
Henry David Thoreau was reportedly a guest.
The Harbor Hotelon the East End is across the street from one of PTown’s most iconic bay views.
Bonus: It’s extremely family- and pet-friendly, along with being well-priced.
Mac’s also serves the most divine New England clam chowder that happens to be gluten-free.
You’re recharged, so check out the famousBoatslip Tea Danceon the West End for some serious cardio.
It’s a wild dance-a-thon that caters to the LGBTQ+ community (but everyone’s welcome!)
and runs daily in season from 4-7 p.m. Catch the sunset, chow down a luscious lobster roll, and wash it down with wine or beer.
(On Wednesdays and Sundays there’s live music, too.)
Most Friday nights, the National Park Service lights a bonfire to enhance the mood.
Then it’s back to town, to take an introductory stroll on open late Commercial Street.
A favorite of mine isKiley Courtwhere artist Robert Cardinal captures the essence of the Cape in oil.
His son Julian has also garnered attention for his fashion paintings.
You’re tuckered out but still a bit hungry and don’t want to fuss?
Breads and pastries are fresh and fabulous.
Succumb to Malasadas (sweet fried dough).
It’s fun and easy to ride through town, but sometimes crowds make it tough to maneuver.
you could enter and exit at various points.
Attention shoppers: Now’s a good time to check out a slew of quirky-cool stores.
There’sLoveland, a fabulous and slightly kitschy shop featuring the works of local artists and craftspeople.
It’s brimming with delightfully odd knick-knacks, home goods, and gifts.
We’ve even spotted a gas mask here.
Sign up for the Herring Cove Tidal Lake kayak tour atCoyote Kayaks.
Plan this a day ahead.
It doesn’t require experience and launches at The Moors at the end of Route 6.
Make a reservation in advance forThe Mews Restaurant and Cafe.
It’s one of the few upscale restaurants that is open year-round.
attempt to reserve a table by the window.
The food ranges from juicy Angus burgers and big steaks to Indian-inspired lobster Vindaloo.
Do consider a specialty martini… there are more than 300 vodkas on the menu.
These are crowd pleasers.
(Note to bread lovers: try Spindler’s homemade “charred” bread with honeyed butter.
It’s worth it.)
Flip side, if you’re looking for a serene dining scene in an uber-charming setting considerMistralinoon Bradford.
Expect perfectly prepared Italian classics such as chicken parmesan or more sophisticated pasta dishes that change with the season.
Sated, go to a show.
There are loads of other shows as well.
Check out the schedule at theArt Housefor acts ranging from musical to comedy.
Day Three
Admit it, you’re zonked.
Maybe a little hungover.
Play through the pain.
Try a great Bloody Mary here.
The breathtaking view at the top encompasses most of the town.
An accurate use of the wordawesome,some of the dunes are 100-feet tall.
Five times a day,Art’s Dune Tourstakes visitors out for one-hour tours.
Don’t leave before grabbing a Portuguese soup at theLobster Potrestaurant at the Pier.
The kale-based hearty meal in a bowl was a staple for Portuguese fishermen and is popular today.
It’s loaded with linguica, kidney beans, potatoes, onion, and of course kale.
