Provincetown

Those that make the trip to Provincetown, located at the very tip of Cape Cod, are rewarded by a vibrant community that is full of history, natural scenery, and the wonderful, colorful Commercial Street.

For starters, this is where the Pilgrims first arrived in the New World. The Pilgrims’ stay in Provincetown Harbor in 1620 is memorialized in P-town with the iconic Pilgrim Monument, a 252-foot climbable tower that offers spectacular views of the harbor. Below, the Provincetown Museum has thoughtful exhibits showcasing the town’s fascinating history including its role in the whaling industry.

Like other Outer Cape towns, Provincetown is blessed with beaches along every coast. Facing north, Race Point has sweeping views as well as showers, bathrooms, and ample parking. Looking west, Herring Cove offers calmer waters and stunning sunsets. There are also miles of sandy beaches inside the harbor. To further explore the area’s natural beauty, cycle or hike in the Province Lands, or head out with Art’s Dune Tours, a company that combines education and humor on guided ATV tours through the dunes. Whale watches are always fun, too, and that’s no fluke!

Of course, the spirit of P-town is best experienced on Commercial Street, a cornucopia of shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. From historic sites and art galleries in the East End, to charming cottages in the west, and lots more in between, there’s something here for everyone. One fun shop is Marine Specialties, which sells nautical-themed antiques such as lanterns and bells, as well as gear for camping and the outdoors. Another shop, Botanica, has a bouquet of ideas for home and garden décor.

Hungry? Commercial Street has much to offer, including favorites like The Lobster Pot and Bubala’s By the Bay. Jimmy’s HideAway is another tasty choice with seafood dishes such as Portuguese cod or lump crab and corn cakes. For casual dining, The Canteen has lobster rolls, and house specialties such as shrimp sliders. For another treat, Fanizzi’s By the Sea serves Sunday Brunch with a fabulous water view. And for sweets, Cabot’s Candy Shop is beloved for its fudge and brittle, while    I Dream of Gelato dishes out incredible flavors like pumpkin pie and banana chocolate cherry.

Looking for a place to stay?

Get the royal treatment at this adults-only inn

With one main building known as the Mansion, built in 1850 for a wealthy local sea captain, and six carriage houses where his fishermen lived, the Crowne Pointe Historic Inn & Spa is like a little village unto itself. Just a short walk from Commercial Street in Provincetown, this adults-only lodging features many luxuries such as fine dining at the onsite restaurant, the Pointe, and an award-winning spa featuring Kiehl’s cosmetics products. An attractive bridge leads guests over a koi pond to lush gardens designed following feng shui principles.

How did all this beauty come to be? “My partner, Tom Walter, and I fell in love with P-town over 20 years ago,” recalls David Sanford, one of the inn’s co-owners, “and I once said to him, ‘Wouldn’t it be awesome to own a hotel here?’” In 1999, the property went up for sale, and Sanford, Walter, and business partner Ken Masi all jumped at the opportunity. “We opened for business in 2000,” Sanford adds with a laugh. “I don’t know how we did it.”

Crowne Pointe Historic Inn

82 Bradford Street, Provincetown

508-487-6767 • crownepointe.com

~Marina Davalos, Ashley Owen