Provincetown Calling: A Colorful Tapestry of Shops and Sights

Provincetown, the last town on the tip of the Cape, has many unique distinctions, including the first stop for the Pilgrims on the Mayflower in 1620, the oldest continuous art colony in the United States, and one of the oldest working fishing ports on the East coast. This spit of land, is also an LGBQT+ destination, and a place where a heterogenous community of people live and work together in “P-town.” The “off season” population of about 3,500, swells to a seasonal population of about 50,000, and the town ebbs and flows like the tides that surround it on three sides. 

Despite having just one road in and one road out, there are several ways to make your way to this charming town. If you drive, you will pass the iconic Days Cottages, along Shore Road, quaint little cottages that are the subject of many paintings and invite serenity with their waterfront view. If you have a car you will find parking in several lots around town. Other options for travel include flying direct into the Provincetown airport from Boston and White Plains, New York via Cape Air, with other various connecting flights as well. By water, there are three ferries available from Boston and Plymouth to get you there with a stress-free 90 minute ride.

The main road in the town where most eateries, galleries, and businesses are located is Commercial Street. If you walk the three miles from the quiet east end to the busier west end, little side lanes full of quaint gardens invite you to amble down for a closer look. 

One spectacular gem is Suzanne’s Garden, at 608 Commercial Street. Begun as a private garden, it’s now...