The Part Time Southerner’s Guide to Provincetown
As the summer season draws to a close (in spite of Georgia weather attempting to convince us otherwise), looking back on the past few months I spent in Cape Cod has made going into vacation-planning mode incredibly tempting. For those of you who are thinking about summering on the Cape in the near future, here are some of my top picks for Provincetown and the surrounding areas:
Entertainment/Nightlife:
The Art House-Part-time cinema/part-time intimate piano bar. I had the pleasure of hearing Adam Pascal in concert at this venue while he was in town and it was easily one of my best nights of the summer.
Truro Vineyards and South Hollow Spirits-More than your average winery, Truro Vineyards hosts an event called “WAAM” or Wine, Arts, Appetizers and Music every Wednesday during the summer months. This is the perfect night out if you’re looking for something low-key and classy to do where you can enjoy good wine, art, food and music among friends.
Provincetown Theater-Keeping the tradition of Eugene O’Neill alive, the Provincetown Theater hosts high-caliber performances from local and touring acts. I saw the Peregrine Theater Ensemble’s Hamlet and Rent at this venue and was impressed with the quality and fresh, imaginative interpretations of both productions.
The Boatslip-Virtually every day in Ptown, a phenomenon occurs between 4-7pm known as a Tea Dance, or simply a T-dance. These themed dance parties are a Ptown institution and an excellent way to get a feel for the local flair.
The Post Office Cafe and Cabaret-There are tons of drag shows in Ptown. This one, though very small and somewhat kitschy, was hilarious and the impersonations of Joan Rivers, Celine Dion, Judy Garland, Liza Minelli, Michael Jackson, Barbara Streisand, and Cher were spot on.
Lodging:
Land’s End Inn-A beautiful luxury bed and breakfast with a breathtaking view of the water in the upscale area of West End. Easily the best accommodations in Ptown hands down.
Runners up: Gabriel’s, The Anchor Inn, The Brass Key, The Gilbert
Shopping:
Moda Fina-This Portuguese-themed women’s apparel and accessories store is full of vibrant colors and patterns that are perfect for summer. Be prepared to want to purchase everything in sight.
Tim Scapes-A Ptown institution. Virtually every townie sports the stylish signature printed tanks and accessories from this contemporary sportswear designer.
Vintage in Vogue-Vintage clothes and accessories for both women and men ranging from the early 1900’s to the 1970’s. Be prepared to not only want to buy out the store, but to want to spend all day twirling around in the gorgeous ball-gowns.
Fine Dining:
The Red Inn-Waterfront dining in the upscale West End of town. The food is as beautifully presented (and delicious!) as the view.
Runners up: The Mews, Jimmy’s Hideaway, Front Street, Devon’s
Brunch:
Cafe Edwige-Incredible omelettes and house-infused eye openers. Locals swear by their Crab Cake Eggs Benedict. Perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon with girlfriends.
Runners up: Cafe Heaven, Tiny’s Local Food, Chach, 141 Bradford Natural Market
Sweets:
The Purple Feather-Naughty hand-crafted chocolates, gelato martinis, and cupcakes galore. Be prepared to go into a sugar-induced coma.
Runners up: The Nut House, Scott Cakes, Lewis Brothers’ Homemade Ice Cream, Bliss!, Ptown Scoop
Fitness:
Mussel Beach-Ptown’s premiere fitness club features a fully equipped gym and the best yoga and spin classes in town.
Strength and Clarity Pilates-a pilates studio that features circus fit/aerial classes? An instant win in my book.
Miscellaneous:
Beechforest and Provincelands-My favorite area of Ptown and the perfect bike trail to see a magnificent view of the sunset.
Art’s Dune Tours-See a different side of Cape Cod on a sunset tour. You can even make it into a romantic, albeit somewhat adventurous evening.
Pilgrim Monument and Museum-You can climb to the top of the tower and look out over Provincetown.
Pedi-cabs-You may feel a little guilty riding in one of these bicycle cabs, but a generous tip will assuage these feelings, especially after the thrill of going down a fairly steep hill.
