Perfect Weekend in Provincetown, Massachusetts
Provincetown, Massachusetts For those who know Cape Cod well, spring is a wonderful time to visit. You get access to many of the summertime destinations, but without the crowds. That’s right: deserted beaches, whale watching, no lines at restaurants—even parking! This is especially true in Provincetown, MA. With more space to roam the main artery, […]
Lands End Inn, Provincetown, MA
Photo Credit : Christopher Churchill
Provincetown, Massachusetts
For those who know Cape Cod well, spring is a wonderful time to visit. You get access to many of the summertime destinations, but without the crowds. That’s right: deserted beaches, whale watching, no lines at restaurants—even parking! This is especially true in Provincetown, MA. With more space to roam the main artery, Commercial Street, visitors can take in all the spots the locals know, plus the main attractions. So hit the sand, enjoy a delicious meal, and drink in the breathtaking views.
»WHAT TO DO
BEST BEACH CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE
Miles of breaking waves and sweeping dunes will be all yours. A national treasure, this area has been protected since 1961 and is home to a lot more than just sunbathers. Marvel in the natural beauty here, take a deep breath, and feel the sand between your toes. nps.gov/caco
BEST BIKE TRAIL PROVINCE LANDS BIKE TRAIL
If you’re feeling more adventurous, this 8-mile route guides you through the scenic dunes and pine forests of the Cape, presenting beautiful ocean views along the way. It’s BYOB (bring your own bike), but there are plenty of places along the Cape to rent a bike if you don’t have one of your own. capecodbikeguide.com
BEST CAPE COD ART PROVINCETOWN ART ASSOCIATION & MUSEUM
Founded in 1914, PAAM has weathered the storms of all the historic “isms” of the modern era and continues to show the enduring and intriguing works in everyday style by painters and sculptors who found their inspiration on the Outer Cape. 460 Commercial St. 508-487-1750; paam.org
BEST RETRO ECOTOUR ARTS DUNE TOURS
The windblown heaps of sand beside Route 6 as you approach the town seem almost like a little piece of the Sahara come to New England. Art’s has been driving folks into these dunes since 1946, and no one offers such a colorful, historical, and ecologically sensitive experience of the fragile ecosystem. 4 Standish St. 508-457-1950; artsdunetours.com
»WHERE TO EAT
BEST OUTDOOR BEER BISTRO NOR’EAST BEER GARDEN
Inside the gate, P-town’s bustle suddenly fades away. New England artisanal craft brews are augmented by classy pub food such as fish tacos, fried chicken sandwiches, and burgers with lots of lettuce and tomato. 206 Commercial St. 508-487-2337; thenoreastbeergarden.com
BEST HARBOR DECK DINING TIN PAN ALLEY
Just across from town hall, this New American bistro takes its name from the antique tin ceiling and the repertoire played at the piano bar nightly from 9 p.m. The long, narrow dining room, which passes the open kitchen, leads all the way back to an exquisite deck for alfresco dining on day boat scallops or steak-of-the-day while overlooking the harbor. 269 Commercial St. 508-487-1648; tinpanalleyptown.com
BEST WINE BAR JOON BAR
The pared-down American bistro menu (seasonally changing selections, such as whole wood-grilled fish and sausage flatbread with grilled corn) makes a perfect dance partner for the well-chosen list of wines by the glass. Sit at the sleek bar and snack all night on shared plates of duck sliders on buttermilk biscuits or frites with smoked-tomato ketchup. 133 Commercial St. 508-413-9336; joonbar.com
»WHERE TO STAY
BEST OUTER-CAPE OASIS SAGE INN
P-town can be raucous, but the soothingly simple rooms of the Sage Inn sit so far off Commercial Street that they seem to be in another ZIP code. The ground-level lounge with restaurant and bar might be the most serene spot in town to spend an afternoon or a rainy day. Rates: $140 and up, including continental breakfast. 336 Commercial St. 508-487-6424; sageinnptown.com
BEST CHILD- AND PET-FRIENDLY MOTEL HARBOR HOTEL PROVINCETOWN
Simple decor with retro touches is a reminder that this beachfront motel was originally built as a Holiday Inn. Rooms are set aside for pet owners, and various configurations, including connecting rooms, ease family sleeping arrangements. Bring sticks and marshmallows to toast at the fire pit. Rates: $99 and up. 698 Commercial St. 855-447-8696; harborhotelptown.com
Photo Credit : Courtesy of Land's End Inn
BEST BASE FOR WHALE-WATCHING LANDS END INN
Offering panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean from its hilltop perch, this shingle-style mansion is close enough to the water that from its many decks and lookouts you can spot whales feeding offshore. Rates: $125 and up. 22 Commercial St. 508-487-0706; www.landsendinn.com
