Leisurely Provincetown Weekend

Cape Cod is an arm-shaped peninsula located on the Easternmost portion of Massachusetts. It is a well-traveled tourist and vacation area—within easy driving distance of both New York and Boston—featuring miles of beaches, natural attractions, historic sites, art galleries and many four star restaurants. The area is also popular among antique and bed-and-breakfast enthusiasts. Hyannis, in the south, is the gateway to Martha’s Vineyard and is also famous as the location of the “Kennedy compound.”

Many opportunities exist for golf, cycling, fishing and other outdoor activities. Provincetown, at the very tip of the peninsula, is the site of the first landing of the Pilgrims, and today is famous for being a popular destination for gay and lesbian travelers.

Provincetown, one of the most well known towns on Cape Cod, offers rich cultural and artistic history as well as plenty of contemporary pleasures. The Pilgrims made their first New World landing here and the historic Mayflower Compact was written and signed just off the coast. Later, an artists' colony developed, attracting the intellectual elite and resulting in many artistic and literary institutions. Today, Provincetown thrives as a cultural center and vacation destination, known for plentiful inns and restaurants, great shopping, beautiful sunsets and a vibrant gay and lesbian community.

There are various entrances to the Provincetown bike trails; each is well marked and quite easy to find. This is a fun way to spend part of a day, touring the wild and windswept land of dunes and dense woods, ponds and beach. All sorts of sites and birdlife await you on these twisty but well-maintained trails. Paths are usually clearly marked. Be sure to bring a camera, water and sunblock.

Provincetown was recently listed as the sixth best beach location in the United States, and dramatic Race Point may be one reason why. Here the Cape Cod Bay waters meet wild Atlantic Ocean waves to create a roiling surge called "The Race." Not always safe for small boats, it's probably no accident that this beach contains the Race Point Lifesaving Museum. But it is well guarded in season, has a bath house, and is an overall good location for sunning and swimming. It can also be quite windy here, adding to the feeling that you are facing the elemental ocean at the end of the world.

Established in 1914 and centrally located on Commercial Street, this gallery displays a range of works spanning an 80-year period. This is one of the premier art museums in the country, and includes a permanent collection of regional art. It also hosts juried shows, slide shows, special exhibitions, children's art classes, concerts and educational workshops. This is an excellent place in which to view the talents of both established and emerging artists, in a town that has long been home to a thriving art colony.

Dexters Inn is located in beautiful and historic Provincetown on the outer reaches of Cape Cod. Our Provincetown inn is steeped in Provincetown history and represents a favorite destination for travelers from around the world year in and year out. Located in the heart of downtown Provincetown just a short walk to Commercial Street shops restaurants art galleries and clubs. We have 15 rooms 12 with private bath All rooms feature Color Cable TV air conditioning daily maid service and phones. Our unique clustering of rooms allows for private entrance from deck or patio.Enjoy the peace and beauty of our colorful and well tended gardens A perfect setting for relaxing and enjoying a cool drink Because of our proximity to the Provincetown harbor Commercial street and almost all Provincetown attractions you can easily take a stroll on foot to see the local fishing boats downtown chops or take a dip in the ocean either on the bay side or ocean side beaches National Searshore. At our Cape Cod Inn you will find spacious rooms most of which have their own private bath as well as manicured lawns and private decks and patios for your pleasure Located in the heart of downtown Provincetown just a short walk to Commercial Street shops restaurants art galleries and clubs Dexters Inn is located in beautiful and historic Provincetown on the outer reaches of Cape Cod. Our Provincetown inn is steeped in Provincetown history and represents a favorite destination for travelers from around the world year in and year out.

Few people know that the Pilgrims first struck land in Provincetown, on November 21, 1620, before continuing on to Plymouth. While anchored in Provincetown Harbor, the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact, dedicating themselves to a community governed by rudimentary democratic rule. This tower was built in 1910 to commemorate that landing was modeled after the clock tower of the Palazzo Pubblico (specifically the Torre del Mangia) in Siena, Italy. A climb to the top affords one of the best views on the entire Cape.

This wonderful specialty food and wine shop is located at the eastern end of Commercial Street. More than a grocery store, it offers smokehouse hams, fresh baked pies, cookies, cheese and organic produce, as well as a nice selection of wine and champagne. Though they do carry some very expensive vinegars, the prices are good considering that many of the items are imported. Get some lunch or do some shopping to impress tonight's dinner guests.

"Nouveau" Mexican may be a more apt description for the food at Lorraines. The chef combines long-held family recipes with available fresh Cape Cod seafood, and the resulting dishes are new and delicious. Now located in the old Flagship building in the quieter East End of Provincetown, Lorraine's now has gorgeous harbor views plus room for a bar, a welcome addition to all tequila fans in the area since the bar stocks over 50 varieties. A regular menu is available in addition to daily specials.

Whale watching is among the most popular and exciting adventures available on the Cape. Spring and fall are said to be the best to observe these marvelous creatures, but in summer three trips leave daily from the Provincetown wharf. Leave late in the day and you may experience both whales and a sunset. Bring warm clothes, even in summer.