Travel to the tip of the Cape to discover all sorts of ways to celebrate summer.
The seaside towns dotting Cape Cod’s Route 6 pave the way to the quintessential New England summer resort town known as Provincetown, or, simply, P-Town. Beaches, boutiques, galleries, and bistros beckon visitors to enjoy a sultry summer day here, where the air is salty, the taffy and fudge ubiquitous, and the invitation to be carefree is open to all. Strolling down the cobblestone streets, one is as likely to encounter a caravan of strollers as an LGBT parade or a cavalcade of canines. Arms wide open, P-Town welcomes same-sex couples and families on holiday to enjoy a wide array of activities, eateries, and scenery that embody the very soul of summer.
Whether you want to go on a whale watch, visit an art colony, skip stones, or delight in an ice cream cone with rainbow sprinkles, P-Town is the perfect destination to taste a delicious slice of summer.
Stay
Salt House Inn is a newly restored gem that embodies the essence of Cape Cod’s history and celebrates summer’s simple pleasures in a hip and original fashion. Owners David Bowd and Kevin O’Shea have magically transformed the 19th-century building that housed cottages for salt mine workers into an enchanting inn. Each of the 15 guest rooms feels like a charming beach cottage perfumed with the scent of fresh linens. The Loft suite is a secluded sanctuary complete with vaulted ceilings, a wall adorned with an assortment of vintage objects, and a clawfoot bath tub in the middle of the room, which allows occupants to sip wine, soak, and watch TV all at once. O’Shea, whose design background is evident in the inn’s character and charm, also cooks up a bountiful breakfast that is served daily in the lovely dining room. 6 Conwell St., 508-487-1911, salthouseinn.com
Dining room at Local 186 Burgers & Beer
Eat
Enjoy the spacious outdoor deck at Patio while savoring sumptuous seafood and grilled fare. Whether you select a generous lobster roll, oysters on the half shell, or mixed seafood grill, you’ll be happy to find your spot on the patio. Toast to good times and enjoy a little people watching with a Patio Lemon Drop. 328 Commercial St., 508-487-4003, ptownpatio.com. Got a hankering for a juicy burger? Head to Local 186 Burgers & Beer. Here, patrons discover every type of burger imaginable, including beef, lamb, turkey, and veggie. Save room for the alfredo fries. The patio is perfect for a casual night filled with great wine. 186 Commercial St., 508-487-7555, local186.com. If you love Ten Tables in Boston, you’ll delight in its intimate P-Town location. Dine outside in the courtyard, enjoy one of the 10 tables in the intimate dining room, or sample the bar menu upstairs.133 Bradford St., 508-487-0106, tentables.net
See
P-Town is the perfect place to enjoy a morning or sunset whale watch aboard the Dolphin Fleet. You’ll have a grand time learning about the great white wonders and are certain to spot a few in season. 307 Commercial St. on Lopes Square, 800-826-9300, whalewatch.com. Stroll to the Farmers’ Market and enjoy fresh local goodies, including organic oils from Olio di Melli. Municipal Lot off of Ryder Street, next to Town Hall, freshfarm.org. Pay homage to the Pilgrims’ first landing in the New World in 1620 with a visit to the Pilgrim Monument and Museum. (Yes, P-Town was the prelude to the better known landing in Plymouth.) Explore maritime history and early days of American theater. 1 High Pole Hill Rd., 508-487-1310, pilgrim-monument.org