Beyond Boston: Provincetown
Provincetown, or “Ptown” as it’s more affectionately known, has been a popular destination for longer than most people imagine. When the Pilgrims first landed here on the Mayflower in 1620 prior to their more famous landing in Plymouth, they stayed for five weeks before moving on to form a more permanent settlement across Massachusetts Bay.
—Photo by Tim Grafft
If only we all had five weeks to explore this historic and culturally rich seaside haven! Provincetown not only boasts the aforementioned historical significance, commemorated by the 252 foot-tall Pilgrim Monument, but also several pristine beaches, loads of eclectic shopping, sightseeing and whale-watching boat tours, diverse dining options and the status as America’s oldest continuous arts colony.
And speaking of the arts, Provincetown is home to galleries, museums, a thriving theater scene and an active writers colony—in fact, famed writers and former residents Norman Mailer and Eugene O’Neill had long associations with the area. Provincetown is also renowned for its flourishing gay and lesbian community that contributes greatly to the town’s vibrance and vitality.
—Photo by Tim Grafft
So don’t be jealous of the Pilgrims—even if you don’t have five weeks to explore it, Provincetown is still a more than worthy destination.
HOW TO GET THERE: By car: From Boston, take Route 93 South to Route 3 South to Route 6 East. By water: High-speed ferry service from Boston on Bay State Cruise Company or Boston Harbor Cruises. By bus: Plymouth & Brockton bus line from South Station. By air: Cape Air from Logan Airport. By Train: CapeFlyer from South Station to Hyannis, then bus to Provincetown.
