Art
Provincetown was established in 1899 as the first “plein air” art colony by the American Impressionist Charles Hawthorne. Today the art world flourishes with several art institutions and a thriving gallery scene as well as working art studios. The Provincetown Art Association and Musuem recently opened their new wing. Friday nights, beginning about 7pm, the galleries host weekly openings. Here you can meet the artists at several wine and cheese parties. Galleries are open generally from about noon to about 11pm.
Biking
One of the town’s hidden jewels are the bike trails. Eight miles of paved trails weave through the dunes and Beech Forest with dramatic views of the ocean. You will also discover many hidden ponds in the valleys of the forest. There are many trails—you don’t have to do the entire eight miles. If you enjoy biking, this is not to be missed. This is also a great way to get to the beach. For bike rentals, check out Ptown Bikes.
Boating
Provincetown harbor has many alternatives. There are several charters varying from harbor cruises to longer day trips. You can go fishing, whale watching or kayaking.
Fitness
Provincetown has two well equipped gyms. Mussel Beach and the Provincetown Gym . Aerobics and Yoga classes are also available.
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Provincetown also has full service spas where you can get total body pampering.
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Sports
Provincetown has 2 Tennis clubs: Bissell Tennis Courts, 21 Bradford St. Ext., Tel: 1 (508) 487-9512 and the Provincetown Tennis Club, 286 Bradford St. Tel: 1 (508) 487-9574. Golf can be found nearby in Truro. Highland Golf Links, Highland Rd. , Tel: 1 (508) 487-9201, Truro, MA 02666 has great views in the shadow of Highland Lighthouse.
Nature
If you arrived in town by air, you may have noticed that the town actually occupies a very small part of what is Provincetown. The National Seashore owns about three quarters of the land which is preserved and known as the Provincelands.
See photos of the Provincelands.
There are many trails to hike. The closest is a one-mile hike in the Beech Forest around a pond covered with waterlilies. They have a parking lot just off Race Point Road. For the more adventuresome there’s a beautiful hike around Clapps Pond. This will take you about an hour at a brisk pace.
Dune Shacks
The Dune Shacks have a very special place in Provincetown’s history. After being abandoned for many decades, in the 1940 and 50’s they became home to many writers and artists. At any rate there are two ways you can see the shacks. First, you can hike out to them. It will take you about an hour each way. Bring water — on a warm day, the dunes can seem like the Sahara. Please respect the privacy of the current occupants. People still live there — that’s another story.
An easier way is to have an actual guided tour. Art’s Dune Tours will take you there in a van and tell you their complete history. I highly recommend the Sunset Tour. He stops on the beach and everyone hangs out and watches the sunset.
Sunsets
Speaking of sunsets...two places to go are Herring Cove beach to the right of the parking lot. You can also get a permit at Town Hall and barbeque on the beach. Another option is to go to “High Head” in Truro where you’ll see the sun set behind the Provincetown skyline. Just ask us for directions.
Museums
The Provincetown Art Association & Museum on Commercial Street in the East End has a permanent collection of Provincetown art as well as changing exhibits in their recently expanded galleries.
The Pilgrim Monument and Museum has an interesting collection of art, theater and overall Provincetown history. This year marks the centennial of the Monument. You can also climb to the top of the monument (mostly ramps and some stairs) for a great panoramic view of the tip of Cape Cod. You’ll find discount coupons in our brochure rack.
Theatre
Provincetown has a long history in the world of theatre. Eugene O’Neill wrote many of his early plays here. Tennessee Williams was living in a cottage near Beachpoint, putting the final touches on “A Streetcar Named Desire” when Marlon Brando hitchhiked to Ptown to read for the role. At the “Little Bar” at the Atlantic House, you’ll notice some photos from those days. Our new theater is now open with works performed by The Provincetown Theater Company and The Provincetown Reperatory Theater year-round. Many independent plays are also produced at different venues around town.
You’ll find just about everything here from comics, drag shows, cabaret, plays and concerts. Some of the shows this year will include: Kate Clinton, Pam Ann, Judy Gold, Randy Roberts, Lea Delaria, Margaret Cho, Miss Richfield 1981, Suzanne Westenhoeffer, Varla Jean, Jimmy James and Ryan Landry’s Showgirls . Each year there are special concerts throughout the summer. Some of the entertainers who have performed during past seasons are; Jane Olivor, Jennifer Holliday, Linda Eder, Bea Arthur, Elaine Stritch, Barbara Cook, Eartha Kitt, Michael Feinstein and Betty Buckley.
If none of the above interests you there’s always Shopping, a Movie or People Watching!
